1. [Genre of its own] MechWarrior 3/4 [T for 100-Ton Daishi]
Okay I know what you’re thinking “why do you want me to play a game that’s older than my computer?” I list it because if you do have an old computer you can’t play more recent games and that just sucks. Recommended system req’s for MechWarrior 3:
Pentium +200 MHz, 64 MB RAM
4X CD-ROM drive
Graphics 1024x768x16 color - Direct3D Accelerator
Hard drive 390 MB free
(If you have this pc get a new one they are really cheap)
The online multiplayer runs from a dial up connection and supports IPX o_O
The story for MW 3 was a bit vague but being uninvolved wasn’t that bad especially after realizing how esoteric the actual universe is. Game play is enjoyable and at times it does feel like you are piloting a giant robotic walker (Atlas FTW). The only downside is those used to recent graphics might feel ill from polygon action, and finding them might be tricky (I had to get them from a friend). The reason for two games will become apparent if you care enough to play. And on top of that the MechWarrior games were just fun. And for those who are already fans *drool in-game footage drool *:
2. [First person shooter] Halo CE (both kinds: P) [M for some reason, the flood I suspect]
For those who never played the original halo who are you? Seriously! But I digress the real reason for me bringing it up is for halo: custom edition which is a standalone mod-able version for those who wish for a completely different game experience than what Bungie intended. It’s very fun and if you have the original halo then applying halo: custom edition is a snap.
3. [Role playing game] Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic [T for hot lightsaber on lightsaber action]
Made by one of the RPG elites, BioWare, KotOR is another old game but there are plenty of reasons why you to enjoy the game. The graphics are old but still look real enough to where they won’t suck you out of the experience. The game play is fun and the mix of turn based actions in a real-time setting feels natural and intuitive; it won’t take long for you to master the system. The story is one of the best I’ve ever experienced in any form of media, game or otherwise. Proud statement: KotOR has a wide an array of audio dialogue (all lines except the main characters are voiced) and more than memorable characters, meatbag. There is a lot for your player to do in the game (side quests abound like no other). The only problem I had was that the optimization caused the game to hurl itself up on low end machines. Overall there are many reasons this won a whole hell of a lot of game of the year awards, and why it is on this list!
4. [Real time strategy game] Homeworld 2[T for Total enjoyability]
This game is one a lot of you probably haven’t heard of, but believe me, it’s worth knowing. This RTS is not your average run-of-the-mill real time strategy game, its set in space, fancy three dimensional space. The game might overwhelm you at first but it soon becomes easy to command everything from small support fighter craft to gigantic dreadnaughts. The story is confusing and there are too many poly-syllabic words that sound like they were created by a fanfic n00b. The visuals are beautiful and the game’s dynamic Level of Detail system makes it playable in intense fire fights. On top of that if you are feeling daring you can find modifications that allow you to change playable races with everything from already in game races to star wars’ giant array of ships (executor anyone??) To even Battlestar Galictica’s new and old TV series (in case you feel like getting your ass handed to you by cylons).
5. [First person shooter/platformer] The Orange Box [M for headcrabs and esplodey bits]
Did you ever wonder why someone was singing still alive to themselves? Have you ever pondered about the mystery behind why the cake is in fact a lie? Did you ever wonder if there was a man who could take down Chuck Norris with only a crowbar? Have you questioned if someone could ‘outsmart bullet’? My friends this game will answer your questions. How you ask? The Orange Box is not one game but five games on one convenient disc. Best off each of these games is better than the others (yes it’s true). Starting with the Half Life 2 (as well as episode one and two) which is my idea of the best game ever, including zombies, aliens, explosions (no this is not plan 9), a gravity manipulating gun known as the zero point energy field manipulator, chase scenes with everything from an armed airboat to the most raggedy 1970’s dodge challenger you’ve ever seen, the G-man, and the one free man. Continuing the list is probably the biggest cult hit game ever made, Portal. Portal is fun, funny, challenging, enthralling, and there will be cake. Portal is reason enough to buy the whole rest of the box. Lastly you have Team Fortress 2 which is a team based multiplayer objective game which features an unforgettable cast of characters including (but not limited to) the heavy weapons guy, the engineer, the scout, the soldier, the demoman (black Scottish Cyclops wtf?), the sniper “for those who enjoy point and click adventure games, though admittedly the only puzzle is use gun on man” (LOL!), the spy, and… the sandwich? This bundle is proof as to why Valve owns my soul (as if Left 4 Dead, CS:S, and Garry’s mod wasn’t enough for that)
**All posts past this point are only for newer computers that can perform under harsh graphical conditions**
6. [first person AWESOME] Crysis [M for More please]
**WARNING: if you do not own an uber gaming pc that is up to spec then pass over this article, or don’t, just don’t buy it or you shall see how badly a computer can and will lag**
[This is in game and it is always that pretty]
That being said Crysis is beautiful, like gorgeous, like “oh shit I forgot the beach towel and sunscreen, wait it’s only a game” beautiful. You play as nomad, a soldier in a futuristic battle suit that allows you to have the strength to jump high and destroy small homes, the speed to outrun a car, the armor of what expect from a super soldier, or the ability to turn invisible. You land on an island somewhere in the Chinese sea set to hunt the North Korean’s military forces to near extinction. Did I mention it’s really pretty? The A.I. is Very well done knowing when they can and can’t see you, and ranging so you might fight a wuss that got drafted against his will or a suicidal maniac that will do anything to see you dead. Most of the environment is dynamically destructible i.e. trees with crack in half where you were shooting at them; you can disassemble shacks with just strength and an oil barrel. The story is very deep. And it’s very pretty.
7. [Role playing game] Mass Effect [M for blatant uses of booty (now available in blue o_O)]
BioWare is back into the game (pun lol) with a new sci-fi game but is not based off the star wars universe but their own homemade universe. Though it was met with mixed reviews I believe that it was one of the greatest releases of 2007. Introducing an ammo-less third person shooter and a very unique environment. The game also introduces exploration via interplanetary travel. The main story is still influenced by your actions better than most other RPG’s (oblivion I’m looking at you). And along with full voiced lines as in KotOR, you have your own voice! The level up system is also unique in that it doesn’t force you to go through menus to set your acquired experience points, instead it is replaced by one menu that is accessed whenever you want. The visuals are spectacular, even going out of their way to add realistic film grain and lighting glare to add to the look and feel that you can only be playing Mass Effect. (Seth green lol)
8. [Racing game] Race Driver: Grid [E for WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]
[in game prettiness]
A turn from what all I’ve put up is a racing game, but this isn’t need for speed, forza, PGR, or Gran Turismo. In fact I’d place this as better because of shocking realism to actual driving that I never felt from the others (I can take a DBR9 faster than what feels like 30MPH around a slight turn… forza) The game offers many driving types, Touge, Very realistic drifting (more on this later), straight up lap race, le mans (with actual vehicle classes and including the famed 24 hour), and many more. The game has a realistic damage system that hurts certain wheels, the suspension, engine, and transmission, as well as offering crumple zones that impact based on how you hit (speed and direction). If you do wreck there is a flashback where you can back up time and use a limited amount of tokens to try the turn again (ok so not realistic but it’s a game play feature that sets it apart) .Grid is also very very pretty, offering dynamic shadowing , headlight effects, and real time reflections(brake lights on wet pavement). The vehicles are also fully licensed, Aston Martin DBR9, Mazda RX-7, Acura (HONDA!) NSX, Ford Mustang GT-R and mustang boss 302, Nissan Skyline GTR R-34 and Nissan Silvia, and many MANY others! Now to the controls of drifting and all of the other racing types, though not a downside you must play a controller of some type. A keyboard will not cut it, especially for drifting, even though the Xbox 360 controller is great and is more than acceptable.
9. [First person shooter/role playing game] Fallout 3[M for an almost excessive use of gore, almost]
Fallout 3 was titled the best game of 2008 for good reason. This is a sandbox game that drops you into a 1950’s art deco world in the future. Going as deep as including monsters, accents, and a style utilization that didn’t feel as over the top as Bioshock. You are a boy or girl born and raised in an underground shelter known as vault 101 that protected the citizens of the Washington D.C. area from a nuclear apocalypse 200 years prior. It’s up to you to… really do what you want. You aren’t ever forced to undertake the main quest; you can explore the wastes of former civilization with powerful sidekicks and even more powerful side arms (Experimental MIRV O.O). You’ll meet friends, fight foes, and be horribly eviscerated by deathclaws. The world is filled with a lot to do, fight, hunt, search, explore, and for those who get the DLC, die. This game will have hours of game play for both RPG and FPS enthusiasts. (Also Liam Neeson and Ron Perlman:D)
And again if you think that your game would be enjoyed by the community then feel free to share.
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