ONLY ONLINEHALF LIFE:GAME OF T YR
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Your gun had better be loaded if you're playing Half-Life: Game of the Year Edition, the smartest, shootingest, bloodiest game ever to hit the PC. Take control of a scientist charged with destroying the alien invasion force that arrived, courtesy of government experiments gone wrong. Of course, in the post-X-Files world, there's additional bad guys in the form of federal "cleaners" who want you just as dead as the monsters.

Power up your environmental suit and plunge through level after level of increasingly difficult and creepy challenges, rescuing your fellow scientists and ultimately clearing out the whole complex--if you're lucky. Game play is smooth and simple, after the obligatory false starts and botched maneuvers common to learning every new game. Persistence pays off, though: Half-Life rewards tenacity with increasing power and understanding of the virtual world.

Play on a network and cooperate or compete with folks across the world or in the next cubicle. For those who've mastered the intricacies of Half-Life , the Game of the Year Edition includes Worldcraft 2.0, which the designers used to build every detail of the base. Make your own levels and snicker at other players' pathetic attempts to evade your deathtraps. It's easy to see why Half-Life won Game of the Year from dozens of publications; try it and see for yourself--if you're not too squeamish. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Features

• Enemy AI: Half-Life's monsters are also remarkably--even terrifyingly--intelligent. Our proprietary AI has them running in packs, assessing threats and showing a marked distaste for suicide runs. You'd better think as fast as they do.
• Rendering Technologies: So you don't want to have to buy a special hardware accelerator just to get 16-bit color, colored lighting, blurring, translucency or other cool visual effects? Then don't. Half-Life has developed all these features in software so now they're an integral part of the gameplay, not just eye-candy. Of course, if you do have Open-GL, Direct 3D or MMX hardware, things will look mind-bogglingly cool.
• Skeletal Animation System: Our new animation system lets us create monsters that are more spectacularly menacing than ever before. Half-Life's monsters have the highest polygon count, and the most fluid and complex motion ever seen in an action game.
• Multiplayer: Joining a multiplayer game is now fast and easy, thanks
• to Half-Life's powerful interface. Find your friends, choose the type of game you prefer and let our master server do the rest. Choose from a variety of multiplayer gameplay scenarios, and use our decal technology to mark your territory with a personal or clan logo. Other Features:

Reviews (246)

Sierra Games
This game is really great. I own the following Sierra games:

Half-life (game of the year edition)
Blue Shift
Opposing Force
Half-life 2

All I can say is that in September of 2003, Half-life 2 was suppost to be released, but they delayed it many times. So finally it was released sometime around the middle-end of 2004, and in November 2004, I picked up the game. I wasn't too dissapointed, although it's not as hard/fun as the original Half-life game. I like Opposing Force and Blue Shift, except the only problem with Blue Shift is that it dissapointed me with it being way too short. There is not even a final monster like Opposing Force and Half-life. Still, Blue Shift is fun.

The Best Game Ever
When Half-Life first came out in 1999 I was about 11 years old, and I really wasn't into video games. But come late 2004, Half-Life 2 came out, and when I read the PC Gamer review(98%) and saw some screenshots, I went to GameStop to get it. The guy at the counter asked me if I had played Half-Life. I told him no. He then said, since I was under 17 he had no obligation to sell me the M rated game Half-Life 2, until I had bought, played and beaten Half-Life. So I bought Half-Life, went home, loaded it, and started playing. Imediatly I was suprised at how good the graphics were, especially for a game from 1999. The graphics in Half-Life could easily compete with many of the games in the 2000's. Also, the sound extremely good, hearing the slightest of noises. The story is pretty basic, but good enough to keep you interested in that area. You are Gordon Freeman, researcher at Black Mesa Labs. Your expirement has gone very wrong, releasing a bunch of aliens into the labs. The government has sent soldiers in to "clean things up" and you are faced with fighting for your life against aliens and human soldiers. The gameplay is awesome, and the weapons are very good. Online play is fabulous, especially if you have Counter-Strike. So, despite Call of Duty, Doom 3, the Battlefield series, WarCraft 3, Neverwinter Nights, or any other game that is mind-blowing, Half-Life is the best game I have ever played, and in my opinion, the best game ever.

Half-Life kicks ass
Half-Life is one of those games that you have to play and not read a stratedgy guide. I was reading some of the other reviews and people kept on reporting that their weren't good stratedgy guides and such. Well, here's a tip. Play the game!! You have to buy a stratedgy guide seperately and it's like that for most video games/etc.. The game has good graphics, good music, and excellent characters. The game is really realistic, one of the most realistic games out their that i've seen. On my computer it takes a while to load up but once it loads up it works pretty good. And of course you get the interloads afterwards. My advice before you get this game is check the requirements. I think the only reason some people rated this game at a low level is because 1) they didn't play it because it didn't come with a stratedgy guide, 2)they didn't look at the requirements needed before they baught the game. Their's a reason why video games require different settings for your computer. But that's beside the point. Half-Life has one of the best plots i've seen, and has a lot of action. So for those who like first person shooters, killing aliens and people, and love great graphics, this is the game for you. For those who don't like realism and don't like to play video games like these stick to your spongebob squarepants video games. Oh and for those of you who hate video games coming without a stratedgy guide here's another tip in half-life. Half-Life explains the game as you play along. Their's Hazard Courses you play to learn more about the game. You make your own controlls and etc. This is a must have for any video gamer who loves games like half-life. ... Read more

Asin: B00001KUII
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Action    3. Shooters (Shooter)    4. Havas   

Half-Life: Initial Encounter
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

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Editorial Review

Half-Life: Initial Encounter contains Half-Life: Day One and a fully playable version of Team Fortress Classic, the incredibly popular add-on for Half-Life. Awarded Game of the Year by more than 45 publications, Half-Life is an intense game experience. Half-Life: Day One is a gripping introduction to Half-Life's award-winning single-player action. Team Fortress Classic (TFC) features a wide variety of character classes--from Medic to Spy to Demolition Man--enlisted in a unique style of online team warfare. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This Kicks!!!
I am 12. I have Half-Life.It's the best game I ever played.I justbought this game, and it's just as good as the original.Half-Life is thebest game ever made.

No Reason Not To Buy If You Meet These Requirements
Do you like 1st person shooter games? (I didn't really, butLOVED this.) Do you like great graphics? Do you not want to pay for the full version? Do you want a little more than the demo can offer? Do you realize there's a REASON this was named Game of the Year, among many other awards? Do you like realism, suspense, great sound, music and FUN in a game? Do you not own the game, but are wondering what all the hype is about?

If you answered YES to the above questions, then there's absolutely NO reason not to buy this game. Also, FYI, some cool stuff about it is: Can turn blood on or off, it matters where you shoot someone/something (unlike Quake), and it's FUN!What are you waiting for!

If nothing else, please, PLEASE download the free demo. It's really worth it, and it's really THAT fun, even now--2 years after it was made! An instant classic no gamer's library (and I'm a mild gamer--maybe 4-5 titles a year) should be without. Very, VERY worth it.

Do not buy this for Team Fortress Classic
Half-Life rocks and the other reviews are right on that this is agreat way to get into into it if you're not sure about dropping $for the full version.But the Team Fortress Classic inclusion will NOT be playable online.I got this disc b/c I thought that I could jump online and frag my friends for a mere 10 bucks.It would never let me log on tho'!So I called Sierra tech support and they said the version included on the initial Encounter Disc would not be playable online.Period.

If you want TFC buy the full version.On the plus side though I'm much more inclined to pay the $ for the full version just because this demo is SO cool. ... Read more

Asin: B000042OKY
Subjects:  1. HL 1/2    2. Computer Games    3. Action    4. Shooters (Shooter)    5. Havas   

Half-Life Expansion Pack: Opposing Force
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (18 November, 1999)
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

Opposing Force returns the player to the Black Mesa facility, but tells the tale from the perspective of Col. Adrian Shephard, one of the soldiers sent to clean up the scientists and their reality-altering mess. Just as in Half-Life, things quickly go badly for Colonel Shephard and his men. Ambushed by aliens, Adrian must fight his way through the ruins of the facility in an attempt to reach a helicopter extraction point.

What makes Opposing Force shine is the way it expands on the story of Half-Life. Colonel Shephard passes though areas that players of Half-Life are sure to recognize, and he occasionally runs into characters from the original game, including the infuriating Man in Suit. Opposing Force also introduces several new weapons, such as a sniper rifle (with scope), heavy machine gun, and a .357 Magnum with a laser sight. There's even a "weapon" that is actually a common alien creature from the first game; its unique features allow it to be used as a kind of grappling hook.

Several new aliens make an appearance as well, almost all of them deadly. They exhibit the same sophisticated AI (artificial intelligence) as the monsters in Half-Life, relentlessly and intelligently attacking Adrian as he makes his way through the game's impressive levels. Fortunately, Colonel Shephard's rank allows him to take command of any soldiers he encounters. Riflemen and machine gunners can be ordered to follow Adrian and provide covering fire, or assigned to guard a door or room. Engineers can cut through locked or blocked doorways, while Medics can heal the injured. Unlike Half-Life's solitary "me against the world" game play, the addition of competent friendly forces provides a feeling of camaraderie: there's nothing like leading a squad of loyal Marines against an alien horde. --Mike Fehlauer

... Read more

Reviews (69)

Much better than Half Life
This is game is much cooler, more fun than Half life. Weapons are good, there are less annoying puzzles, night vision googles are cool, AI is awesome, new and more deadly aliens. Yes the game is shorter than Half Life, but who cares when you are having fun playing it over and over again. You can make 2-3 soldiers work beside your side. Suggest everybody to buy OpFor with BlueShift, you will get high definition pack, which improves graphics and gives new looks to weapons and aliens. A MUST BUY FOR EVERY FPS FAN.

just go with steam
This game is a big rip-off now cuz u can jus get it on steam 4 fr33 if u register a yur copy of half-life. u can also get awsome stuff like counter strike, tfc,codename gordon, and other games 4 fr33.
the game itslf is not as good as half-life, but still demanded as much attention as hl.

dont buy it, just get it 4 fr33, dawg.

Through the eyes of ...
major Shephard. Experience Half-Life's Lambda Complex incident all over again through the eyes of major Shephard, part of a squad sent in to contain the chaos that has erupted in the Lambda Research Complex.
First, play Half-Life. Actually, this game won't even run without it so you don't have much of a choice. ... Read more

Asin: B00002CF96
Subjects:  1. Science Fiction (Sci-Fi, SciFi)    2. First Person    3. Halflife    4. OpFor (Op4)    5. Computer Games    6. Action    7. Shooters (Shooter)    8. Havas   

Wolfenstein 3D (Jewel Case)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (15 January, 2002)

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Editorial Review

It's World War II, and B.J. Blazkowicz, the Allies' bad boy of espionage, is a terminal action seeker built for abuse with an attitude to match. There's just one small problem: you've been captured by Nazis, tortured, and imprisoned beneath the intricate maze of Castle Wolfenstein where you await an inhumane execution. Now, you must do anything and everything to escape from the belly of the Nazi dungeon--or die trying. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Before there was halo, or even doom, there is wolfenstein 3d
Ok, it is a fps, the first one in gaming history to come out infact. And let me tell you it is one of the best. Poplular games usaully consist of fps's. take halo, doom, or half life for example, some of the most well known games ever made. What about wolfenstein? Sure it was popular then but many people have never even heard of this classic. Is shooting nazi's and slaughtering anyone in your way, with plenty of food, ammo, guns, and gold for the taking a bad game all of a sudden? This was the first violent video game I played where my parents wouldn't let me play it. Ofcoarse that was many years ago. I saw this at the store recently for $10. I thought, hey, this game sure did kick ass! So I thought i'd pick it up and give it a go. To be honest it can be funner than playing halo 2, EVEN on xbox live! I actually prefer this over the classic doom (which kicks ass as well). Ok so I assume you want to know about the game and what you're missing out on right? It is one of the most simple games ever. You are a spartan super soldier, battling a holy war against an alien race known as the covenant. No, even better, you are a spy, B. J Bolkovic (or something) in WWII captured by nazi's and sentenced to death. Just as you are confronted by a nazi in your cell, you pull out a knife and make quick of him. You pray that no one near you heard his final scream. You grab his gun, bust out, and kick nazi's ass over 60 levels of mayhem. By the way, there are 6 bosses that await and you must stop there plans, to use chemicals to clone their soldiers and take over the earth. The game is set up like a maze, no maps, no radars, no allies, just you and your gun. You can't aim up or down and there is no aimer or anything like there is in typical shooters. You can only turn left or right, strafe left or right, move up, down, left or right, and ofcoarse, shoot. You basically need to escape the maze like levels as you find food and ammo to keep yourself armed for the fight of your life. In some levels, you are required to back track and look for keys in order to unlock doors leading to the next level. There are several types of enemies, but the standard are attack dogs, nazi guards with pistols, and SS gaurds with machine guns. Ofcoarse, these guys are only the samples, the main coarse lies in further episodes of the game (game is divided into 6 episodes). There are three types of guns, pistols, machine guns, and chain guns, all using more ammo than the next, but that isn't a problem, is it? besides, you've always got your trusty knife to back you up. The ai isn't the best, you just wait at doors for enemies to come and shoot them, but if they catch you off guard, it may be your last. There are 4 difficulties, and unlike doom, the hardest difficulty is super fun. You can use a joystick if you've got one, the keyboards, or best of all, the mouse. You can shoot and strafe with the mouse, not to mention move, and open doors with the space bar. There are also secret treasure rooms with well treasures that earn you pts. This game can prove to be challenging and for some reason EXTREMELY fun. Give it a go. It will work on modern computers, despite how old the game is. Who knows, a simple game like this could be your best ever. Besides, Who would want to shoot phony alien covenant or demons from hell when you can kill a serious threat, the german army.

the black sabbath of first person shooters
Barring a few less popular (and less good) 3D action games before Wolf3D like the Catacombs series, this is the first FPS ever to grace the PC, which was release in like December 1991 or something like that.Its graphics suck for today's standards, and the gameplay is repetitive, but in 1992 it was pretty much the equivalent of what Half-Life was to gamers in 1998 and Far Cry is now, groundbreaking.You can get the shareware version free on Apogee1.com and probably the full version on abandonware or something.Also its really easy, I've heard people say that it's harder than Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold (a very unknown and underrated 1993 FPS with the Wolf3D engine), but that's a bunch of bull.The SS (and the rest of the enemies) can't fire their machine guns if you continually pelt them with the pistol but machine gun toters in Blake Stone will continually shoot even if they're getting hit, making for some ultratense shootouts that rarely existed in Wolf3D.Also, let it be known that once you get the chaingun, you are virtually unstoppable (and you can get it on Floor 2...."if ya know where ta go!")

Having said all that, this game is good fun and also good for those who want to see where the seeds of such games as Half-Life were planted, but let it be known, that shooters in years following like Blake Stone and DOOM are much more challenging.....and funner.

****Also, this game shouldn't be rated Mature.The blood is very minimal and unrealistic, the rating is probably for all the Nazi swastikas and Hitler portraits on the castle walls.

It sucks
This game is stupid.It makes my stomach hurt to play it.It reminds me of some random Sunday afternoon in the middle of summer when the sun is setting sitting in some old dusty single-wide in Central Georgia right next to a cotton field with no one else there except some big fat nasty woman named Louise, and she's wearing some cloth black shorts and some nursing home looking t-shirt and flip-flops. ... Read more

Asin: B00005RV92
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Action    3. Shooters (Shooter)   

Doom Collector's Bundle
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $39.95
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Features

• The Ultimate Doom:
• Face off against cyber-organic mongrols, stampeding demons and ruthless, undead Marines.
• Take down the hell scum with an array of weapons, including chain guns, plasma guns and rocket launchers.
• Blast to freedom through artistically rendered environments and totally immersive sound effects.Doom II:
• 3D modeling and texture bit-map technology make for incredibly realistic gameplay

Reviews (46)

Doom Collector's Bundle
This is the ultimate Doom collection for PC, containing all three Doom classics. The gaming addiction that took computers by storm back in the early to mid 1990's has returned once again in this awesome Collector's Bundle, which contains Doom, Doom 2, and Final Doom. Sure, these games are old, but hey, when it comes to Doom, I have NO problem being nostalgic! Doom rocks!

And for all the religious fanatics who protest against Doom because it contains violence, gore, and satanic imagery, let me say this: ID Software could have just as easily created a first-person shooter game where you go to heaven (instead of hell) and kill angels and God (instead of demons and zombies), but they didn't. So be grateful, you zealots, and shut the heck up!

By the way, if you're a true Doom fan, please stay away from Doom 3. You'll probably end up being disappointed like I did. Doom 3 is just a clone of Resident Evil and every level is totally dark and boring. Please, do the right thing, and stick to the original classics in this bundle!

Enough said.

its doom, its awesome
With other new and much funner games out today like Splinter Cell and XIII, Doom may now be a wee bit toothless, but its still tons of fun to play. This package, despite not having a manual and instructions for a beginner (but the game is so simple that unless you're a complete newcomer to PC games it should be effortless to learn) it is a GREAT deal. Buy it at Wal-Mart; they have it for $9.99; it includes all three full version original Doom games, an outstanding collection

Any PC owner needs this.
I don't know why so many people on this site are complaining. This compilation is flawless. You've got everything you need here! You don't need some fancy jewel case or some detailed manual to play this. Anyway, let's split up what's in this package and get on with the review.......

Ultimate Doom: The one that started it all. The Ultimate Doom is basically the first Doom, but with 9 levels to add to the other 27, totaling 36. My favorite installment in this package.

Doom II: The direct sequel to Doom, adding the Super Shotgun, twice the number of enemies, 32 new levels, and plenty of other extras. This entry feels a bit different than its predessor, but still, it's a fine entry in the Doom universe.

Final Doom: Other than 64 new levels, this entry adds nothing new to the franchise. It's still very enjoyable, but it does lose some of its charm for adding nothing we've seen before. It's still a very fun and enjoyable game, though.

Bottom Line: Just grab this. It'll run on any computer manufactured after 1995, and all of the games here are still fun and addictive (even after 10+ years!). Add to all that the low price, and this excellent compilation will completely change your opinion on a vacation in Hell.

... Read more

Asin: B00005OMZV
Sales Rank: 3966
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Action    3. Shooters (Shooter)    4. Collections (Collections)    5. Bundle (Bundles)   

Ultimate Quake
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (26 September, 2001)

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Reviews (7)

The best first person shooter EVER!
All hail the king of shoot'em ups!! QUAKE I! Quake One, which is, believe it or not, TEN YEARS OLD THIS YEAR, still cannot be beaten for perfect perspective, (which is the one thing that fascinates you MOST about it, actually!) spooky, eerie graphics, animation and music, (music, btw, provided by Nine Inch Nails, one of the better 90s groups,) and overall effect. The animation of the characters is top notch, especially those flying, Egyptian-looking things and the Skraggs...small abominable snowmen with truly lethal claws, and movement within the games is as smooth as silk.

Quake was such a step up from its contemporaries, Doom, Wolfenstein and Heretic, that there's STILL no comparison. Its engine propels no less than its only POSSIBLE successor, Eidos' "Unreal". EVERY fps that has come after Quake I has emulated it, recognizably, from Unreal to Half-Life, but nothing beat the original.

Imagine if you will, (submitted for your approval,) that you are plopped into a dream-like world of eerie silences and softly thrumming music. The walls and general architecture are so perfect, you imagine the great granddaddy of all great, ancient, genius empires left them behind for you to gawk at...and then, suddenly, a hairy white demon springs out at you, thrashing its claws at you like a cat on caffeine! Then, also, this very same character is joined by an eldritch-looking, flying thing that looks like a cross between Akhenaten and a seahorse, bumping up against you and taking away your health points like nobody's business.

To this day, nobody has equalled the look of Quake, the feel of Quake or the pure enjoyment of the game. Even its follow ups in the series pale by comparison! Quake II, while decent, actually looks like a run-of-the-mill, pulp science fiction book cover from the fifties or sixties come to life. It doesn't have anywhere NEAR the atmosphere of Quake I! Quake III has GREAT graphics....perfect graphics, I might add: No graininess at all, great finish on the metals and glasses, but all IT is is a single- or multiplayer free for all! No...the king and still champeen is Quake I...

All others genuflect at the portal!

Great Series...but
All three games are good. Gameplay wise, Quake the original is the best of them. Quake two was weak. Not much better than the first in graphics, but the gameplay was horribly butchered. Quake three is probably the worst for people who like story. If you're into deathmatches and the such, buy Totlly Unreal. It's under ...[undisclosed dollar amount] and includes the original Unreal and the greatest deathmatch game Unreal Tournament.

An excellent buy if you don't have any of these (you should)
Although quake 2 and 3 are decent shooters, neither of them are one of my favorites in the fps world. They are still great fun nonetheless. However, the real star here is the original Quake. This was and is one of the greatest games ever. What seperates Quake from its sequels was its excellent creepy atmosphere. All the levels are dark, scary, but nevertheless beautiful. It still looks incredible by today's standards. And the music by Trent Reznor is great and very fitting for the game. Some people say the gameplay is outdated, but it just doesn't seem to bother me. It's all about the action. For example, what are you doing all the time in Quake 3? Fighting opponents. Same as in Quake 1. So what's the problem? I don't get it.

And while 2 is fun, it just didn't live up to or continue Quake's atmosphere. Apparently, the designers tried to focus more on the action instead of the enviornment. However, I still think Quake 1 has better action. Quake 2 seems a little slow.

Quake 3 is the weakest of the bunch. It has great graphics and some really cool levels, but they scrapped the single player game all together. Just plain old deathmatch or capture the flag. It's a little bit fun, but it grows old soon and you'll wish it was more single player focused and not just deathmatch. "Find the exit" gameplay is much better than this I think.

Overall this is a great value. Buy it while you can! ... Read more

Asin: B00005NP81
Sales Rank: 9435
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Action    3. Shooters (Shooter)    4. Collections (Collections)    5. Bundle (Bundles)   

Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (09 May, 2001)
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

It's the new millennium. Civilization is near collapse. The world economy is in chaos. The middle class no longer exists. Deadly viruses have ravaged the earth's population. Terrorism runs rampant. From this maelstrom of violence and suffering an ancient conspiracy bent on world domination emerges from the shadows of legend. The conspirators' greatest strength? No one believes they exist. No one but you.

In Deus Ex, immerse yourself in an intricate web of betrayal and intrigue as you attempt to uncover power struggles, hidden agendas, and the dark conspiracy behind it all. Travel the globe building a network of allies and create an alternate identity to aid you in your search for the truth. There is no one path to success. It is achieved through various means; employ stealth, strategy, or force--the choice is yours. But remember, trust no one. Even those who you keep as allies may be more than they seem. Question everything.

This game incorporates role-playing, action, adventure, and first-person shooter genres into a chaotic blend of real-world conspiracies, cliffhangers, and plot twists. Explore a richly simulated world of unparalleled interactivity, engineered to react logically to your every action. The Game of the Year Edition now includes DX Multiplayer, DeathMatch, and Team DeathMatch, plus five new multiplayer maps and a built-in search engine for multiplayer servers. The bonus soundtrack CD contains 30 tracks remixed for higher audio quality. With the included software development kit, you can create standalone Deus Ex missions, build 3-D maps from scratch, or modify existing Deus Ex maps; you can also create new conversationsbetween game characters with ConEdit. The package includes a Deus Ex Windows desktop theme. ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Eeeexcelent
The style of this game is by far one of the best I think I have ever played. I am a big fan of Half-Life, and Half-Life 2, but they don't have the choices that you can make in this game. In HL you go through and shoot anybody and everybody. In HL2, you have to shoot most people, and only on occasion do you not. In Deus Ex, you pick and chose. If you don't like the way that guy is looking at you, how about just knock him out? If you were supposed to kill him, go back and say you did. You can chose to act and do whatever you want. I have only played the demo, and for 2005, the graphics are extremely out-dated, but that is okay, because the game style makes up for it. Should the graphics be shaped up some, and the AI finally figures out where it is going for most of the time, then this would be the perfect game, and I could literally play this, and only this game, forever.

PRO's:
Free Reign Over Actions.
Excelent Modification Form. (closes in on the D20 system)
Excelent Story Line.
Easy-To-Accept Premises.

CON's:
Graphics make it hard to tell what is happening always.
AI doesn't know what it is doing sometimes.
Long Wait for Shooting. (could be sped up just slightly)
* Apparently the ending is a letdown, but I don't know.

Best.Game.Ever.
It all happened about an hour ago...

Liberty Island, New York City. The near future, 2055. A fatal wasting disease called the Gray Death is decimating the world. About an hour ago, terrorists highjacked a shipment of the only known treatment for the ailment, a substance known as Ambrosia. The terrorists are part of a group known as the National Secessionist Force, or simply NSF, a group who have long been rebelling against the U.S. government, a government that has begun to stray from the core of the U.S. Constitution, eliminating personal freedoms and reshaping society in the name of safety and security. Faced with a swelling tide of worldwide terror, American President Phillip Mead supported a charter to create a worldwide police force to combat terrorism, a force that knows no geographical boundaries, that answers to no one but itself, a force called the United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition, or UNATCO. UNATCO's worldwide central headquarters is located on Liberty Island, on ground donated by the United States, fittingly situated in the shadow of a shattered monument to freedom: the headless, crumbling Statue of Liberty, victim of a previous terror strike. It is a time of widening arcs between classes, a time of ambiguity and of teetering on the brink of societal collapse, where the gap between the haves and the have-nots is becoming unbreachable. Even as technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs make the wonders of far-flung science fiction a reality for the chosen few, the common man sinks lower and lower into poverty and obscurity as the middle classes are systematically eliminated. Six million American citizens are on an undesirable list and due to be rounded up and put into "reeducation" camps. Many more Americans are already there. Nonconformists and those who question the motives and actions of the government are summarily arrested and sometimes just disappear. Citizens are encouraged to spy on their neighbors and report any behavior that could possibly be deemed questionable or sympathetic to the terror cause, such as visiting national monuments, spending time on the internet, debating politics or speaking with a foreign accent. Big business-spearheaded by the likes of renown entrepreneur Bob Page and his Page Industries-has a stranglehold on the world, even inching its fingers onto the control pads of world government. There exists the worldwide mining and profiling of all communications. And behind it all, like omniscient, invisible puppetmasters pulling strings from dark alcoves, are the whispers of grandiose conspiracies and shadow organizations and ancient secret societies that are finally making a grab for world domination: Majestic 12, the Illuminati, the Templars. And combating these forces, aware or not of how deeply the strands run, is the NSF and its allies around the world, such as the Silhouette faction in France; dismissed as common terrorists by UNATCO, they see themselves as freedom fighters fighting governments grown corrupt and diseased on an incomprehensible scale.

You are a newly appointed, nano-augmented UNATCO agent named J.C. Denton. You arrive on the Liberty Island docks via a New York City Police boat, tasked with the removal of the NSF forces who have taken refuge inside the Statue of Liberty. Nano-augmentation is a new science-you are only the second augmented agent-and its implementation consists of the placement of microscopic machines inside the body that can enhance certain elements of an individual's natural senses-vision, strength, lung capacity, healing abilities-or create altogether unique, distinctively unnatural abilities far beyond what a non-augmented person could imagine. Nano-augmented individuals have a slightly altered appearance from regular people, with a telltale glowing of the eyes and strains of raised bluish-silver lines crosshatching parts of their skin. Previous UNATCO experiments with enhancing field agents before nano-augmentation evolved bore a more archaic signature: removing natural body parts-such as arms, legs, or even parts of the skull-and replacing them with purely mechanical, robotic, metallic pieces that enhanced abilities, yet sometimes were uncomfortable and rendered the subject something of an outcast by appearance.

Via InfoLink-a communications device implanted inside your head-your liaison inside UNATCO HQ, Alex Jacobson, informs you to hook up with your brother, Paul Denton, who happens to be the first UNATCO agent to have been nano-augmented. Paul is nearby on the dock. With him, you're able to ascertain the background and tactical situation of the terrorists at Liberty Island and the missing shipments of Ambrosia. You briefly sidestep into some detailed personal reminiscing about your parents and upbringing centering around the shared fact of the augmentations, then bid Paul a transient farewell as you begin to formulate a plan of action. The charcoal night sky is teeming with ominous, cold, grayish-white clouds in steady, unrelenting motion. The moon, the remote vault of stars, the wind, the fluttering seagulls-all are indifferent observers to the folly of men. Live or die, succeed or fail, it's all the same to them; the world will still roll on regardless of the outcome. Harbor waves lap at the dock moorings, a surprisingly delicate sound. Across the water, on either side, the distant brilliance of the New York City night skyline twinkles on the periphery. There are people there in those buildings, you know there are, real people going about real tasks in their real lives-working, eating, sleeping, loving, dying from the Gray Death, hoping for a better tomorrow-and even as they are unknowing of you and your current dilemma, you must carry on just the same. As a UNATCO agent, it's your job. To protect them from the forces of terror and evil in the world, to protect them from threats they don't even realize exist.

And really, after maybe 15 hours of playing, this is just the beginning. Deus Ex launches from here into its prolongation of winding, protracted, expansive gameplay, a springboard into theretofore uncharted realms of the interactive medium; a living and breathing gaming universe that mirrors our own in so many ways, so compelling and immersing that the experience can become ingrained in your very psyche. You spend the rest of the game unraveling a complex and multifaceted storyline woven together with a deft conspirator's touch, globetrotting repeatedly to various world locations-New York, France, Hong Kong, the American southwest-in an effort to bring down the machines trying to twist and mold the world to their own purposes. At the top, in the end, sits billionaire Bob Page, yet he is representative of only one of three distinct factions vying for world control by the end of the game. And you must choose amongst them.

The game itself is a hybrid of genres: part first-person shooter, part role playing game, part adventure game. To that end, gameplay itself reflects a given player's personal choice of progression, anything from dawning the guise of a pitiless killing machine to morphing into an invisible shade on the wall who employs surreptitiousness and cunning and eradicates nobody-or anything in between. Level designs are ingenious and inspired, offering the player the illusion of nearly limitless strategic and tactical options to approach the completion of each objective. And they're calculated in such a way that they make you feel clever for discovering some new way of doing something; no betraying neon arrows are in place pointing you in any particular direction. Worlds turn within worlds in this game, large orbiting story arcs-as great as the world itself with Tracer Tong, Bob Page, Morgan Everett, Nicolette DuClare and Helios, the construct AI revealed late in the proceedings-supporting smaller and smaller story arcs turning within, as exemplified by the reoccurring minor characters of Harley Filban, Joe Greene, Sandra Renton, Maggie Chow, Max Chen, Juan Lebedev, Jock and Smuggler. Conversation trees appear during key NPC interactions, and in the choosing you're able to directly affect NPC loyalties and sometimes the chronological order of unfolding events. I've played the game to completion at least six times over five years on two different platforms, and I've never gotten tired of the experience. Indeed, even today, I'm still discovering new things here and there I'd somehow missed all the times before. The graphics, state of the art in 2000, are understandably beginning to show their age now, five years later. But they're still darkly striking and engrossing at 1280x1024x32 and offer some of the longest view distances and largest wide open levels ever seen in gaming. Deus Ex continues to astonish and boggle me at every turn. I don't just play this game; I'm captivated by it.

Skill points are acquired at measured intervals as rewards for achieving certain objectives or discovering new areas. These skill points are used to enhance regions of a player's profile: a particular type of weapon (heavy weapons, melee weapons, rifles, explosives and so on), lockpicking skill, computer hacking skill, swimming ability, and much more. Each area of expertise can be upgraded through four tiers of enrichment. But there are only a limited amount of points distributed throughout the game, so the choosing of which area of performance to upgrade becomes a fundamental part of the experience, effectively conferring upon the player the ability to create their own strengths and weaknesses. Working hand-in-hand with these skill point upgrades are your nano-augmentations, physiologically altering enhancements to various portions of the body: Arms: Combat Strength or Microfibral Muscle, Legs: Speed Enhancement or Run Silent, Subdermal (1): EMP Shield or Ballistic Protection, Subdermal (2): Cloak or Radar Transparency, Torso (1): Aqualung or Environmental Resistance, Torso (2): Regeneration or Energy Resistance, Torso (3): Synthetic Heart or Power, Recirculator, Cranium: Aggressive Defense System or Spy Drone, Optics: Targeting or Vision Enhancement. Only one upgrade in each category can be chosen, and once upgraded the process is irreversible. Used in combination with skill point upgrading, you have complete control as to the nature of your character and-by extension-which particular pathways through the intricate webs of each mission scenario are best suited to your abilities. The audio potion is itself a further star; the ambient music behind the scenes alternatively bounces with irresistible futuristic techno rhythms or lays low and refracts the atmospheric surroundings. Sometimes, as in the main Hong Kong market theme, the music itself is worth just stopping and listening to it. During conversation cut-scenes, the background music alters to appropriately intriguing themes that underscore the mood and implications of the dialogue.

Deus Ex was released by developer Ion Storm in the summer of 2000 for PC and later ported to the PlayStation 2 under the revised title of Deus Ex: The Conspiracy. The world prophesized by this game, evidenced before you, on the monitor right in front of you, didn't exist in 2000. Yet after 9/11/2001, it has begun to exist: the terror, the paranoia, the American government that chooses to lead its people with hollow slogans and the perpetuation of fear, that implores you to give up personal freedoms-the cornerstones the country was founded on-in the name of security in this, the bravest of new worlds. Throughout the game, you see it time and again; what were futuristic science fiction dream concepts in 2000 are hard realities in 2005, are indeed torn from the headlines of tomorrow's newspapers. And the game plays out in real-world locations, places that exist today, places with their own inherent sense of reality. It makes Deus Ex more than a game world, it makes it a real world, three dimensional, tangible, a place you can step into and become lost inside of. There has never been a game like it before, and there may never be one like it again. Without question, my favorite game experience ever, a place where I can go time and again, year after year, and become something more than I am, a real character created within the realms of real world, a place capable of supplanting other realities.

Great Game!
This is simpy one of the best games out there, ranking right up alongside Half-Life and other notable games. I found myself actually caring if an important NPC would make it or not, which is rare in many FPS. What makes this game great is the quality of gameplay and storyline, not the eye candy. The graphics are a dated (it's an old game) but the excellent and engrossing plot line overshadows that fact. This is hands down one of my favorite games, because it is strictly a PC game. Too many PC games today are also being made to run on the console, and so in my opinion the quality of these games goes down. Not in graphics but in gameplay overall; they make something that looks great but lacks soul. DE may look dated, but it has more soul than any other eye-candy game on the market will ever have. ... Read more

Asin: B00005B44D
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Adventure    3. Action    4. Shooters (Shooter)    5. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (23 January, 2002)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

EA has finally brought its Medal of Honor series (already wildly popularon the PlayStation) to the PC. Set during World War II, Medal of Honor:Allied Assault chronicles the fictional exploits of Lt. Mike Powell as hebattles his way from the shores of Africa to the shores of France to the heartof Nazi Germany. On the PSX, the Medal of Honor games were hailed asrevolutionary, and though Allied Assault never quite merits that level ofpraise, it's still a great game.

At first glance, Allied Assault seems to have a lot in common with theWorld War II-themed Return to Castle Wolfenstein, but the similaritiesare strictly superficial. Allied Assault takes a more realistic approachto the action, both in the enemies that you face (there are no zombies ormutants) and in the mission structure. The game unfolds across six real-lifetheaters of war, and the 30 playable missions vary a lot in how they play out.Just like a character in a good army movie, you'll be sabotaging tanks,destroying submarines, and sending false communications. Nearly all yourmissions are very well designed, especially the mission where you land on OmahaBeach.

The D-day mission has received a lot of attention, and for good reason--once thedoor on your Higgins boat drops, all hell breaks loose. The men in front of youdrop in a hail of bullets, a Higgins boat to your left is blown to bits, andmachine gun fire rakes the water everywhere. Getting from the boat to therelative safety of the shingles is a truly harrowing experience, although partsof it borrow a little too much from Saving Private Ryan.

Since the game is set during WWII, you'll face a wide range of enemies,including tanks, machine gun nests, and even planes. The enemy AI is better thanin Wolfenstein--enemies will duck for cover, lay down suppressing fire,and throw back grenades--but too often it's obvious that enemy actions arescripted. At times you can actually tell when you've triggered the next wave ofenemy attacks: stay still and nothing happens; silently creep a foot forward andthey all come rushing out. This kind of heavy-handed scripting is a throwback tothe days of Doom, and more than a little bit of a disappointment.

Graphically, Allied Assault looks quite sharp. It uses the QuakeIII graphics engine and the character models, vehicles, and textures arewell done, especially if you have a high-end video card. Unfortunately, thereare some glitches, such as clipping and collision detection problems. It's notuncommon to see enemies walking halfway through a door or a wall. Also, in a(successful) effort to get a "T" rating, there is absolutely no blood or gore.When you a shoot a Nazi infantryman with your captured MG-42 machine gun, hesimply falls down.

The weakest part of Allied Assault is its multiplayer component. Thereare four game types, all of which are exceptionally average, and none of them isas compelling as Wolfenstein's multiplayer. Still, it is undeniably funto wage war in bombed-out French villages and other World War II battlefields.Allied Assault offers a fun single-player game and its D-day mission willgo down as a classic gaming experience. --William Harms

Pros:

• D-day mission is incredible
• Lots of mission variety
• Nice graphics

Cons:

• There are a few graphical glitches
• Heavily scripted AI
• Multiplayer is very average

... Read more

Features

• Assault enemy units alone and as part of a crack military squad.
• Special 'disguise' mode that allows players to put on enemy uniforms to evade capture.
• Highly destructible interactive environments.
• Original orchestral score by Medal of Honor composer Michael Giacchino.
• Over 20 levels that the player must accomplish specific objectives and goals in order to succeed and advance.

Reviews (425)

Beats out many others.
I would say that this game is my favorite FPS game.I've played most of the classics, and I have many new ones, but this one sticks out.

The single player is pretty good.I would prefer some more squad control and slightly less linear gameplay, but nothing is perfect.My main complaint is that on mission 5, my game glitches and I can't open the door into the city.

The best part of this game is the multiplayer.I play only stock maps, and they are still worth it.The reason that I stick with this game is that the multiplayer requires skill.The bolt action rifles are one hit kills, while the automatic weapons are multi-hit kills.With enough balance between the weapons, skill can always win through.

Don't be discouraged, though, newbies.If you watch skilled people aim, shoot, and avoid fire, then it is relatively easy to get the hang of the game pretty quickly, but to break into the 'skilled' zone requires some practice.If you are the hoser type, then start out with playing on realism games (*shudder*).Most servers with realism will say "[blah de blah clan] CKR Realism vsomething.something".

This game beats out Halo, Unreal, Call of Duty (I can't believe this game is actually gaining popularity), and almost every other shooter game.On high, the graphics are acceptable, but sometimes people's bodies and stuff stick through walls.People can take control of some glitches, but the game is almost entirely clean.(Cheat police:w00t w00t!)

For parents worried about the content, it involves a lot of shooting and maybe some raw language, but nothing too bad.There is absolutely no blood.There is more blood in a PG movie.If you nail somebody in the head multiple times, their corpse doesn't move and no blood comes out.

If you are really interested in blood, you can get a blood mod, but those are sometimes considered cheats.

blah de blah blah

Hope to see you playing.

--|88|Mr.Barrel"Your owner for the day."

Disappointed.
The game is set during WW2, the bloodiest war in the history of mankind, yet in MOHAA you wont see a drop. Its seems like the enemy drops to the floor and plays dead when you shoot them. Not very realistic.Im not saying I need to see gallons and gallons of blood and body parts but come on, its WW2.Does EA reallybelieve that "sanitized" violence is somehow less violent.There are no civilians caught in the crossfire. No friendly fire, you dont need to practice ammo discipline because the battlefield is littered with it, you cant lean left and right in the singleplayer campaign, and overall the enemy AI is not very sharp.There are no cut-scenes either.That said, MOHAA does have some very enjoyable sections, beginning with the Omaha landing, but again, it didn't seem realistic.It was almost arcade.Keep in mind enemies are spawned as you progress through each map.For example, a guard tower may seem empty, however move forward enough, and the game will instantly spawn an enemy into it, effectively barring your ability to use stealth.You cant sneak up on something if its not there.Worst of all was the conclusion.The last map was pathetic.I felt like the game just fizzled out.Maybe I was expecting the game to end in Berin somewhere, not some ho hum chemical weapons plant. The game starts out weak builds to some very good levels, but in the end it disappoints you, it did me.Its OK but it didn't make me want to buy any of the sequels, and I probably wont.

Best FPS Ever Made!
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault may be the most exciting game I have ever played. I enjoy it way more than Half Life! And that is saying a lot!
It is imperitave that you buy this if you are into PC games. You will NOT regret it! ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7YR
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Action    3. Shooters (Shooter)    4. Military (Tactics)   

Soldier of Fortune Tactical
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (01 April, 2000)

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Editorial Review

Soldier of Fortune Tactical was designed for those who want the realistic damage modeling (one bullet for one kill) and real-world missions of Soldier of Fortune but don't want Soldier of Fortune's extreme gore and limb-severing violence. It is exactly the same game as Soldier of Fortune, just "edited for television." Parents should note, however, that although the gore has been toned down, it has not been wholly removed. Soldier of Fortune Tactical, like Soldier of Fortune, has been rated "Mature" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

Soldier of Fortune Tactical steers the first-person shooter genre away from the supernatural weaponry of Unreal and Quake and toward the realistic tactical combat of Rainbow Six and SWAT 3. InSoldier of Fortune Tactical, stealth, caution, and cover carry as much importance as accuracy and firepower.

Players assume the role of John Mullins (also the name of the game's real-life mercenary consultant), a soldier for hire who accepts the most dangerous missions the U.S. government offers, including recovering stolen nuclear warheads and infiltrating war-torn Kosovo. Hawk, a burly sidekick voiced by The Green Mile Oscar nominee Michael Clarke Duncan, accompanies Mullins primarily in scripted sequences that advance the grisly story.Soldier of Fortune Tactical's single-player story line exceeds genre standards and rivals Valve's classic Half-Life for depth and excitement.

A first-person shooter wouldn't be complete without explosive weaponry-- Soldier of Fortune Tactical certainly doesn't disappoint. The arsenal includes a knife, several pistols, a shotgun, a variety of machine guns, a rocket launcher, flamethrower, sniper rifle, grenades, and a futuristic microwave gun. Unlike most action shooters, players select new weapons before each mission--and you're restricted in how much armament John carries. For instance, you must make tough decisions between the larger weapons. Should you take the submachine gun for close-quarter combat or grab the sniper rifle for a stealthier strategy? Weapons also do much more damage than in typical first-person shooters. If you're unarmored, a single shotgun blast could end your game. These elements give Soldier of Fortune Tactical an intensity not often seen in the genre. --Doug Radcliffe

Pros:

• Heavily modified and very crisp Quake 2 graphics engine
• Varied multiplayer modes provide frenetic online excitement with smooth action on a standard modem connection
• Over two dozen missions with multiple objectives and diverse locations, such as on a speeding train and at Kosovo
• Some of the best weapons and weapon sound effects ever used in a first-person shooter

Cons:

• Limited enemy artificial intelligence

... Read more

Reviews (4)

I GIve it a 3 cuz....
they tone down the violciens but there still is all the major stuff from the orignal......i still like this game but im still giveing it a 3.

Soldier of Fortune
Im a regular teenage boy, and this game is one of the most entertaining games I have ever played.Im a fan of First person Shooters, and this game is very well designed, and the levels are cool.One point, the blood level is excessive, compaired to the other games out there.This is not a game for the weak.I like this game for the weapons, and for the game play. The controls are easy to use and intutive, and the only problem i have founds is in the save/loading games.I highly suggest this game for those who arn't weak or have personal morals (blowing a bad guys' head off at point-blank range with a 12 g. shotgun)-Note-If your not lookin for gore, i sugest half-life.

The Best Game Of The Year
Well when first time when i saw screenshots i thought it can't be true. But when i bought it it true. Ofcourse game has Quake 2 Engine but very good modified around 30 deadly lavels + good weapons make this gamesomethink like Delta Force 3. My Sagestion to you Do not download warezversion of this game better by it and play cuz you will never find key toplay online!So by this game now! ... Read more

Asin: B00004S4XN
Subjects:  1. First Person    2. SoF    3. Computer Games    4. Action    5. Shooters (Shooter)   

Star Wars: Dark Forces (Jewel Case)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $39.95
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Features

Reviews (20)

A Classic
Dated now I know, but games are about so much more than high-end graphics. This game was revolutionary in it's time, and is still even 10 years later, great fun to play. Very challenging and so engaging that you forget about the low quality graphics after a while.

Very little that I can criticize about the game, seeing as they pretty much put together the best they could with the technology of the time. A lot of people might be put off by the fact the background music is tinny MIDI files, but I find them amusing. They are rather *good* MIDIs at any rate.

oldie but goodie
Played this game a lot when I was younger, great game and a classic FPS w/ great sound effects, awesome music!, and great gameplay plus a storyline to boot.If you can pick this up for cheap, you can't go wrong.

Very Very Fun
I had bought this game ooo a bunch of years back, when it first came out, but at the time i was pritty young so i never really got into it. Now that im older i can see what a fun game this is. Its a first person shooter and the controlls are very easy. The sound is amazing and the enimies guns ect. are awsome. The only thing i have to warn you about is the graphics suck major, sometimes if your foe is to far away it looks like just a rock. Putting graphics aside you will find underneath the pixels and polygons a very unique and fun game with a good plot may i add. ... Read more

Asin: B000056PJE
Sales Rank: 2247
Subjects:  1. First person    2. Science fiction (scifi sci-fi)    3. Shooters (Shooter)    4. Star Wars (Starwars)    5. darkforces    6. starwars lucasarts    7. Action    8. Computer Games    9. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 (Jewel Case)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (15 April, 2002)
-- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

Reviews (41)

A must-have for any FPS fan!
I'll say right from the outset that I'm not a really huge Star Wars fan, though I did enjoy the films. But I am a first-person-shooter fan going way back to Wolfenstein 3D, and I know my FPSs and I know outstanding level design. Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 has some of the best level design and by far the most memorable locations of any FPS I've ever played. Please don't confuse this with graphical splendor. Back in 1997 I was stunned at how good this game looked. Now it's 2005 and I've just now decided to play it again. And while the graphics do look ancient compared to modern games, I cannot describe what a rush it is to visit these old familiar 'places'. The sense of 'place' is so powerful, I felt like I was visiting real places I had actually been to before. It was like re-visiting real places instead of virtual ones. Look folks, if you are a graphics junkie, you've really got no business playing any game older than 3 or 4 years old. But if gameplay is your thing, this is your game. The levels are absolutely VAST. I have never in my life felt such vertigo when playing a game. And that includes all modern ones. As far as inducing vertigo goes, this game has never been challenged. Even Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy don't come close to matching this game's dizzying heights (or vast distances). The 'puzzles' are really quite logical and fit right into the game. Playing an old game like this is akin to watching an old movie. Sure, the technology is old, but the heart is still there, and both old and new can be enjoyed equally if you can accept each on its own terms. Replaying Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 has been a real treat for me. I just can't believe I waited 8 years to do it! Also, for reference, it runs superbly at its highest settings on my Windows XP w/ SP2, Athlon XP 2600+ with 1 gig ram, and an NVidia 6600GT w/ 128 video ram. Using a Logitech optical mouse and am have absolutely no control or video issues. In-game settings: 1600 x 1200 resolution, checked the box for 3D acceleration and turned on every option there is, including entering '32' in the 'Minumum Texture Size' box and checked the box for 'Back Buffer In System Memory'. Also increased view size to just short of maximum. Only problem I'm having is manually saving the game by exiting out to the save menu. When I save the game that way, the game will crash to desktop, but the save DOES work, so I just re-load the game and in 10 seconds I'm going again. QUICKSAVE however, works without a hitch, so that's what I use most of the time. Also, each time I start the game, I have to set the graphics options...annoying, but nothing to it, and well worth the small hassle to enjoy this game at its highest settings on a modern computer. Aside from the manual save glitch, it's VERY stable on my rig. I can play for hours with not a single visual problem. There are very few 'classic' games that run this well on a modern WinXP rig.

A classic...in it's time....
This is a review for Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight. Amazon.com is grouping all the 'Jedi Knight' games together which is a huge mistake, because all of them are very different.

There is at least a five-year gap between Jedi Knight and its sequel, Outcast. In this game, Kyle Katarn learns about his force heritage and must battle 7 Dark Jedi led by Jerec for control of the Valley of the Jedi. In all honesty, while this game was hailed as a classic and received many 'game of the year' awards during its initial release, it hasn't aged well. Most polygon-based shooters dont, and it's somewhat painful to look back on the rudimentary character models and textures (though the basic level design itself is still top notch). Outcast also improved on everything that Jedi Knight brought to the table, including a better lightsaber combat system and better implementation of force powers. I won't deny that the game was an absolute blast to play through years ago, but nostalogic value alone doesn't make this one worth picking up.

What DOES make it worth picking up though, is that the game featured an intricate story told through cutscenes with live actors. Everyone is shot on a bluescreen, sure, but the acting is mostly up to Star Wars standards, and it's worth buying to unlock all the cinemas and watch this cool Star Wars footage.

As a game, there's really no reason to pick up the original Jedi Knight anymore, but if you're interested in viewing the cutscenes, then this is an absolute must-have. I'm giving this game 3 stars because 5 stars, what it was worth upon original release, doesn't accurately represent the game today.

Best Game Since 1997!
As being a dedicated JK'er since 1997, I have to write a review for anyone out there thinking about purchasing this game.

First off, this game was way ahead of its time when it was first released. The graphic engine and multiplayer aspects dominated any competition there were at the time!

The never-ending contributions from JK players all over the world also make it one of the all time best games ever! The endless array of 3rd party levels and mods there are for this game are astronomical! Over the years, fellow JK Editors have found ways of updating it to make it play and look better. I am one of them. I have created a multiplayer level series for this game called The Dralloc Series (www.theddc.cjb.net) which shows exactly how much this game has grown!

With the utilization of new 3D graphic power, Jedi Knight really shines! The lighting and architectural abilities of the JK engine make absolutely outstanding visuals that make you think as if you were really there! (especially in Dralloc Levels)

The single player aspect of this game also stands out. Either ripping through it with a wide arsenal of high-powered weapons, or weilding your trusty lightsaber, you are also accompanied with several force powers of your choice. They really come in handy when up against the stonger, more difficult enemies!

In conclusion, this is by far one of the best First Person Shooters of all time! Definately worth the buy! Own a piece of Star Wars history today! ... Read more

Asin: B000063LK3
Sales Rank: 812
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Action    3. Shooters (Shooter)    4. Star Wars (Starwars)   

Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast Collectors Edition
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (27 March, 2002)
list price: $59.99
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Editorial Review

This collector's edition contains Star Wars: Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast, the full version of the original Star Wars: Jedi Knight, the full version of (I)Dark Forces(/i) and an official Jedi Outcast keychain, all within a custom tin box.

In the tradition of the multi-award-winning Star Wars: Jedi Knight, Star Wars: Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast features rebel agent Kyle Katarn in exhilarating first-person action. Several years have passed since Kyle avenged his father's death and saved the Valley of the Jedi from Jerec and his band of Dark Jedi. Allowing his Force powers to languish for fear of falling to the dark side, Kyle entrusted his lightsaber to Luke Skywalker, vowing never to use it again. But when a new and menacing threat to the galaxy emerges, Kyle knows he must reclaim his past in order to save his future.

LucasArts is developing Jedi Outcast in partnership with Activision's critically acclaimed Raven Software. Players assume the role of Kyle as they employ a unique mix of weapons, Force powers, and the lightsaber in both single- and multiplayer modes. Jedi Outcast features expanded and enhanced use of the lightsaber, with new attack and defense moves. Tap into the powers of the Force, including jump, push, Jedi mind tricks, and more. Employ combat or stealth, depending on the situation. When a fight is necessary, be at the ready with an arsenal of weapons: stun baton, Bryar blast pistol, and blaster rifle to name but a few.

Explore breathtaking Star Wars locales such as Cloud City, the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, Nar Shaddaa, the smugglers' moon--plus some never-before-seen locations. Multiplayer options include deathmatch, saber-only deathmatch, and team capture the flag. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Fun game, too easy
Dont get me wrong, this was a pretty fun game and the story was decent.Graphics were good and enjoyable...

The game would deem a challenge if it weren't for force powers.I mean, the game was more of a challenge pre-lighsaber. Granted it was just the first few levels so it couldn't be anything too hardcore.If the game was restricted like the first few levels, it would have deems difficult, but it isn't now is it?

The game becomes tedious and boring right about then.Force Speed + Lightsaber = Everyone Dies....At the offset of an engagement, activate force speed and you whip around too fast for anyone to kill you.So every bad guy you come across, you activate that and run at them causing their demise.Not to mention the force choke off high place ;-)

overall the game was fun, but it loses a lot of points because it gets too easy with the force speed followed by lightsaber attack...

good, but a Litlle challenging:
Please, be warned, before you read my review that my views are not usually looked upon as the popular choice, but hey I speak my mind.

Firstly, they don't just drop you off a cliff, so to speak, like in DFII, and they do allow for you to get used to the controls before real combat. The levels are intricate and innovative, whereas the game is long (unless you use cheat codes, it is the shortened to around 6 hours.) Also, unlike in DFII, the game gets interesting from the start. You have to use strategy throughout the game, instead of just going: SHOOT EM' UP SHOOT EM' UP!!!

Also, the weapons get unique. the Tenloss DX/R disruptor Sniper rifle is a favorite of mine, as well as the Destructive Elctromagnetic Pulse Weapon: Type 2 (DEMP 2). also, the lightsaber is much more realistic in this than DFII. For example, you can chop off limbs in both games, but you can only chop at the shoulder in DFII, where in JKII, you can chop of the hand, the forearm, even the head off. The seeking missle option on the Merr-Sonn PMX portable missle launcher is quite extraordinary. Det. packs are much an asset as well.

The NPC's are extremely intelligent in JKII. they can see you firing and run away. Also, they will fire at spots you can't deflect easily.

The force is quite interesting, allowing that you are a Dark and Light jedi at the same time, with powers such as grip, lightning, heal, and protect. Grip is cool because you can move your enemy around, dropping them off cliffs or using them as shields. The lightsaber throw is quite cool.

Allowing that you are hardcore enough to learn the lightsaber moves by heart, the duels are interesting. I prefer the "death from above" combo in medium style. you do a flip wityh your lightsaber making a horizontal slash while inverted. This is a hard move to time, but causes instant death to anyone who it hits.

THE PRECEDING WAS A REVIEW OF JKII ONLY!!!

Lucas puts out a real winner
What can I say, I was not totally sure I would like this first person shooter/Third person when with lightsaber.Im sure now.
The game is well worth it! Many hours of fun!
A TRUE WINNER!!! ... Read more

Asin: B0000639W2
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Adventure    3. Action    4. Shooters (Shooter)    5. Collections (Collections)    6. Bundle (Bundles)    7. Space Simulators (Simulation)    8. Science Fiction (Sci-Fi, scifi)    9. Star Wars (Starwars)   

System Shock 2
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $14.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

It's the future, of course, and you're stationed aboard the spaceship Van Braun, waiting for your first soldiering assignment. Luckily, the future resembles the best of science fiction from the last 10 years--something plucked from Blade Runner with pieces from the The Fifth Element (only with an AI-enabled computer/self-proclaimed goddess running the show).

The universe is run by unbelievably huge corporations, and in one of the biggest (TriOptimum), a hacker is breaking the rules. The result is SHODAN, a supercomputer whose beautiful, eerie face glimmers from the box's cover. The engine used for Thief: The Dark Project, ensures that System Shock 2 hums along on systems with the basic requirements.

With a superior plot and engaging, Asian-inspired aesthetics, System Shock 2 is a visceral, visual treat of a first-person role-playing game. All the devices that in theory seem stale and stupid come to life in this game. It's as if you could go back to the 1970s and take a vision of what the future would look like--and make it believable and cool. All the whirs and beeps and pulsing noises sound realistic. In addition, the designers have added in all the creepy elements we never wanted to have come true--such as the voiceovers that greet you when you're at the airport--only in this case, you're visiting the training sessions held by the United National Nominate.

Suffice it to say, the future of humankind is in your hands. With an excellent supporting cast and well-realized sci-fi visuals, System Shock 2 offers insight into an amazing new world order. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Very good but hard, very hard.
Several things make this hybred shooter / RPG hard: First there aren't large piles of ammo available and most monsters only drop one bullet, shell, etc. You'll almost always be short of ammo, needing to resort to the default weapon, a wrench, especially on the early levels. You really will need to make every shot count. Additionally unlike most low ammo shooters, this game, while having some stealth elements is not stealth game. You sneak around some but there is the occasional large firefight you can't avoid. The last hard part is the slow rate that you acquire weapons and even after you find them, you can't carry them all. It'll take a long time to find and gain the skills to use better weapons and the limited inventory space means you'll be making some hard choices.

Not just a shooter, you find 'cybernetic modules' that you use to upgrade your abilities. Upgrades include the usual statistics (strength, agility, endurance, etc), weapon skills, psonic abilities and technical skills. The technical skills are the most important, you have repair and modify your weapons, research unknown items you find and hack into computers, security systems and other items. This hacking skill is most important skill you have. You won't enough modules for all the upgrades so choose wisely.

Aside from difficulty and RPG features the game provides a good story. Your path is fairly linear and there's a bit too much key collecting there are a couple plot twists.And while the space ship interior graphics are mundane, the sound design is excellent. You'll need a good speaker setup to hear things coming up behind you or in the distance ahead.

One disappointment: most monsters re-spawn. My preference has been to clear out an area and have it stay cleared.

I had no problems running this game on Windows 2000 although switching to the desktop caused a nVidia-based blue screen of death.

Best Ever, but...
This is my favorite PC game of all time. I've been playing since it's release (yep, I've got the original packaging and all). My only negative comment is not on the game itself but that it is almost a crime that no further games in this series were ever produced. I also have SS1 but unfortunately still have not gotten it to run correctly on modern PC's (damn DOS crap!). I still have not taken the wrench challenge on the highest level, too much dancing around with robots I guess..

Folks, this is as good as it gets.
I first played this game in Spring of 2003, by which time the graphics of this game were almost primitive. I stuck through the first few minutes to see what the game was like, and it wasn't long before I was sucked in to what is probably the best game I have ever played in my life. This game will scare you to death. It really makes me wonder why more games like this aren't made. Doom 3 actually took most of its style of play from this game. Its very much like Deus Ex, and in my opinion is actually superior. It has a superb storyline played out through emails and data logs with superb voice acting. The atmosphere will really sink into your skin, and when you hear the monsters hunting you down, you'll be ready to jump out of your skin! Be advised, this game is very difficult, and it takes time to get used to. It is not like a regular FPS, you simply don't have enough ammo to go around blasting everything you see. You have to be clever. Play this game, and you will not regret it. It's true that the later levels are somewhat dissapointing, but the game is still well worth it. Five Stars for this game. Oh, and make sure to check out the System Shock 2: Rebirth modification, which replaces some of the graphics with excellent high polygon versions. It really makes the game look ten times better! Just type the name System Shock 2 Rebirth into a search engine to find it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XRBM
Subjects:  1. Science fiction (scifi sci-fi)    2. Shooters (Shooter)    3. systemshock2    4. two (II)    5. Action    6. Computer Games    7. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)    8. First person   

Serious Sam
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (21 March, 2001)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Serious Sam places gamers in the role of special-forces veteran Sam "Serious" Stone. Sam Stone travels back in time to an ancient Egyptian world with the mission of assassinating a great evil: Notorious Mental. Mental has set forth to wipe out Earth and all humans for sheer fun, just as it did with all of the other civilizations throughout galactic history.

Players can defend the world in either single player or multiplayer modes. Multiplayer modes support two to four players in split-screen action on a single computer. In cooperative mode, gamers can join forces against the hordes of enemies.

In Serious Sam, players will travel through beautiful and realistic terrain, both indoors and outdoors. Serious Sam's powerful 3-D technology, based on the company's proprietary Serious Engine, offers directional lighting and realistic-looking daytime scenes. In addition, the game's technology also allows for multidirectional gravity, dynamic volumetric fog and haze, and destructible objects. Players wishing to create their own levels can use the free Serious Editor and Serious Modeler, which are powerful real-time editing tools that include tutorials. ... Read more

Features

Reviews (83)

Fun Fun Fun!
If you're looking for a complicated, rich storyline, this game is not it.
If you're looking for a first person shooter where monsters come in countless waves and all you gotta do is hold the trigger down, this game is for you.
Serious Sam has been rated by many as a mindless shooter and that's exactly what it is. Great fun.
Multiplayer cooperative matches are simply a blast.

One heck of a blast...
Serious Sam, the only man who can save the Earth, makes his first appearance. Serious Sam is a nice change from all the flashy difficult shooters, because there is very little puzzle work involved. Simply pick up your guns and start shooting anything that moves. It's quite simply a new-born DOOM.

Some of the remarks Sam makes are very funny and the enemies come in all different sizes, from small zombies to giant insects!

However, sometimes the game gets difficult and it has you tearing your hear out. So many enemies coming at you and no cover at all means you have to be quick on your toes and quick on the trigger. Plus it gets repetitive as well. Simply going in, killing everything and going out gets boring after a while.

Plus, the enemies all have the same attacks. And they just run blindly at you with no regard for anything else... which doesn't make a challenge.

However, if you can turn a blind eye to these flaws then Serious Sam is a classic shooting game which has everything a trigger happy guy would like.

GOOD BITS
Fast action
Lots of bad guys
Lots of guns
Plenty of funny bits
A nice change

BAD BITS
Repetitive
Sometimes difficult
Poor A.I

The Verdict: 4 out of 5

ALTERNITIVE'S: If you like this then try Duke Nukem.
Enjoy

One of the best FPS ever
Buy this game now. All I have to say. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B00004ZB7P
Subjects:  1. Shooters (Shooter)    2. serioussam    3. Action    4. Computer Games    5. First person   

Max Payne
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (26 July, 2001)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Max Payne, the New York police detective, has had a bad time of itrecently, and it's time for payback. Three years ago, junkies high on amysterious new narcotic called Valkyr slaughtered his wife and child. Thetragedy drives him on a prolonged path of vengeance. It turns him from adetective looking for easy work to a deep undercover vice cop infiltrating theMob to a hardened vigilante. Max Payne is a film-noir-inspired gameabout revenge that is unflinching in every way possible. It's dark and moody,extremely twisted, and turns PC action gaming on its ear by featuringstate-of-the-art graphics, audio, and cinematic action.

Aside from its inspired use of photorealistic graphics and unique graphic novel(comic book) panels to further the plot, the game also features something calledBullet Time: a slow-motion toggle, usable for a limited time, that re-createsthe awe-inspiring diving maneuvers made popular by director John Woo and, ofcourse, The Matrix. At the touch of a button, Max can go into slow motionand leap forwards or back, and side to side, while pumping generous amounts oflead into his enemy's bodies. This toggle isn't just eye candy, it's a strategicdevice that evens the sometimes staggering odds the game throws at you. Theaction is made even more visceral by the interactive environments (glassshatters, plaster puffs into dust, and wood splinters) and generous amounts ofblood.

The game carries a Mature label, and this should be taken very seriously. Thegame doesn't pull a single punch, whether in flashbacks showing Max's reactionto his gunned-down spouse, or even, somewhat tastelessly, flashbacks thatinclude his slain infant daughter. And he mows down a virtual army of hackneyedJoe Pesci-style Italian mobsters or ski-mask-wearing terrorists with extremeprejudice. The plot is predictable, the script is humorously bad (intentionallyso?), but the action will definitely make a shooter fan drool. Max Payneis the übershooter, and as such, it should be kept out of the hands ofkids. But mature action fans will love it. --Andrew S. Bub

Pros:

• Fantastic graphics and unparalleled action
• The slow-motion Bullet Time is The Matrix or Hard Boiled cometo life

Cons:

• It's a little on the short side
• The script is, at times, hilariously bad

... Read more

Features

Reviews (343)

The Chinese take-out of computer gaming
There is a kind of deserved irony in mimicking a genre as silly and shallow as the graphic novel. The more authentic the caricatured pulp fiction hero is to the original formulas, the narrower the constraints of the story. And while no one denies that Max Payne is an "outsider" who "plays by his own rules" and "isn't tied down by the Man", he still walks a pretty narrow path.


Which is not to say Max Payne is a bad game. It does introduce a certain charm with a number of new innovations such as "bullet-time" and the nightmare sequences. Trouble is, about halfway through the adventure a serious feeling of "deja-Woo" sets in with the been-there killed-that repetition.


It would have helped the emotional impact of the storyboards had not the Man-Akin from those bizarre pseudo-50's "male-enhancement" commercials been chosen to play the hero. (Not Bob Dole, that other guy.) His constipated facial expressions rarely match the deadly serious dialogue, and turn parts of the story from tragedy to farce. But the schticky dialogue is largely intentional, and although often overcooked, usually works well to advance the story.

Graphically the game is a stunner. It looks like a million bucks, even on my average PC. The levels of object detail are (or were) unprecedented for shooters. Architectural design is often stunning, locations are both realistic and fantastically creative: Mafia hideouts are appropriately sleazy and opulent, a bizarre Goth-pagan nightclub thumps techno beats that become as chilling as any Resident Evil backgound noises. Object interactivity is high with lots of openable cabinets hiding powerup goodies, flushable toilets, and vending machines that drop snacks and pop!

Which runs into my next major criticism of Max Payne: control. Oh sure, it's easy and trouble free, but when you build a control scheme as simple as Max's, how can you make mistakes? Not only is there no analog stick support, there is also NO WALK FUNCTION! Max moves through his environment like Rain Man on an explosive easter egg hunt. And this highlights what I believe to be a major problem within the game devlopment hierarchies: the stratification and exclusionary attitude between different departments of game design. It's obvious that those who fleshed out the environments to the degree of a Zelda game were not on the same page with the slouches who built Max Payne's movement engine. And clearly there was little coordination concerning pacing and difficulty. Max Payne requires playing the easy level on the first go-round; it's far too easy for any experienced gamer. The result is a game best played carelessly and quickly. With liberal use of the quicksave feature, Max Payne is a breeze that can literally be run through in a few hours. Much like a filling Chinese meal, it may leave you hungry again in a few hours.

a very well done game
3 stars is pretty good for me as i have yet to give a game 5 stars and i would say max payne is maybe 3 and a half. i wont really go into the plot much of this game as its always the easiest info to come across. i'll just give you my positives and my complaints that lead to my score.

positive:
a good story!,
i find video games woefully deficient in this regard normally and when people talk about good stories at best i think it is relative. i am still waiting for a great story, but found mp to be one of the (few) reasonably solid ones. as a fan of cutscenes i thought i would miss them more than i did (the story is told through quite good graphic novel panels). the ending in particular is notably satisfying, with the gameplay integrating well and interestingly with the action itself to produce an actual, mostly reasonable, closed ending conclusion (shockingly rare in computer games!).

you can save the game anytime.

looks pretty nice for a dated game, not beautiful, but can be stylish.

good gameplay balance and feel, i liked the voice acting and characters, film noir theme worked quite well (i enjoyed the lack of monsters!) interesting progression of improved weapons, gameplay mechanics sound, self adjusting difficulty levels a little bit of an odd concept, but actually worked pretty well (the game adjusts the difficulty level according to how you're doing), i like my games a bit on the easier side of things and the level of challenge here was really pretty good for me. i had really only a couple notably frustrating times (one a run through a burning building), but i've hadworse. also, i LIKED the length of this game! it is a common complaint that it was too short, but i find very few games are actually anywhere good or interesting enough to hold my interest all the way through as they all end up as more of the same after awhile. 12 to 15 hours (a guess, i don't exactly recall) is a very good length for a shooter and seemed just right for max payne.

you might also enjoy that this game should work on even a pretty dated system today (i found the game very stable with its patch), and that you should be able to get it for dirt cheap.

negatives:

the extremely interesting bullet time feature, while cool, actually gives no advantage that i can tell. if anything it was a disadvantage mostly and you're better off just barging through or in (they fix this in max payne 2, but do worse on other accounts).

there are alot of locked doors as in "hmm this door is locked, i'll try that one, oh, i tried that already."

the gameplay is not notably diverse, shooting, navigating, a bit of light puzzle solving. the gritty urban world is okay, but not all that interesting to explore or anything.

conclusion: this is a very good meat and potatoes action adventure shooter. it will not blow you away but is pretty fun and as good as pretty much anything else in its genre (taking into account its age which probably means less than most of us "newest thing" addicts are inclined to admit). i recommend it.

Re:yeah!
to this day, this game still kicks! awesome graphics, awesome gameplay, etc. If your into games like this one, Pick this one up. a+ ... Read more

Asin: B00002SUOV
Subjects:  1. maxpayne    2. Third person    3. Computer Games    4. Action    5. Shooters (Shooter)