I've got two copies of Venetica - both boxed, a German and an English release of the game. I'm tempted to add the gog release to the collection as well. Venetica is an odd title in some ways, it isn't a big budget game and can indeed look rough around the edges. It has a lot of heart though and enough features and ideas to make it stand out. With multiple combat styles based on weapons used, armour and clothing that needs to be altered to fit the player and that are conducive to different fighting styles, three different factions to go through on separate playthroughs and a sense of humour that is at times reminiscent of Fable. All these things combine together to create something - yes, of a lower budget, and slightly more odd Fable - what it will provide, regardless of production values [I hope for you] is that same sense of fun and enjoyment in the process of playing. There aren't many games that I'd really like to see receive remakes/cosmetic upgrades, but Venetica is one of them, as I think that with some improvements to its visuals and sounds, [doable, but a lot of work through .dds textures etc] it would win the hearts of more players. Be aware that there is going to be some clunky parts, but like a floppy eared dog, it will try and win over your heart if you let it.
CC3 really is an excellent title that I've grown up with and return to again and again. It provided a more in-depth continuance of your troops as you are able to refit and repair them across the whole Eastern Front campaign. Promotions would be gained and experience remembered. A wide range of settings and challenges would be faced depending on the climate and required consideration when requisitioning troops. With four classes of troops to select from and three levels of experience you had the ability to create interesting combined arms teams and without the limitations of CC4 or Gateway to Caen. CC3 contains I think the strongest tank combat in the game with arguably clearer path finding and a good range of AFVs to use. The maps aren't too big or too small so pacing is well maintained and the variety of settings keep things interesting. Head on tank battles and sneaky ambushes are both supported, hunting panzers with flame tanks and desperate last stands will be encountered. Infantry are accurate, capable and lethal. If they are poorly trained however then they will need commanders near them otherwise they will desert. You'll soon learn the value of your infantry troops when the snow and mud set in and your tanks are slowed and immobilised. While not possessing the weight of modifications of CC5 the selection available for CC3 are still notable. While easier than CC2 it manages to be more challenging than CC5. CC3 managed to have its own identity within the series and for that I am glad and still come back to play it now, especially with Der Ost Front modification. For a full in-dpeth review: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/96044-close-combat-iii-the-russian-front-pc/reviews/164016
I've no reason to repurchase Quake 2 here give that I already own two copies of it, one the original boxed edition as well as the Ground Zero expansion (also boxed) and another edition that was included with QUake 4's special edition which had Quake 2, Ground Zero and Reckoning. It's nice to see the full quad damage edition though which includes Netpack Extremities (also available as a VERY rare boxed edition). I do though still want to encourage others who might not have played the game to do so. After Doom's sci-fi horror and Quake's gothic rampage, Quake 2 went the sci-fi military route. Similar in some respects to the difference between Alien and Aliens. A new engine and (for the time) amazing features, new structure dynamics - interlinked levels forming hubs with shared mission objectives and a wider cast of opponents than Quake you had a solid foundation for one of the all time great FPS's. Add into the mix the oppressive and imposing architecture, the relentless combat and a truly awesome soundtrack and it just got better. Even then however there was still more to come. A slick and sublime multiplayer mode, strong modding support and some tweaks and variety provided by the mission packs and you were truly in for a treat - and now? It still plays brilliantly even if it does look rough around the edges. If you don't mind the visuals which are aged by contemporary standards you'll be in for an amazing ride. Once you're done with the original releases give the "1964" map pack a try and if you want something a bit more different then the "Citizen Able" series and "Love story of prince of Stroggos" are also definitely worth a look. And then, once you've gone through all that. Look for a map called "Small Pile of Gibs" and you'll have one of the slickest and most impressive single player Quake 2 maps made. Now leave me be. I'm going to play it some more with "Quad Damage" playing on loop. I hope you enjoy it as much as all the years of fun it has given me!
