I’ve been playing, trading and collecting my PC games lately. I think I’m going to keep a permanent collection of games I like. This got me thinking about my favorite PC games of all time. So I decided to make a short list:
5. Battlezone
A very unique mix of first person shooter and real time strategy, Battlezone was great action that demanded sound tactics. I will always refer to it as the first thinking man’s shooter.
4. Command and Conquer 3
I’m not big into the RTS genre much, but I must admit C&C3 pulled me in and got me hooked. I blame the game’s excellent ability to draw you into a story and make you feel like you are effecting global situations. RTS will have no higher bar for me.
3. Guild Wars
Even though I’m not a big fantasy fan, this role playing game kept me hooked for over a year. Not because of the amazing graphics or fun gameplay, but for the social excitment of playing with some really great friends.
2. Unreal Tournament 2004
This was a tough one to include, because there was not much of a story or plot here. But the challenges and fast-paced action kept me loading this up day after day. It’s hard to beat the rush one gets from this game. Even UT3 which is graphically superior has trouble beating the fun of UT2004.
1. Half-Life 2
I include all episodes in this. Graphics are great, gameplay is fast, fun and challenging… but the real jewel of this game is the movie-like story that you are a part of. My kids even watched me play and asked me what movie I was watching. THAT’S entertainment!
Honorable Mentions: Other games that have changed my gaming life for the better are Freelancer, Heavy Gear 1 and 2, MechWarrior 2, 3 and 4, Mech Commander, System Shock 2, KISS Psycho Circus, Clive Barker’s Undying, Aliens vs Predator, and the Elder Scroll games.
