PC Gaming

Quake Live Ends Freemium Browser-Based Play, Gets Windows-Only Client

Game Diary

Quake Live Ends Freemium Browser-Based Play, Gets Windows-Only Client

I reviewed a bunch of freemium games including Quake Live back in 2010, noting the value of the game compared to good old Quake III was that it ran seamlessly in a web browser across platforms. Last month it was announced that Quake Live was ending the web-browser play model and moving to standalone client – on Windows only. The reason for moving to a stand-alone mode is because of diminished browser support for plug-ins. “Over the past few years, browser support for plugins such as Quake Live have dropped off significantly, causing problems for plugins to operate in a…

Classic Shooter Game 'Doom' Turns 20 This Week!

Game Diary

Classic Shooter Game ‘Doom’ Turns 20 This Week!

I remember when Doom came out in late 1993, because I’d already gotten hooked into the first person genre with Castle Wolfenstein 3D the previous year. But no one was expecting what came next – during 1994 suddenly the game was everywhere being played by anyone with a powerful enough computer. This week the landmark game turns 20 years old.

Eschalon Book III Announced for February 14th Release!

Gear Bits

Eschalon Book III Announced for February 14th Release!

While I never reviewed Eschalon Book II beyond my first impressions, the series remains one of my favorites of the last several years. I declared Book I ‘Indie RPG of the Year’ for 2007 at another site, and have been anticipating Book III for quite a while. Now Eschalon Book III has a release date: Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2014. The game will be simultaneously released on Windows, Macintosh and Linux platforms – and based on past releases all are native code and perform equally well. Here is some info from the official site: On February 14th the game will…

GoG.com Launches New 100% Guarantee Program on Digital Games

Gear Bits

GoG.com Launches New 100% Guarantee Program on Digital Games

If you have been gaming for long enough, chances are you have come across a game that wouldn’t install or that you couldn’t keep running for more than a few seconds without a crash. You used all the tricks you know, consulted support and forums, and ultimately had to face the reality that the game would never work for you.

Deathfire: Ruins of Nethermore RPG Final Days on Kickstarter

Gear Bits

Deathfire: Ruins of Nethermore RPG Final Days on Kickstarter

For fans of traditional computer role-playing games (cRPG), there has been a bit of a drought of games the last couple of years. There have been some really good games, but they have been few and far between. Now there’s a Kickstarter for a new RPG that is something RPG fans can get excited about called Deathfire: Ruins of Nethermore! Note: Deathfire is down to the final 3 days of funding! Here is the basic description: “Deathfire: Ruins of Nethermore” is a party-based computer role-playing game with turn-based combat that hearkens back to the Golden Era of fantasy cRPGs. Built…

Steam Launches Huge Autumn Sale for Thanksgiving Weekend

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Steam Launches Huge Autumn Sale for Thanksgiving Weekend

Every year Steam offers up huge savings on PC download games, and this year is no exception. They have games on sale all weekend, 24-hour sales, and quick ‘flash’ sales. All of the deals are good, and it is definitely worth checking the deals out every day! Right now they have System Shock 2 for 75% off!

SteelSeries Impresses Again with the Siberia Elite Gaming Headphones

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SteelSeries Impresses Again with the Siberia Elite Gaming Headphones

SteelSeries, the leading gaming headphone manufacturer, recently introduced a set of headphones that will really turn heads.  The SteelSeries Siberia Elite  pack some serious specs including Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound and Dolby ProLogic IIx for an even more immersive soundscape.  The Siberia Elite cans also feature a retractable noise-cancelling microphone; they retail for $199.99.

Drox Operative: Invasion of the Ancients Now Available

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Drox Operative: Invasion of the Ancients Now Available

Drox Operative is a starship action RPG featuring warring alien races, fierce space battles, as well as dynamic, evolving galaxy, and co-op multiplayer for Windows and Mac. It is fantastic indie RPG that breaks from the standard fantasy RPG genres. Today Soldak games launched the first expansion, Invasion of the Ancients, with loads of new features.

Avadon 2: The Corruption for Mac and PC Game Review

Game Diary, Reviews

Avadon 2: The Corruption for Mac and PC Game Review

Jeff Vogel’s Spiderweb Software has been putting out some of the best indie role-playing games for 20 years. The Avernum and Geneforge franchises rank up there with some of the best commercial games made through the years. Back in 2011 they broke new ground with the Avadon franchise; now the sequel arrives, improving on the original in every way.

New X: Rebirth Trailer Shows the Awesome New Battle Interface

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New X: Rebirth Trailer Shows the Awesome New Battle Interface

In deep strategic combat simulation PC games such as the X series, complexity is a way of life. Since 1999 the X franchise has expanded the scope of its universe, the complexity of systems, and pretty much everything else. Riding on this history, X: Rebirth launches on November 15th to bring you an entirely new look for a classic franchise.

Cognition Episode 3 The Oracle Review - The Best Of This Chilling Series Yet!

Game Diary, Reviews

Cognition Episode 3 The Oracle Review – The Best Of This Chilling Series Yet!

After the first Cognition episode I praised the game but complained about the accents; the second episode had me spouting high praise for the game while still noting an issue with accents. But after completing the third episode all I can say is WHO CARES about the accents, this series is so good I just can’t wait for the conclusion! Type of app: Adventure Game Platform/where to buy: Mac or PC; full season pass with soundtracks available in the Phoenix Online Studios Store Developer: Phoenix Online Studios LLC Description: Here are some of the features: – Play as Erica Reed,…

Avadon 2 Reminds Me of Bop-It 2; Do It The Same ... but BETTER!

Game Diary, Reviews

Avadon 2 Reminds Me of Bop-It 2; Do It The Same … but BETTER!

While my full review will have to wait for the release in November, I have been playing the preview of Avadon 2 from Spiderweb Software on the Mac, and now that the window has opened to release public preview impressions … I can tell you I am impressed. Everything good about Avadon remains good, and everything lacking is better. Type of app: Turn-Based Role Playing Game (RPG) Platforms: Mac & PC, with iPad version coming later. Developer: Spiderweb Software Overview: As a Hand of Avadon, the Black Fortress, you once held unlimited power. Your word was law. Your homeland was…

IndieGameStand Launches Dedicated Storefront for Indie Games!

Game Diary, News & Features

IndieGameStand Launches Dedicated Storefront for Indie Games!

IndieGameStand launched as a pay-what-you-want site that featured a new, hand-picked indie game every 96 hours. It remains a great concept, but today the site is expanding to feature a permanent store designed to make it simpler for indie developers to sell games without the hassles of other sites. Now developers can sell games directly and keep more money. To celebrate, the store is putting 14 indie games on sale through October 1, marked down 15% or more. You can read up on those games and the reasons IGS selected them for the launch sale here. The new site will…

Ballads of Reemus 2 Kicks Off Kickstarter Project!

Crowdfunding

Ballads of Reemus 2 Kicks Off Kickstarter Project!

The Ballads of Reemus was a fun adventure game that evoked the classic LucasArts era of gaming. It was fun and funny with plenty to do and discover. Now Reemus is back for another adventure – well, he will be if you back him on Kickstarter! Develop Zeebarf plans to use funding to bring the game out in June 2014. Here is a snip of what the game is all about: A 2D, hand drawn, comedy-fantasy point and click adventure game in the vein of such classics as “Day of the Tentacle” & “Monkey Island” for PC/Mac/Linux. With future ports…

Underrail Launched on Steam Early Access for $9.99!

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Underrail Launched on Steam Early Access for $9.99!

Most so-called hardcore RPG fans who have been around for more than a few years mark the Fallout games (1 & 2, anyway) as near the pinnacle of the genre, with only occasional post-apocalyptic fare like Arcanum being released to satisfy that itch. Now StygSoft’s intriguing Underrail has been released on Steam Early Access for $9.99. Underrail is a post-apocalyptic turn-based RPG that has been developed with loads of input from the community since it hit pre-Alpha. Now it is further along, and has been included in a couple of ‘indie bundles’ and on Desura and GamersGate. But the release…

Exploring the World of Gothic II Gold - a Retro Romp Review

Game Diary, Reviews

Exploring the World of Gothic II Gold – a Retro Romp Review

I was surprised I never did a netbook gamer review of Gothic II Gold. Why surprised? Because it is in my ‘Top 5’ games, and I have played yearly since 2003. It is a huge, open-world, story-based fantasy RPG full of Orcs, Goblins, Mages, dragons and an intriguing plot. The game remains amazing to play and one of my favorites. Type of app: Role-playing (RPG) game Platform/where to buy: PC; available in the GoG.com Store Developer: Piranha Bytes Description: What’s cool about it: – Includes Gothic II and the expansion pack Night of the Raven – A great variety of…

Legend of Dungeon Launches for Mac/PC/Linux on Steam Today!

Game Diary, News & Features

Legend of Dungeon Launches for Mac/PC/Linux on Steam Today!

I wrote about the Kickstarter and early development of Legend of Dungeon, noting the title made me roll my eyes – but the trailer made me smile! I called it “a classic, lo-fi dungeon-crawling, rogue-like, real-time, beat-em-up, co-op romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously?” I’ve played some and it is fun, and now it’s available on Steam for $9.99! Here is the basic description: As you journey deep into the dungeon, you will find weapons, items, and long forgotten magic.. ..if you’re lucky, it might help you to fight off the droves of mysterious creatures you will encounter. There…

GoG.com Kicks Off 5th Birthday Celebration With 'Pick 5 for 80% Off'' Sale!

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GoG.com Kicks Off 5th Birthday Celebration With ‘Pick 5 for 80% Off” Sale!

GoG.com is kicking off their 5th birthday celebration, and as always we get great deals on games! The first sale is ‘Pick 5 Games & Save 80%’. It is pretty simple – choose five games from a great list of 25 games, and you will have then all for around $10. What are you waiting for?!? Head to GoG.com now! Also, they have added System Shock 2 as their one-day ‘Gem Promo’ – so it is $2.49, which is a complete steal for one of the best games in the history of gaming!