S.T.A.L.K.E.R : Clear Sky - Console Review

Today I revisit S.T.A.L.K.E.R : Clear Sky, the p.r.e.q.u.e.l to S.T.A.L.K.E.R : Shadows of Chornobyl. The prequel sees us play as Scar, a mercenary assisting the Clear Sky faction in their attempts to preserve the Zone. It's an entry that downplays the horror and survival elements of the first in favor of an attempt at more consistent, squad-based shooting action. It features a bevy of quality-of-life features, and yet somehow, it doesn't exactly feel like an improvement on the first.
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Played on the Ps5 'Legends of the Zone' re-release.
Platinum trophy obtained after ~44 hours.
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I will probably review some other games before I tackle Call of Pripyat, as I was a bit annoyed with the series by the time I finished this one up and I don't want any lingering sour feelings to taint the next review. I do remember really liking CoP though.
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Timestamps
Intro 00:00
The Big Changes 01:55
The Beans Must Spill 07:08
A Tale As Old As 2007 (spoilers) 11:09
Conclusion 13:13