1.) If you're trying to use a sawed-off shotgun on a bloodsucker, you really need to re-evaluate your stalker experience.

2.) The lonely/desolate feeling is essential for the game. The reason the action in Pripyat and the scariness in the X-labs is so potent is because of it's contrast to the emptiness above. Also, if you've ever visited the REAL Chernobyl zone, you'd recognize the same unsettling emptiness.

3.) Snorks are AWESOME!!! I mean, the zombie-stalkers just seem to be outrageously annoying, while the Snorks (who are obviously also zombified) are probably the best depiction of humans reduced to instinct and hunger I have ever seen. I agree, they could definitely use some variety on the skinning, but overall, they're probably the best mutant in the game.

I think the reviewer excluded the underlying feel of Stalker and really short-changed the game. My advice to anyone trying to review this masterpiece: Rather than pick apart the game with a set of tweezers and a screen-capture key, leave the 'reviewer' at the door and let the 'gamer' play the game!