All-Time Highest Rated Games Tagged 'Windows, core, casual' on The Great Games Experiment All-Time Highest Rated Games Tagged 'Windows, core, casual' on The Great Games Experiment http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/css/logo.jpg All-Time Highest Rated Games Tagged 'Windows, core, casual' on The Great Games Experiment en-us 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 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 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 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 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 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 Frostwinds An adventure; an epic! Frostwinds is a massive multiplayer online roleplaying game with players from all over the world. Make new friends, join a party, travel as pack, and unite to take down mythological creatures of legendary strength! Featuring dozens of monsters, hundreds of items, and endless quests for hidden treasure and glory, Frostwinds players will always find an adventure waiting for them in this vibrant community. Join Frostwinds today, and let the adventuring begin!
]]> 30 Dec 2006 03:50:18 Chesspark Chesspark was created by chess lovers to bring chess to a wide audience of casual, club, and professional players. Our modern and easy to use interface makes use of the latest technologies for the Web as well as Instant Messaging in order to make online chess accessible to everyone, not just the elite players. However, those elite players will find features at Chesspark that are available no where else and made just for them.
]]> 07 Mar 2007 08:08:05 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 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 You Don't Know Jack

You Don't Know Jack: the show where high culture and pop culture collide!


You Don't Know Jack is a series of quiz show-inspired computer games which combine trivia and comedy. The games are known for their humor and challenge, as well as simple presentation. The games rarely use graphics, relying heavily on voice acting and text.

The games have recently been revived at the YDKJ official website, where new episodes are released every weekday. These are developed in Flash and are available to play for free within your web browser.

Category: Quiz

Release Date: Varied

Developer: Jellyvision
]]> 26 Mar 2007 11:13:20 Oregon Trail II This version of the game includes far more detail than the original. For instance, rafting down the Columbia River is a much greater challenge than it was in the original Oregon Trail. Whenever an accident happens, the game ceases and the player must decide what to do in response. Players are also able to talk with other settlers along the way and ask their advice when needed.

This version also allows the player to choose between 20 years of travel (rather than 1 in the original) from 1840 to 1860. Travel is much easier in later years, as there are more towns and trading posts along the way to resupply your party.

OCCUPATIONS: In the Oregon Trail II, you can also select a number of different occupations, many with different skills that can assist you in your journey across the west. Such occupations include banker, doctor, merchant, pharmacist, wainwright, gunsmith, mason, blacksmith, wheelwright, cappenter, saddlemaker, brickmaker, prospector, trapper, surveyor, shoemaker, journalist, printer, butcher, baker, tailor, farmer, pastor, artist, and teacher. (Occupations listed in descending order in terms of cash on hand in the beginning of the game.) Despite some occupations having more money than others, the low income occupations get a greater final bonus, which proves crucial in getting a decent score in the end of the game. For example, a teacher may begin the game with only $500, but receives a 5.0x score bonus. A banker starts off with $2000, but receives a 1x bonus (no bonus). If the banker uses his abundance of funds, he can buy most everything essential for the journey right away and would need to resupply very few times over the course of the trip. Let's say the banker makes it to his destination with a score of around 4,000. If the teacher does well over the course of their journey headed to the same destination and utilizes trading well because of limited money, they will most likely get nearly five times the score of the banker.

LEVELS: Along with selecting an occupation for your character, you must also choose if you wish to remain a Greenhorn (a regular member of the wagon party, having no authority), an adventurer (Wagon train captain, elected to lead and choose different trails) and the trail guide (Navigator, paid well and allowed to choose paths at trail forks, but can be kicked off the wagon train if morale falls too low).

STARTING TOWNS: There is a decent selection of starting points, including the classic Independence, MO, and newer towns like St. Joseph, MO, Kanesville/Council Bluffs, IA, and Nauvoo, IL.

TRAILS AND LANDMARKS: The historical accuracy of the trails and landmarks is astounding. Famous trails other than the Oregon trail are also a part of the game, including the California Trail, Applegate Trail, and Mormon Trail.

DESTINATIONS: Also, there are four possible destinations. However, some destinations are available in different years: Oregon City (Earlier year the Willamette Valley), Sacramento (Earlier year the Sacramento Valley), Jacksonville, OR, (Earlier year the Rogue River Valley), or Salt Lake City.

HUNTING: Inside the game is the classic hunting sub-game. In Oregon Trail II, you can choose between three firearms for hunting: the Pistol, the Shotgun, and the Rifle. The Pistol is the most basic hunting tool and is only really effective against rodents large and small, killing larger animals such as deer and bear take multiple shots. The Shotgun is effective against birds and other animals at close range, but doesn't have the range or power to take down buffalo, etc. Overall, the Rifle is the best firearm in the game. Usually killing an animal close and far with one kill, it is the "most for your money" firearm in the game.

SUPPLIES: Especially in large towns, the selection of supplies is astounding. Dozens of medicines, clothing items, food items and other miscellaneous essentials (and not so essentials) are available for purchasing. During the beginning of the game, package deals are available up to six months of provisions. Keep in mind, however that the many perils in the game will cause many provisions to be lost or used for trade. It is still prudent to purchase the largest package deal offered.

ANIMALS: Some various animal types are available during the game to bring along in your trek across the western territories, such as Oxen, Horses, Mules, Chickens, and Milk Cows. Different animals provide different uses, such as Oxen being effective in pulling your wagon to your destination and chickens laying eggs for consumption. In the end of the game, the more draft animals you have, the better your score in that category.

OTHER: Some other unique aspects of the game include the California Gold Rush after 1848 and your ability to prospect for gold (If your occupation is prospector, you'll typically find more gold than anyone else). At the destination screen in the end of the game, you can also read a fun "What Lies Ahead" section which describes what happens to your character after they settle. Also, you are able to save your diary, which the computer keeps for you so you can reflect on the events of your journey.

(Quoted from Wikipedia)
]]> 10 Jun 2007 01:08:07 King's Quest Collection Celebrate the golden age of adventure games all over again with the return of King's Quest.

The bravest knight in all of Daventry, Sir Graham, is appointed by the dying king to embark on a Quest for the Crown. By retrieving the three treasures of Daventry, he will not only save the land but become its king.

Now the ruler of Daventry, King Graham sees a vision of a beautiful woman trapped in a tower. Romancing the Throne won't be easy with mermen and vampires separating him from his imprisoned bride.

A young apprentice to an evil wizard must escape his captor or be faced with certain death. Upon the discovery that he is the long-lost son of the royal family, young prince Alexander learns that To Heir is Human.

King Graham lies on the brink of death and only a magical fruit from a far off land can heal him. The Perils of Rosella pit evil fairies and fearsome foes against the brave princess as she fights to save her father.

Returning home one day to find the castle missing, King Graham must don his famous adventurer's cap once more to find his family. Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder and Graham must learn a little magic of his own to rescue his loved ones from an evil spell.

Haunted by the memory of the kidnapped princess who helped his family escape the malevolent wizard Mordack, Alexander learns of a plot to force the beautiful Cassima to marry an evil Vizier. Sworn to protect the woman who saved his life, Alexander takes to the Green Isles in Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow.

Rebellious Rosella is content to be The Princeless Bride, but her adventurous spirit may lead to a marriage to the King of the Trolls. With the help of her mother, Queen Valanice, Rosella must end a plot to destroy the land of Eldritch and find her own happy ending.

from http://classics.sierra.com/us/kingsquest/
]]> 03 Jun 2007 01:07:42 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 Really Rather Good Battles In Space Really Rather Good Battles In Space: Galactic Conflict 4320 - 4359 AD

Welcome to Really Rather Good Battles In Space - a space based real time strategy game for Windows and Linux.

The game has a website, complete with a discussion forum. You can visit it at:
http://rrgbis.sourceforge.net
]]> 08 Dec 2006 12:49:23 Slouching Towards Bedlam Enter a steampunk adventure set in a London that might have been. The year is 1885. Bedlam Hospital still stands in Moorsfield, a decaying shell used to house the poor and the hopeless. Steam-driven mechanical wonders roam the streets. Gear-wheeled analytical engines spin out reams of thought onto punched paper tapes.

And in the darkness - in the alleys and the side shops - hide secrets.
]]> 11 Feb 2007 12:49:30 Deluxe PocMon Deluxe PocMon is Edgar M Vigdals Deluxe Pacman remake for the PC and MAC. Deluxe Pacman was a very popular Amiga shareware game that garnered many many addicted fans. Now, on both the PC and MAC, it includes all the old bonuses like glue, extra time, guns and gems, but now it is bigger and better than ever. There are many new modes of play and skill levels. Over 100 levels including bonus rounds and even some secret levels too. There are also even more bonus pickups of course, and the graphics and eye-candy have had a nice boost. Profiles make the game even more addictive and we hope to add even more very very soon. This is a much more recent release from us and so is still in active development but it is already at a fully playable, stable and bugfree stage. I played a much larger part in this games development, doing the usual testing and QC, but i also recorded the entire voice set, created all the levels and many of the tilesets are my own. Of course being a part of this one from the start also made it easier to implement many of my own ideas for the game of which many are in :) One of the great bits is in duel mode where you can come back as a ghost and chase round your rivals for some revenge... Great fun. A must try, so grab the demo now !!
]]> 03 Feb 2007 02:23:23 Galcon Galcon is an awesome high-paced multi-player galactic action-strategy game. You send swarms of ships from planet to planet to take over the galaxy. It's arcade action risk with planets! Anyone can play - only takes 30 seconds to learn. Multi-player network game for up to 12 players with teams. 15 different single player missions against 7 different computer players. Attack planets with thousands of swarming ships! Short battles, epic warfare - only 5 minutes per round. Net ranking of all net players. Good times guaranteed!
]]> 23 Jan 2007 06:58:24 Geneforge 4: Rebellion From the game's description:
"The Shapers have the ability to create life, in any form they choose. They can make plants to grow in harsh wastelands, living tools that obey their commands, and powerful monsters to crush any who oppose them. They jealously guard their powers and destroy any who question their will.

Or so they did. Then the revolution came.Your Army

Some of their creations, tired of bondage, rose up. Jealous humans, wanting the powers of the Shapers for themselves, joined them. Now the lands of Terrestia are full of ruins, refugees, and maddened mutant beasts, hunting for prey. There is war. And the Shapers are winning."

You play as an apprentice life crafter, a rebel in the war against the Shapers. Of course, like most Spiderweb games, you have a choice of allegiance. Will you continue to fight against the tyranny of the Shapers, or will you help the Shapers restore order to the world?
]]> 26 Mar 2007 10:10:40 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 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 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 Everyday Shooter Everyday Shooter is like a music album except instead of it being a collection of songs, it's a collection of shooters.


Everyday Shooter is created by Jonathan Mak of Queasy Games, who also created gate 88.
]]> 10 Jan 2007 08:30:50 Toy Robo Please try it and then let me know what you think :)

Toy Robo is an Action-Adventure Shooter that requires quick hands and engaging strategy. You play as Toy Robo, a robot action figure on the side of good. Your goal is to rid the world of evil toys which appear only at night. You will do this in Arena style combat using your Blaster and Energy sword. To help you along your way, you can equip several types of batteries, each with different combat effects and
bonuses.

This game was developed as an entry to the gamedev.net 4e4 contest which required that it encorporate at least 2 of the following four elements (elements of which ALL games are apparently made of): pirates, ninjas, robots and zombies.

I opted for robots and zombies because robots are easy to model and zombies are easy to animate ^_^

The contest had a 6 month time limit, so I wanted to make sure I didn't bite off more then I could chew. In the end I came in 2nd out of at least 20 - the 1st place finisher was developed by 5 people! so even though I didn't win I felt like the game did very well and the process was rewarding.

Belowe are a few screen shots and the game download.
]]> 23 Jan 2007 10:40:46 Chicken Invaders Chicken Invaders II is a very addicting scroller-multiplayer game taking place some time in the future. The player has to safe the world from a chicken invasion and will face hords of chickens, and their bosses, in his space-mobile. Collect power-ups, upgrades, rockets etc. to safe earth from certain invasion!
]]> 07 Dec 2006 02:37:00 Cramgene Create meals for bizarre pets!

Cramgene is a very unique puzzle game inspired by today's advances in genetic science. Players compete through rounds, deciphering creature DNA to create specific meals for bizarre pets. Bonus moves are designed to add an element of surprise and strategy to every match. Cramgene offers a solitary mode played against the computer, as well as a 2-player option through an Internet connection.

Cramgene features charming characters, vivid graphics, and upbeat music to provide an amusing atmosphere. Its 3 difficulty modes are designed to give players of all ages a chance to feed up to 10 bizarre pets. Can you uncover the best strategy?

Yamisoft Entertainment Inc. supports Cramgene with tips and tricks, and provides a free demo version.
]]> 15 Dec 2006 03:58:05 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 Ragdoll Masters Ragdoll Masters is an experiment in the world of 2D beat 'em' ups with the use of ragdoll physics. In this game you control a stylized martial arts master, making his way through stronger and stronger opponents with spectacular moves and impressive blows. It features some of the most sophisticated physics ever used in 2D games and plenty of other neat effects.
]]> 10 Dec 2006 05:40:12 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 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 The Blackwell Legacy The Blackwell Legacy is the first case in a miniseries of games that stars a medium named Rosangela Blackwell and her spirit guide Joey Mallone. Their mission, it seems, is to assist tormented spirits and investigate supernatural goings on. They don't understand why they are thrown together, but they do the best they can.

The duo's first case will involve a series of suicides at a local university. Something unnatural has forced these students to kill themselves, and nobody knows why. Rosangela, who is just coming to terms with her new status as a medium, finds herself cast as the unwilling detective in this gruesome mystery.
]]> 25 Dec 2006 05:58:59 KwonHo KwonHo: The Hero of Fist is a Korean online fighting game developed by Radio Games and is currently hosted by Hangame but is in the process of being translated and serviced for North America by their American counterpart ijji (Both of them owned by NHN). In Kwonho, the player has the role of creating his own character, choosing a fighting style and buying (or acquiring) clothing and/or items (such as tatoos, guitars, teddy bears and other miscellaneous items). A player's goal is to gain experience by fighting other players in a variety of game modes, or by fighting computer-controlled opponents in the Mission Mode. By winning these fights, a player acquires credits, which he can use to buy new techniques or items, and train to become the best fighter there is. However, there are items in the game that can only be purchased with Hangame/Ijji coins. These coins are available for purchase in the My Account section of the Ijji website.
]]> 08 Feb 2007 01:09:58 Stratagus Stratagus was previously an open source project known as 'Freecraft', and its original purpose was to re-create the Warcraft 2 engine to the point of 100% playability. It succeeded in that goal and decided to move on towards other more challenging goals. Stratagus is now a general use open source engine that a large number of games have based themselves upon, such as Wargus, Battle of Survival, InsectWar, and more.
]]> 09 Jan 2007 04:48:39 Zatacka Zatacka, also known as Achtung, die Kurve!, is a freeware, multiplayer DOS computer game that supports from two-player up to six-player gaming.

The game bears some resemblance to the game Snake, though in Zatacka the main goal is to make your opponent hit the wall, his kurve or your kurve. As a result, the game resembles closely to the famous Light Cycle of the 1982 movie Tron. You control the kurve by only two buttons: one makes the snake turn left; the other, right. Although the game has primitive graphics, the gameplay is considered very good and the game is loved by many fans worldwide.

There's a strategic and tactical depth that goes unmatched in the small-games-to-play-on-a-break gaming world. Even though the simplicity is striking (anyone can play it) there are an infinite amount of tactics that can be applied in this game.

It takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master! Be warned though - it's addicting!
]]> 23 Feb 2007 01:06:02 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 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 PoxNora PoxNora is a collectible turn-based strategy game where you build a Magic-style deck from hundreds of online "runes". You use those runes in game by deploying champions to the battlefield and casting spells. Champions move and attack each turn similar to miniature-based combat. The game features tons of unique abilities and great artwork.

Registration and and a "training" deck are free. Additional rune packs can be purchased.
]]> 12 Dec 2006 04:19:46 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 Harmotion

Game Overview:

Harmotion is an effects intensive player vs. player, top down 2D classic shooter (aka shmup). You face the opponent from the bottom of the screen and the objective is to outlast him/her in a short space fight. Each fight will be a one of a kind collaboration between the two opponents; a collaboration of sound and colors.

]]> 25 Mar 2007 04:22:49 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 Democracy Congratulations! You have been elected as the President or Prime Minister of a nation! Your next challenge - stay in power!

Make policies, measure the polls, and try to maintain over 50% of the vote each election. You'll need to be very careful - policies which may be immediately popular with the voters may also lead your country into long-term ruin. Free Health Care? You bet! But when you have to raise taxes to pay for it...
]]> 09 Dec 2006 08:43:59 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 GUN GUN is an action-packed game set in the wild west.

You start off as a hunter Colton White who works with his father Ned (voice by kris kristofferson) until something changes Colton's life forever. A long winding plot unfolds as you have to explore the lawless West to uncover the dark truth.

GUN is a fantastic 3rd person shooter with plenty of side missions to break up the main story. There is plenty of Old Western movie references and the atmosphere of the West is captured perfectly.

The action never stops. If riding horseback and shooting outlaws is your thing, then this is definitely your type of game!
]]> 12 Jun 2007 06:04:11 Digger Digger was released by Windmill Software in 1983, popular in the era of the IBM PC with a CGA graphics card and monitor. Digger was resurrected by Andrew Jenner in 1998, when he reverse engineered it to run using VGA on fast Pentium based computers. The source code of the remastered version was released under the GPL with permission of the original author Rob Sleath.
]]> 24 Dec 2006 02:53:39