Its that time of the year again, PC Gamer released their “Top 100 PCGames of All-Time” and for the best part its ok. There are a few heinous errors though, such as the terrible ratings given to Syndicate and Warcraft 3 and the total omission of Starcraft.
Shocking I know, but of course its time for you to see my Top Ten, which is probably reletively unchanged from last year.
10) Company of Heroes (2006 – THQ) New Entry
This is the newest game on my list, and was the first strategy game in a long time to manage the balance between tactics and action so sucessfully.
9) Starcraft (1999 – Blizzard) New Entry
Omitted from PCGamers Top Ten? Fucking Disgusting. Its one of the best RTS’s ever made and is as fresh today as the day it was released. The AI is so brutally effecient, you’ve got to be on your toes.
Half Life (1997 – Valve) New Entry
I dropped the second in favour of the original simply because they’ve been taking the piss with Episode 2 Recently, and like most games on this list – They are just as fresh to play now as they were brand new.
7) Transport Tycoon Deluxe (1995 – Microprose) -2
The best game of its kind ever made, no exception. There was no feeling better than knowing you’ve built the most effecient and fully functional 20-Platform Station. I’m not sure why, but I just can’t keep away.
6) UFO: Enemy Unknown (1993 – Microprose) New Entry
The original TBS/Empire Management Sim and a Sci-fi cult hit. It was brilliantly accessible, whilst remaining so very difficult. You usually died because you were impatient, so you try and try again.
5) Wacraft 3 (2002 – Blizzard) -1
Arguably not the best RTS on this list, but its definitely my favourite. I love Fantasy, I love Blizzard and I love Warcraft. Everything about this RTS worked from the Resource management, to the Heroes.
4) System Shock 2 (1999 – EA/Looking Glass) -2
SHODAN remains one of the best Sci-fi Villains of all time and part of me wants to say “Give us a System Shock Movie”, but we all know how it would end up. If you haven’t played SS2, do so. It works on XP and still plays beautifully.
3) Deus Ex (2000 – Eidos Interactive/Ion Storm) –
Compelling Story, ingenius game design and a built in notepad. Theres not much to say about this game you don’t already know, it wasn’t necessarily a new idea (see above) but it was definitely the best, and remains the best FPS/RPG Hybrid i’ve ever played.
2) World of Warcraft (2004/current – Vivendi/Blizzard) +4
From the first time I tinkered with a trial, to the first time I downed Ragnaros this game really is a rollercoaster ride. I’ve wanted to quit … i’ve been buffed and nerfed, broken and fixed and yet even when I hate this game I can’t keep away. That is a testament purely to Blizzard’s skill as Developers.
1) Master of Magic (1993 – Microprose/Simtex) –
Well … Here again. This ancient Fantasy TBS has been my favourite game since I first installed it and not very many people undestand. Its hard to get it Emulated properly so its hard to show you … But all those wonderful mystical creatures … The variable difficulty, the tricks and little exploits … The Heroes and Hero Progression.
We didn’t get character Depth like that outside of Heavy-Duty Simulation series for years (ergo Close Combat -> Warcraft 3). You might well have had your favourite Chap in Civilization … But You didn’t have “Bruce the Mighty Forester” with his +3 to Forestry and +5 Beastmaster did you? Did You!?
Anyway, thats enough of this rambling, I just thought i’d share it with you.
I intend to get the other authors on WSAG to give me their Top 10s (PCGames only please) and i’ll compile one big post of them.
Cheers
James
