S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Prypiat - Enhanсed Edition for PlayStation 4

I’ve been avoiding this one for years, mostly because I thought it’d be too much of a nostalgia trip with nothing new. But after finally diving in, I can say it’s not just a nostalgic relic - it actually holds up. If you’re someone who likes games that make you feel small, paranoid, and deeply uncomfortable in a world where every shadow might hide something worse than death, this is your kind of game. The Zone isn’t just a setting - it’s a character. And the enhanced visuals? They don’t fix everything, but they do make the dread feel heavier.

The good stuff

Man, the lighting changes are subtle but huge. God Rays cutting through the fog in the forest areas? That moment when sunlight hits the ruined church at dusk? It’s not flashy, but it nails the mood. I was standing there for like two minutes just staring, because it felt real. Also, the water effects - especially in the flooded tunnels - look way better. You can actually see the ripples and reflections now, which makes the whole environment feel more alive. And yeah, the new gamepad support works flawlessly. No more wrestling with awkward controls. I played on PS5 with a DualSense and didn’t miss a beat. The story still unfolds in ways that reward curiosity, not just forward momentum. One time I found an old radio log hidden in a collapsed bunker - turned out to be a clue about a side quest that led me to a stash of rare ammo. That kind of thing keeps you engaged long after the main path ends.

The not-so-good

But let’s be honest - some of the animations still feel stiff. Like, when enemies stumble or flinch during combat, it’s jarring. The AI’s also not smart by today’s standards. They’ll walk straight into walls or get stuck in corners. Not a dealbreaker, but it pulls you out of the immersion every once in a while. And honestly, the audio cues are sometimes too quiet. You’ll hear a growl from behind, but by the time you turn around, the stalker’s already on you. It’s not a bug - it’s just how the original was designed. So if you’re looking for tight, responsive gameplay, this isn’t it. Also, the loading times? Still exist. Not terrible, but noticeable between zones. And if you’re new to the series, this might feel overwhelming. There’s no hand-holding, and the UI is… minimal. Like, really minimal.

Bottom line

If you’re a fan of deep, immersive worlds where exploration matters more than combat, and you’re okay with a few rough edges, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Prypiat - Enhanсed Edition for PlayStation 4 for Ps5 is a must-try. It’s not perfect, but it’s got soul. For anyone who’s ever been creeped out by the idea of Chernobyl’s ghost city, this is the best way to experience it. Go in with low expectations, and you might just fall in love with the Zone.