Wrath in its completed form is a much more satisfying experience compared to the early access we received years (!) ago. It has a strong identity of its own, iterating on Quake's basic gameplay, but with larger variety in level design and enemy design. It doesn't stray too far from its forbear, but has a solid selection of satisfying weapons, dense level design, a diverse roster of very well animated enemies, and excellent sound design. I wouldn't call its art style Lovecraftian, though, it goes in a unique more alien-fantasy direction that is not predictable. If you're an old school FPS fan at all, you really need to try it. However, if you're less invested in the genre, and the thought of a "variation on Quake" isn't as interesting to you then maybe take a star off. But for those like me that absolutely relish the thought of a new FPS in this style (Dusk was a while ago now!), the complete package is vastly improved on Early Access in many ways and you should try it now.
I'm not generally a fan of isometric dungeon crawlers, RPGs, hack-and-slashers etc etc. But Nox, even today, has heart. Compelling writing, combat, atmosphere, level design and world design. It's a blast to play through and, yeah I'm going to say it, I'd rather go back and play through this than Diablo. Because though Diablo absolutely deserves kudos for defining the genre, it does come across a little bland and soulless after playing a game like Nox, which is brimming with touches that show the devs loved making this game. Recommended.
Okay let's start with an on-the-fence observational comment about this game: It is a Wolfenstein-level FPS, meaning 90 degree walls and level design. Simple level to level progression. Simple monster AI. Basic shooting. Basic sound design. With a terrorist theme. Now my subjective opinion: Total amateur garbage, terrible visuals, sound design, level design, enemy AI, and music. For historical interest: I'm glad to see Capstone's games on GOG. But only buy this on sale if you are absolutely desperate to discover their brand of "gaming pinnacle" design.
Capstone are now infamous for the abominable Tekwar Build-Engine FPS. Before that, they made a few Wolfenstein engine style FPS that were basically B movie level: Operation Bodycount being perhaps the worst. Terrible sprites, sound effects, level design, everything basically. Corridor 7 is not far off this. I've owned the game since release, played it a lot back when my PC could not play Doom, then never gave it another look when I upgraded. But perhaps its low rent sci-fi ambitions still hold some appeal? Even if they do, you'll encounter very repetitive, maze-like level design, random and pointless item placement, weapons that are useless, near-invisible pain triggers and more. Perhaps the best part of the game is its music, as both the MIDI and CD soundtrack actually have some quite memorable "game-rock / EBM / techno / industrial" pieces. Not amazing, but curious. Don't rush to this. But, if you do still harbour some liking for old school Wolfenstein type FPS games and haven't played Corridor 7, I'll be "kind" and say that for a couple of quid it's... barely playable B-gaming from one the 90s most infamous game developers.
Strife came out at the wrong time. Quake time. Nobody wanted those dodgy old sprites any more, real 3D was the future. Of course history often proves such ignorance to be wrong and here we are in 2016 with another brilliant remaster from Nightdive. And it is very welcome. Essentially Strife is a Doom-engine based first person shooter with an emphasis on questing, non-linear level design, and factionism. Strife presents a unique sci-fi fantasy world that the player is tasked to fight through. I shan't go into the plot here but the gameplay is essentially Doom with some character interaction, world interaction, in a variety of areas posing a variety of challenges. There is some key and switch hunting, weapons feel solid, AI is decent, and the worldbuilding is immersive and convincing. The addition of some extra graphical accoutrements in this new version are really just the icing on the cake. Strife is a fantastic immersive action adventure that everyone deserves to play.
There are so many things one can say about System Shock that it's difficult to know where to start. At its core it is a first person immersive simulation that combines RPG elements with a player inventory and some solid shooting / melee combat against a variety of terrifying enemies. The thing is, it isn't JUST this. It's Looking Glass product. It's an immersive simulation. It has unpredictable and labyrinthine levels to explore, fascinating back-story that isn't thrown in your face every five minutes, and it encourages careful resource management in a dangerous, malignant environment that exists entirely to end you. You are one man against many horrors, and System Shock MAKES you adjust to its rules, to its design, to its systems and world. It is a textbook example of "deep design gameplay" that involves more than simple shooting, more than simple clicking. It will challenge your spacial perception, your hand-eye coordination and your decision making. System Shock is an object lesson in everything that is great about gaming as a medium. Though its setup and scenario may not be the most original in gaming, it is applied to a deep, clever, immersive and frightening experience that you will never, ever forget. P.S.: Autechre - Oversteps & Move Of Ten for an alternative soundtrack works wonders.
Battlespire is a first person free-look / free-movement dungeon crawler, and it's by Bethesda. This rare, rare genre - only appreciated by those that have fine tastes - is well catered for in this imaginative, challenging set of labyrinthine caves, towers, oubliettes and other dark places. Tough enemies, immersive atmosphere and solid combat make Battlespire a compelling experience. Though it has aged, I'd argue it has superior dungeon crawling to Skyrim. Very glad to see it on GOG.
