I got CoP during the sale. Already had SoC, but never finished it. I played first time with OL and although I didn't have any of the problems with bugs and the interface I did have a problem with all the important NPCs that give you quests getting headshotted by random attacks so that I couldn't do them and get stuff. I think I eventually got lost and couldn't figure out what to do anymore. I did get some really loverly guns though. The first blow out was insanely intense. I took a nap in the first town and suddenly awoke, feeling something was off. I was sleeping in a basement and suddenly a bunch of Stalkers run in and join me with their guns out. Obviously I panicked at first and took out my own gun, but they all turned to face the doorway instea of shooting me so I did the same. Then all hell broke loose outside for a about 5 minutes. At least that's what it felt like.
The second one was even scarier because I was sleeping in my bag next to a camp fire with a couple of fellow Stalkers who were playing music. It was pitch black out, and I tucked in to get some shuteye while the other two guys kept watch with their guitars. Then I woke up again. Both my buddies were looking around with their gun's out and something was off in the sky. Then the shaking started and they both started running, and I was like "OH SHIT!!!" And followed them as fast as I could with nothing but our flashlights leading the way. We ran for what seemed like more than a minute until we reached this tunnel and hunkered down in it. I was really glad I'd cleared it of dogs earlier.
So, question. Should I finish SoC before I play CoP? Also, any good mods for it? Oh yeah, and something that I've been wondering about... are there any female characters in any of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games?