Review of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: The Board Game

One of the standout successes of tabletop crowdfunding is the creative freedom it affords to explore ambitious ventures. Abandoning the confines of catering to a mass market, board game adaptations of video games can zero in on niche audiences, particularly those whose interests straddle both realms. An excellent example of this is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game, which delivers an immersive analog experience, perfectly honoring the depth of the original franchise.

This game is a beast—complex, rich in content, and priced accordingly. Up to four players dive into the roles of STALKERs, working together to accomplish a range of missions, from rescuing hostages to retrieving artifacts or tackling enormous creatures in the hazardous Chernobyl Zone. Setting it up is no small feat, requiring a good 20 minutes of arranging tiles, tokens, overlays, and cards. As you stealthily or forcefully make your way through the Zone, a game session could easily last two to three hours, assuming everyone knows the ropes. For newcomers, expect even longer stretches. Unlike the recent Mass Effect board game that prioritizes simplicity, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. embraces complexity to fully immerse you in its world. But all that effort? Absolutely rewarding, because on the tabletop, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is simply marvelous.

The main way to play is through a story-driven campaign spanning three scenarios. It’s less daunting and more achievable than epic campaign games like Gloomhaven or Divinity: Original Sin. This structure significantly increases the likelihood that you’ll actually complete the game.

It plays like a love child of dungeon crawlers and adventure games. Each player manages a distinct STALKER equipped with weapons, armor, and useful items. You take turns executing several actions—moving and shooting are givens, but there are also creative moves like tossing bolts to sidetrack enemies or interacting with specific map features.

The game’s environment is lively and unpredictable, capturing the intrigue and peril of the Zone. As you traverse some areas, radiation exposure becomes a reality, making protective gear essential. Depending on the scenario, you might have to find and open a concealed trapdoor or decide between scaling a shaky ladder or descending into a drainpipe to infiltrate a derelict building. These elements often appear on cards overlaying the map, and once you engage with them, you flip the card to reveal the result. The sensation of uncertainty is palpable, especially during your inaugural playthroughs of each scenario.

A major element of this mysterious atmosphere is the anomalies. These enigmatic entities, crucial to the video game’s lore, bring the post-apocalyptic world to life. In the board game, these are brilliantly adapted, represented by standees that rest on clear templates with unique symbols scattered across various map spaces, creating a tense challenge for any player daring to approach.

If you step into these spaces, you roll a die. A matching symbol means you’ve triggered the anomaly, often dealing hefty damage or inflicting negative conditions. To safely navigate these hazards, STALKERs rely on bolts to secure a path. This system is cleverly done, capturing the original’s essence without overcomplicating gameplay. Plus, its distinctive pieces add an alien quality that enhances its outlandish feel.

The enemy AI is another well-executed aspect. Once all STALKERs have made their moves, a card is flipped to dictate enemy actions. Variations exist depending on whether enemies are mutants or humans, and they respond according to how conspicuous the players have been. Charging around recklessly leads to heightened aggression, offering a clear incentive for stealthy tactics. The game’s design cleverly supports these strategies, making them immensely satisfying.

Even though the narrative campaign is intriguing, offering branching missions to explore, it won’t keep you busy forever. You’ll want to replay the game to explore paths you missed. While each campaign features only a few missions, surprises in terrain and flexible solutions keep the experience fresh.

Between missions, you get downtime to visit scavenger camps, consult armorers, and seek out hidden stashes. This takes place using an overland map where you apply stickers to mark newfound locations. The game includes two blank maps for new campaigns, immersing you further into the world with these small-scale engagements.

Yet, what truly sets S.T.A.L.K.E.R. apart is the Zone Survival module. This is not just an add-on; it’s a full-fledged scenario generator, blending various random components for a uniquely crafted mission each time. Construct your event deck from a shuffled pack of cards and either let chance decide your goal or pick from an existing list. Choose from one of ten map layouts, with environmental details determined by card draws.

This module is wild. Nearly half of the game’s components are dedicated to it, and it’d remain a standout even without the narrative campaign. Sure, setting it up might be meticulous, but the scenario’s unpredictability makes for thrilling, enduring gameplay.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game presents an incredibly comprehensive package, yet it also holds vast potential for expansion. It includes miniatures for the STALKERs and standees for adversaries and anomalies, with optional miniature sets and content expansions offering new storylines, character narratives, and additional campaigns. The publisher’s commitment ensures this game will have a long-lasting appeal.