STALKER 2 has always been praised for its eerie survival shooter elements, with gunplay often considered an underrated aspect of the game. While it may not be at the top of everyone’s FPS favorites list, the shooting mechanics in STALKER 2 offer a unique blend of weight and smoothness, adding a sense of high-stakes tension to every encounter due to the player’s vulnerability.

One criticism that has been commonly noted is the lack of visual drama in the game. However, this issue has been addressed with the introduction of Cazanu’s new CinematicFX mod. Previously, missed bullets hitting objects would result in a subtle sound, but with the mod installed, scenery impacts now create impressive displays of dust, smoke, and debris. These cinematic effects enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Having tested the mod myself, I can confirm that it delivers on its promise of adding a cinematic flair to STALKER 2’s action sequences. The exaggerated destruction effects reminiscent of games like FEAR or Trepang2 bring a new level of excitement to the gameplay. Each type of material reacts differently to gunfire, with brick buildings crumbling in a shower of debris and metal structures emitting sparks.

Despite being a relatively minor modification compared to other extensive mods available for the STALKER series, the CinematicFX mod offers a unique enhancement to the game. Some may view it as a beginner-level mod, but the impact it has on the visual experience is undeniable. As for why I haven’t covered larger mods like STALKER Gamma or Anomaly, it’s simply because I prefer to focus on smaller changes that still make a significant difference.