Classic PC Gaming seems to be alive and well. We’ve seen several re-releases courtesy of GOG.com and other outlets, the indie scene is alive and well, and several classic games will be getting some new content. Earlier this year the 1996 shooter Postal was given an updated re-release that features Xbox 360 controller support and remastered graphics. Two other classic titles are also receiving re-releases. Check below for details. [Read the rest of this entry…]
It’s a great time to be an old school gamer, especially if you got a PC. Between tons of HD Remasters, a steady stream of Gog.com and steam re-releases, a ton of DOS games made available, upcoming remakes and spiritual successors, mod support for Sega Genesis titles, and new content for games from as far back as 2 decades ago, it’s getting easier and more tempting to revisit the classic (and not so classic) titles of yesteryear. Thanks to machinegames, the guys behind 2014’s Wolfenstein: The New Order, there’s a brand new Quake episode available. That’s right, Quake. From 1996. Check it out above. If you need help on installing it, check out this post on Kotau.
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Note: This game is also available on Xbox 360, but for $29.99 MSRP
Many RPGS like to make the claim that your actions will have consequences, yet few of those games live up to that promise. The Witcher, developed by CD Projekt (who runs game distribution shop GOG.com), is one of the few games that actually deliver. It’s black and grey morality, deep storyline, fluid combat system, and yes, even sexual imagery helped make it a hit among gamers worldwide. The game even gained attention from President Barack Obama when he was handed a copy by the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a 2014 visit to the country, declaring the game an example of the work ethic of the Polish people. The Witcher 2 improves on every facet of its predecessor, and just like before, CD Projekt hits every note when it comes to The Witcher’s brand of fantasy gaming. [Read the rest of this entry…]
For the sequel to one of the greatest real-time strategy franchises of all time, Blizzard decided to do something big and somewhat controversial: split the game into 3 parts, one for each of the three factions. Wings of Liberty deals with the Terran faction, while the recently released Heart of the Swarm deals with the Zerg. However, just because WOL deals with only one faction, it is by no means incomplete, as the tale of Jim Raynor is a story deep enough to stand on its own, and the RTS gameplay, refined over the years since the original Starcraft’s release, stands the test of time. [Read the rest of this entry…]
Jamestown is an independently developed bullet hell game. Developed and financed over a 2 year period by a three person team, Jamestown tells the tale of an alternate reality 17th century where the British are at conflict with the Spanish over colonies being established on Mars. In a deviation from our history books, the Spanish team up with martian aliens to wreak havoc on the British. Your character is a former prisoner saved from execution who sets out to clear his name. There are only 5 levels, but they are challenging and many of them have to be unlocked. You can use money earned during the missions to upgrade your ship. Up to 4 players can join you locally, and players will enjoy the beautiful graphics and twitch gameplay. Jamestown was included in Humble Indie Bundle 4, and it has downloadable content available for it on Steam. Fans of old-school shooters will love it, and if you got 3 friends, the co-op makes it even better.
Carmageddon was one of the most beloved – and controversial – PC games of the mid to late 90s. The game that began life as a vanilla Destruction Derby game was inspired by the movie Death Race 2000. In fact, at one point in its development it was even planned to be a sequel to the cult classic (this after a deal to attach it to the Mad Max license fell through), and a comic book was even produced. However, when that fell through as well, developer Stainless Games decided to make it into an original game of its own, and thus, Carmageddon was born. Taking control of one of several vehicles, you make your way through several tracks. You could win the race ‘traditionally’, but what fun is that? Why race to the finish line when you can destroy every other car, or run into all the hapless pedestrians in the area? Yeah, while the racing mechanics are fairly spot-on, the real fun is driving over pedestrians and seeing them explode into masses of blood and guts. This game was ported to N64 and PS1, but those versions were so awful that console players never got a chance to see what the fuss was about. However, the PC original was recently re-released on GOG.com, and an IOS version was also released with an Android version coming early next year. The original developers are also working on a kickstarter-funded sequel. If you missed this classic, now is a good time to check it out.
Sometimes, gamers don’t necessarily need a game that reinvents the wheel, adds a new concept, or had a deep storyline. Sometimes, we just want something that’s fun. Alien Shooter is just that game Created by Sigma Team, Alien Shooter is an arcade-style top-down shooter with RPG elements. Playing as a soldier sent to clear out a laboratory infested with Aliens, you shoot your way through the game’s semi-destructible environments while killing every alien in your way. You gain money which you can use to purchase weapons and upgrade your abilities. Alien Shooter Complete is a 4-pack which contains Alien Shooter, Alien Shooter Revisited (A remake of the first game), Alien Shooter 2, and Zombie Shooter, which is like Alien Shooter, except that the aliens are replaced with Zombies. Alien Shooter2: Conscription, a recently release sequel, is also available in most places that downloadable PC games are sold. There is not a whole lot to it, but then again there doesn’t have to be. Alien Shooter is a fun filled game that takes up back to the days of our youth.
Note: This game is also available on Xbox 360 and PS3, but not for $20 or less.
2007’s Portal was a surprise hit. A puzzle/FPS hybrid, Valve’s shooter made players think in ways they haven’t since Tetris all those years ago. Last year, Valve released a surprise sequel to their sleeper hit, and its even more insane than the original. Once again, players take control of Chell, who has just awakened from cryogenic sleep. Although an AI drone tries to help you find your way, before long, you reunite with the evil A.I Glados, who is ready to put you through a series of ‘tests’ once again, and she is just as sarcastic as ever. If you think this is going to be a rehash of the original, think again. Several new dynamics have been added to the puzzles, taxing you to come up with some creative solutions to make your way through the trials. Since a number of years have passed since the original, Aperture Science Labs isn’t in good shape, and you’ll see that reflected in the levels. When you think you know what’s in store, a plot twist takes the game in a whole new direction. If you got a friend, there is a new Co-op mode in which you and a friend play as two robots who have their own storyline. PC players have access to the Steam Workshop, where they can build and download new levels. An unsuspected sequel to an unsuspected hit, Portal 2 is even more fun than its predecessor.
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