The lack of posts I can put down to a number of reasons, primarily the fact that I have been busy with various websites over the last few weeks and am struggling to manage my time. Ok, really that is only part of the reason, the other is that i have just decided to hook myself back into the PC gaming market and my true gaming love, first person shooters (FPS).
First up, when I built my current PC I made a positive decision about going for Intel on the bases I can stick with on board graphics thus allowing myself to drop in a PCI-E card if I wanted. The intention was good, by not having the ability to play games, I would be productive (which I have been) and still have a quick PC that is a pleasure to user with Photoshop etc. The trouble is its been probably been three / fours years since I played UT and to a lesser extent Quake III with any real conviction or intensity and I began to get the cravings.
One (middle of the road / entry level, value for money) graphics card later, an ATI Radeon X800 GTO, and a weekend where I don’t think I saw daylight, it almost feels as though I haven’t been away!
Time for the games and hell, things have improved.
Quake IV – Like an old school action movie from the 80’s, Quake IV is a sheer adrenaline filled strogg-fest (bad pun). Seriously entertaining in my opinion and desperately under rated by the gaming community, this does what you’d expect really well. There is a reason why the money in professional gaming is in this game, its simply the best pure shooter out there and tremendously entertaining to boot.
F.E.A.R – Really slick, graphically intensive FPS that while the setting is a bit clichéd, really does send a shiver down your spine. To say that I was reluctant to get sucked into this as a feasible genre is an understatement. But they have proved that FPS/Horror works when done well. This is incredible!
FarCry – Considering this is the oldest of the four, it still looks stunning in every aspect. Must have been absolutely stunning when this came out. Though I have played this the least out of the four I can’t wait to come back to it!
Call of Duty 2 – Having not played the first, I was hesitant about this. How good could a historically accurate (ish) game based 60+ years ago could be? Well, the first level sums it all up! A sheer mind blowing experience that really makes you feel as though your on the front line. Seeing the gunfire raging over your head as you duck behind ridges, gradually making your way forward as you and your squaddies advance is undeniably entertaining.
I am sure I have missed some gems but to be quite honest when I have made my way through these and Battlefield 2 (next on the list) I think I’ll be ready to go quietly back to CSS and Dreamweaver!
