PC gaming is alive and well. One of the reasons why we believe so is because of the kick ass list of RTS games that are expected to come out this year. I know the RTS fans will be pleased with this year’s lineup, but what about us action buffs? What good shooters are coming out this year? Well why don’t we just take a look and check out these PC exclusives!
S.T.AL.K.E.R.: Clear Sky – S.T.A.L.K.E.R. became popular with a tight-knit group of PC gaming enthusiasts, as it blended FPS mechanics with RPG elements. Sure, the game had its flaws, but overall it was a well received (yet under-appreciated) game. The stand alone prequel, Clear Sky, is expected to be a 50/50 mix of old remade (and perhaps altered) levels and brand new areas. Expect to see the game in stores on August 29, 2008.
Reasons why you should pick this up:
– The game’s engine is upgraded to v1.5 and will most likely include support for Direct X 10. An overhauled lighting system has been implemented, but the requirements are meant to be the same as the original version.
– You are able to join nine different factions and there are AI-driven faction wars, where groups are constantly competing to gain control of newly reformed areas. Expect to be a part of territorial wars, captures and fan-created missions.
– AI has become more intellegent (i.e. cover system), and fast acting tactics need to be performed in order for you to have a chance to survive.
– Explore familiar areas around Chernobyl, and new twisted Zone locales with new enemies to hunt down.
Far Cry 2 – Crytek, who were responsible for the first Farcry game, will not be involved in the creation of Far Cry 2. Instead Ubisoft will take the seat and put us in the boots of one of 13 different characters you can choose from. This time we will be basking in the sun of the African wilderness, exploring a huge non-linear path through the game’s story. Not much else is known about the game at the moment, but we did get a good look at the physics and graphic engine used for the game.
Reasons why you should pick this up:
– Explore a 50 square km African wilderness from vast safari to deep, lush jungles.
– Choose up to 13 mercenaries each with a unique look and back story.
– Great physics engine; breaking of vegetation, wind and weather affects environment, highly destructible buildings.
– Much more realistic approach in using the environment to your advantage.
Savage 2 – We aren’t so lucky to play a game that blends fantasy and science-fiction with FPS, RTS and RPG very often. Thankfully, S2 Games decided that these marriages could fit and make it a fun experience not only single player but online with others as well. Since it was released on January 8, 2008, players have been taking advantage of its fun online play and creating clans to climb the ladders.
Reasons why you should pick this up:
– Play as either Legion of Man or the Beast Horde in an every growing war between different guilds online.
– Experience a one of a kind gameplay mechanic blending FPS, RTS and RPG elements.
– Savage 2 combat is a mixture of ranged weaponry, melee, and special abilities. Each team has a set of classes that have a set ranged and melee weapons as well as special abilities they can perform.
Battlefield Heroes – The Battlefield series from developers DICE is one of the most popular long-running FPS franchises. When DICE announced a "cartoony, unrealistic" style of their new Battlefield game, people were both skeptical and excited. Heroes will be the first Battlefield game to be released under Electronic Arts’ new "Play 4 Free" model, which will see the game released for free with revenue generated from advertising and micropayments for Windows-based PCs.
Reasons why you should pick this up:
– As you kill off enemy players you gain levels which you can use to upgrade your character with special abilities.
– Third-person fast paced conquest action (spawn points are 5 seconds long with intellegent spawn point areas).
– Play as either the Commando, Soldier or Gunner, each with their own special perks.
– Did I mention this game was free?
Fallen Empire: Legions – A sci-fi FPS made by the creators of the original Tribes and Tribes 2 games. Announced in 2007, Legions is the "spiritual successor" of the Tribes series. Developer GarageGames wants to use the gameplay mechanics of the previous two Tribes games while trying to take the series in a new direction. Like the original two Tribes games, Legions will feature the popular jetpack system, albeit an upgraded kind.
Why you should pick this up:
– Fans of the original two Tribes games can enjoy classic weapons and maps, along with a bag of new goodies.
– A new jetting system will be implemented, where players can now bank corners and pick up speed, all while using a new 6-direction jetting function for air control.
– Just like the previous games, expect to see an outpouring of player-created mods to keep things fresh and exciting.
Other Mentionables:
Ground Branch: A tactical shooter from Blackfoot, a team composed of Rainbow Six, Rogue Spear and Ghost Recon veterans.
Natural Selection 2: An FPS/RTS from the creators of the very popular original multiplayer mod, Natural Selection.
Captain Claw 2: The sequel to the popular 2D PC platformer from Monolith Productions. Time to get back at those pesky Cocker-Spaniards!
Lone Wolf: Flight from the Dark: Action-adventure through the first-person perspective in the popular Lone Wolf universe.
Quake Live: A web-browser based Quake III Arena game that will be free to download, and expected to maintain a strong multiplayer community.
Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks as we look into what the RPG, Adventure and MMO genres have in store for us in 2008.
