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

One of the remarkable successes of tabletop crowdfunding is the creative freedom it provides to explore bold and ambitious ideas. Without the pressure to appeal to a broad mainstream audience, some board game adaptations of video games can focus on niche audiences, appealing to those who enjoy both gaming forms. Enter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game, a project that has flourished in this setting, delivering a vibrant and immersive analog experience true to the legacy of the original series.

This game might initially seem daunting due to its complexity and cost, packed with an abundance of content. Up to four players step into the shoes of STALKERs, working together to complete objectives like rescuing prisoners, retrieving artifacts, or defeating gigantic creatures against the iconic backdrop of Chernobyl. You’ll spend about 20 minutes setting up tiles, tokens, overlays, and cards, and expect to spend two to three hours navigating the zone, whether through stealth or combat. These timeframes are for seasoned players; your first attempt will likely run longer. Unlike the recently released Mass Effect board game, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is about immersing you into a full-fledged world, even if it sacrifices some accessibility. The payoff is undeniable, making this tabletop version a fantastic experience.

The main mode of play is a campaign revolving around a story played out in three scenarios. This creates a more manageable commitment compared to expansive campaigns like those found in Gloomhaven or Divinity: Original Sin the Board Game. This structure increases the odds of players seeing the game through to completion.

In essence, the game blends traditional dungeon-crawling with elements of adventure games. Each player controls a STALKER equipped with an array of weapons, armor, and items, taking turns to perform actions that range from moving and shooting to throwing bolts to distract foes or interacting with the map’s terrain.

The game’s environment is consistently dynamic and unpredictable, capturing the peril and allure of the Zone. As players progress, radiation accumulates, demanding protection through suitable gear. Various tasks may require players to discover and access hidden areas, climb unstable ladders, or navigate drainpipes into buildings. The scenarios’ terrains often have cards layered on top, which, once activated, are flipped to reveal surprising results—especially for those playing a scenario for the first time.

A critical aspect of the game lies in its anomalies, which carry over the video game’s renowned chaotic energy. These are represented by standees that sit on translucent templates covered in symbols across the board’s spaces, serving as a lurking threat.

When figures step into these spaces, a dice roll determines if an anomaly reacts by matching the symbol. Outcomes vary depending on the anomaly type, often causing substantial damage or status effects. Successfully navigating these areas requires players to cover symbols with tossed bolts, providing a unique and fitting challenge that resonates with the source material’s eerie ambiance.

The enemy AI in the game is equally well-designed. After STALKERs complete their turns, an action card dictates enemy behavior, varying based on the type—mutants or humans—and how players have conducted themselves. Reckless play attracts heightened retaliation, encouraging stealth. The alignment between enemies’ actions and players’ strategies is compelling, adding a layer of depth to gameplay.

The campaign itself offers an engaging narrative with replay value due to its dual mission paths, giving players a reason to revisit and explore different outcomes. Randomized terrain and multiple ways to achieve objectives add layers of strategic variety.

Outside core missions, there’s much to explore, including scavenger camps, armorers, and hidden caches, utilizing an overland map filled with sticker nodes marking discovered sites. This larger view brings context to the tighter missions and enriches the game’s scope.

However, the standout feature has to be the Zone Survival module. It consists of a procedural scenario generator, bringing together random components for unique missions. An event deck and randomized or chosen objectives, paired with one of ten possible maps, deliver endlessly varied sessions. This aspect alone elevates S.T.A.L.K.E.R. into a remarkable gaming experience.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game is massive in scope, yet brimming with future potential. Inside, you’ll find miniatures for STALKERS, while adversaries and anomalies come as cardboard standees. For those who want more, there are optional miniature sets and expansions that enhance narratives and introduce new factions and campaigns. It’s clear the publisher is committed to this venture, ensuring it remains vibrant for a long time.

Looking to dive into this captivating world? Discover where you can purchase a copy and explore other board games that bring your favorite video games to life!