Have you ever heard of Valve's digital pc game download service called Steam? Well if you haven't, then prepare to get a cash course because you will need it in order to play these games. Basically you set up a free account with them, download a software that manages your games and then you buy whatever games you want from their numerous catalog. Want to know the best deals for your money there? Coming up: the list.
* Half Life Source
halflifesourceThis is one of the finest games from Valve and the start of their main franchise, i still remember the scares i got with those damn creatures "chirping" in the dark or the great A.I. found on enemy soldiers(for it's time) Anyhow the original Half Life has received an graphical overhaul by using the relatively new Source engine from Valve as well. For those of you who missed the original or just want a to experience the game again, there is no better alternative than having the same good old game with stunning new graphics.
* Sacred Gold
sacredThere have been many Diablo's look-alikes, clones and so forth; one that really stands out from the pack, it's Ascaron's Sacred. There is noting really innovative with the game, besides the fact that each character class has a completely different story within the game and maybe the huge game map; nevertheless what is there it's really excellently accomplished. It's one of those games, if you like RPGs that is, it's easy to pick up and very difficult to put down; there are no turns here, but to me the effect feels like Civilization's "one more turn" dilemma. Just that in this case it's probably a quest instead of a turn! Plus here it comes packed with it's expansion Underworld, so you probably have like 50 house of gameplay in total. That packed with multi player options, is definetly worth 10 bucks.
* Nexus - The jupiter incident
nexusjpgNexus is really an odd thing, born out of the remain of Imperium Galactica 3's demise, it really surprised many people with it's graphics and tactical fleet combat. If you ever wondered what is like to command a fleet of space ships, ala Sheridan on B5 or Ackbar on SW, then this is the game for you. Launching fighters, boarding enemy ships/installations, targeting specific ship systems and much more is at your disposeal to take down enemies. Years later from it's debut, it's still an awe inspiring game due to it's graphics; watching your ship leaving a plasma trail due to it's engine, while it's living quarters rotates to create a G force and listening to great atmosphere music it's still a beautiful experience unto itself. If you want to have a fling with a tactical space RTS, then this is your chance, but if you are a genre fan; how come you still haven't played it!?
* Psychonauts
psychonautsIt's really hard to describe this game, i mean "a wonderful third person original fun platform adventure" just doesn't seem to do it justice and sounds even worst. But that's what Psychonauts is, a masterful combination of platformer with the humor, story telling and dialogue options often found in adventure games. Furthermore the whole look of the game it's really original, it kinds of reminds me of American Mcgee's Alice; although of course in a much ligther tone. In any case this is real treat for adventure/platformer fans, to me it wasn't much for the platformer but the great story telling that really hook me up. We have a winner gentlemen!
* Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
brothersinarmsBrother's pitch is a tactical squad shooter take on ww2 and for the most part they really got it right. You have great authenticity, atmosphere and of course tactics you can give to your squad_ but it really falls short from excellent in some aspects. Nevertheless what you have here, at it's very worst, an excellent ww2 first personal shooter experience. If you are looking for a COD WAW replacement until you can come up with those 50 or so bucks, this is a really cheap and excellent alternative.
* Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition
deusexTHE best RPG/FPS hybrid in my opinion until Fallout 3 showed up, this great title is often overlooked when looking back on gaming; i don't know why since it not only was a smash hit back then but today it plays pretty darn good as well. Furthermore with this version that includes multiplayer and a mission editor, you really are getting your money's worth. Conspiracies, terrorists, robots and even aliens all included with some great story telling; you really can't ask for more. So if you are looking for a "meaningful" FPS experience or are an RPG fan wanted to get down an dirty with an FPS, this is your chance.
* Beyond Good and Evil
beyondgoodandevilA simple beat em' up at first glance, don't let this fool you. You are looking at an superb third person action adventure, with strong stealth game elements and the best of it al, taking animals! ;) Great action sequences, mixed with great story telling and plenty of stealth to go around; make up this excellent game. Some vehicle segments also help to keep up the pace with some variety. All in all it's a great way to spend the time until Beyond Good and Evil 2 arrives.
* Rome: Total War Complete
rometwcompletejpgBoth Gold and Alexander, whichever fancies you, are a must get for any strategy fan and damn well worth the ten bucks; the fact that you will get BOTH these games for that money is beyond superb. We are talking about masterpieces, well technically only one because after Alexander was more of like a "grand mod" of it; but nevertheless both excellent games and you can't call you a strategy fan if you haven't try them or at least Total War series game. What is there to say? Historical recreation, managing of cities, grand armies on the map and epic real time battles; perfect for the so called "arm chair" commanders, and i am proud to say i consider myself among their ranks.
* IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946
il2There seems to be a shortage of flight simulators as of late and no, HAWX doesn't count; all indications say it's more arcade focus than simulator. IL-2 Sturmovik now, that is a simulator; 400 different planes, 200 missions, historical campaigns, realistic flight models, what if scenarios, online play and tons of stuff make this THE most complete simulator out there. A real bang for your buck. If you are a flight sim junkie, not even the ww2 period can put you off; you have to try this one. WW2 air combat simulations have never been this complete nor this good.
* Civilization III Complete
civ3What is there to say!? It's a civ game for 5 bucks for god sake, it's definitely a no brainer. Specially when you can't afford it's little brother which eats up 6 times as much money; okay, the 3d graphics upgrade do chip in. In any case this great 4x title for only 5 bucks it's a must get, however be warned if you are not into deep strategic thinking; this is not for you. RTS junkies stay away! Only people well acquainted with the "just one more turn" syndrome are allowed! ;)
Well that's it, these are my ten games you should really take a look over; specially to Steam; if you haven't done so already. On a side note, I really wanted to write "... under 10 minutes... " but that was pushing it too far, for any Internet connection; 1 hours makes more sense! :D Well what do you think about the list? Is some masterpiece missing?
For a full graphic version of this article, please direct yourself to 10 Great PC games you can be playing under 1 hour for 10 bucks each.
Action & Arcade. The action and arcade games we looked at require fast reflexes, and they should please anyone who frequented the arcades of the 1970s and 1980s. The only trouble with these modern titles is that the graphics for most of them are so good you'll want to slow down and fully take in the visuals.
