PC – Blog of Games – A Friendly Gaming Community https://blogofgames.com Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:04:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://blogofgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-BoG-black-1-180x180-3501448-150x150.png PC – Blog of Games – A Friendly Gaming Community https://blogofgames.com 32 32 The 10 Best Medieval Strategy Games  https://blogofgames.com/the-10-best-medieval-strategy-games/ Sun, 17 Jul 2022 14:32:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=270 Games in the domain of medieval strategy are sparse. Yet, the ones that we do have in the genre are typically very solid and well-rounded games. That being said, some are better than others. 

We’ve had a go at rounding up the best ones. Here are the 10 best medieval strategy games around right now.  

10. Stronghold

Stronghold (2001) – PC Gameplay

Developer: Firefly Studios

Platform: PC 

Year of release: 2001

Stronghold is an oldie but it’s still a goodie and is, arguably, still the best game in the entire Stronghold series. It is a historical real-time strategy set in Medieval Britain around the time of William the Conqueror’s Norman invasion of England.

The game has both an economic and military campaign, and both are excellently implemented with rewarding and satisfying missions. For its time, the graphics were excellent and stylish, and the music was catchy.  

Stronghold is still worthy of a play today, no doubt, and it is easily one of the best medieval strategy games to try. 

9. Conqueror’s Blade

Conqueror’s Blade Gameplay

Developer: Booming Tech

Platform: PC 

Year of release: 2019

If you’re after a tactical medieval game that takes you into the MMO world, Conqueror’s Blade might just be what the doctor ordered. 

With some epic cinematics, good co-op aspects, challenging strategy, and a whole host of activities to be getting on with, Conqueror’s Blade fits a lot of enjoyment into the game. 

It’s far from perfect, and you’ll need a hefty PC for it to run smoothly, but it’s certainly worth trying if you’re into medieval strategy games. 

Download Conqueror’s Blade on Steam

8. Crusader Kings 2

Crusader Kings 2 Gameplay

Developer: Paradox Development Studio 

Platform: PC 

Year of release: 2019

Not only is Crusader Kings a thoroughly addictive and amazing simulation strategy game, but it’s also now free!  

Have fun turning your family tree into a long-lasting powerful legacy that reigns supreme over the feudal sandbox world. Though, the less said about the game’s incestuous tendencies the better…

In all seriousness, though, this game is a great insight into the feudal system in medieval Europe, and as any good lord in the middle ages, you will have to expand, conquer, and crusade your way to a successful dynasty. 

Play Crusader Kings II for free

7. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Civilization 6 Gameplay

Developer: Firaxis Games

Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Android

Year of release: 2016

It’s hard to pick just one game from the Sid Meier Civilization series, as they’re all classics that set the standard of turn-based strategy games for the time they were released. Yet, the most recent game is the perfect amalgamation of all of the best features from the previous installments. 

Although not exclusively based within the middle ages, each game has a medieval period that you can strategize your way through, and it’s up to you how long to decide to stay in this era. 

The medieval era is the 3rd era of Civ 6, and is typically the time when things start to take shape. More often than not, expansion leads to war at this stage, so make sure you have enough battle units or are sufficiently skilled in diplomacy to survive!

6. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity Original Sin 2 Gameplay

Developer: Larian Studios

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 

Year of release: 2017

Granted, this is more medieval fantasy than purely medieval, but it’s so good that it has to be included. One of the main charms of DOS2 is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The characters are all delightfully quirky and you will enjoy getting to know them in different ways depending on the path you take. 

The level of strategy involved with combat is another major win for the game. There are multiple different approaches you can take to master the game (I personally like a strong necromancer build), but each one feels satisfying and allows for multiple playthroughs. 

If you enjoy medieval strategy games, Divinity: Original Sin II may just scratch that tactical combat itch that you have, while also providing a rich story to become immersed in. 

5. Total War: Warhammer

Total War – Warhammer (2016)

Developer: Creative Assembly 

Platform: PC 

Year of release: 2016

Another game that falls more under medieval strategy than purely medieval. Total War: Warhammer provides an excellent blend of turn-based strategy and real-time battle tactics that propelled the Total War series to new heights when it was released in 2016.  

Warhammer brings the same essence as its predecessors in the franchise, but feels more polished and has superior battle sequences. The unit variation makes for some interesting tactical decisions and, before you know it, you’ll have sunk hundreds of hours into the game trying to formulate the best strategy for victory. 

This is one to try for fans of turn-based strategy battle games. 

4. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Mount and Blade 2 – Bannerlord Gameplay

Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment

Platform: PC 

Year of release: 20201

It’s impossible to talk about medieval strategy games without bringing up Mount and Blade, and the second installment to the franchise is a worthy successor to the fantastic original. 

Although it takes place slightly before the middle ages during the Migration Period (c. 300-800), some of the factions used in the game are heavily inspired by medieval kingdoms, the Vladnians being the most notable example. 

There were a lot of improvements made from the original, particularly to the combat physics. Every hit felt like it connected with a purpose, horseback attacks were more fluid, and the attack movements were far more varied. 

The game is still being updated over time, and many would suggest waiting for the completed version. But Bannerlord is just too good to pass up in my opinion, and it is well worth the investment.  

3. Age of Empires 2

Age of Empires 2

Developer: Ensemble Studios

Platform: PC, PS2

Year of release: 1999

For many, Age of Empires II is not only the pinnacle of the Age of Empire franchise, but is also the pinnacle of real-time strategy games. You won’t hear much argument from me, neither, the game is still a joy to play today despite being released before the turn of the millennium. 

In total, there are thirteen playable civilizations from the Medieval era. Each civilization is unique and has a different look. The aim is to take your chosen civilization to glory by gathering resources, building your kingdom, and exploring and conquering other regions.

Age of Empires 2 is pioneering in the domain of medieval strategy games and, if there’s one game that you should play in this list in terms of legacy, it is this one.    

2. Medieval 2: Total War

Medieval 2 – Total War Gameplay

Developer: Creative Assembly, Feral Interactive

Platform: PC, Android, iOS 

Year of release: 2006

If there’s one thing developer Creative Assembly knows how to do well, it’s making great medieval strategy games, and Medieval 2: Total War is the cherry on top of their impressive collection. 

As with other Total War games, the game is split between turn-based strategy and real-time battles. There is a battle mode and a campaign mode, and you can choose between eighteen different factions. Unit wise, the game is very diverse, too. 

For a truly great experience you’ll want to delve into the world of Medieval II mods, this will bring a whole new layer of variety and playability and makes a great game even greater. 

Download Total War: Medieval II on Steam

1. Mount & Blade: Warband

Mount and Blade – Warband Gameplay

Developer: Paradox Interactive, Ravenscourt

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Year of release: 2010

This choice probably comes as no surprise. Mount & Blade: Warband is the pinnacle of medieval strategy games. 

Set in the medieval world of Calradia, Warband is an RPG sandbox battle strategy game in which a player customizes their protagonist and attempts to explore and conquer the world around them. 

You must work your way up from nothing, winning battles to improve your reputation and gain reso

urces to build your army. Battles take place in real time and then the game switches to an overworld map for you to decide where to explore on the map. 

Horseback combat is expertly implemented, and there are a number of orders you can give to your soldiers in battle in order to plot your route to victory. 

I personally believe that no other game in the genre holds a candle to Warband. Despite it being one of the older games in this list, it is still one of the best, and absolutely worthy of playing if you haven’t done so yet. 

Get in Touch

What is your favorite medieval strategy game? Not on the list? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact richard@blogofgames.com

For a more detailed look at Mount & Blade: Warband, check out the YouTube review below by Resonant. 

If you’re not into strategy games, but love the medieval aesthetic, I highly recommend you try Kingdom Come: Deliverance. This is an RPG game that will go down as a classic in years to come.

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The 5 Best Free RPGs for the PC https://blogofgames.com/the-5-best-free-rpgs-for-the-pc/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:09:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=541 There is a whole host of free RPG games out there to play on the PC right now. Whilst we don’t want to (and shouldn’t) start complaining about any games that are being made available for free, it’s true that a lot of them can fall into the trap of duplicating common themes and story lines from one another. With that in mind, the team at Blog of Games have attempted to pick out some of best free RPGs for the PC that are available right now.

Related posts:

The Best RPG Games for PS4

5 Free Games Like RuneScape; But Better?

10 Games Like Cyberpunk 2077 To Play Right Now

Warframe

Warframe – one of the best RPGs for the PC

It’s hard to believe that Warframe is free. It’s such a good game and has a massive amount of content for a free game. Warframe plays as a third person online action game with a gun-wielding, ninja-like combat system that feels like no other game before it.

It’s combat is probably it’s best feature, but there are a whole host of things that make Warframe one of the best free RPGs for the PC. For one the graphics are incredibly crisp and smooth and with every update and expansion, it seems that players get to explore a completely new and unique environment with lots to see and do.

Some gamers have complained that Warframe can feel a bit too grindy. While it’s true that there is a lot of grinding and looting, it never really feels like a drag. There are a number of different builds that you can try to master, too, so if one approach isn’t working for you, try switching it up to see if you have more luck.

Because the game is so vast in terms of the game mechanics, different builds, and movement system, so it might be best to watch a few online tutorials if you’re a beginner.

We’re confident that you’ll end up liking this, though, and it is certainly one to try if you’re in the market for one of the best free RPGs for the PC.

Neverwinter

Neverwinter – Opening scene

Neverwinter is a free-to-play online RPG that is part of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. This game was developed by Cryptic Studios and released in 2013 for Microsoft Windows.

In the game, the player can choose to become one of eight character classes from the Dungeon & Dragons series and traverse the city of Neverwinter with up to 5 other player characters. Due to the disappearance of the last Lord of Neverwinter, the city has been left in a state of disorder, leaving the remaining citizens forming factions in order to fight the rising dead.

This game has a vast world to explore, with seemingly endless amounts of quests on offer. Once the tutorial is completed, you are free to roam the map to explore and search for things to do, though you must occasionally check back in with one of the main NPCs, Sergeant Knox, in order to progress further into the game and discover more locations on the map.

One unifying advantage to the game is its impressive combat system. It has a fast and fluid action-based system in which the player can target their enemy and use left and right mouse click buttons to launch different attacks. The player can upgrade their combat abilities as they progress their level in the game and can gain supercharge and daily abilities that can be assigned to hotkeys ready for use. This game has an advance and rather complex crafting system that allows the player to forge useful items to use to their advantage.

This game does a great job of staying free-to-play (unless buying fancy looking mounts and companions are your thing) and is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for some of the best free RPGs for the PC. If you want to find out more about the game, follow the link here.

TERA

Tera – The Valkyon Federation

TERA – or The Exiled Realm of Arborea – is a free online RPG game developed by Bluehole Studio that was released in 2012.

This game is set in the realm of Arborea, which itself is a manifestation of the dreamland of two powerful titans, Arun and Shara, who encountered each other in a formless void (still with me?). As the two titans continued to sleep, their dreams began to come to life, leading to the formation of twelve god-like inhabitants and, subsequently, the first mortal inhabitants of Arborea.

The player can play as one of the seven races and aid in the war against outer-world foes. The character customization is not among the most advanced in comparison to other online RPG games, but it is certainly sufficient enough to create a unique looking character from the available race and class sets.

Like Neverwinter, TERA’s combat system is action-based. It is considered to be one of the best combat systems among games in this genre (helped by the games rather impressive graphics) and one that other games should aspire to emulate. Each class has their own weapon and armor set, and a unique power to give them an advantage over the other classes. This also leads to potential re-playability, as players often start the game over using a different character in order to explore the differing class traits.

TERA is a game that has stood the test of time quite well, reinforced by its constant population (despite it being on the small side). TERA is certainly a game worth checking out if you are looking for one of the best free RPGs for the PC. If you want to find out more about the game, follow the link here.

Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 – Path of Fire

Guild Wars 2 is, for me, THE best free online RPG game available for the PC right now. This game has already been included in our list of free open world games for the PC.

This game is set in Tyria, a large and diverse world with plenty of adventures and explorations to be had. Each player will have a unique gameplay experience in this game, with each part of the map allowing for different experiences and quests.

Like its predecessor, Guild Wars 2 offers the typical online RPG experience, with reward-based missions, quests and side quests, and an immersive and largely original folklore. One thing this game does well is to remove the monotonous button bashing killings of low level enemies when you find yourself in lower level environments. In Guild Wars 2, your level scales to that of the zone in which you are located, providing a constant challenge and a reason to keep upgrades and skills at their peak.

This game has decent graphics and the diverse landscapes that you are able to explore lead to some great screenshot opportunities. It is highly likely that you will get that increasingly rare feeling of RPG immersion with this game as you wander through the cities, forests, swamps, and icy cliffs (just to name a few landscapes).

The gameplay is cohesive and fluid, a feat which aids the combat system. If you’re familiar with online role playing games, the combat will offer you no surprises, attacking with hotkeys and upgrading through class systems to increase your array of attacks.

Player customization is another winning feature of this game, with users being able to choose from 5 races and 8 classes – each of them giving the player different perks and abilities. It is also possible to combine the archetypal online RPG roles (healer, tank, etc), making the combat tactical, diverse, and engaging.

Guild Wars 2 has been a victim of its initial launch day glitches and errors, a reputation has unfairly followed it around. Yet, this game offers some of the smoothest and finest gameplay that one can hope to play. For that reason, this game has to be considered for anybody looking for the best free RPGs for the PC available right now. You can find out more information about Guild Wars 2 here.

Read how to get Hero Points in GW2.

Skyforge

Skyforge – The Immortals

Skyforge often gets bad reviews among online RPG gamers, mainly due to the low population levels on the servers. Yet, if you can look past that, Skyforge is potentially one of the best games in its genre.

Players in Skyforge take on the role of an immortal being with devastating powers who becomes a deity whilst protecting the world from other hostile gods. This game differs from typical online RPGs in the sense that it does not contain a level-based system.Instead, the game has a ‘prestige’ system that enables the player to switch between the different available classes at any time, as opposed to being locked into any primary decisions of class choices. Whilst the game should be applauded for trying something different, I’m of the mindset of ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’. Yes, this system gets a little confusing along the line, but it doesn’t really take away from the gameplay.

The first thing that you notice when playing the game is that the graphics are truly stunning. This game has some of the most impressive visuals in the whole genre. This aspect lends itself well to other features of the gameplay. The character customization is wide-ranging and nice-looking, and the combat system is fluid and exciting. The attacks are very visually satisfying and it’s even possible to activate divine mode, which allows you to activate a powerful attack unleashing devastating damage.

This game is a great addition to the free online RPG game community, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed playing. Granted, the questing system and overarching story line is fairly standard, but I think that Skyforge still offers great possibilities for enjoyment and immersion. It is certainly worth checking out if you’re searching for the best free RPGs for the PC. To find out more, follow the find out more about Skyforge.

Get in touch

Did you like our list of the best free RPGs for the PC? What would be on your list? Let us know in the comment section below.

Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below, or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com.

Warframe is on our list of the best free RPGs for the PC, check out the video above to see if it’s for you!

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The 6 Best Police Games for the PC https://blogofgames.com/the-6-best-police-games-for-the-pc/ Thu, 31 Dec 2020 14:07:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=349 In the same way that watching police shows on the TV can be incredibly satisfying when you see justice served, police video games are equally as satisfying. In fact, you could argue even more so. In the video game, you get to serve the justice yourself, and you don’t have to worry about the morality of what brought the perpetrator to the crime in the first place. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best games that allow you to act as the law. Here are the 6 best police games for the PC. 

Enforcer Police Crime Action – PC Gameplay

Enforcer: Police Crime Action is an action-adventure game by Odin Game Studio that tasks you with remaining vigilant in a town full of crime. You get to perform regular police tasks such as blocking roads, breathalyzing drivers, questioning suspects and witnesses, and chasing fleeing criminals. 

The game also tries to incorporate an element of home life, too, and you have to balance the high-stress life of being a police officer by visiting friends and family in your off time. 

Enforcer is an ambitious game, and whilst it is flawed and not always optimized well, it is very enjoyable and easily one of the best police games for the PC. 

Download Enforce: Police Crime Action on Steam.

Flashing Lights – One of the best police games for the PC

Flashing Lights is an open world emergency services simulator by Excalibur Games that allows you to take an active role in not only the police force, but also the fire and emergency medical specialist services. 

As the police, you have to respond to criminal activities with your trusty cop car and various police equipment. Tasks are varied and range from chasing fleeing criminals to issuing parking tickets. 

Considering how good the game is, it’s surprising how little fanfare the game has got, with not many people even knowing about it. We certainly recommend it, and Flashing Lights is easily one of the best cop games for the PC in recent years.   

Download Flashing Lights on Steam. 

This is the Police – PC Gameplay

Developed by Weappy Studio, This is the Police is an enjoyable look at the management side of a city’s police force as you take on the role of Jack Boyd, chief police commissioner for the fictional city of Freeburg. 

The story is very well written and the choices that you make have a real impact on the game. Indeed, you are tasked with making some difficult decisions throughout the game, and you soon come to realise that Freeburg is filled with morally questionable characters, to put it lightly. 

The game finds a good balance of fun and engaging, making this procedural simulator one of the best PC police games around. 

Download This is the Police on Steam. 

Related: The Best PS4 Mystery Games

L.A. Noire – PC Gameplay

This neo-noir detective game by Rockstar Games is one of the best examples of how to deliver an open world law enforcement game. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, you take on the role of Cole Phelps as you progress through the ranks of the L.A.P.D. 

The setting, characters, and story are all expertly done, and there is a good variation in the police tasks that you are assigned. The real fun comes when you have to interrogate suspects and look for signals in their defense that inform your decision on whether they’re guilty or not.

Combine that with car chases, fast-paced action sequences, and gunfighting combat, and you’ve got yourself a great PC police game. 

Download L.A. Noire on Steam. 

Battlefield Hardline – PC Gameplay

Battlefield Hardline is an action FPS that focuses on cops and robbers police raids. It is predominantly played as a multiplayer game, but the single player campaign is really good. In fact, it’s probably the best part of the game. 

With good characters and a decent plot, Hardline’s campaign allows you to play as a police officer as you apprehend criminals in a variety of ways. You can run in all guns blazing, or plan your approach more stealthily. The choice is yours.  

Despite not having the best reviews, Hardline is a game I really enjoyed, and is certainly one of the best police games for the PC. 

Download Battlefield Hardline on Steam. 

Sleeping Dogs – PC Gameplay

Sleeping Dogs is an action-adventure game by United Front Games that is seen as the spiritual successor to Activision’s True Crime series. You get to choose whether to be a good cop or a bad cop in this one, as you serve as an undercover police officer who has dealings with the triads. 

The Hong Kong setting adds a really cool vibe to the open world game, and you have the freedom of roaming the city at your leisure when you’re not on a mission. One of the best features of the game is it’s combat. I think the hand-to-hand fighting might be the best ever in a video game, and you also get access to firearms throughout the game. 

Wei Shen is a likeable character, as are many of the other NPCs encountered in Sleeping Dogs, and the story keeps you engaged at all times. It was gutting to hear that both a sequel and spinoff to the game have been cancelled, but it still stands alone as one of the best police games for the PC available right now. Plus, they’re making a Sleeping Dogs movie now, so let’s hope that’s as good. 

Download Sleeping Dogs on Steam. 

What’s your favorite police game for the PC? Did you like our list of the best police games for the PC? Let us know in the comment section below. If you enjoyed reading this, you’ll probably enjoy our ultimate guide to the best PC detective games. 

For any enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com, or join our gaming group on Facebook. To help out our site, subscribe to the Blog of Games YouTube channel.

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Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales Review https://blogofgames.com/thronebreaker-the-witcher-tales-review/ Fri, 04 Dec 2020 13:07:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=198 CD Projekt Red’s latest release is Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales and is set in the same universe as their critically acclaimed open world RPG title The Witcher 3. Released on October 23, it is available exclusively through GOG for the PC and will be released for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on December 4.

What is Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales?

Thronebreaker is a roleplaying strategy game that revolves around the card battle minigame used in The Witcher 3, Gwent. In place of a combat system, this game uses cards to do battle, with each card representing characters encountered throughout the course of the game.

Yet, the game is much more than a glorified card game and features a rich story that is teaming with compelling characters and interesting dialogues.

Queen Meve of Lyria and Rivia

In this game players take on the role of Queen Meve and follow her journey as she explores areas of The Witcher world that have previously been unseen, such as Rivia, Lyria, and Mahakam. Meve is an intriguing protagonist with multiple layers and is extremely enjoyable to play as. You Along way the way you will encounter political turmoil and have to make game-changing moral decisions that will leave you questioning your levels of personal honor and humanity.

Gameplay

The game is an interesting concoction of various different gameplay styles, combining elements of adventure, strategy, point-and-click, and visual novels. The player can move freely throughout the world using a mouse or controller from a top-down perspective. Whilst roaming the map as Queen Meve, you can take on quests and gather items and resources to help you in throughout the game.

As with previous Witcher instalments, Thronebreaker makes use of animated cutscenes in the style of graphic novels in order to further the dialogue between characters and advance the story of the game. It is also possible to make dialogue choices within conversations that can sometimes lead to change in the path of the story.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales gameplay

You must also manage resources efficiently and recruit units within a customizable war camp, from which you can build an army and take part in epic story battles that affect the way the game plays out. Battles are done through Gwent, with over 250 cards available to use throughout the game. Special cards and leader cards are also available and provide various perks and advantages to help you claim victory. The game also implements story specific mechanics into Gwent,

If you are enjoying this article, you might like reading about the best free RPG games for the PC.

The Good

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales has a good amount of content, with over 30 hours of story gameplay and 20 possible different outcomes to the game based on your decisions. In addition to the main story, the game has 75 side quests that are predominantly based around solving puzzles.

The story is captivating, and the characters are engaging, particularly Queen Meve, whose choices can occasionally make her seem morally questionable. These types of intriguing characters are exactly the type that you want to see in an RPG game.

Voice acting in the game is top level, as was the case with The Witcher 3, and this is supplemented with a beautiful artistic style and high-level animations.

The Bad

Thronebreaker has also had its negative critics since its release, with many claiming that the gameplay is quite slow and boring. Some players claim to have completed the game in just a few days of casual playing and, because of this, feel that the game does not justify its price tag.

Thronebreaker: animated cutscene

The game’s story has also been criticised for its linearity. Some players of Thronebreaker feel like they didn’t have enough of an active role in the plot, which inhibited the immersion of the game and rendered a lot of the dialogue pointless.

Other criticisms have pointed towards the ease of the gameplay, with some players revealing that they only had to change their Gwent deck a few times in order to complete a battle and progress through the story.

Should I buy Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales?

Overall, Thronebreaker is a fantastic blend of storytelling, RPG gaming, adventure and strategy, which all rolls neatly together into a big ball of highly captivating and impressive gameplay.

If you are not fan of card games, the story itself makes the game a must buy, especially for those who are familiar with the series. If you are a fan of card games but not the series, it is also still worth trying, as Gwent is a thoroughly well-thought out strategy game that can test your tactical abilities.

Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Similar Games to Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

If you like Thronebreaker, you might also like Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest, which has a similar battling ard game system. You may also like Hand of Fate 2 and Hex: Shards of Fate, which are card-based games with elements of RPG and fantasy.

Get in touch

If you liked this article, you might like our article on what is the best final fantasy game?

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com.

Thanks.

Richard, Blog of Games

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What is the Best Order to Play the Shadowrun Games? https://blogofgames.com/what-is-the-best-order-to-play-the-shadowrun-games/ Fri, 30 Oct 2020 12:58:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=189 Shadowrun is a sci-fi cyberpunk franchise that initially started out as a tabletop role-playing game back in 1989. Since its inception, it has become one of the most revered institutions within the role-playing genre and has spawned multiple video games, among other things. 

In fact, there have been 8 Shadowrun video games in total. The first was released back in 1993 for the SNES, whereas the most recent (read about Shadowrun: Hong Kong here), was released in 2015 for the PC. But what is the best order to play the Shadowrun games? We discuss this in the article. 

What is the first Shadowrun game?

shadowrun-1993-3442839 Shadowrun 1993 SNES Gameplay

The first Shadowrun game was released in 1993 for the SNES and was developed by the Australian game company Beam Software (now Krome Studios Melbourne). 

It was based on the Shadowrun novel Never Deal with a Dragon and follows the story of Jake Armitage. Armitage tries to rediscover his identity after an assination attempt leaves him with amnesia. 

The first game of the Harebrained Schemes era of Shadowrun (Shadowrun Returns) is loosely based on the stories of the 1993 entry for the SNES and the 1994 game for the Sega Genesis, also called Shadowrun.      

What is the best order to play the Shadowrun games?

shadowrun-returns-pc-gameplay-4159933 Shadowrun Returns PC Gameplay

If you want to become completely immersed in the Shadowrun lore, you could play all of the games in chronological order and not run into any continuity problems. I wouldn’t recommend doing this, though, as the older games might prove to be a bit of a slog, despite being great games for their era. 

I also wouldn’t start with the 2007 entry for the Xbox 360. The game was decent, but it didn’t really contribute as much as it could have to the series. 

Personally, whether you are new to the series or not, I would play the games from Shadowrun Returns onwards in the order of release, skipping Boston Lockdown as it is multiplayer only. This would mean playing Returns, Dragonfall, and Hong Kong – all developed by Harebrained Schemes.

This order is not necessarily recommended because the stories are so intricately linked, but rather because the gameplay gets progressively better. The games do cross reference each other, but they can easily be played independently. However, once you’ve played Hong Kong, you may find it difficult to go back and play Returns – despite being a phenomenal game, it’s not as user friendly as either Dragonfall or Hong Kong. 

Which is the best Shadowrun?

shadowrun-hong-kong-pc-gameplay-1894568 Shadowrun Hong Kong PC Gameplay

This nicely leads on to the final point, which of the Shadowrun games is the best? For this point I will only consider the three games outlined previously, released by Harebrained Schemes. 

In terms of the story, each of them are a contender for the best game of the series. A lot of people would say that Dragonfall edges it as the best. Personally, I think that Hong Kong is the best game so far. The characters are well written, the visuals are better (in my opinion) than the previous games, and the story takes some interesting routes that will keep you gripped throughout. 

That being said, I would highly recommend playing the tabletop and card game versions of Shadowrun. If you enjoyed the lore and the futuristic setting of the video games, there is so much to get immersed with in the other formats, too. You can check out the Shadowrun subreddit community for more information. 

How long are the Shadowrun games?

shadowrun-dragonfall-pc-gameplay-7430219 Shadowrun Dragonfall PC Gameplay

You’ll certainly have a lot to be getting on with whichever game you choose to try first. 

Shadowrun Returns will take you between 10 and 20 hours to complete, whereas both Shadowrun: Dragonfall and Shadowrun: Hong Kong usually take around 20 to 30 hours to complete.

Get in Touch

Let us know which is your favorite Shadowrun game in the comments below. 

If you are a fan of the cyberpunk genre, check out our articles about cyberpunk books, cyberpunk anime, and other good cyberpunk games.

For any other enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com

Check out the full Shadowrun SNES gameplay below. 

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15 of the Scariest Hidden Object Games (PC) https://blogofgames.com/15-of-the-scariest-hidden-object-games-pc/ Fri, 16 Oct 2020 13:17:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=211 Hidden object games aren’t for everyone. They often require a lot of patience and looking at the same screen for extended periods of time. But they are also incredibly satisfying. 

Some of the best hidden object games come from the horror genre, as they have the ability to grip you through the tense atmosphere created. Here are 15 scary hidden object games available right now. 

15. Phantasmat 3 : The Endless Night

Phantasmat The Endless Night Gameplay

Phantasmat 3 the third instalment of the spooky hidden object game series that has the ability to build atmosphere in impressive ways. 

The game starts in a way that sets the tone for the rest of the gameplay – stuck in a car with a mysterious shady figure. Afterwards, you must solve the mystery in your hometown in order to save your daughter from disaster. 

Play Phantasmat 3: The Endless Night.  

14. Maze: Subject 360

Maze Subject 360 PC Gameplay

Mad Head Games has a reputation for producing some of the best hidden object games around, and Maze: Subject 360 is no exception. 

With an immersive storyline, together with excellent audio and visuals. Maze: Subject 360 takes you on a horror hidden object experience that will likely stick with you for a few days. This psychological thriller is spooky right from the start, when you wake up to the sound of a young spooky girl telling you that you have been chosen. Without giving too much away, you should play the game to see where it goes. 

Play Maze: Subject 360

13. Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst

Mystery Case Files Ravenhearst PC Gameplay

Despite being one of the older games in this list, this horror HOPA by Eipix Entertainment has some of the best visuals in the whole of the genre. 

It is obvious that the developer took seriously the task of creating a haunting experience, which it did through some artistic lighting and moody sound effects. The Ravenhearst manor has been a frequent feature of past Mystery Case Files games, but this time it finds itself at the centre of attention after a new owner wants to build a museum at the haunted manor. Good idea? No, probably not. 

Play Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst.  

12. The Emptiness

The Emptiness PC Gameplay

The Emptiness was poorly received in the hidden object world when it was first released, but we commend Hooligans Entertainment for trying to approach the genre a bit differently than normal. 

The game is one of the spookiest in this list, and provides some rather intense jump scares. The only reason this isn’t higher on the list is because it is quite graphic in parts and may not be for everyone. 

Indeed, the developer even warns in their game description that those who are prone to nervous disorders or unhealthy states of mind should avoid the game. That being said, for me this is easily one of the scariest hidden object games around. 

Play The Emptiness

11. Shadow Shelter

Shadow Shelter PC Gameplay

As a private investigator, you are tasked with finding the heir to a haunted and abandoned Scottish manor. Is the manor really abandoned though? Of course not. 

The story may be cliché, but the spooks are as real as anything. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for strange entities in this horror hidden object game, there seem to be some around every corner, and they run the property now. 

Play Shadow Shelter

10. Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker

Shiver Vanishing Hitchhiker PC Gameplay

In Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker, the game begins as the narrator recalls a mysterious event from his past, in which he picked up a helpless hitchhiker during a torrential downpour.

What’s scary is that she doesn’t say anything for the entire drive. To top it all off, she leaves a toy from the storyteller’s past on the back seat after she gets out. This sparks an investigation into who she exactly is, an investigation which takes you to the spooky town of Gordon Creek. 

Play Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker.

9. Haunted Hotel: Death Sentence

Haunted Hotel Death Sentence PC Gameplay

Haunted Hotel: Death Sentence is one of the best known and scariest hidden object games in this list.

You are tasked with solving unsolved mysteries of the supernatural kind along with your buddy, James. The story takes a dark turn, though, when you receive a letter from James informing you of his death. He points you in the direction of an abandoned hotel to find all the answers. 

The journey there is littered with atmosphere and chilling events. You’ll need to be brave to make it to the end. 

Play Haunted Hotel: Death Sentence.

8. Grim Tales: The Bride

Grim Tales The Bride PC Gameplay

The first thing you’ll notice about Grim Tales: The Bride is the artwork – it’s quite something, especially when you consider that this is a free game.

The game begins with the player’s sister disappearing on her wedding day without any trace or clue to her whereabouts. Using your detective prowess, you have to investigate her disappearance and uncover the truth. 

Unfortunately for you, this journey involves a worrying amount of creepiness and mystery.  

Play Grim Tales: The Bride.

7. PuppetShow: Bloody Rosie

PuppetShow Bloody Rosie PC Gameplay

The game starts in a seemingly normal fashion. An eldery man is caring for a young crimson-haired girl, preparing food for her and making sure she is comfortable. Sounds normal, right? Wrong. The girl is actually a doll. 

After the man gets angry and throws the doll to the ground, the tone is set for the rest of the game. It skips forward to a detective, you, investigating the mysterious death of the wife of Doctor Cox (not the one from Scrubs…). The rest is for you to figure out. 

Play PuppetShow: Bloody Rosie.

6. Dark Strokes: Sins of the Fathers

Dark Strokes Sins of the Fathers PC Gameplay

The Dark Strokes series are among the best hidden object games to be found, and Sins of the Fathers is perhaps the pick of the bunch. There were times whilst playing this HOPA that I was genuinely scared. 

Playing as Ethan Black, you are tasked with saving your fiancé from an eerie and evil masked villain known as the Faceless One. The puzzles are challenging and the aesthetics are top level. This is a must try for fans of the genre. 

Play Dark Strokes: Sins of the Fathers.

5. Dark Asylum: Mystery Adventure

Dark Asylum Mystery Adventure PC Gameplay

This horror HOPA from Komar Games is equal parts scary, challenging, gory, and fun. It is one of the better hidden object games available at the moment not only because of the generous amount of content, but also because of the gameplay dynamics. This is one that requires thought, precision, and patience. 

See if you can gain the trust of the asylum inmates by undergoing various tasks and puzzles. Once you do, though, you may uncover mysteries that are not for the faint of heart. 

Play Dark Asylum: Mystery Adventure

4. Fear For Sale: The Curse of Whitehall

Fear For Sale The Curse of Whitehall PC Gameplay

The game starts with a chilling scene of a young girl struggling to stay afloat in an Alaskan lake due to a supernatural entity that haunts the water. The next thing we know, you are on your way to the area to investigate the strange happenings. 

Nearby construction workers have to cease work due to the paranormal events that transpire. Soon you understand why, as apparitions and otherworldly spirits begin to terrorise your world. 

Play Fear For Sale: The Curse of Whitehall

3. True Fear: Forsaken Souls

True Fear Forsaken Souls PC Gameplay

This game is one of the creepiest hidden object games I’ve ever played. The way the developers create fear and an atmosphere of dread is masterful, and there are moments in the game that can be considered scarier than many of the current triple A horror games. 

In this psychological thriller, you investigate an old house filled with puzzles, eerie entities, and a disconcerting lack of light. Be warned, what you find in Forsaken Souls could keep you awake for the next few nights.  

Play True Fear: Forsaken Souls

2. Bonfire Stories: The Faceless Gravedigger

Bonfire Stories The Faceless Gravedigger PC Gameplay

As a group of friends sit around a campfire telling ghost stories, we hear of the story of the faceless gravedigger. A tale which involves two journalists and a whole world of terror. 

You take on the role of one of the reporters to uncover the mystery and find out what’s happening at the Quiet Grove resort and why so many people have gone missing over the years. Just try and stay clear of the ominous gravedigger.. 

Play Bonfire Stories: The Faceless Gravedigger

1. Scarlett Mysteries: Cursed Child

Scarlett Mysteries Cursed Child PC Gameplay

Scarlett Mysteries: Cursed Child is worth it for the art alone – the graphics are astounding and some of the best in the hidden object genre. 

Artifex Mundi have a habit of producing good quality HOPAs, and this one is no exception. Yes, it’s a little on the short side, but what you get is great quality. Use Scarlett’s paranormal and abilities to locate her dead within a grand Victorian mansion that oozes creepiness.

Play Scarlett Mysteries: Cursed Child.

Get in Touch 

Did you see your favorite horror hidden object game in this list? If not, let us know which games in the genre you like playing in the comment section below. 

If you liked this, you may also like reading about the best horror games for the Xbox 360. 

For any other enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com 

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The 30 Best PC Detective Games – An Ultimate Guide https://blogofgames.com/the-30-best-pc-detective-games-an-ultimate-guide/ Fri, 18 Sep 2020 21:03:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=56 Return of the Obra Dinn PC Gameplay

Return of the Obra Dinn is a 2018 puzzle game by Lucas Pope with a beautiful art style and incredibly engaging narrative and detective story. 

The story revolves around the East Indiaman trade shape, named the Obra Dinn, which is declared lost after departing from Falmouth, England, only to reappear 5 years later under mysterious circumstances. 

Don’t be fooled by the monochromatic art style, Return of the Obra Dinn is as visually impressive as it is noteworthy for its excellent gameplay. This is not one to be missed. 

Download Return of the Obra Dinn on Steam 

9. The Painscreek Killings (2017)

The Painscreek Killings PC Gameplay

The Painscreek Killings is an impressive murder mystery game that was created by indie developer EQ Studios. It is relatively unknown, which will come as a great surprise to anyone who has tried the game. 

The first thing you’ll notice when playing The Painscreek Killings is how beautiful the game looks – the semi open world environment is rich with detail and there is plenty to discover in the abandoned city. 

The game is so much more than an aesthetically pleasing mystery, though, and it really holds up as one of the best PC detective games available right now. It’s not easy, and you must be on the ball to work things out, but with your trusty notepad in hand The Painscreek Killings is a delight to play through. 

Download The Painscreek Killings on Steam

8. Jenny LeClue: Detectivú (2019)

Jenny LeClue Detectivu PC Gameplay

Jenny LeClue is a point and click adventure detective game that follows the story of a young detective looking for a way to clear her mother after she is accused of murder.

With a beautiful art-style and quirky and intriguing characters, Jenny LeClue provides an engaging story with some challenging and fun puzzles to overcome on the way solving the mystery. 

For many, Jenny LeClue is one the best detective PC games of recent years, and one that is definitely worth checking out.

Download Jenny LeClue on Steam

7. Grim Fandango (1998)

Grim Fandango Remastered PC Gameplay

Set in the Land of the Dead, this classic adventure detective game follows Manny as he journeys from the Eight Underworld to the Land of Eternal Rest. 

In Grim Fandango, Manny works a mundane travel agent job that he hates in order to pay off debts to higher powers. After a series of peculiar events, Manny steals a client from his colleague, instigating a sequence of events that unveils a corrupt underworld organization run by Hector LeMans. 

Grim Fandango has gone down in gaming history as a classic, and for good reason too. With an exceptional soundtrack, stellar graphics (for the time), interesting characters and engaging story to boot, this is a detective game that stands up well in the modern era, and will likely be lauded for many decades to come.

Download Grim Fandango on Steam

6. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (2014)

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter PC Gameplay

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a game that requires the player to really test their detective skills in order to figure out what is going on around them. 

In short, you must investigate the death of the Carter family while taking on the role of a paranormal investigator. The game is atmospheric and moody, and this adds to its mystery. Inspired by horror fiction writers such as H.P. Lovecraft, it’s easy to see why this game was so popular when it was first released in 2014.

With an elegant and intellectual style of gameplay, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a PC mystery game that will keep you hooked from start to finish. 

Download The Vanishing of Ethan Carter on Steam

5. Unforeseen Incidents (2018)

Unforseen Incidents PC Gameplay

Another point and click entry into the list is Unforeseen Incidents. Developed by Backwoods Entertainment, this indie mystery game is a stylish adventure that is sure to test your detective abilities.

The gameplay combines elements of puzzle and mystery gameplay as the player is tasked with uncovering who is responsible for the outbreak of a deadly virus in the fictional place of Yelltown. Undoubtedly the strongest feature of the game is its voice acting, which is expertly applied to every NPC that you encounter. 

The balance between humor and sincerity will keep you gripped until the end. Unforeseen Incidents is believed by many to be one of the best PC detective games of recent times. It is certainly unique and is a game that you can easily get lost in while playing. 

Download Unforeseen Incidents on Steam

4. L.A. Noire (2011)

LA Noire PC Gameplay

L.A. Noire has become the poster child of the detective game genre, and it’s easy to see why. It has everything you want from an investigative experience – challenging puzzles, interrogations, and intriguing mystery – all while being able to roam 1940s Los Angeles in impressively designed open world gameplay. 

Playing as Cole Phelps, you investigate a series of crimes as you advance through the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department. Every mission offers unique challenges, and the game offers a variety of police work that few other detective games have offered. 

L.A. Noire is most certainly one of the best PC detective games ever made. 

Download LA Noire on Steam 

3. The Wolf Among Us (2013)

The Wolf Among Us PC Gameplay

If the only Telltale Games titles you have ever played are their episodic Walking Dead games, then you’re missing out. Granted, they’re exceptional, but it could easily be argued that The Wolf Among Us is even better. 

Based on the Fables comic book series, The Wolf Among Us follows detective Bigby Wolf as he investigates a mysterious murder in 1986 Fabletown. The journey introduces you to a host of fabled characters – such as the Jersey Devil, Grendel, and Georgie Porgie – allowing you to make dialogue choices that can alter the course of the game. 

In total, there are 5 episodes in the stylish The Wolf Among Us, each of them offering some new and combining together to make one of the best detective games for the PC available in 2020. 

Download The Wolf Among Us on Steam

2. Broken Sword (1996 – 2013))

Broken Sword 5 PC Gameplay

No detective game list would be complete without the point and click adventure classic Broken Sword. Anyone of the entries into this series could be included on the list – from the original Shadow of the Templars to the most recent The Serpent’s Curse – and for that reason we decided to include the franchise as a whole. 

Playing as American lawyer George Stobbard and French journalist Nicole Collard, the game follows a series of mysterious events as the protagonists use their detective prowess to uncover the truth. All the games in the series revolve around a murder mystery plot in which the game gently ushers you towards finding out the truth with tips and hints, and each story is engaging in its own right. 

The Broken Sword franchise undoubtedly provides some of the best PC detective games ever made and, if you haven’t tried them already, you simply must.

Download the Broken Sword Trilogy on Steam

1. Disco Elysium (2019)

Disco Elysium PC Gameplay

Our number one selection is a choice that some may not agree with, but we loved playing this game. Disco Elysium is a role-playing detective game that was one of the better releases of 2019. Featuring no combat, the game instead focuses on dialog trees and skill progressions that aid the player’s ability to advance investigations. 

Playing as a detective who wakes with amnesia in the first scene, you are tasked with unravelling the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a hanged man in the nearby area. That’s not the only mystery, though, and the game pieces together the story of the player character bit by bit, before leading to an emotional conclusion that can change depending on the choices made by the player throughout the game. 

The graphics are beautiful, the gameplay is smooth, and the story is gripping from start to finish. Disco Elysium is a strong contender for the best detective game of all time, let alone one of the best PC detective games. The developer ZA/UM have created a gaming masterpiece within the mystery genre and we highly recommend that you check it out. 

Download Disco Elysium on Steam 

Get in Touch

If you liked reading about the best PC detective games, you may also want to check out our take on the best mystery games for the PS4.

Leave a comment below with your favorite video game. For any other enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com

Disco Elysium Gameplay from Fextralife

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10 Free Online Retro Arcade Games To Play Now https://blogofgames.com/10-free-online-retro-arcade-games-to-play-now/ Fri, 21 Feb 2020 13:16:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=209 In the late 70s and 80s, arcade games entered the mainstream and helped to establish the video game culture as a dominant force in popular culture. Even before the video game console revolution, these games were creating legacies and bringing joy to the masses.

Now, you can play them for free. We’ve compiled a list of the best online retro arcade games that you can find and play online, with no fees or subscriptions required! The order is only loosely designed on personal preference, but all of the games are worthy of a shot. Read on for more!

10. Pong (1972)

play-pong-free-online-9450745 Play Pong Free Online

Pong is a classic arcade game that was released in 1972 by Atari. It has since become synonymous with retro video games, and a lot of people believe this simple table-tennis game to be a key driving force behind the commercial establishment of the video game industry.

There have been a number of remakes and sequels over the years (Pong Doubles, Pin-Pong, Quadrapong), but neither of them has been able to hold a light to the original.

Play Pong for free here.

9. Battlezone (1980)

Play Battlezone Free Online

Released in 1980, Battlezone is the original FPS tank combat game. The game utilizes a simple black and white vector monitor with green and red overlay – and it’s the simplicity of the graphics that adds to its charm and sense of nostalgia. It is also considered to be the first-ever virtual reality video arcade game, due to the viewing goggle that the player had to look through in order to play the game.

The game was also the foundation of The Bradley Trainer, a training game used by the U.S. Army for personnel fighting in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Although some of Atari’s team tried to distance themselves from this military association, Battlezone still goes down as one of the best free retro arcade games to play online.

Play Battlezone for free here.

8. Space Invaders (1978)

Play Space Invaders Free Online

When most people think of classic arcade games, Space Invaders is usually one of the first that springs to mind. This 1978 classic, created by Tomohiro Nishikado, is as fun as it is addictive. Even today you’d be hard-pressed to find a gamer who can pick up the game and put down before clearing at least one or two levels of alien hordes.

Everything about the game is iconic, from the simple movement and laser cannon controls, to the incremental movement that coincides with the difficulty of the game. It is often cited as an influence for subsequent games, and its legacy is strong and far-reaching.

Play Space Invaders for free here.

7. Paperboy (1985)

Play Paperboy Free Online

Another classic arcade game from Atari Games is Paperboy. When it was first released in 1985, the bike handlebar controllers brought a sense of creativity to arcades around the world, and players could enjoy a retro immersion while delivering “The Daily Sun” to people’s doorsteps.

It has been given mixed reviews since it was first released, but there is a general consensus that the game was graphically impressive for its time. Several re-releases and sequels have cemented Paperboy’s legacy, and the game will always be seen as a classic by many.

Play Paperboy for free here.

6. Pac-Man (1980)

Play Pacman Free Online

Pac-Man needs no introduction. It is the game that most people use as a reference for video games and remains a classic for all who have played it. The original maze arcade game, Pac-Man has been bringing joy to retro gamers ever since it was first released by Namco in 1980.

Its legacy is so vast that it has spawned TV shows, music, and films in its honor. Several remakes have been released but, in truth, you can’t go wrong with the original when looking for some pure and innocent fun with Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.

Play Pac-Man online here.

5. Donkey Kong (1981)

Play Donkey Kong Free Online

How high can you get? For many, the answer is not very high. This 1981 classic arcade game is a game that can get be quite frustrating as you jump, dodge, and climb your way past obstacles as Mario. Yet, despite its relative difficulty in comparison to other arcade games of the era, Donkey Kong is a sleek and beautiful game that rewards skill and patience.

Granted, in comparison to many modern video game titles, the level of skill required to be a good at Donkey Kong is small, but you’d struggle to find an avid gamer who would pass up the opportunity to play a few levels of this retro arcade game for free.

Play Donkey Kong for free here.

4. Street Fighter (1987)

play-street-fighter-free-online-9011344 Play Street Fighter Free Online

The original Street Fighter game was released in 1987 as an arcade game by Capcom. Since then, the series has created a huge legacy within the video game fighting genre, but it was the first that kicked things off in such style.

Playing as Ryu or Ken, players were tasked with defeating fighters of different disciplines, such as Geki the claw-wielding ninja, and Birdie, a tall bouncer from England skilled in boxing and wrestling.

Play Street Fighter for free here.

3. Commando (1985)

Play Commando Free Online

This run and gun classic from 1985 is another classic from the Japanese game developer, Capcom. The aim of the game is simple – avoid enemy projectiles and take down entire swathes of enemy soldiers using Super Joe’s trusty machine gun and a healthy supply of hand grenades.

As vertically-scrolling arcade games go, you can’t get much better than Commando. Several successful sequels have been created, too, while the character of Super Joe has appeared in other more recent video games.

Play Commando for free here.

2. Asteroids (1979)

Play Asteroids Free Online

Asteroids is a classic retro arcade game that is thought of fondly by many gamers. Developed by Atari Inc and first released in 1979, the game requires players to take control of a spaceship within an asteroid field.

To avoid being hit by asteroids and flying saucers, players must use their spaceship to gun down incoming objects, and then navigate the space to avoid the debris. Asteroids is often cited as a key player in introducing video games to the mainstream and was one of the first commercial successes in the industry.

Play Asteroids for free here.

1.     Galaga (1981)

Play Galaga Free Online

Endless amounts of fun can be had playing Namco’s 1981 classic shooter arcade game, Galaga. It is the second game in the Galaxian series but is seen by many to be a much more complete and enjoyable title than its predecessor.

Players take control of a spaceship fighter that is fixed to the bottom of the screen. The aim of the game is to defeat enemy Galaga forces and, in turn, stop their alien invasion from destroying humankind. The levels get progressively harder but, with that, so does the completion satisfaction.

Galaga is simply one of the greatest retro arcade games ever created, and now you can play it for free!

Play Galaga for free here.

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Samurai, Viking, Knight – For Honor Warrior Choice https://blogofgames.com/samurai-viking-knight-for-honor-warrior-choice/ Mon, 17 Feb 2020 14:42:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=391 There are only a handful of games out there that have perfected the art of combat, and among them is the much beloved For Honor. In case you’re not familiar with the game, For Honor is an action video game that was released back in 2017.

This game features one of the best combat systems, complete with a vast array of light and heavy attacks, graceful evasions, and deadly counter attacks. For Honor comes with 4 different warrior classes you can choose from which includes Samurai, Viking, Knight, and Wu Lin. But which warriors among them are the most effective and fun to play with? Read on to learn about the best For Honor warrior choice.

For Honor – Samurai

Samurais are incredible fighters with a style of Japanese origin – they can very precisely cut their enemies in half in swift maneuvers with their sharp swords. Samurais are a great choice as a warrior because they can be a huge asset to your team. You can do different heavy and light attacks with them, but you’ll need to be very exact – one wrong move and you could take a lot of damage from the enemy. In For Honor, you will have to face some of the strongest enemies of all time and Samurais can be a great choice to deal with them.

There are 7 Different warriors in the ‘Samurai’ category which include Kensei, Shugoki, Orochi, Nobushi, Shinobi, Aramusha and Hitokiri. All of these Samurais have their own unique style of fighting. All of these fighters have their own perks and cons.

Kensie is a great warrior with a wide approach, strong attacks and reasonably good defense, but takes a lot of time to launch a heavy attack which is a downside for them.

Shugoki is considered by many to be the worst hero of the game because he is too slow and there’s not much he can do to counter enemy attacks.

Orochi is an incredible assassin and her combat is even better, she is quick and deadly, and this combination makes her the most loved Samurai by many.

Nobushi is fairly a good fighter and she can do some serious amount of damage but fighting with her will feels like poking your enemies with a spear and I hardly believe you’ll enjoy playing with her.

Shinobi is a complete fighter with the right amount of attack and defense skills that will leave you in awe. Shinobi features many light and heavy attacks, along with long-range chain attacks that can completely dismantle the enemy.

Aramusha is an assassin/hybrid fighter who comes with two swords that can only do a limited amount of damage – and there are not many options after a counterattack, making him quite vulnerable in combat.

Last but not least, Hitokiri delivers the most heroic heavy attacks but his slow speed might be the biggest issue which makes him very vulnerable and open to counter attacks.

Best among the Samurai – Orochi

For Honor – Vikings

The Vikings are a class of Scandinavian warrior that were dominant throughout much of Europe between the 8th and 11th centuries. They are among the four factions in ‘For Honor’ and they are a force to be reckoned with. Vikings are ruthless attackers and hell raisers – and they can do a great deal of damage to their enemies using some iconic Viking-era weaponry. The Viking category features 7 great warriors that you can choose from. They are the Raider, Warlord, Berserker, Valkyrie, Highlander, Shaman and Jormungandr. All of them have their own unique style of combat that can be equally entertaining.

Vikings are truly the most ruthless, vicious, barbaric, and ferocious fighters that you will ever get your hands on. Yet, as with all the classes, they have their limitations.

The Raider can only be defined in one word – legendary. He can deliver some of the heaviest attacks and his light attacks are very brutal as well. He can also do a 360’ move that completely stuns enemies. Yet, despite his unique tactics, it takes a lot of time to launch a heavy attack and it can be a little distracting.

The Warlord can be best described as the old school Viking that features a sword and a shield in his hands and packs some reasonable headbutts and sprint attacks. Other than some good counters, though, there’s not much more to him.

The Berserker is the perfect fit for someone looking to deliver back to back heavy attacks accompanied by dodges and brutal counterattacks. There is not much uniquity to their combat, though.

The Valkyrie is a combination of an assassin/hybrid warrior who can get the job done with a deadly spear. She can deliver some pretty good heavy attacks and her light attacks are not too shabby, either. Moreover, she is among the deadliest warriors in the game and, if you giver her a shot, you will likely discover a new favorite.

The Highlander is a giant, equipped with a sword larger than himself, and is one of the most effective and brutal among all of the Vikings. The Highlander has two stances, defense and offense which makes him very unique and one of a kind.

The Shaman is very much similar to the Berserker, but they have some different tactics up their sleeves that can make you fall in love with them in a whole different way. The Shaman delivers many combos of heavy and light attacks and they are very decorated warriors.

Last, we have the mighty Jormungandr (Huge Monster in Old Norse) who is a brutal and fearless warrior equipped with a hammer-like weapon and can land some pretty heavy and deadly attacks. For many, though, the Jormundandr can feel slightly sluggish in attack and has the potential to be frustrating for the player.

Best Among the Vikings – Raider

For Honor – Knights

The Knight is another faction in For Honor that you can enjoy as the player. They are the most disciplined warrior among all of the classes. Knights are equipped with a lot of armor and they can be a great asset to your team. The only thing these Knights are missing are the horses that they are usually associated with. There are 7 warriors in the Knight faction that you can play as – they are the Warden, Conqueror, Peacekeeper, Lawbringer, Centurion, Gladiator, and Black Prior.

All of these Knights have their own perks and cons. The Warden is famous for his great defense and counterattacks, and his height is a great advantage in the battle. His wide approach can also cut enemies into pieces from a mile away. Heavy attacks take a while to launch, but with a great defense system, the risk is worth taking. Other than that, there’s nothing extraordinary about the warden.

The Conqueror is a complicated character who has been a part of many controversies. The Conqueror is a lethal warrior that can deliver both heavy and light attacks with precision, causing great damage to the opponent. However, the Conqueror’s defense system is not too great at all – a major downside for this warrior.

The Peacekeeper is one of the best warriors among the knights. She can land heavy and light attacks with fast precision and accuracy, making her one of the most beloved warriors of the Knight Faction. Her low-n-quick maneuver makes her even more lethal and is one of the sharpest attacks across all classes.

With the Lawbringer, it’s all about timing your attacks, and landing heavy and light attack combinations. However, landing those combos sometimes feels more like watching it in slow-motion because they are extremely lethargic and, in truth, extremely annoying.

Next, we have the Centurion, who is famous for his three different heavy attacks that can destroy enemies in a instant. Yes, they are quite fast, so you don’t have to worry about their speed. The Centurion is easily among the most playable characters from the Knight faction and, indeed, across all the classes.

The Gladiator will give you some Aquaman vibes because he holds the same spear as him and dresses in a somewhat familiar fashion. The Gladiator can do good damage with his spear, using his unblockable heavy attacks and supplementing them with piercing jabs and light attacks. You will enjoy playing with this one.

Black Prior is a warrior that you’d be forgiven for not recognizing as a knight. His old raggy clothes suggest a less regal title, but that shouldn’t deceive you. The Black Prior comes with a sword and a shield with some brutal combos to dismantle your enemies. He can deliver lethal heavy, light, and counterattacks but lacks the ability to easily break the guard of enemies.

Best Among the Knights – Centurion

For Honor – Wu Lin

Wu Lin is the newest playable faction in For Honor. The Wu Lin warriors are from the era of ancient China, and they move faster than the blink of the eye. Unlike the other factions, The Wu Lin only consists of 5 warrior choices, including Tiadi, Jiang Jun, Nuxia, Shaolin, and Zhanhu.

Wu Lin warrior provides unique gameplay that you won’t experience from any other faction and you will love their combat once you have played with them. Tiandi is unbelievably fast and can land combos of light and heavy attacks mixed with an extensive amount of dodges that will leave your enemies with a great amount of damage. Speed is the key when playing with Tiandi and it will take some time to perfect. It should be noted that Tiandi can be quite difficult when playing for the first time.

Jiang Jun can be best described as a combination of Berserker and Nobushi. A lot of Jiang Jun tactics are similar to them. Jiang Jun has a wide approach, lethal finishers, and strong attacks that help to chop enemies down from a distance. However, stamina might be an issue when you are playing with this character.

Nuxia features the best 3-hit chain attack in the whole game and it is a delight to behold. The most unique feature of Nuxia is that she can set traps for her enemies by confusing them with misdirections and launching a chain attack in the meantime. Despite her uniqueness, sprint attacks might be hard to land.

The Shaolin is a ferocious monk who is known for their disciplined combat. The Shaolin can launch an endless stream of chaos on enemies and can dismantle them with ease, providing they have the stamina. Yet, launching an endless attack chain could lead to less stamina and it could ruin the whole battle.

Finally, we have the mighty Zhanhu who is known for his long sword that can cut enemies from every direction in a single chain. Zhanhu has great tactics that can come in handy when you are facing the fiercest of enemies. Zhanhu features a variety of heavy and light attacks backed with great defensive stance that can really help with counterattacks.

Best Among Wu Lin – Tiandi

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Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review https://blogofgames.com/deus-ex-mankind-divided-review/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:58:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=452 If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a cyberpunk video game world, you can’t do much better than Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. This game was released in 2016 and still holds up as one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time, thanks to some impressive futuristic visuals and a well-constructed story. Yet, the game is far from perfect and has had its fair share of detractors. Read on for our Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review.

Developer: Eidos Montréal

Publisher: Square Enix

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS

What Is Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Gameplay

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is an action role-playing cyberpunk game that is the fourth entry of the Deus Ex series following on from the 2011 title, Deus Ex: Human Revolution. It is set in 2029, two years after its predecessor.

The game primarily takes place in Prague, though parts of the story see some events occur in London and Dubai. In line with the series’ cyberpunk elements, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided explores themes of elite secret societies, cybernetics, biotechnology, and unjust social division. A key aspect of the game is the divide between normal humans and augmentations, or “augs”, who are people that have technologically enhanced themselves.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided was well received when it was released, and the game was praised for its gameplay, story and graphics. It was seen as a worthy successor to Human Revolution, but there is a general consensus that the story was too short, meaning the game’s characters were underdeveloped and one-dimensional. This has, however, left people calling for the release of a new Deus Ex game.

In this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, we will explain why the game is worth trying, and why it is one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Story

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Cyberpunk World

In Deus Ex: Mankind Divided players take on the role of Adam Jensen, a human who became heavily augmented following an assault on Sarif Industries, where he worked as Chief of Security.

The game begins in Dubai, where Adam is undertaking a mission for anti-terrorist unit Task Force 29 (TF29), before being intercepted and attacked by a mercenary group of the augmented. Adam returns to Prague after the mission and becomes involved in a mission to discover who attempted to bomb the city.

Adam’s journey takes him on a trail of the illuminati, who have begun to use advanced biological weapons in order to kill high-level opponents to their causes. Struggling to know who to trust, Adam finds himself involved with the Augmented Rights Coalition (ARC), a controversial group that acts as a resistance to the abuse of the augmented. Adam encounters many twists and turs from here on in, and what follows is a truly engaging and well-constructed plotline that, deliberately or not, delivers messages pertinent to contemporary society.

The story in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is heavily rooted in cyberpunk and futuristic themes and attempts to evoke thought of societal injustice in the mind of the payer. Adam is a member of the augmented, a supposedly enhanced version of the human race as we know it. Yet, he and many other “augs” are segregated and looked down on as morally inferior by the game’s “normal” human population.

Deus Ex – Adam Jensen

Is this a sign of things to come? Either way, it’s certainly food for thought and, if your imagination allows, it’s possible to predict a time in the not-so-distant future where this scenario could become a reality. This is why the cyberpunk genre strikes a chord with so many people and why we say in this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, that this game is one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Without giving too much away in this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, it should be known that the story, however brief, is rich in content and emotion. The game also ends without a definitive conclusion, leaving the possibility of a new Deus Ex game being released in the future.

If you’re enjoying this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, you might also like our Observer video game review, another one of the best cyberpunk games available right now.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Gameplay

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Graphics

The Deus Ex: Mankind Divided gameplay is similar to previous instalments in the series. It is a first-person shooter with elements of adventure and stealth. Some animations in the game, such as taking cover and melee attacks, switch to a third-person view. Both open world and linear environments are incorporated into the game for players to explore.

Throughout the game, you will encounter various non-playable characters with whom you can interact with and will aid you in completing both main and side story quests. Completing more quests and discovering new areas will reward the player with experience points, enables players to upgrade Adam’s abilities. An in-game currency called Credits can also be acquired which allow the player to purchase item and equipment from black-market shops.

Players can adopt different strategies to progress throughout the game. Those of a more gung-ho disposition can violently enter situations all guns blazing, while those who favour stealth can equip themselves suitably to avoid the danger and silently eliminate enemies with non-lethal weapons.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review – The Good

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Prague

  • Story: In this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, we have already discussed how good the story is, and it is worth reiterating. This action role-playing game has a good blend of action, stealth, exploration, and character development, all of which combine to make this one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time.  
  • Setting: Seeing Prague in a futuristic cyberpunk setting is definitely a highlight of the game. It is not the only location that you will are able to explore, but it is the largest one and acts as a base for you to go travel from to other areas throughout the game. It is quite easy to spend hours just roaming around the city and taking in the sci-fi vibes while listening to the citizens liaise with each other.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review – The Bad

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Metro

  • Lip Sync: One aspect of the game that is noticeably flawed is the lip syncing. This is slightly disappointing, especially when you consider how good the voice acting in the game is.
  • Length: A lot of criticism of the game was aimed at how short the story is. It is true that the main quest line is a little on the short side, but it didn’t feel like a problem for us as the content was so good. There is also a lot of exploration in the game which occupies a lot of game time.

Games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

If you’ve already completed the game and are looking for a similar fix, there are plenty of other titles out there to try. Here are some more games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided:

  • System Shock 2
  • BioShock
  • Anachronox
  • Thief
  • Prey

Blog of Games Rating

You can probably tell from reading this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review that we are fans of the title. Despite, this is still one the best cyberpunk games around. We award the game 8/10.

Get in Touch

If you enjoyed reading this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, you might also like our Resident Evil 2 remake review.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com.

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