RPGWatch has put up a review of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.. Unusual for an RPG site, but they take a good look at the game's claim to the RPG genre:<blockquote>Just don't mistake it for a RPG - because once you start doing that you will become a slave to the traders, to the fetch-and-return missions that serve little purpose in terms of improving your character other than giving you money and ammo you don't need and forcing you to trek long distances in both directions. The missions are numerous and varied enough that you can take a few and ignore the rest, get plenty of extra items and gameplay and still not miss anything. The shooter elements and open world are where the game come together - you can run-and-gun to a certain extent or focus on tactics and stealth or even try to avoid combat entirely. The compelling gameplay and central story might not make up for the bugs and removed features and delays, and it doesn't live up to the hype, but on its own it is a wonderful shooter that fans of the genre really owe it to themselves to experience.</blockquote>Link: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. review on RPGWatch
