This is the game you bought 20 years ago. You played it at home, in your dorm, at work in your lunch break because the computers there had more RAM. You played it with coffee, beer and snacks. You spent hours on it. Then your hard drive blew up. And before you had the chance to recover, PC gaming moved on and first person shooters took over. You never got this game up and running again, so you threw away the box having dismissed its worth. The graph paper burned on your next camping trip. Then it came back. With a makeover. And you were in love again. Legend of Grimrock stands defiant in the face of the Cliff Bleszinski industry, proving that games can still be art. In a year where fans begged Double Fine and Brian Fargo to make a new game, Grimrock is a small piece in this new, exciting chapter of video game history. Video games are back. Grimrock is slow paced, yet pressured. You are constantly sitting at the edge of your seat; there is no respite. Around the corner will be a trap, a monster, a clue, a reward. Every turn is a surprise for better or for worse. Combat sits seamlessly into the world; there is no defined "combat phase". It is very tactical and you must be aware of your surroundings, the state of your party and the positioning of the enemy. There is also a hint of environmental action, too; you might utilise Grimrock's traps against its own onslaught. The clock is also ticking at all times, try swapping weapons but be quick about it! The skeleton legionnaire is gaining on you! You'll be punished by your idling and ridiculous mishaps; no one's looking out for you here. Sporting an 'old school' mode, optional mouse only input, in-depth character creation and absolutely zero apologies, Grimrock truly bears the seal of a Good Old Game whilst also carrying that modern standard you'd expect. Anyway, what are you waiting for prisoner? Mount Grimrock awaits and this ain't no ski trip. Descend into the pit and keep your wits about you. Oh, and keep your graph paper handy.
Well, I'll try. But as I've said before, Enroth is my fanboy universe. The Might and Magic games take conventional fantasy, a bit of science fiction (read: alien invaders) and a near-free world and mixes it together to create an expansive universe full of wonders and terrors and thousands of years of stories to tell. True, the Might and Magic series spans over a few worlds: Might and Magic 1 and 2 have their own worlds (honestly, I never bothered with these two) 3-5 are based in Xeen And finally from Heroes of Might and Magic all the way to Might and Magic 8 you're in the world of Enroth spread over several continents including Regna, Erathia and Jadame. (the correct chronological order is HOMM1, HOMM2, MM6, MM7, HOMM3, MM8). Note: Please ignore Might and Magic 9 if you know what's good for you. Might and Magic 6 is what truly sets the standard for the rest of the series. The engine, while still in it's fledgling form already shows it's potential (it's possible in MM8 to use a game editor/cheater to see how it's changed) and the first chapter of a seemingly endless saga begins, full of promise and intrigue. Since the arrival of the Kreegans, strange things have been happening in Enroth. Nightmarish creatures have reappeared, dragons have spawned in their hundreds and there is a sinister scheme lurking in the background... Since you and your companions seem to have been "chosen", I guess it's up to you to find the Kreegan Queen and destroy it.
I love all the HOMM games (except 4 and 5 which are not HOMM games) equally, like they're my own children. But HOMM2 is my favourite son. He's the heir to my throne. He's the one I show favour. With a lovely, relaxing soundtrack and lovely graphics as well as a terrific storyline, this is the pinnacle of turn-based strategy. Building upon the world and lore laid down in HOMM1 you're thrown into the middle of the battle between the two sons of Lord Ironfist - Roland and Archibold. Roland is on the "good" side, he's honourable and kind and has been bullied by his corrupt brother for years. Lord Ironfist wanted Roland as his heir but through mysterious circumstances he had to flee the castle and Archibold was crowned king. You can choose to help the rightful heir as a Wizard to overthrow his deceitful brother or you can play as Archibold and command the undead to aid you as a Necromancer. The story is further continued later in the Might and Magic games and even with Roland's wife in HOMM3 (however Roland's victory in this game is canon). HOMM2 also improves a lot of the features from HOMM1. Minor changes such as the "Movement grids" in combat make planning your moves easier. The battlefield is bigger with smaller scale units and there's even reactions from the hero themselves (they may hang their head in shame if it's not looking good or even cheer). The spellbook has been further increased, there's more units (with upgrades!) and... oh I could go on. The story can only be fully enjoyed if you followed the completion of this game with a playthrough of Might and Magic 6 - 8, which are all canon with Roland's victory and each alludes to eachother. In closing: The Might and Magic universe is one of the greatest lores around (before it's destruction by Ubisoft) and this is where it truly begins. Pick up this game and wait for Might and Magic 6 to be released. I highly recommend this. Grab it. Go on. You know you want to. I can't put it in enough words.
A little difficult to pickup at first, this game is FANTASTIC! You live your life as... well anything really. You can choose from a handful of goals - such as amassing a fortune or becoming a master in your profession. I played as a Landlord and I amassed a heft amount of money, a wife and 2 kids. My business soars in the night time when everyone is off work and needing alcohol. My advice to you is to get this game, now. Also - a few minutes playing the Tutorial would be well spent.
Cannon Fodder is a magnificent living memory of when games were about fun. Written by the fantastic Sensible Software, you'll be commanding a list of 360 soldiers and hoping you don't end up with 360 graves. You'll dive into lush forests, freezing wastes and a few other territories and get placed into impossible scenarios against several enemies. This is a very pick-up and play game, the controls are easy to get to grips with and you'll be marching in no time. It's also quite moving, something that can really put a tear in your eye when you see the graves on that hill... But anyway - go and have fun in this addictive, action filled arcade piece of action!
I wasn't happy with this game, the controls were horrible, the acting was horrible... It was just completely unplayable for me. However, the story is nice enough and it's something I think other players might enjoy. Give it a go, just don't be surprised of a disappointment.