I tried a demo for Still life in 2000s and got captivated by the aesthetics of the game right away. It took almost 16 years for me to tryit and I would say - it's not what it seemed to be - for the worst and the best of it. The genre was quite popular back then and a mostly linear approach in terms of story and gameplay was a common thing. You get to play as an FBI agent Victoria Mcpherson, which starts her investigation in a rather dark and noire place. Not sure why, but it reminds me greatly of such films as End of Days (1999) with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Seven (1995) with Brad Pitt, which most likely served in part as an inspiration for the developers. I would add that this game has a bit of Heavy Rain to it, probably due to some secrets in the story or the manner of revealing the plot to us through Victoria's investigation, even though HR was released much later and is very different. The gameplay is quite simple, as you have to explore various places and find clues or talk to people. In certain areas you have to solve more or less familiar puzzles, which have become a common sight since then. The forensics process is perhaps the most interesting thing in this game, as well as change of areas around the city. I also like the design and the pace of your detective story in the so-called flashbacks. The developers did a good job of creating something in contrast. The whole thing developing around art and mystery was good. While the characters (which are quite a lot) are 3d models, the levels are a pre-rendered enviroment. It's not that easy to oriebtate yourself in certain cases and the dialogs and as well as decisions are usually aimed towards a very specific plotline. There are only a few things, which are optional in the game and some puzzles aren't that clear in solving. The game might prove difficult to try for the Players, keen on modern approach with freedom of choice and alternative solutions. But Still Life is nevetheless worth the time.
It would always be desirable to continue the story of the original Deus Ex, but any new part would not be the same, even if it delivered the best experience to the Players. DX: Invisible War wasn't among these however, as it tries to continue the story set in 2052. It takes into account possible outcomes of your previous adventures, but visually is quite different. Not sure if this is the reason why the game looks inferior, but the story seems like a less complex reflection of the original one, the level design is limited and confined and most characters seem to be inferior even in comparison to background NPCs of the Deus Ex (2000). The gameplay itself doesn't look unbalanced, but due to the looks of the UI inventory and weapon types, as well as new rules for your enhancements, you feel as if you miss something in action. Despite the critics, I would add, that certain aspects of Invisible War do look good – there is still philosophy and general themes on humanity and its deeds, great homage to the classic background of DX. You also get a chance to visit different places like Seattle, Trier, Cairo to name a few. The endings offer new options for you to end the game as according to your beliefs.
To my shame I tried Deus Ex for the first time only in 2003. Oh, back then I simply couldn't stop playing it, but little did I know back then, that there were options to play this game the way YOU want it to be played. 😎 It would become a tradition to replay this classic once per year, as the game allows you to walk through it in different manners be it a shooter-like one or a stealth adventure. Aside from great story you delve into the the large Deus Ex lore, which set basis for its sequel Deux Ex: Invisible War, as well as the prequels Deux Ex: Human Revolution and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. As you progress through the game in any manner you like, it changes your feeling about it at least twice: as you learn more about other characters, explore new locations around the world and meet new enemies – you learn about yourself. And that's where Deus Ex was truly the harbinger of its time – you get a chance to attune both the gameplay with the sidequests and the story of JC Denton to your own preferences and feelings.
1990s brought so many games and so many new genres. While 1st person shooters are often associated with Quake and Doom, it was something with a special taste, which touched our heart the most. Blood was one such piece of art: it reminds other projects of this kind, but the aesthetics brought in the new level of humour and gore to gaming, embraced in a story with diverse locations and great homages to popular themes of the time. As I mentioned the level design was spectacular – trains, hotels, ice lands, forests, theme parks – these are just a few to mention. WEAPONS – this is where the authors put all their imagination to good use, as you get classic ones together with unorthodox ones like Skeleton Life Leech, Tesla Cannon and Voodu Doll! You even get the pitchfork. The dark and mostly bizarre setting of the alternative 1920-s could make you feel sick after a few hours of playing, but you would always come back to smash more zombie heads and crazy cultists.
When I tried SimCity 3000 back in 2000s, this was beyond anything I could imagine in terms of creating your own city. Even today I believe this game to be the pinnacle of the genre with so many aspects of gameplay and design being on such a great level. Even without any additions, SC3K offers a variety of opportunities to start a community as you see it: a small town or a large megapolis, editing the terrain, type of landscape and setting the general layout for the streets, quarters, government buildings and sights among many other things. Oh, it has so many famous places of interest from around the world! 😍 With SC3K Holiday Theme and Unlimited you got a chance to celebrate holidays, build news structures, set European or Asian feel and do much more. I also enjoyed the Architect tool, coming with this game: it allows you to recreate your own house or buildings from your home town. Unfortunately the game isn't stable if you upload too many new structures at once, but it's still fun. 😎
Released in 1999, this game instantly became one of my favourites. Back then it captured my imagination by its atmosphere, plot and general gameplay. The very first minutes show, this is the real Indiana Jones adventure. The story, which takes place after WWII, is somehow unusual, this time you have to deal with a very different enemy - lot of Russians. Even though their image looks all too stereotypical, the story is a real challenge and very funny. The plot takes you through different locations, including Iraq, Kazahstan, South-Eastern Asia, Mexico and Sudan, with each of levels made with much attention to details (both in terms of historical decorations and puzzles). Aside from Russians you encounter various wild beasts and less familiar creatures from beyond. If you played other games about the famous archeologist, then be ready to meet an old friend. Several minor characters are also quite memorable, and were voiced by veteran actors, not unfamiliar to players, like Carolyn Seymour (Jedi Outcast, KOTOR, etc). The game specifics remind a lot of similar games of that time, like Tomb Raider. But if you're a fan of Indiana Jones, this is a must try. We're so lucky to have been given the opportunity to play this masterpiece again, now in 2010s.
