Show Me How. Big Fish Games. PC Games. Mac Games. Big Fish Casino. Android Games. Try before you buy! Team Fortress 2 went free-to-play in and introduced microtransactions for cosmetics and equipment. This shift bolstered the player-base and provided major profits for Valve, allowing the game to live on and stay relevant without sacrificing its foundation. Today, Blizzard's Overwatch carries the torch for class-based multiplayer shooters, but the seeds were sowed by Team Fortress 2 which is still going strong considering it has been a decade since its launch.
Fact: we've been without a new Half-Life game for ten years. Since the release of Half-Life 2 in which was also the first game I played when I purchased a new computer after high-school graduation--it set the bar for storytelling in a single-player FPS, showing that it was possible to balance fast action with a solid and rich narrative.
While the concept of the series is simple--a guy in the wrong place at the wrong time being the only hope for humanity--the execution is anything but. Though the Half-Life series is known for its approach to linear storytelling, Episode Two opened things up a bit with more explorable spaces, along with a handy makeshift vehicle that could over great distances in short time. This installment did a lot of interesting things with the familiar set-pieces and battles that its predecessors pushed forward, and with a cliffhanger ending that teased the intersection of storylines from Portal--a sequel in the form of Episode Three or even Half-Life 3 looked to be an exciting thing.
But that follow up never came. While fans have made certainly made the best of it with creative mods, along with a full remake of Half-Life 1 in Source--which Valve gave their blessing to--reports in the years that followed Episode Two showed that development on the sequel never gained much traction. The one glimmer of hope we all had recently was former-Valve writer Marc Laidlaw releasing a script for one of the proposed games--which fans promptly turned into a playable mod.
Which is a rather depressing thought. The developer set out to make a dark, role-playing adventure that took the atmosphere and grit from the source material, and translate it into a game. That game was The Witcher. Rather than giving the player the option to role play as a hero or villain, CD Projekt Red presented the player with morally grey choices that led to unforeseen consequences.
There is no good vs evil in The Witcher. Sometimes the "right" decision, could be a fatal one. You navigate this world as the famed Witcher--or monster slayer--Geralt of Rivia. And all of this fed into a twisted, dark fantasy tale that broke conventions and flipped the genre on its head.
But more importantly, The Witcher laid the groundwork for CD Projekt Red to continually push their vision and expectations further and further.
Nearly a full 10 years before Mario's first Switch title, Super Mario Odyssey , took players on a globetrotting adventure to some of the strangest locales in the series' history, Mario boldly went where no other plumber had gone before in Super Mario Galaxy.
Expectations typically run high with the release of any Mario game, but Galaxy in particular had a lot to prove to me when it debuted back in Not only was it the first Mario title to launch for what was at the time Nintendo's latest console, the Wii, it was also the plumber's first 3D adventure since Super Mario Sunshine --a fun game that I ultimately thought was disappointing compared to the groundbreaking Super Mario Despite the lofty expectations it faced, Galaxy would quickly become another classic Mario adventure and mark the beginning of a veritable renaissance for the series.
Rather than following the sandbox-style approach of Mario 64 and Mario Sunshine, Galaxy pared back its levels to more linear platforming challenges, affording the developers greater control over the pace and flow of the adventure.
And they certainly took advantage of it, crafting a breathlessly creative series of challenges that surprised and delighted me at every turn. New Galaxies and objectives would open up at a rapid pace, and the game introduced and discarded gameplay ideas so frequently that it never had a chance to grow stale.
The game's sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2 , would arrive three years later and further refine the gameplay ideas it introduced, but the first remains my personal favorite because of how it continually surprised me and laid the foundation for all future 3D Mario games.
That traces of it could still be felt in some of Odyssey's levels and challenges further illustrates just how influential Super Mario Galaxy was to the series and why it remains one of the best titles Nintendo has ever released.
When it came out in , Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare marked the blockbuster series' first foray out of WWII and into a contemporary setting--and the first shooter I'd ever played that took place in the present, inspired by a war that was currently being fought.
While the campaign was still bombastic action-movie fare, it had and still has some of the most memorable and impactful moments in the series. The opening credits, in which you, the president of an ambiguous Middle Eastern country, witness a coup d'etat as you're driven to your execution was a haunting introduction to the game's conflict. The nuclear explosion in Shock and Awe and the short death sequence in the following mission, Aftermath, took me out of the power fantasy and forced me to face the futility of war.
Modern Warfare also moved multiplayer forward, introducing the now-standard Create-a-Class. Being able to customize a loadout, coupled with the new perks system, redefined multiplayer for the series and inspired many other games to come.
Back in the s, PC Gaming had gone through a significant resurgence. With games like Half-Life 2 and World of Warcraft offering players rich experiences that pushed their genres forward, there were also other titles that put the average PC gamer's rig through its paces.
Crysis was released on November 13 , and it would eventually go on to become the benchmark for PC performance at the time. In , my PC was mostly built for games like Half-Life 2 three years old at this point , so seeing videos of Crysis running at max settings was a sight to behold, and it had me wondering if I would be able to experience the game.
Crysis is a standard shooter putting you in the shoes of a super-soldier who could single-handedly take down an opposing army and alien invaders. The main setup and story is unremarkable and cliche, but what it did do well was mixing linear storytelling with an open-ended mission design in a lush jungle setting.
While the story took itself seriously, the gameplay often revelled in goofy action, allowing you throw chickens with maximum strength, to even strange an enemy soldier with one hand and firing a rifle with the other.
Playing Crysis for myself was somewhat of a mixed experienced, as my rig struggled to run it at medium to low settings with several FPS drops throughout. Still, I was blown away by the game, and it still stands out an incredibly solid and varied shooter. While Crysis is no longer the PC benchmark--and its two sequels fell short of matching the original--Crysis is still a solid shooter that manages to impress with its visuals to this day.
It also made me more aware of general PC upkeep, which is always important. I'll always remember the first Assassin's Creed trailer: a mysterious hooded assassin running through a busy crowd and jumping onto an unsuspecting evildoer to stab him with a hidden blade.
These elements would go on to define the series, but in that moment in time, it was all so fresh and new. From its distinct setting and time period to its crowd-based stealth mechanics and free-running maneuvers, the first Assassin's Creed exuded a design philosophy that was innovative and different from most contemporary action-adventure games of the time.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 builds off of the events in the first game and places gamers in control of the U. In the year , the rising conflict between Mexican loyalists and insurgent rebel forces has thrown Mexico into full-scale civil war. Under the command of Captain Scott Mitchell, the Ghosts are called upon to face an imminent threat to the United States.
The fate of two countries now lies in the hands of the Ghosts as they fend off an attack on U. Equipped with the most cutting-edge weaponry and technology, the Ghosts must battle on both sides of the border to neutralize the escalating rebel threat. The Ghosts will battle enemies in mountain terrains, barren deserts and even on their home turf in El Paso, Texas. Each environment presents its own benefits and challenges and will call for fresh tactical approaches.
Vastly Improved Artificial Intelligence AI : Watch your back as rebels send their own team members to flank your position or gain vantage points by utilizing vertical gameplay to pick you off from the rooftops above. Improved squad-mate AI will now feed you more of the information you need with descriptive commands. The revolutionary new Cross-Com 2. You will be able to see what your friendly forces see in the top left display and the click of a button will expand that to full-screen view for a clearer and more precise picture.
Command lethal air strikes with jet fighters, gain mobile cover for otherwise impassable situations and replenish armaments on the battlefield using an unmanned artillery MULE. Players can now heal their team on the battlefield, including squad leader Scott Mitchell, with an all-new Medic class of soldier.
Now Windows gamers can download the official Retro Evolved game, and experience a pixel-perfect conversion of the Xbox fan favourite. All of the original enemy and weapon types are present, complete with local leaderboards to track your high scores. Likewise, you can run GW Vista in full screen mode, or in a resizable window, making it as versatile as you like. Encountering unimaginable horrors, he must find out what is behind the terror.
Experience Evil 4 with new gameplay and bonus features: new chapters - play as Ada Wong in "Separate Ways," 5 terrifying, adrenaline-pumping missions that reveal additional horrific surprise. New weapons, including the P. New unlockable costumes for Leon and Ashley. City Life: World Edition, the follow-up to city builder City Life, keeps all the aspects of the original and expands the possibilities through exciting new content and features.
Over new buildings, including famous structures such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, the Kremlin and others are available in the game, along with new maps and a fully-integrated content editor. Now players can create or customize buildings within the game, then share them online with other City Life: World Edition owners. Players can also listen to their favorite music while playing the game by simply importing their favorite MP3 files.
Vehicle selection affects driving strategy in Sega Rally Revo, as race course surfaces dynamically deform upon repeated contact with vehicle tires and changing weather effects. Sega Rally Revo features a variety of fully deformable surfaces, from gravel-littered tracks and smooth tarmac roads, to snow-covered mountain passes. This means no two laps will be the same, and drivers can skillfully lower their lap times as they hurtle their chosen world-renowned rally vehicles down photo-realistic courses only made possible on next-generation hardware.
Driving skills are also tested by Sega Rally Revo's advanced AI which allows NPC drivers to dynamically adapt their driving style to the varied racing surfaces. Players can enjoy a comprehensive single-player campaign as they travel the globe racing the best drivers in the world. The game also features online capabilities, with multiplayer splitscreen modes offering an extremely competitive rally experience against drivers around the world.
Historical leaders tracked in over 70 stats by team and season; hitting, pitching, and fielding stats at every level; annual financial records. Pitch-by-Pitch Mode - Fully interactive pitch-by-pitch mode puts you in complete control of the game. Ticker Tape - Shows updated scores, stats, leaders and headlines, even in the middle of each at-bat.
Lefty-Righty Stats. User Interface - Improves the visual appeal of each screen while also putting more stats at your fingertips. Exclusive licensee of the Sean Lahman Baseball Database, including complete stats and data for over 18, players going back to the 19th century. Also known as "ArmA: Armed Assault" ArmA is a first person tactical military shooter with large elements of realism and simulation. This game features a blend of large-scale military conflict spread over large areas alongside the more closed quarters battle.
The player will find himself thrust in the midst of an engaging and expanding storyline, fighting against smart, aggressive enemies who will continually provide a challenge over a massive landscape. Set out in search of the incredible treasure, but beware as your journey will be treacherous. The sequel to R. Stevenson's adventure.
The commissioner is looking into an underground operation at the Ted E. Bear Mafia-Free Playland and Casino, but the mole he sent in has suddenly gone quiet. As your Sims travel, they'll interact and learn from a variety of real and mythical locals including the wise old hermit, fire dancers -- even Big Foot!
Like all true vacationers, your Sims will be able to decorate their homes with unique souvenirs from their trips that are available only at destinations within The Sims 2 Bon Voyage. They can even buy unique jewelry to wear or take home as gifts. Fall in love with the hula dance lei from your Sims tropical beach vacation? Bring it back and flaunt to the neighbors! Love the moves your Sim mastered doing the Slap Dance at the rustic lodge?
Teach fellow Sims the tricks of the trade back at home. What your Sims learn and collect, is up to you. Exploring an alternative approach on World War II, one in which Hitler is assassinated in the early days, players take command of experimental weapons, prototype vehicles and units rarely seen in strategy games in an attempt to re-write or secure the historical outcome.
Players feel the atmosphere of WW2 in a new environment; besides commanding their existing units, they have to care about reinforcements, resource management and researching new prototypes.
Choose what missions to fight, what troops to use, and when to call in reinforcements. Completing objectives and capturing strategic locations such as train stations or airfields in each mission help you to win subsequent campaigns. Each mission has multiple primary and secondary objectives that are connected to other missions, providing almost limitless strategic choices. War Front is definitely not a 'historic simulation' but a game with FUN being its number one priority.
Expect slightly excessive explosions. Know in the U. When current emotions clash with past regret, and when some guys in York design cunning puzzles, write funny scripts and orchestrate the type of music to make the hair on the back of your next stand on end, it can only mean the fourth instalment of Broken Sword has been born.
After reluctantly battling dragons, Mayan gods and becoming a Knight of a long lost Holy Order, unwitting hero George Stobbart settles down to a life of mundane office work. Who would have thought that a mysterious and beautiful woman would enter his life; a woman whose sudden disappearance draws him into a desperate search for a nefarious artefact of great and terrible power.
Well apart from those guys in York, that is Emotion, humour, time pressure and puzzling combine for the latest Broken Sword Adventure and unfortunately for George, it looks like the world needs saving one more time. User Score: 5. Played from a first person viewpoint, Penumbra is very different from other adventure games. Not only is it powered by a 3D engine utilising cutting edge technology, it also has an advanced physics system which allow for a never before seen environment interaction.
The player can open drawers, pull levers, pick up objects and more using natural mouse movements creating a highly interactive and immersive game world. The weapon system differs from your average game; swinging a melee weapon is done using the mouse which increases the realistic feel of combat. The AI of the enemies will also do its best to hunt and scare the player. The creatures encountered can break down doors, use group co-ordination, interact with the physics and more.
Penumbra: Overture keeps players on the edge as they have to explore scary and immersive environments never knowing what is behind the next corner. The world is detailed, graphical as well as a story wise making the player feel part of the world as secrets are uncovered. Chantal, the owner of the lodge has asked her to uncover the culprit behind a recent string of suspicious accidents. To make matters worse, an eerie howling wolf keeps everyone up at night and terrorizes the guests.
The wolf also appears at the site of accidents and then mysteriously disappears when the police arrive. As Nancy makes her way to the cozy lodge, an explosion rocks the quiet night, destroying a bunkhouse. A wolf howls mournfully in the distance. Nancy has barely set foot on the premises and already trouble is afoot! Can Nancy solve this mystery before all the guests leave and Chantal is left out in the cold?
Play through all the great moments of your Sim's life in this easy-to-play, laptop-friendly version of The Sims.
In the new and engaging directed Story mode, you take your Sims through a unique and entertaining storyline full of romance and dramatic twists. You even unlock cool rewards along the way as you achieve set goals. In open-ended Classic mode, you create Sims and then choose how they'll fulfill their dreams through life's biggest moments. Stay connected by using your own IM and email while playing.
A veritable adventure game licence, Sherlock Holmes returns in a superb third episode that gives a whole new angle to the series.
The game rises to the challenge of being entirely in 3D; while the creators have kept classic game mechanics, the game benefits from the freedom and the immersion brought by a superb animated and detailed real time 3D environment. The game plunges the player into the heart of a terrifying investigation. Sherlock Holmes, assisted by the loyal Doctor Watson, investigates strange disappearances which seem related to the activity of a secret sect.
The adventure begins in London, in the renowned Baker Street, taking us then to investigate a disturbing psychiatric hospital near Bale, Switzerland, then on to Louisiana and finally to Scotland. Call of Juarez is a unique first-person shooter set in the classic Wild West. Call of Juarez features classic gunslinging action including duels, shootouts and barroom brawls.
Players relive the days of the Wild West in numerous settings including local saloons and brothels. In the single-player campaign, players enter the world of two opposing characters equipped with contrasting weapons and styles. Ray is the retired gunslinger turned rough-and-tumble preacher. Billy, a sneaky and elusive man befriended and trained by Native Americans, is on the run.
Authentic Western situations chronicle the cat-and-mouse game played by Ray and Billy. Players are forced to make split-second decisions to escape the grasp of Ray or get their hands on Billy, and outwit secondary characters throughout this Western setting.
Call of Juarez leverages Techland's Chrome game engine which allows players to use objects found in the world as weapons or tools to solve problems. Graphics, artificial intelligence and multiplayer features will immerse players in the Wild West like never before.
Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions shows World War II from a different perspective — that of an elite pilot who is part of a secret team. In the game, the player undertakes some of the most dangerous missions in exotic locations all over the globe.
As an elite pilot, the player goes from one great adventure to another, while battling the most lethal experimental weapons of the Third Reich. The squad's mission is to prevent the ultimate weapon from being built. To help players in this quest, they have at their disposal an assortment of highly experimental aircraft and weaponry.
Fly above hills and mountains, navigate through treacherous mountain passes and dogfight in the clouds with enemies. Take part in large-scale battles through various conditions: darkness, rain, snow, and air turbulence. Secret Missions takes players around the world, from Paris, Rome and Moscow to exotic locations like Rangoon and Cairo and the highest mountain ranges of the Himalayas. Each mission brings its own surprises, twists and unique challenges.
Players have access to some of the most advanced and unusual aircraft and weapons of WWII, as well as access to a huge assortment of weapons, including high-velocity cannons and early guided missiles. Multiplayer features free-for-all, co-op and squad-based play, including the brand new Capture the Flag and Epic Battle modes, the latter pitting two teams of players against each other in a large-scale battle with conquerable bases and objectives that can be destroyed in order to gain the upper hand on the opponent.
User Score: 4. The saga continues with Halo 2 the international award-winning sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo: Combat Evolved.
In this sequel, the battle comes to Earth, and Master Chief, a genetically enhanced super soldier, is the only thing standing between the relentless alien Covenant and the destruction of all humankind. Brandish dual-wield weapons Covenant arms and pilot human and non-human vehicles and aircraft to battle intelligent AI alien enemies. The service enables Windows Vista gamers all over the globe to connect via their PCs and play on an innovative and competitive online forum.
New Multiplayer Map Editor: The game also features the all-new new Map Editor, guaranteeing additional new, fan-generated content in the future. The Halo 2 community can now tap their endless creative potential to develop an unlimited number of user-created multiplayer levels. Complete Community Freedom: Halo 2 for Windows Vista offers gamers the freedom to host their own dedicated servers for maximum multiplayer action. Strategy: new enemies and new alien races with variable weapons and battle tactics; several character classes with different attributes, skills and trainings; diplomacy has strong influence on the game story; research enables terraforming of the planet in later stages of the game; improved and transparent construction and building management; friendly interface and easy orientation in the game, useful information available at time and place where needed.
Tactics: advanced tactical part of the game with the possibility to enter buildings, thermo visions and more; player may use different height and destructible elements of environment to his advantage; tactical missions controlled by intelligent scripts guarantee reasonable behavior of enemies; authentic physical model; player must adapt his tactics during the game as the enemies change and grow stronger, hardly two missions are the same; aliens and robots in your team; hostile environment requiring the use of different types of spacesuits; opportunity to mind-control your enemies and use psionic abilities.
Also known as "Ricky Ponting International Cricket " Brian Lara International Cricket expands the series' trademark fluid, dynamic gameplay mechanics to deliver a thoroughly entertaining and competitive game that captures all the tension, skill and intensity of world-class international cricket.
In addition to players, the game leads with a dedicated ICC Cricket World Cup mode featuring all the official teams, stadia, kits and equipment of the tournament.
BLIC adds extra depth to the series' complete batting, bowling and fielding experience whilst retaining its trademark accessible playability. The batting play sees the introduction of subtle edges, sweepshots and the ability to use your feet to dance down wicket and smash the ball over the boundary for six.
Bowling sees an improved set of delivery types, thanks to changes in the way the ball swings in the air and reacts off the pitch, showcasing Shane Warne's huge variation of spinning deliveries and Steve Harmison's raw pace and even reverse swing as the ball degrades. In Fielding, there's a new reflex-testing slip catch system and players can now be run out at both ends and be stumped by alert wicket keepers.
TimeShift challenges players to use their minds along with their weapons to battle enemies and solve complex gameplay puzzles. TimeShift changes the fundamental way gamers think about first-person shooters by using the fourth dimension: time itself. TimeShift empowers players with the gift of time manipulation, including the ability to slow down, stop and rewind the world around them, allowing them to move freely while opponents and game objects are frozen in time.
TimeShift feature mores than 30 combat missions, each showcasing time control elements and challenges that players must solve using both their extraordinary capabilities and combat expertise. An array of devastating and unique weaponry from the world's alternate timeline is at the player's disposal, including bizarre incarnations of traditional sniper guns, machine guns, pistols and more, as well as never-before-imagined armaments from an era humanity has never seen.
Set twenty-five years in the future, Hellgate: London introduces a world devastated by a demon invasion and a desolate city scorched by hellfire where mankind has gone underground to survive. Among them are the Templar, an archaic and secret society that foresaw this demonic apocalypse centuries ago. Followers of arcane rites, the Templar combine futuristic technology with ancient artifacts to forge powerful weapons and armor.
The mystic sanctuary of the Underground system provides players safe conduct throughout the sprawling metropolis of London as they seek to preserve the bloodline of man and gain a foothold against the minions of darkness. Hellgate: London combines the depth of role-playing games and action of first-person titles, while offering infinite playability with randomly created levels, items, and events.
The player creates a heroic character, completes quests, and battles through innumerable hordes of demons to advance through experience levels and branching skill paths. A robust, flexible skill and spell system, highly customizable appearances, and a massive variety of randomly generated equipment allow players to create their own unique hero.
Off the Rails lives up to its name with 20 death-defying rides so outrageous, they inspire the same word from every park visitor who sees them: "WHOA! A new lighthearted story ties together more than missions, complete with 34 playable multiplayer theme-park games and social interaction with park guests that's better than ever.
The in-depth conversations both advance the plot and suggest better ways to manage the park. But is every guest to be trusted? User Score: 3.
Need for Speed ProStreet accelerates street racing culture by providing the ultimate stage for the pursuit of street racing supremacy. It is a game about building the ultimate performance-tuned battle machine, taking it to multi-disciplinary showdowns all over the world and pitting your skills and reputation against the very best street racers.
Need for Speed ProStreet boasts impeccable precision and impressively detailed photo-realistic graphics, effectively transporting you to the center of the action.
It pushes the Autosculpt technology to a new level, allowing you to directly impact your car's performance for the first time as well as personalize its appearance. Need for Speed ProStreet is a true taste of raw adrenaline and racing with consequences. Every dent, every scratch and every crumpled body panel is a battle scar, proof of your commitment and competitive mettle.
With an aggressive and skilled AI system, you become immersed in an unmatched believable race experience. Add in a revolutionary online mode that will redefine the meaning of competitive social play, and Need for Speed ProStreet is the ultimate formula for an emotionally charged street racing showdown.
This true grand strategy game places you as the leader of a country where you use your strategic skills to make policy decisions which affect the outcome of world history. Each scenario establishes a historically accurate situation; from there on in history is in your hands.
Do you build to a position of strength through industry or military, or can you find an optimum balance of both? Can you trade for needed resources or must you find and take over resource-rich territories? Will a diplomatic treaty strengthen your position, or draw you in to an unwanted conflict? These and many other decisions are yours to make.
This one is particularly exciting because it builds upon the foundation introduced in Siege, while doubling down on an entirely new concept. Instead of taking on other operators in a competitive sense, Extraction pits you against a deadly alien parasite, with a focus on three-player co-op. When this game was first introduced, it was called Rainbow Six Parasite, but has been renamed as it evolved over the course of development. This spin-off will be a major departure for the series, leaning into PvE rather than the popular PvP action from previous entries.
Nathan Drake is finally making his way to PC. It's not the full Uncharted collection we might have been hoping for, but it's perhaps the next best thing. After a long development cycle, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is nearly here. It aims to double down on the mechanics from the first installment, keeping the beloved first-person parkour movement and melee combat intact, while introducing new features, as well.
Dying Light 2 will prioritize player choice, featuring many different branching paths that encourage multiple replays. Up until E3 , many believed Elden Ring was a myth. A legend. But after two years of silence, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco finally blew the lid off, and gave us all a new look that was arguably well worth the wait. Elden Ring will have in-depth combat, just like in the Souls games, but will also feature a large open world for you to explore via horseback!
An adorable adventure game that wears its inspiration from The Legend of Zelda series firmly on its sleeve, Tunic stars a cute little fox exploring a sprawling fantasy world. Originally announced in the summer of , it's been a long journey, but one that looks as though it'll certainly be worth it for any Link's Awakening fans out there. It still takes place in the Borderlands universe, but is being treated as a spinoff rather than a mainline entry.
Players will use spells in addition to an arsenal of guns to take down enemies in this game, leaning a bit more into fantasy than the space western themes found in Borderlands.
This game has been cooking for a long time but it seems the wait for it will be worth it in the end. It tells the story of first officer Jara Rydek and engineer Carter Diaz as they work to unravel a mystery that has two alien civilizations on the verge of all-out war.
We've not seen too much of Forspoken just yet, but what we have seen looks incredible. Set within the beautiful world of Athia, you'll take on the role of protagonist Frey whose cat, Homer, has really stolen the show , and use her magical powers to travel across the open world to take on the forces of dictator Tanta Sila.
The Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks is back again, this time with something a little different.
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