This is a game that sticks with you. Me and my mates, over countless past summers, enthralled by the strategic opportunities. A map editor that won't quit. Complex and gratifying mechanics. An ever deepening possibility space. Robust campaign options. Hectic and awesome battles, modifiable to your pleasure, based on a gratuitous matrix of odds. Weird and wacky mods the world over. Endless possibilities. Here we are, ten years later, still savoring and loving this game, or, these games, because there are so many preposterous permutations and not nearly enough time. First, the Campaign. Wet your feet, then dive in. Easily done. But, then the flavor text, the manifold scenarios and countless expository tidbits. Heroes Chronicles, a later series done with the same engine, emanates post-Howardian Sword And Sorcery. Restoration of Erathia is replete with the echoes of tolkenian high fantasy. The mechanics are crunchy, and those with bright minds can navigate quickly. For unlike Starcraft, this game is meticulous. Unlike Starcraft, it does not sprint with all the wiry implications of a well-dissected fighting game. This is strategy. This is pure, untapped tactics. This is Chess with feeling! And maybe, like chess, it would have done better with less numbers and more action, less statistics and more probability, less calculated clicking numerals and more mind games. But as it stands, Heroes does the TBS endless amounts of good. Maybe not the level of good established by the monumental, dauntless, eternal Civilization 4. But it was a proud start.
Earthworm Jim was one of the first legitimate games I ever played. As A child, I savored the game's lush animations and farcical creations, deeply enjoying the action it had to offer. This game is amazing for all reasons, stellar design, curvaceous difficulty, and a chaotic story that Douglas Adams himself could appreciate. Doug TenNapel's finest work, but there is a drawback to this particular iteration. Unlike the CD -ROM version, the DOS game plays rather clunkily, with some revamped physics which made the game considerably more challenging (In a bad way) and so-bad-it's-terrible intro art. However, the same amazing game is still at it's core. Ultimately, I would suggest downloading, in the hope that the fine folks at GOG manage to upload the CD version with extra levels Big Bruty and More Junk. Also, the numerous extras help sweeten the deal to a great extent. Just Go For It!
Fallout is exceptional in the best way possible, a writhing cacophony consisting of the finer parts of Mad Max, the Old Testament, and Time Enough At Last, with some Original Neo-Sci-Fi Nuke-Punk thrown in for good measure. The story alone is fit to getcha, chronicling the downfall of civilization, and the rebirth of culture and ritual from the creaking hulks of a long decayed society. The Designers have managed to craft a sobering and innovative Role-Playing experience, with roots in tabletop gaming and a setting all its own. Mechanically, it's liberating, allowing the player full choice, and although the control scheme is slightly convoluted, it stimulates in the best way possible, allowing for a complexity unrivaled in its genre. Fascinating experience, and although challenging, Worthy of its creed. Get it, before it gets you...
Disciples was an authentic delight to discover. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Heroes Of Might and Magic. However, this game possesses a distinct flavor that HMM never really distilled, more akin to high fantasy proper, than the sort of sword and sorcery feel that was aimed at by Heroes. Gameplay, as well, is vastly superior, and the Turn Based RPG feel meshes much better with the environment. Strategy-wise, it seems like it's reaching for a sort of Civilization thing, with a focus on converting the land, and the potential formation of alliances. The Only place where Disciples falters is in its design, which is not nearly as streamlined as would be preferred. The voice acting is also somewhat grating at times, but comical in its over-the-topness all the same. And unfortunately, multiplayer is nonexistent. But, for such a marvellous price, I would recommend picking it up, it's an entertaining distraction which moves at a steady pace, and possesses a surprising amount of depth for its pedigree. Fun Times!
