Awesome Games from the past year or two?

[TBSN]

I just got an up-to-date, fast computer after years of using a PC that couldn't run any current games. Needless to say, I'm out of the loop when it comes to current games. So, anyone want to suggest some good games, or warn me of ones that aren't worth it?

Here's my list of 'must-get' games...

Half-Life2 + Episode 1 - It's half-life; nuff said. I actually managed to play HL2 on my (6-yr old) computer, but at 800x600 and low settings... worth playing again I'd say.

I've heard Stalker is pretty cool, and I like the FPS/RPG thing (deus-ex style).

I want to get an RTS game, especially because they are all 3D now! The only one I ever really played was Starcraft (which is still fun)...

I hear FarCry is good...

Ok, that's all I can think of.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

I would imagine you'll find lots of posts similar to this if you search on the board.

I would suggest: Elder Scrolls IV - Oblivion, F.E.A.R., Company of Heroes, Supreme Commander and C&C 3.

 

[TBSN]

I saw Oblivion on a friends computer. It looks really nice, but I like FPS games a little better. I have heard of F.E.A.R., but I heard it was pretty bad, gameplay wise. I'll check it out tho. The other ones I haven't heard of. Damn there are so many games out there

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: TBSN
I saw Oblivion on a friends computer. It looks really nice, but I like FPS games a little better. I have heard of F.E.A.R., but I heard it was pretty bad, gameplay wise. I'll check it out tho. The other ones I haven't heard of. Damn there are so many games out there

Not a fan of FEAR myself, but you could always just download the free multiplayer first to see if you like it: http://www.joinfear.com/main

You are in for a treat with HL2. I originally played it on my laptop with very low settings; but then I played it again on my new rig with maxed everything and high-res and, wow, it was like a whole new game to me. Just amazing sutuff IMO.

Have fun!

KT

 

[Ryland]

I thought FEAR was "ok". Prey was pretty neat and I think Riddick was really cool but outside that time window.

 

[murban135]

Quake 4, Company of Heroes and Medieval 2

 

[TBSN]

Ahhh, free multiplayer. I'll definitely check that out. I remember when bf1942 free multiplayer came out. It was so awesome I didn't even bother getting the game.

 

[TheUnk]

Originally posted by: TBSN
Ahhh, free multiplayer. I'll definitely check that out. I remember when bf1942 free multiplayer came out. It was so awesome I didn't even bother getting the game.

Yeah but that was limited to only 1 map, you missed out soooo much great BF1942 action =(

 

[CP5670]

SC: Chaos Theory and C&C3 are my favorites from the last two years.

 

[TBSN]

Oh, i totally forgot about the new Splinter Cell's. The first one was one of my favorite games (not as good as metal gear solid though). Does anyone know if the problems with g80 and SC: double agent have been resolved?

*I just remembered hearing that Chaos Theory has the dreaded Starforce... I guess I'm going to have to pass on that one.

 

[Gautama2]

Off-topic

I'm thinking of picking up FarCry, but I think I remember it has Starforce protection or whatever its called?

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Gautama2
Off-topic

I'm thinking of picking up FarCry, but I think I remember it has Starforce protection or whatever its called?

It does? Pretty sure it does not.

You should get it; great game!

KT

 

[TBSN]

I've got a question about StarForce... Is there any way to get around it? I really want to get SplinterCell: Chaos Theory, but I think it's got StarForce. If I did install it, if I played through the game then deleted it, would my system be OK?

Thanx

 

[tigersty1e]

Isn't it great staying out of the loop for whatever reason, then coming back with a fast computer (compared to 1-2 years ago) and playing all these great games with pathces that fix old bugs (when they do the patches right) and playing games that cost $10-30.

BTW, if you do get Far Cry, don't patch it all the way up to the current version. Patch it to second to the last one because the enemys in single player can shoot through the walls in the last patch version. I don't know who was smoking what but that's just the way it is.


Get Medal of Honor Pacific assault. Only 10 buckaroos at Best buy.

 

[FP]

Originally posted by: TBSN
I saw Oblivion on a friends computer. It looks really nice, but I like FPS games a little better. I have heard of F.E.A.R., but I heard it was pretty bad, gameplay wise. I'll check it out tho. The other ones I haven't heard of. Damn there are so many games out there

Oblivion is more FPS than RPG imho.

There are no "turns." You basically arm yourself then attack (magic, melee, etc).

I would recommend this game over anything else.

 

[bamacre]

Definitely pick up Far Cry. It is still one of the best-looking games of all time. Single player is excellent. It is a great game to play on fast hardware.

If you never played Mafia, an older game, it is also excellent. A little bit like GTA, but more serious, and the gameplay is a little different. It's also a very good-looking game considering its time of release.

 

[FP]

Originally posted by: bamacre
Definitely pick up Far Cry. It is still one of the best-looking games of all time. Single player is excellent. It is a great game to play on fast hardware.

If you never played Mafia, an older game, it is also excellent. A little bit like GTA, but more serious, and the gameplay is a little different. It's also a very good-looking game considering its time of release.

I bought FarCry when I put together my current rig 2-3 years ago and didn't like it much.

After playing HL2 and FEAR it just didn't have the appeal.

 

[HamburgerBoy]

Like you already mentioned, get Far Cry and STALKER, but also get Hitman: Blood Money. It's easily the best of the series and I have a feeling the main reason it doesn't seem to be as popular as Silent Assassin was because of the horrible demo and a few minor changes in controls. Get past those and you have an excellent game.

 

[CP5670]

Originally posted by: TBSN
I've got a question about StarForce... Is there any way to get around it? I really want to get SplinterCell: Chaos Theory, but I think it's got StarForce. If I did install it, if I played through the game then deleted it, would my system be OK?

Thanx

It's basically a driver, so as long as you are aware that it's on your system, removing it is a simple process. You can play through the game and then remove Starforce once you are done. It doesn't have any short-term effects.

I generally don't like these types of copy protection mechanisms either, but I think it is worth putting up with it for this game, which is among the best I've ever played. In any case, there are worse things out there, like Securom.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Gautama2
Off-topic

I'm thinking of picking up FarCry, but I think I remember it has Starforce protection or whatever its called?

FarCry uses SafeDisc 3, harmless.

I've got a question about StarForce... Is there any way to get around it? I really want to get SplinterCell: Chaos Theory, but I think it's got StarForce. If I did install it, if I played through the game then deleted it, would my system be OK?

Avoid StarForce titles, I have heard things.... terrible things... that would keep you awake at night.

Anyways, some starforce titles have modded installers via filesharing networks that gut starforce from the install and the user must use a no cd patch in addition to the gutted starforce title, but that is almost certainly illegal and the legal / security risks involved in using filesharing networks will make me recommend against going down that path.

 

[miniMUNCH]

I also highly recommend Farcry... some good mods and additional maps are available.

Lots of HL2 mods available with many more on the way.

I installed Silent Hunter 3 on Vista 64 and then promptly removed the Starforce driver with their removal tool. I then use the nocd crack to get it to work on Vista 64... it was the only way to get it to work on 64 bit anything. I really like SH3 but it can get old after a while.

I personally am not buying any more games until the next crop of FPS come out this fall... I'll get crysis for sure and maybe MoH:AA. After that, I might get one or two rpg adventure games.

 

[Sniper82]

Just wanted to say I would checkout your local Big Lots. Mine got in a double pack of the first two Splinter Cells for $6 and they also had Chaos Theory for $6. All retail. These are smokin prices IMO Starforce or not. I got the last copy of Chaos Theory.

Of course not all Big Lots will have them it took mine two months after I original seem the hot deals thread. They also had Flatout 2(good racing game) for $6 along with a few other decent games.

BTW I live in a SMALL town so if our Big Lots has it anyone can but of course YMMV. If your determined you could check out surrounding Big Lots within driving distance.

 

[imported_hopeless]

RTS

Company of Heroes
I only tried the demo, but it was pretty good WW II RTS.

Dawn of War
Made by the same company as CoH, but takes place in the Warhammer 40K universe. There is also the Winter Assult ex-pack. It also has a stand alone ex-pack called Dark Crusade, you only need the others to access some of the other races for online play.

Other

Titan Quest
Like Diablo. There is also an ex-pack for it called Immortal Thorne.

 

[aCynic2]

Originally posted by: TBSN
I saw Oblivion on a friends computer. It looks really nice, but I like FPS games a little better.

I actually consider Oblivion to be more a sword and sorcery FPS than an RPG.

 

[aCynic2]

Originally posted by: binister

Originally posted by: TBSN
I saw Oblivion on a friends computer. It looks really nice, but I like FPS games a little better. I have heard of F.E.A.R., but I heard it was pretty bad, gameplay wise. I'll check it out tho. The other ones I haven't heard of. Damn there are so many games out there

Oblivion is more FPS than RPG imho.

Agreed.

There are no "turns." You basically arm yourself then attack (magic, melee, etc).

But not for this reason.

Dialog w/ crucial NPCs does not affect the outcome or the persona of the protagonist. Rather it's used to assign quests, modify quests, etc, but all quest related. There is no interaction that is not quest related, other than shopkeepers, guards for directions and the general population for rumors.

The only way to modify a protagonists persona/philosophy is by killing or stealing.

In PS:T you could modify by the actions other than combat or crime: tearing up a dead contract, banter with Morte, etc. Of all the RPGs I've played, this comes the closest to a true RPG on a computer.

To a lesser degree, this worked in BG, but not well enough. You chose your alignment up front and only criminal activity change it. You could lose your good status, but only in trials in the abyss could you go from evil to good. However, not all was right. I heard of Rangers killing the Adalon and not having thier alignment affected (they should have lost their rangerhood altogether).

I still love playing Oblivion. It's perhaps the most inventive and non-cliche' FPSs yet. And it's frickin' huge! I can't believe how big some of the dungeons are and how big an area the whole of it covers for the sheer fact you can walk it all.