Zarniwooop

One of the very, very few shooters I've played through to the end. The AI is the best in the history of shooters, the game is atmospheric and it gets legitimately frightening. I really enjoyed this.

This is one of my favorite games. Its almost perfect as a strategy game. If you like simulations, buy this immediately. My review must be 150 characters long.

Most surprising game I've played in a long time. It gets better the longer you play. Wonderful atmosphere. I can't say its better than portal, because portal was the perfect game with every last bit of fat squeezed out. But, this is absolutely as good as Portal 2 (I prefer this to Portal 2 by far).

Graphically, it doesn't hold up well today. But, with mods, it can still be coaxed into an attractive form. Mods utterly change this game from an older, but charming game into something superlative. As a vanilla experience, Morrowind was a game world unlike anything I'd ever seen before. Eerie, beautiful and otherworldly, I really enjoyed experiencing it. I rated it a 9, because I didn't particularly enjoy the main quest, but if you love RPGs and exploring and don't mind older graphics or getting into modding, this game is still a stellar experience.

This is a hidden gem. Warning: if you're a console kid, don't even look at this. It will break your brain. If you're an old-school RPG lover, you might like this. It is more Morrowind, than Oblivion. By that I mean that it is a quirky adventure, with a one-of-a-kind spellcasting system. If you loved Ultima Underworld give this a try. You can safely ignore any review of this game that is below a 6 as their points are not valid for normal humans (unless you're exclusively a console gamer or cannot tolerate games with older graphics. But, if that's the case, why are you reading or reviewing this?). I wanted to give this a 10 to overcome the poor souls that couldn't figure this game out and gave it less than a 5. But, my actual score is 9. If you enjoy games that innovate and don't mind older graphics, try this game.

Maybe the most underrated game of all time. Absolutely sublime from start to finish. Funny while remaining serious. Think I'll reinstall. One of the greatest examples of all time of substance over style. And its got more style and surprises than a supermodel's birthday cake. Whatever that meant, if you are even moderately interested in action/stealth and love games that push beyond the routine, buy this now.

One of the most overrated games of all time. Its a beautiful game to just sort of walk around in and enjoy the ambiance. As a spiritual successor to system shock 2 its a complete failure. As an rpg, its a complete failure. As a game all by itself, its merits are very nice scenery, ambiance and a few good set pieces. Other than that, its nothing like the reviews would have you think (unless you're a console player in which case this is probably the second coming of Jesus).

It's not as good as Might and Magic VI at the time. The reason I say that is there is no substitute from being able to walk around anywhere in any direction at any time. Just like myst went from being a pain in the hind end to a great game with realMyst, Might and Magic went from sublime to just very very good by using the old MM1-5 style movement. This game can be replayed repeatedly due to the huge number of interesting class combinations and class-specific promotion quests. I highly recommend this game. Who knows, maybe next time around, if it sells enough, we'll get a spiritual might and magic VI successor.

I absolutely hated it. I was so excited for this as it was being developed by Maxis. But, my one and only full night really trying to love this game was a disaster. It was depressing. Get up, barely make it to work. Get home, barely make it to bed. This is already my life. Why on EARTH would I play this? I'll give it a 6 since it had few bugs and the underlying system was well-constructed. But, I really disliked playing this game.

One of the most important games ever made. It is STILL scary if you play now. The butcher doesn't make me wet my pants like he did the first time anymore, but knowing that if you die, you're going to have to get all your stuff back is just nerve-racking. Possibly the most atmospheric RPG ever made. Or if that's going too far, then easily the best music. The only thing that makes it an adjustment to play today is the lack of run/walk. I play this at least once a year and have since it came out.

By any measure, a great game. I finished it, and enjoyed it. But, it's a 9 and not a 10, because it failed to live up to the example set by Portal 1. Bottom line: a fun game, that is exceptionally well put together, but, unlike Portal 1, you won't be talking about it with your friends for years.

Just like all biowar games of the 200s - its a great story and a "meh" game. Played to level 39 and just couldn't do it anymore. You've already played this game. It was called Wow and it was better at release in 20004 than this game is now. The only thing it really has going for it is: 1. Star Wars 2. Story If you want to just play the story once, feel free. It's not bad. But, as an MMO, its not at all worth my money or time.

I almost never start a review like this, but .... Anyone that gave this game less than a 6 probably shouldn't be on the internet. Its done lovingly and with deep respect for the original. Its not close to as good as the original, but its a great game both on its own merits and as a sequel. DX1 was a sublime moment in open-ended gameplay. Both as an individual title and for the entire industry. This follows in the same vein with unfortunate console limitations. Anyone that wants to truly understand the travesty that the console generation has caused, need only see the limits imposed on this game by the hardware architecture of the aging consoles. It's atmospheric as hell and provides that suspension of disbelief that is required for a game like this to work. I STILL say everyone should play DX1 THEN play this. But, if you cannot tolerate older graphics or gameplay more complicated than something by Bioware, you should play this game.

At this time, its a good game. Standing on it's own, I'd give it a 9. As a sequel to Diablo II, it's somewhat disappointing. The action and graphics are much better. The sound is better, but not as good as Diablo 1. The skill system is much less complicated and much less interesting. The BIGGEST problem - itemization. Granted, it took Diablo 2 years to become truly awesome in this respect. But, this is a sequel. You already supposedly learned these lessons. Unfortunately, they brought the game down to the least common denominator and it is just a killer in the itemization area. If you have never played a diablo game, you will enjoy this without a feeling of "this isn't as good as it should have been" and you can adjust the score to a 9. A real 9, not a game industry review site 9. If you are a long-time Diablo fan, you probably already own this game. But, in case you haven't, I give this an 8. And since I AM an old time Diablo player, this is the score I will record. Nice execution and the wrong designer for the job (assuming the job was to make a better game and not just garner more money).

One of the finest games I've played in my life. The scenarios are beautifully balanced, the campaigns are incredible, and the gameplay is simple, yet challenging. Attachment to heroes develops quickly and within a very few turns you will find yourself completely lost in this game. One of the few games in my life that I would rate a 9.5 or above. I'll round up and give it a 10. Unless you are a shooter-only gamer or someone that can't play anything more complicated than a Bioware game, you'll love this.

Very good game. It never reaches the epic heights of Might and Magic VI, but its well worth playing. As always with this type of game, I cannot recommend it to anyone that requires good graphics, or anyone that thinks that using your brain is unhealthy. Also, if you DO enjoy this, immediately get hold of a copy of Might and Magic VI. In fact, I would highly recommend you start with Might and Magic VI and then play this after.

A good story, but its just shy of passive entertainment. This was (for me) the beginning of the end of Bioware as a great RPG-maker. Baldur's Gate 2 is their final epic masterpiece. This was a good story, with prototype-level gameplay. When I was told about it by colleagues (console players), I expected the greatest game experience of my life. I was stunned to see how pathetic the gameplay was and how great the story was. No doubt about it, its one of the most wonderful stories ever made into a game. And one of the most awful "games" ever made from a gameplay standpoint. I'll move it a bump over average based on the excellent story, but regardless of how much this generation enjoys passive entertainment, this game began a downward spiral in RPG gameplay that ruined the genre for almost a decade (with a few notable exceptions).

I tried really hard with this game. It looks wonderful and its very flashy, but its just not very interesting. I played a good 10+ hours and didn't really enjoy any of it. The best word I could find to describe this game is "bland". You will do the same thing over, and over, and over... in the same locations over and over and over (they look just the same). Also, the voice acting CAN become incredibly irritating and juvenile. It's a shame. Because the look of the game was really interesting. I could only recommend this to people that play nothing but bland console games and don't know any better, or teenage kids who might find the subject matter amusing.

First, let me say that if you're expecting anything like Dungeon Keeper, you'll be disappointed. Once you've reset your expectations, you'll find a game that is nothing special. It's not horribly broken or ugly, it just whispers "please uninstall me and play something that's worth your valuable free time".

This game is only for the intelligent or those with a love of complex simulations. It's the most complex game ever created in terms of simulating events and behavior. The "Lazy Newb Pack" contains a tile overlay and utilities to better manage and understand the game (and make it look less arcane). If you have a short attention span or demand wonderful graphics, stick to the console. But, if you love games that are incredibly deep and surprising and never play out the same way twice, and don't mind a learning cliff, this is a truly astounding game.

My second favorite game of all time. There is no other game out there like AO. Nothing comes close. I'd get into its pros and cons, but suffice it to say that its the most atmospheric and otherworldly gaming experience I've had in an MMO. I still love it after 10 years of play. Be warned: It does have a steep learning curve and its not for the impatient. But, on the flip-side it has the most intelligent and mature playerbase of any online game in the world. Trust me on this. The best part? Its free to try up to the first 200 levels (out of 220). However, I HIGHLY recommend spending 5 dollars for the shadowlands expansion at least.

This is the best single player game I've played in the last 10 years. If you struggle with complex games in which proficiency takes time, you may not enjoy this like I did. After a few hours, you'll say "this is pretty good". After 10 hours, you'll say "this is really good". After 20 hours, you'll say "I am only just now beginning to see the true brilliance of this game." Just check the /played time on steam reviews. There isn't another game in the catalog that CLOSE to compares with how devoted players are to this game. TLDR: If you're a hopelessly mainstream gamer with a short attention span - don't bother. If you tend to enjoy games that take effort and learning and reward that effort, you'll love this. Suggestion: Once you've played the vanilla game, play some mods. My personal favorite is Prophecy of Pendor.

Its a good game. It's wonderfully cinematic, and I've yet to run into a serious bug. The music is worthy of a Diablo game, mucn of the atmosphere is terrific, and its visually appealing. That said, it's not as good as Diablo 2 was. I'll spare you the hyperbole, but, I'm an older gamer, and its not rose-tinted glasses as I've gone back to D2. The primary reason that it disappoints is the loot system. Why? It's very rudimentary compared to D2. Skills? Very limited again. Full control over your own build? Gone. Endless variety of builds and supporting equipment? Gone. Sigh. I'm making it sound like a disaster, it isn't. Just read the TLDR. TLDR It's good, but it's a disappointment if you hoped it would live up to its predecessor.

I will not give a game a 10 unless its an all-time favorite. I think there are maybe 4-5 games I've ever played that I would give a 10. This is one of them. I demand a lot from games, I detest the mainstream blandness. This game has absolute magic from beginning to end. I've played nearly 400 hours and the MASSIVE and GLORIOUS 1.2 Update just went live. See you in December.

Its a tragedy that we haven't had a sequel since DK2. This is one of the rare games that I would call perfect (if you can handle older graphics). If you need to be told what to do every step of the way, you probably won't like this. This is for people with creative minds.

One of the top 2 or 3 turn-based strategy games ever made. Really, its only competition is Civilization and I'd be hard-pressed to choose between them. If you're bored by this, you probably struggle with anything requiring thinking. Magnificient in every detail except the first part of the campaign. Strategy, tactics and RPG elements in one game blended to perfection.

There will never be a single player RPG this exceptional again. It's absolutely perfect, and it pains me that the greatest RPG I will ever play in my life is behind me. Its strategic, the story is fantastic, the characters are marvelous, the game systems are stupendous, the quests are unbelievable, and I wish the Bioware that made this game still existed instead of the Bioware that makes passive entertainment. If you're on the fence and you love RPGS, just but it. You will be so glad you did.

One of the very best games I have ever been fortunate enough to play. This game has been on my machine(s) since I first bought it in 1998 and I can't imaging 2-3 years going by without a replay. I HIGHLY recommend you getting the unofficial patch by Gray Face. It fixes the few bugs that only die-hards know about, and it will allow you to remap your controls. If you're an old-school RPG fan, GET THIS RIGHT NOW. You are a lucky person to get to play this for the first time. If you're not, get it anyways. Magic like this doesn't come around very often.

I have to say I wasn't expecting much out of this, but this game is no joke. If you are looking for a relaxing game which will allow you to really leave your house/apt/bungalow for a few hours a night and be somewhere else, this is pretty good way to do it. If you don't have a wheel, use mouse steering. I can't wait to get home tonight to play more. And that rarely happens for me since the console mentality took over in about 2004. Keep in mind, I don't rate games like game sites do, where everything tolerable gets an 8 or a 9. If I find it has that compulsive "I really don't want to stop playing" when its time to go to bed, then I'll consider giving it an 8. Anything else is 7 or less.