All-Time Most Popular Games Tagged 'Windows, casual, core' on The Great Games Experiment http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/games/popular/alltime/Windows/casual/core/?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss ]]> All-Time Most Popular Games Tagged 'Windows, casual, core' on The Great Games Experiment http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/css/logo.jpg All-Time Most Popular Games Tagged 'Windows, casual, core' on The Great Games Experiment http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/games/popular/alltime/Windows/casual/core/?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss ]]> en-us Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast Kyle Katarn, savior of the Valley of the Jedi, must once again wield the force to save the galaxy from the evil empire. While investigating a far-away imperial outpost, Kyle discovers a sinister plot to imbue Imperial soldiers with the force. And to top it all off, he has to re-learn all of his force powers as he goes.
]]> 22 Jan 2007 10:36:44 Star Wars: TIE Fighter Published by: LucasArts
Developed by: Totally Games
Genre: Space simulation
Number of players: 1
Release date: 1994, 1995

It is a time of chaos in the Empire. Rebel factions strike from hidden bases, pirates plunder unsuspecting civilian spacecraft, and traitors plot behind the Emperor's back. You, a rookie pilot in the Imperial Navy, must rise to action for the glory of the Empire and the good of all mankind.

The player's character is unnamed (however, in sources outside the game, name is Maarek Stele), but features such notable Star Wars characters as: Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and even Admiral Thrawn from the books.

Star Wars: TIE Fighter is somewhat of a sequal to Star Wars: X-Wing, however this time the player is the "bad guy." With various objectives ranging from destroying pirates and Rebels to flying wingman for Darth Vader himself, TIE Fighter offers a great deal of enjoyment for those who love the Star Wars universe.

Gameplay involves managing your weapons/engine/shield (if available) systems while dogfighting enemy spacecraft or attacking larger capital spaceships. Additionally, missiles are limited (if even available), so must be used carefully. Because this is the side of the Empire, the fighters you will be flying initially are very vulnerable to damage. Two or three hits to your TIE Fighter and you're toast, and destroying shielded enemy Rebel fighters in such a craft can be challenging.

Mission objectives are crucial to completing stages of the game, and advancing the storyline. Additionally, there are optional bonus objectives, which influence the secondary advancement in the Emperor's secret order.
]]> 24 Jan 2007 07:45:12 Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter is the third installment in the Ghost Recon series. The game marks the return of Captain Mitchell and this time he is equipped with the most advanced technology to be fielded for infantrymen.

The year is 2013 where a landmark transnational security agreement is being signed by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Elements opposed to this agreement have ambushed the meeting and have started a military coup to overthrow the Mexican government. Command your squadmates, armored vehicles, and close air support assets with ease and see what they see with your Crosscom to stop the insurgency and return Mexico to its citizens.

Battle in the streets of Mexico City, its outskirts, and various locales all rendered from real-world counterparts

GRAW also features an intense multiplayer for up to 16 players on Xbox Live with customizable gametypes and Coop mission campaign available only on multiplayer.
]]> 29 Jan 2007 06:52:13 Aliens Versus Predator What do you get when you cross two intense action movies? ALIEN VS. PREDATOR, that's what. In this hybrid of the two blockbuster films, you play the role of a Predator that has descended on the planet Vega 4 in order to pursue your favorite pastime: hunting humans. But instead of people, you discover hordes of nasty Aliens that are just as determined as you are to destroy all life forms. So the hunt begins as you go up against Alien drones, warriors, chest-bursters, and face-huggers on your new quest to kill the Alien Queen. You'll have to utilize all the advanced Predator technology at your disposal as you fight your way through wave after wave of Aliens on your way to your ultimate prize.

From IGN
]]> 08 Feb 2007 07:03:22 Homeworld 2 Homeworld 2 is the sequel to award winning 3D real-time strategy game from developer Relic Entertainment.

The game takes place a hundred years following the events of Homeworld and pits the player to defend the homeworld from the new threat, the Valgyr.

Homeworld 2 continues the original's core gameplay with new added features, graphics, improved audio, and a brand new campaign.
]]> 29 Jan 2007 01:24:34 Final Fantasy VIII In a time of both sophisticated technology and powerful magic, an evil sorceress corrupts the world's largest military power through manipulation and deception, enslaving mankind to do her bidding. Her goal is not something as simple as world domination; but to completely conquer all of space and time.

To counter the turn of events, various leaders head combat training schools, known as Gardens, that turn out elite fighting forces. Known as SeeDs, they defend, serve, and protect humankind from the sorceress. The sole purpose of these academies is to vanquish the sorceress and save humanity as we know it, although they take many other assignments for the right price.

A small, loose-knit group of SeeD graduates find themselves wrapped in a much bigger endeavor than simple military combat. Now, a gunblade specialist, together with a diverse group of young heroes, must set aside his fears, face the emotions he's run from, and become the leader that he never wanted to be.
]]> 14 Jan 2007 09:18:24 Rise of Nations In this historical RTS, like in other many RTS games, is to advance your technological levels and conquer your enemies using your army supplemented by your shrewd tactical prowess.

This game combines the combat-heavy gamplay of the Age of Empires games with a elements of the more city and technology centric Civilization.

Generally speaking, you start the "ancient" age and work your way all the way up to the information age and slightly beyond.

Elements like managing the borders of your empire, exploring, keeping you resource production high, and building more cities are as important as any game of this kind. But features like the ability to build unique age-specific "wonders" which provide special bonuses to the player that manages to construct them first make this game a unique and fun experience to play.
]]> 19 Jan 2007 04:57:46 Grim Fandango Something's rotten in the Land of Dead and you're being played for a sucker. Meet Manny Calavera, travel agent at the Department of Death. He sells luxury packages to souls on their four-year journey to eternal rest. But there's trouble in paradise. Help Manny untangle himself from a conspiracy that threatens his very salvation.
]]> 26 Nov 2006 12:17:40 The Settlers II This is the second game in the popular Settlers series. As in the first game, you start with just one main building from which you have to extend a network of roads and buildings. Resource management is important, and so planning your kingdom's infrastructure is an important part of the game.

There are more than 30 different professions your men can have, and many different building types. Of course, there are other settlers in your area, too, so war is unavoidable.
]]> 22 Dec 2006 04:07:22 Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is a real-time strategy computer game set in the Middle Ages. It was released in 1999, and it is the second game of the Age of Empires series developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft.

In the original Age of Kings, the player can choose from 13 civilizations. Each has a distinct personality, with particular strengths and weaknesses patterned on the real civilizations. Each civilization also has some unique units (ships and warriors) with more-or-less historically accurate names.
]]> 17 Mar 2007 12:53:35 Sim City 4 Sim City 4 is the latest installment in Will Wright's Sim City series. This edition includes impressive new features, such as a powerful landscape editor, new city management techniques, and the regional city system.

Like its predecessors, the player is charged with building a city from the ground up: laying streets and roads, zoning for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings, and making sure that the citizens (or sims) are content, all while trying to keep the city in the black. New to the series are civic buildings that only cover small areas, forcing the player to build around them. SC4 also incorporates a new, incredibly detailed traffic algorithm, forcing the player to put a great deal of thought into city layout. The new region mode allows the player to create multiple cities in the same region, which allows for trade and even inter-city travel for the sims.

These new additions combined with the proven formulas of the past make Sim City 4 a much more difficult, yet much more rewarding city building game for gamers of all types.
]]> 30 Jan 2007 11:32:28 The Longest Journey "The Longest Journey" is an amazing graphical adventure, where the player controls the protagonist, April Ryan, on her journey through more than 160 locations, spanning two original worlds, and featuring a cast of more than 50 speaking characters. "The Longest Journey" will take you on an exciting and original journey of discovery, where you will explore, solve puzzles, meet new people, face terrifying monsters, learn, grow, and live the adventure of a lifetime!

With a story spanning thirteen chapters and more than 30 hours of game-play, leading up to a surprising and emotional finale, "The Longest Journey" is an epic, best-selling, award-winning adventure to be remembered.
]]> 25 Nov 2006 11:31:04 World of Warcraft Four years have passed since the aftermath of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, and a great tension smolders throughout the ravaged world of Azeroth. As the battle-worn races begin to rebuild their shattered kingdoms, new threats, both ancient and ominous, arise to plague the world once again. Rich in legend and filled with adventure, the World of Warcraft awaits! For the first time, players experience the lands of Azeroth from a new, in-depth perspective. As heroes, they explore familiar battlefields, discover new lands and take on epic quests and challenges in Blizzard's massively multiplayer, on-line, role-playing game. Welcome to the World of Warcraft.

A monthly subsription fee is required.
]]> 25 Nov 2006 05:25:09 Eets

Hunger. It's emotional.


Tons of quirky characters

You've never seen creativity like this!
Eets is easy to pick up, and features tons of unique, crazy characters. Prankster Whales, Superpigs, Radioactive Ginseng... we have them all!

A whole bunch of puzzles!

Our puzzles are easy to play, but hard to master. We've got over 100 puzzles built-in, with enough for every type of player!
]]> 27 Nov 2006 04:32:10 Psychonauts Embark on a unique third person psychic adventure through the minds of misfits, monsters and madmen....

For years, the Psychonauts have deployed their psychically-armed operatives all over the world, but this time trouble is brewing in their own boot camp. A deranged scientist is abducting camp cadets for their brains. One student, a mysterious and powerful new arrival named Raz, stands alone against the lunatic. Raz must develop and unleash an arsenal of paranormal powers including his most powerful weapon of all: the ability to launch himself telepathically into the minds of others. Ultimately he must enter the psyche of his worst enemy and destroy his dark plans at their source while trying not to lose his sanity in the process.
]]> 25 Nov 2006 11:14:08 Battlefield 1942 Road to Rome This multiplayer-focused expansion pack gives you more of what you demand from the original Battlefield 1942, including more maps, more vehicles, and more fighting forces.

The Road to Rome focuses exclusively on the key Italian and Sicilian campaigns of WWII. Each map comes with highly detailed environments such as Italian houses, Mediterranean trees, and even the Monte Cassino Monastery. This expansion pack features eight new vehicles. These include the German BF-110 and British Mosquito twin-engine fighter-bombers as well as new Italian, British, and German tanks and anti-tank guns.

The Road to Rome supports up to 64 gamers (on select maps), playing as several infantry classes, controlling many weapons available to the Axis and Allies, and commanding numerous land vehicles, ships, and aircraft.
]]> 13 Mar 2007 12:17:29 Transport Tycoon Deluxe In Transport Tycoon Deluxe you control a transport company, where you try to make as much profit as possible by transporting people ad goods by road, rail, sea or by air.
]]> 18 Dec 2006 09:13:33 Battlefield 1942 Battlefield 1942 combines high polygonal and high texture resolution 3D computer graphics with extensive gameplay. Players are able to fly World War Two era fighter aircraft and bombers, navigate capital ships and aircraft carriers, man coastal defenses, drive tanks and jeeps, control stationary weapons on the battlefield or aboard vehicles or just fight as one of five classes of infantry. Some argued that Battlefield 1942 had one of the most realistic physics and game engines available in FPSs on the market when it came out in 2002; others however, find this debatable because of certain details. For example, tanks tended to lob their projectiles (which should have had a very flat trajectory) and target leading was arguably due to game and network lag rather than programmed physics.

Each battle takes place on one of several maps located in a variety of places and famous battlefields in all of the major theaters of World War II: the Pacific, European, North African and Eastern Fronts. While the combat is always Axis Powers versus Allies, the location determines which specific armies are used (for example, on the Iwo Jima map, it is Japan versus the United States, while on the Battle of Britain map, it is Germany versus the United Kingdom). The maps in Battlefield 1942 are based on real battles, but are not necessarily realistically portrayed; an example of this is the presence of American forces on the Operation Market Garden map, even though, in reality, the Americans had no participation in the battle at Arnhem where this particular map takes place.

Source: Wikipedia Article
]]> 12 Mar 2007 01:40:14 Chip's Challenge Chip is willing to do anything for Melinda the Mental Marvel, more than anything, because he wants to join melinda's exlusive computer club, the Bit Busters. Finally Melinda has offered him membership, but on one condition! Chip must find his way from one end of Melinda's magical clubhouse to the other, picking up cosmic computer chips along the way.
]]> 06 Feb 2007 07:49:36 Battlefield Vietnam Battlefield Vietnam follows the same objectives as Battlefield 1942, involving the capture of key locations on large maps, with the dominating force draining a set number of points from the opposition; the winner being the team that forces the other to drop to zero. Players can join teams representing the United States, ARVN, Viet Cong and NVA, depending on the map.

The game gives the player a variety of weapons, spanning the M16 and AK47 to punji sticks and land mines that were used as booby-traps, as well as access to a large range of vehicles including tanks, jeeps and aircraft. It also has several additions to it, such as air-lifting vehicles and playing the radio in any vehicle from a wide selection of 1960s music. Another notable enhancement is the ability to fire from the passenger sides of vehicles this time around, rather than having to sit and watch. Also, helicopters hover by themselves (assuming there is a person in the pilot seat, and the helicopter is balanced) without requiring constant tapping of the keyboard, and the engineer class is sometimes equipped with a blowtorch that allows for sabotage or eliminating a threat, such as a tank.

The game features a variety of famous military vehicles from the war, that are drivable by players. These include tanks such as the M60 Patton, the AH-1 Cobra and possibly the most famous jet fighter of all time, the F-4 Phantom II. However, Vietcong players also get access to a wide range of vehicles, such as the Mig-21 jet fighter, T-54 tank and even a scooter.

It is primarily an online multi-player game, although it is possible to play single-player, but as pointed out in a number of game reviews there were some key issues that caused problems. In the first release the gameplay was marred by technical flaws and balance issues, though this was partially addressed in the first patch; in particular, the infamous American anti-armour kit that had featured both the M60 and LAW was removed after frequent complaints about its excessive strength compared to any other kit.

There are numerous modifications (called mods) to Battlefield Vietnam in development. Many Battlefield 1942 mods changed over to BFV as well as many new ones were announced. Many of the existing, released BF1942 mods may at some point create a BFV version as well. How many modifications will actually be released is unknown, especially with the release of Battlefield 2.

There are several mods available for Battlefield Vietnam, such as the "Eve of Destruction" mod, which uses better quality models for vehicles and weapons, as well as introducing new ones and new maps. Other popular mods for Battlefield Vietnam are "Operation Peacekeeper", and "Point of Existence" also known as PoE. PoE takes place in 2007, with a hypothetical war between the United States and Russia over oilfields in Africa.

Source: Wikipedia Article
]]> 12 Mar 2007 01:51:46 Shogun: Total War Total War is the complete experience of warfare presented in the most realistic way possible through the use of state of the art technology in graphics and AI. You'll need strategic brilliance to manage your campaign, with the training, recruitment and funding of your armies. You'll need cunning to deploy spies and emissaries to outwit your opponents while maintaining a web of alliances. And you'll need tactical brilliance to take your army out onto the battlefield and crush your enemies.
]]> 18 Apr 2007 07:12:09 Quest for Glory 3: Wages of War The third game in Quest for Glory series is set in the Africa-like world of Tarna, where you travel with your new liontaur friends you have met in the second game. Shortly after your arrival, you learn about the conflict between the liontaurs and the neighbor Simbani village, populated by the leopardmen. It is now time for our hero to become a skillful diplomat and to prevent an upcoming war between the two nations.

The gameplay system of "Wages of War" is the same as in the two previous games. The game plays like an adventure, with puzzles to solve and characters to talk to, with the additional of RPG elements: combat (action-based) and character development. You can play as either a fighter, a thief, a mage, or a paladin, and raise your skills directly after battles or by performing various actions. Graphics and interface underwent a major change. This is the first 256-color Quest for Glory game, and the first one to utilize the new, icon-based interface.

(from the Moby Games QFG3 page)
]]> 05 Dec 2006 11:32:14 RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 is the second game in the RollerCoaster Tycoon series. The basic gameplay is: you build a theme park with rides and shops and scenery. There are many scenarios to play each with the own goals and challenges to complete.

There is also a editor, where you can design your own scenarios. This game adds a few things to the first game, the obvious: new scenarios, slightly improved graphics, more rides, shops and scenery. But other than these there wasn't much this game has to offer that the first one didn't. Even so it is a very good game, with a lot of replayability.
]]> 15 Apr 2007 11:10:22 SWAT 3 SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle (also known as SWAT3 or SWAT3:CQB) is a tactical squad-based first-person shooter, developed by Sierra Northwest and published by parent Sierra Entertainment for the PC on November 23, 1999. SWAT3 remains the biggest selling title of the SWAT series,[citation needed] and is the only member of the SWAT series to come close to the popularity of the earlier titles of the Police Quest series, from which it originated.

As the first first-person shooter of the Police Quest/SWAT games, SWAT3 received a new game engine with cell and portal technologies for simulation of environments, and advanced AI and ballistics. The developers spent some time with LAPD SWAT, studying tactics in order to create an accurate, realistic simulation. Most of the animations in the game were motion captured, acted out by a SWAT officer.

The player assumes the role of a Los Angeles Police Department SWAT element leader, in command of a five-man element. Over a number of missions, the player has to defend the city from violent criminals, terrorists and the threat of a nuclear weapon, and prevent disruption of an important treaty signing. The game also features multiplayer including traditional Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch modes in addition to Paintball mode and Cooperative play through the single player missions.

SWAT 3 was succeeded by SWAT 4 in April 2005, development and publishing being transferred to Irrational Games and Sierra owner Vivendi Universal.

Source: Wikipedia Article
]]> 12 Mar 2007 02:52:07 Outpost Kaloki Whoever thought managing a space station in the middle of nowhere would be such an adventure? Outpost Kaloki is a light-hearted, comical 3D strategy / management game. Featuring gorgeous cartoon-style graphics and a whimsical storyline, Outpost Kaloki puts you in charge of new space station which you must grow into profitability.

Keep the princess happy, and keep your customers happier as you attract new and bizarre visitors to your deep-space lemonade stands, parks, and laboratories. Chat with a variety of genuinely strange alien creatures. Great fun for the whole family!
]]> 08 Dec 2006 12:06:08 Professor Fizzwizzle Professor Fizzwizzle is a fun, mind-expanding puzzle game, where you take control of the diminutive genius, Professor Fizzwizzle. You must help the professor use his brains and his gadgets to solve each exciting level. Do you have what it takes to get past the Rage-Bots and bring the prof back to his lab?

The game includes:

- Over 230 exciting levels, with something for everyone! "Regular" levels to help beginners learn the ropes, "Advanced" levels for the brainy among us, and even "Kids" and "Alphabet" levels for the young in years, or the young at heart!

- A full featured level editor! If solving puzzles isn't enough for you, make your own masterpiece with the easy-to-use level editor!

- Exciting unlockables! As you solve puzzles you'll earn photos to add to the professor's gallery. You'll see the professor and his Friend-Bots in photos from all over the world!

Professor Fizzwizzle has something for everyone to enjoy; download it for FREE, today!
]]> 27 Nov 2006 03:48:47 Ghost Recon In Ghost Recon, you lead the Ghosts, an elite American infantry unit using the most advanced technology the USA has to offer, onto the front lines and into the battle. The Ghosts are the spearhead of the US Army's quick response. They are the first unit deployed into dangerous situations and the last ones to leave when things get rough. As the leader of a platoon of Ghosts in the field, it is your responsibility to select your frireteam members, train them, kit them out and command them once the shooting starts. You control them as they seek to execute your orders, which you give during the heat of battle, and complete their missions. Particularly spectacular performance and the completion of special objectives will unlock Specialist characters, who bring new weapons and new levels of expertise to your platoon.
]]> 12 Mar 2007 02:13:36 Myst IV: Revelation
Within the visually awe-inspiring world of Myst, a gripping family drama will slowly unfold. In Myst IV Revelation, players finally learn the fate of Sirrus and Achenar, two villains first introduced in the original Myst. The brothers have remained trapped in separate prison worlds, abandoned by their father for crimes they had committed. Players are engaged in uncovering the mystery surrounding a little girl's disappearance, daring to venture deep inside the intense worlds of the villainous brothers. Understanding their motives is key to the success of the investigation and will be a true "revelation."

Myst IV: Revelation uses the same 360 degree panorama view as Myst III: Exile, but with even more impressively rendered environments.
]]> 29 Jan 2007 08:42:19 Battlefield 1942 Secret Weapons of WWII Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII
  • lets you control the most bizarre and lethal top-secret weapons of the Second World War. Straight from Allied and Axis laboratories, many of these weapons never saw combat until now!

    • Defeat your enemies with a variety of experimental firepower, including the Wasserfall Guided Rocket, the Natter Rocket Plane, and the revolutionary Rocket Pack. Drop from a cargo plane behind enemy lines and prepare for close combat with one-shot-kill knives, new machine guns, and more. Give all of these weapons and vehicles a trial by fire on eight tough new battle maps.
    ]]>     13 Mar 2007 12:10:26     Mutant Storm Inspired by RoboTron, Smash TV and Llamatron. Mutant Storm is a classic arcade game with a new age twist. One hand controls the firing the other controls the movement. Simple controls and addictive gameplay with decent graphics set Mutant Storm apart.
    ]]>     17 Jan 2007 01:27:17     Dreamfall Casablanca, 2219

    Zoe Castillo is about to get involved in a conspiracy that spans parallel worlds and hundreds of years.

    Something is affecting our world: static interference disrupts technology, and it seems to be linked to a ghostly presence seen only by a few - a presence inhabiting a black house in a wintry landscape.As Zoe begins her search for a lost friend, she discovers that there is a magical world behind our own - and the search is now on for the one person who may help Zoe unravel the dangerous web she has become entangled in:

    April Ryan.
    ]]>     25 Nov 2006 11:44:40     TrackMania United Produced by the young, talented French studio Nadeo, TrackMania United is the latest version of the most entertaining car racing game available. Released in 2003, the TrackMania series has rapidly become one of the most popular video games for PC thanks to its fast and fun gameplay.
    ]]>     23 Jan 2007 10:50:48     Swat 4 SWAT 4 features a single-player campaign where the player has to take his SWAT team through a number of missions. The missions are not related and there is no overarching storyline. The game aims to have gameplay similar to the real SWAT team experience, for example, it encourages the use of non-lethal weapons to subdue and arrest the suspects rather than shooting them dead. On the higher difficulty levels, it is impossible to progress to the next mission if the current one is not done well, such as suspects getting killed instead of arrested or other team members getting shot.

    The player is the leader in a five-man SWAT team, which consists of him and four other men that can be split into two teams of two (called red and blue). The player does not assume direct control over the other officers, however, he can issue them orders such as guard an opening, entering and clearing a room (while at the same time using assorted grenades), handcuff suspects, and so on.

    All missions start with a pre-mission briefing which describes the situation and gives whatever details are available on the subjects and/or hostage(s) or other civilians. The briefing also identifies mission goals, which typically are to secure (arrest or kill) all suspects and rescue the hostages or other civilians. Mission objectives are not limited to these, however. After the briefing, the player can choose equipment for himself and the other four officers, for some missions choose an entry point, and then the mission starts.

    Usually the player then tries to resolve the situation in such a way as to arrest all the suspects, rescue all the civilians, and secure all the weapons - if that is done and no one is injured in the process, the mission is completed with a perfect score. The missions have very different suspects. Some are poorly armed and unarmored, and these are easy to arrest with the use of no or only non-lethal weaponry. Suspects in the later missions, however, include ones with fully automatic weapons such as AK-47s. Suspects may also be better protected by things such as gasmasks and full body armor. If it is not possible to arrest a suspect, then the team is forced to kill or "neutralize" the suspect.

    SWAT 4 also has the concept of authorized and unauthorized use of weapons. Most situations require the officers to give the suspect a warning and ask him to surrender. Shooting without warning is considered unauthorized use of force or deadly force (depending on whether you injure the suspect or kill him) and has a significant point penalty for the mission. Shooting without warning is allowed if the suspect is pointing his weapon at a hostage or a SWAT team member or if he opens fire first. Suspect reactions to warnings differ - some may attempt to hide and set up and ambush, some immediately surrender, others will flee and some will open fire. If a hostage is killed, it results in immediate mission failure.

    Source: Wikipedia Article
    ]]>     12 Mar 2007 12:50:51     RoboBlitz Blitz is a young and capable robot working as a technician in the Opera Point Orbital Defense Station and Space Cannon facility. His job description includes: fueling generators, rewiring electrical systems, re-balancing busted conveyors, spinning massive fans, and even molding giant railgun slugs. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it! Thankfully, Blitz has a trusty sidekick named Karl, who helps out by designing new weapons and tools. We'd tell you more, but then we'd have to EMP you...
    ]]>     06 Dec 2006 11:37:33     Dune Dune, by Cryo Interactive, was the first attempt of making a commercial game based on Frank Herbert's Dune universe.

    Dune blended adventure with economic and military strategy, and is considered by many the most immersive Dune computer game. Loosely following the story of the novel, the game casts the player as Paul Atreides, with the ultimate goal of driving the Harkonnen from Dune, while managing spice extraction, military, and later, ecology through the native Fremen tribes. As the player progresses, his troops are equipped with weapons from "krys knives" to atomics, tap into Paul's latent psychic powers, and get acquainted with such characters from the book as Chani and Liet Kynes.

    The game, seen always through the eyes of Paul, is a mix between RTS and adventure gaming. While the basis of the game is the strategy component, dialog between characters and a linear plotline give the game more depth than most strategy games. The player is also required to do some miniquests involving talking to characters and traveling to locations, which adds a small adventure game element.



    (loosely edited text from wikipedia)
    ]]>     13 Feb 2007 06:52:47     Raptor: Call of the Shadows Raptor: Call of the Shadows (often Raptor for short) is a 2D raster graphics vertical scrolling shoot 'em up single player game for the x86 PC written for MS-DOS, by Cygnus Studios (which has since changed its name to Mountain King Studios).

    Raptor: Call of the Shadows was originally released on April 1, 1994. There is a shareware version available for this game which includes the first sector, the Bravo Sector. The full version can still be bought today

    As in all shoot 'em up games of this genre, there is a vast number of enemies to kill, both on the ground and in the air. At the end of each wave, and often halfway through the more difficult waves, there is a "boss" which is a single enemy of great size and whom can take a lot of fire before succumbing.

    For each target destroyed the player earns credits, with the amount of credits earned per enemy destroyed is proportional to how tough the enemy ship is. Most of the ground objects (buildings, vehicles, turrets) can be destroyed as well. Between new waves and sectors the player can use credits to select among 16 different equipment upgrades (various weapons, "shield-packs", bombs, etc) to be bought for his own aircraft.

    The game is divided into three "sectors": Bravo Sector, Tango Sector, and Outer Regions, all of which have nine sub-missions called "waves", making for a total of 27 levels.

    (Quoted from Wikipedia)
    ]]>     11 Jun 2007 11:15:52     Puzzle Quest Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is a brand new, genre-bending title that ups the ante on traditional puzzle games by incorporating strategy, role-playing elements and a persistent storyline. Set in the Warlords universe, the game challenges players to save the land of Etheria from evil Lord Bane as gamers engage in battles fought by means of competitive, head-to-head "match-three" style puzzle games in one of three gameplay modes: Single-player, Instant Action or Multiplayer. Victory will advance a player's customisable hero, magical arsenal, creature companions and more—ultimately rewarding gamers at nearly every turn and deepening their immersion into the richly diverse world. The game's remarkable mix of classic puzzle gameplay and an abundant suite of characters, customisations, spells, companions, tameable monsters and more provides a fresh take on the puzzle genre that offers endless hours of replayability. Designed specifically for handheld gaming systems, Puzzle Quest can be enjoyed in long or short doses, cultivating a casual but deeply satisfying and compelling gameplay experience.
    ]]>     31 Mar 2007 09:08:10     Every Extend Every Extend features such a unique twist on the shooter genre that it almost defines a new category of it's own. Do I need to qualify that statement?

    Well, can you name another shooter-ignore REZ for the moment-featuring a psychedelic techno score that would make Yanni blush? Figured as much. When was the last time you played a shooter where the primary objective is to self destruct and thereby eliminate enemy ships in order to chain combos?

    Nothing comes to mind? Can you name another shooter in which you can do all this whilst a kindly Japanese man whispers "extend" in your ear as you collect power-ups? Nuff said.

    Although Every Extend has recently released on PSP you may or may not know that the original PC game is widely available for download: due to language barriers we've taken the liberty of directly linking you to the files so don't miss out. Remember OK is usually on the left and blue ?????? are your friends.

    DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

    For the enhanced PSP grade version click here
    http://dl.qj.net/every-extend-extra-pc-demo-formatted-for-computer-psp-media/
    pg/12/fid/8845/catid/143
    ]]>     21 Nov 2006 06:41:14     Sam & Max: The Mole, The Mob, and The Meatball Sam & Max - a 6 foot dog in a 3 piece suit, and his hyperkinetic rabbity-type-thing pal - are self-dubbed "Freelance Police" who scour the globe for odd malformed versions of evil to defeat, though usually by accident.

    In The Mole, The Mob, and The Meatball (the followup to Sam & Max: Situation: Comedy) the duo finds out that a mole investigating local mob activity has gone silent, possibly turning rogue in the process. To investigate, Sam and Max must become made men themselves, infiltrating Ted E. Bear's Mafia Free Playland and Casino from the inside.
    ]]>     20 Feb 2007 12:47:30     Maple Story You can explore a totally new and unknown world you have never been to, put on beautiful clothes and gorgeous accessories, and even attract other users in the process. You may begin the journey to explore the world of unknown alone, but you may come out on the other end with numerous new friends through hunting and chatting. If you're tired of hunting and competition, how about playing minigames with a friend for a change?

    You'll become a brave adventurer protecting the Maple World, and if you're exhausted from all the intense battles and competition, you may one day build your own house at a quiet rural village, enjoying the life of a recluse who welcomes visitors.

    At Maple Island, you will learn from the NPC's simple hunting skills and basic control of the game to help you ease into the game. Then, you'll board the ship that heads to Victoria Island, and that's where your journey REALLY begins.

    From Lith Harbor that welcomes you from a long journey from Maple Island, you'll run into such fascinating towns as Henesys - the village of bowmen with comfy mushroom-shaped houses gathered together; Ellinia - the village of magicians with mysterious spells embedded between tall trees; Perion - the village of warriors with the fighting spirit typical of the Indians living in highlands; and Kerning City - the village of thieves that reminds you of the back alleys of dark cities.

    You'll be playing the game at Victoria Island where all these diverse and unique towns and fields coexist.

    Here, you are going to be just a regular gamer hunting down monsters and protecting yourself in the process. You'll be given 4 paths to choose from, 4 that will define your life in MapleStory: Warrior, Bowman, Thief, and Magician. Through leveling up and meeting some requirements, you'll be able to make job advancements and nurture your character in your own, unique way.
    ]]>     26 Nov 2006 07:31:06     Cave Story - Doukutsu Monogatari Cave Story is a freeware sidescrolling action/adventure/platformer title with leanings towards Wonderboy and recent sidescrolling Castlevania titles. You control a little amnesiac who runs around helping out these rabbit-ish creatures called Mimigas while trying to find your way out of the giant cave inside the floating island which makes up the game's setting.

    This is a free game made by one man:

    Pixel said,
    It's been five years since I first thought to myself, "Hey, why not try making a game?" I developed Cave Story at my own pace, taking my time, and while doing so I released a few other smaller games as well.
    ]]>     26 Nov 2006 01:38:13     Triptych Triptych is a fast-paced physics based block dropping game that will keep you coming back for more. Maneuver and rotate blocks as they fall so that 3 or more of a color are adjacent to each other. By achieving this, the blocks will be destroyed and the player will collect points. As blocks are destroyed, connected blocks are freed to move independently and blocks above will fall to fill the empty spaces. Unlike other puzzle games, the game board is a living entity where the blocks obey the laws of physics. Every game is a unique experience!
    ]]>     29 Dec 2006 08:14:29     Moonbase Commander Moonbase Commander is a turn-based strategy game where players compete to spread a web-like base across a lunar battlefield while annihilating their opponents. Players can select from four factions each of which has a unique look for it's units and a specifically voiced adviser (although all four have identical capabilities) and compete alone or in teams against other humans (locally or via the net) or the assorted Bots that are included. Competition takes place on a variety of terrain, sometimes barren and empty sometimes green and full of rivers.

    Once a battle is started, players take turns using a limited supply of energy to launch weapons against their enemies or launch new buildings to expand their base. Both are done with a simple aim and force interface similar to Worms or most early golf games so it takes some skill to land a building exactly where you want it. Because buildings are connected to your main hub with a web of power lines, careful planning is required to avoid leaving important nodes unprotected. There are 18 different weapons and buildings each with an energy cost based on how powerful and useful it is. Ultimately, you must destroy an enemy's main hub unit to eliminate him from the battle.

    Moonbase Commander has a minutes to learn, lifetime to master quality. There's never enough energy to do everything you want to and your opposition is always breathing down your neck. Should you risk a tricky shot to place an expensive shield generator by your hub or just settle for launching waves of cheap cluster bombs at those enemy anti-air batteries in hopes of overwhelming them. Maybe you should just bide your time and send up a few more observation balloons. The possibilities are surprisingly limitless in this simple yet complex game.

    (from the Moby Games Moonbase Commander site)
    ]]>     09 Dec 2006 08:55:01     Rampage World Tour Rampage World Tour was a reinvention of the original arcade classic; created for Midway Mfg. by the original designers, Jeff Nauman and Brian Colin and the crew at Game Refuge Inc.

    The game follows George Lizzy and Ralph as they smash and fight their way through hundreds of cities around the Globe. This update game added dimension to the characters andadvanced the storyline, but stayed true to the user-friendly "there's no wrong way to play it" gameplay mechanic of the original.

    Though incredibly violent, the game treats all interaction with a cartoony, blood-free, tongue-in-cheek approach that keeps the action light-hearted and appealing to players of all ages.

    This "Sequal" has spun off a number of additional "Rampages" on a number of platforms .. but many feel that RWT was the best of the lot.
    ]]>     12 Jun 2007 11:06:40     Bridge Builder Bridge Builder is a game where you build bridges. In each level you have a limited budget to buy materials with, materials with which you have to build a bridge which will hold a train passing over it.
    ]]>     25 Dec 2006 01:58:32     UFO: Aftershock UFO: Aftershock is a computer strategy game created by Altar and released in 2005. It's a squad combat game at its core with overlying strategic elements and a clear debt to the lauded classic X-COM: Ufo Defense, though a smaller one than that of its predecessor, UFO: Aftermath.

    It's set in a post-apocalyptic 2050 and comes after the events of UFO: Aftermath. The game assumes that you took up the Reticulans offer of resettling the most able of humanity in a space station, while allowing the rest to die, consumed by the Biomass that the Reticulans could not control (However, if you were a particularly skilled player, you could reject their offer, and save the Earth while defending against both the Reticulans and the Biomass. Then this game can be seen as taking place in a parallel universe). Having lost contact with the Earth, you must find out what happened. The combat section is a real-time system with adjustable and pausable speed, and it has been improved to feature such things as multi-level battlefields and enterable buildings. The strategic section holds resource and squad management, research, development, some limited diplomacy and planning of attacks. As a departure from the X-COMs and the prequel, there is no air-to-air interception.

    UFO: Aftershock as well has a mobile version. The license was given to Redboss Games, a subsidiary of Redboss.

    (text from wikipedia)
    ]]>     13 Feb 2007 04:19:08     Aerial Antics Navigate 50 levels with your personal jet propulsion device! Learn to deal with boost, gravity, inertia as you fly through obstacles, kick giant beach balls off cliffs, and bomb your way to the Aerial Antics Circus Airship!
    ]]>     27 Nov 2006 02:31:50     Bontago Bontago is a single or multiplayer 3d real-time strategy/puzzle game. By stacking blocks each player increses their area of influence, and can build closer and closer to the goal in the middle of each level.
    ]]>     03 Dec 2006 10:02:40     The Specialists Specialists mod for half-life.
    ]]>     29 Apr 2007 03:49:35     Lode Runner: The Legend Returns From the box description:

    You're the ultimate thief, racing underground through the Evil Empire to regain your people's treasures. You'll be a rich famous hero-if you're not ripped to bits by the deadly Mad Monks, that is.
    ]]>     02 Feb 2007 06:12:09