PC Gaming is dead, but you can revive it!

Well the title isn't completely true,PC gaming isn't dead, but it has seen better days. Any good games these days on the PC can be obtanined on one of the three console systems, and you don't have to shell out hunderds of dollars to buy or upgrade your PC to get these games. However if your looking to find some new entertainment for your PC, look no further than the past. On this post I'll cover some old PC titles that are both inexpensive and highly entertaining.


Never Winter Nights 2



I just picked up this game for the first time yesterday at Best Buy for 20$. NWN 2 is one of the most impressive RPGs I have ever played. It has an incredibly strong plot that will keep you addicted to the game,and the choice system is one of the deepest I've ever seen in any RPG. Never Winter Nights 2 is a highly customizable game: there are a variety of skin tones, hair colors, and even voice overs you can use for your character. With 17 races to choose from, 12 starting classes, and 16 prestige classes you can have literally hudreds of combinations for creating a character. The combat my seem a bit sluggish to even the most avid RPG fans, but it is addicting and simplistic none the less. Despite being a couple of years old already, NWN 2 still has impressive graphics and is definitely well worth the 20$.


Blizzard Games: Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo







Blizzard has left a legendary mark on the PC gaming world. Now, finally after years of only concentrating on World of Warcraft, Blizzard is going to release Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2. However, that doesn't mean you still can't have fun with their older titles!

Starcraft takes place in the future where three races are vying for power: The Protoss (aliens), Terrans (humans), and the Zerg (Zombie parastic aliens?). Starcraft is a very addictive rts, with a strong story line and easy learning curve. Do you know that it is the most popular RTS in Korea and Japan? That's right, even after 10 years after it was relased, Starcraft is still being played in tournaments across asia. In my opinion, that alone solidifies why this is possibly the greatest RTS of all time. Granted the graphics are a bit dated, but what do you expect from a 10 year old game? The Starcraft battle chest is currently sold in stores for 20$, it includes both Starcraft, and Starcraft Brood Wars.

These days , Warcraft is a house hold name seeing that World of Warcraft is the most sucessful MMO of all time with 11 million subscribers. However, few of those players ever played Warcraft 3 and its expansion, the Forzen Throne. Although it is not as good as Starcraft in terms of RTS play, its online custom games are what really keeps the game alive these days. The Warcraft Battle Chest is currently sold in stores for 40$, and includes both Warcraft 3 and Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne.

I can't comment on Diablo as much since I haven't played it as much as the first two. None the less I do have some experince playing this highly addictive game. It has a strong online community that will keep you occupied even after you finish the main story line. The Diablo Battle Chest I have actually NOT seen in stores lately, and is on back order online, crazy as it may sound. However if you are lucky enough to come across it the current price is 40$ and it includes both Diablo and Diablo 2.


Total War Series






Yes, I realize neither of these games are that old, but there cheap and fun none the less! The Total War series in my opinion are the greatest RTS games of all time. You choose from one of 21 fractions during the Medieval era. From there you manange your countries economy from a map view overlooking all your cities, and when it is time for battle you zoom into a battle field and lead your armies to victory! The complexity of the game is astounding, and there is a very strong community which constantly makes mods for the game. Warning though: the game does have a bit of a steep learning curve. Rome Total War is currently 20$ and it comes with the barbarian expansion. Medieval Total War is 30$ and comes with the Kingdoms expansion.


Halo



Yes, I know it's old, but for 20$ and free online play with mods, Halo for the PC cannot be beat. The single player is good too, but what really makes the game shine now days is the online play, which Halo for the xbox did not have at the time. This game is so well known its self explanatory, everyone knows what it is about by now.


Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2





Both great Star Wars RPG's. KOTOR 1&2 are highly in depth games with strong plots and astounding character choices that literally influence those around you and change you appearnce. Currently there are mods for both games, and there is even a mod being made to "finish" Knights of the Old Republic 2. In my opinion Knights of the Old Republic was better that the sequal, and I would buy it first since they don't even make the game anymore! Thats right you have to either buy it used or from some random store that still caries it. KOTOR 1 is about 25$ depending where you buy it from, and KOTOR 2 is 20$.




Guild Wars



This game isn't that old either, but it is a free MMO. Guild Wars is a game with great PVP features and a strong community. It does lack a little bit in the PVE area, however it is a good alternative for those who don't wish to pay 15$ a month to play World of Warcraft. The original Guild Wars is only 20$, the expansion packs are more, but if you aren't satisfied with the game you are not forced to buy them.