PC Retrospection

[NewSith]

So, ladies and gentlemen, I was thinking alot these days. As we can all see we are far past the point where Singleplayer became the addition to Multiplayer, rather than contrariwise. And due to this games now give us more Michael Bay, sacrificing the very atmosphere of the singleplayer. I will not name any games of such sort, but only because you all know what those are.

Instead I'll give a list of old games I played. Games below for some strange reason are very atmospheric even now, in spite of being obsolete graphically wise. To clear any possible confusion - I am talking about Singleplayer Campaign modes where story is also the part of the atmosphere. Anyway, some of those games are very old, some are not, so here's the deal:


Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast


I want to start my list with this game, because it was THE first computer game for me, that, in fact, set my PC genre preferences. I walked-through the entire game unthinkable amount of times, I had done it to the point where I knew the game by heart and was guiding my friend through it via the phone once, and every time it felt as I never played it before. I strongly recommend it, because it has that strange feeling of presence on every level of the game. Every set of levels is built very carefully, and you feel it. The game itself has some Classic Trilogy Aura, when you play you feel like Han Solo for the first few levels, and than you feel like Han Solo that won a lightsaber in some intergalactic underworld casino.

"Kyle Katarn: I'm no Jedi, I'm just a guy with a lightsaber and a few questions.
Bartender: Of course, many peoples have them...
Kyle Katarn: Lightsabers?
Bartender: Questions."

Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun


Well, as you can see it is C&C and I'm quite sure that most of you tried it at least once, but I'm going to say it anyway. WESTWOOD ROCKS. When they released C&C and C&C Red Alert they made a great step towards the RTS future, but the apogee was Tiberian Sun IMO. But we are talking about singleplayer. The reason why I included this game is simple. Live Action + 3d shorts and a good storyline, alongside with that strange cartoonish feeling of the game is the recipe for success. Also, unlike most of other companies the expansion Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun Firestorm was a success.

"CABAL: A division of Hassan's Elite Guard is closing in on our position.
The probability of a favourable outcome can be increased,
if we are able to fall back to your main base and engage the enemy as we move.
Slavik: Define "favourable outcome", Cabal.
CABAL: They all die.
Slavik: That'll do."

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2


Commies vs Capitalisti's, what can be more interesting? The game is a parody, yet it knows when to get serious, so if you never played it before, you MUST try the singleplayer. But as always, you have to expect complications. That strange humor mixed up with cinematographic essence does its thing. Expansion for this game however turned out to be unable to shift expectations.

President Michael Dugan: What's going on over there, Alex?
Premier Alexander Romanov: Why, Mr. President. Why ever do you mean?
President Michael Dugan: Alex, I... I have um... you're throwing everything you've got at us Alex. We're supposed to be Allies, you maniac! I'm the on that put you into office.

Command & Conquer: Renegade


While talking about C&C you can't miss this shady child. It is an FPS made out of an RTS and what's most amusing - a successful one. Dozens of weapons and vehicles to fight dozens of types of Brotherhood followers on dozens of landscapes, one of the super-villians named Mendoza and a Mammoth tank to drive. Are you still thinking?

Dr. Sydney Mobius: What the hell were you doing? you were supposed to rescue all three of us, are you always this incorsiderate?
GDI Capt. Nick 'Havoc' Parker: Cow!
Dr. Sydney Mobius: PIG
GDI Capt. Nick 'Havoc' Parker: No COW
[Sydney almost runs over a cow]

James Bond 007: Nightfire


Yes. The 007 game. Ladies, Pierce Brosnan, loads of action. The game is called Nightfire. And the nights are beautiful. The game brings a very distinct Bond feeling and though it did not recieve a proper credit from game magazines for it looked quite raw and, if I may, wooden, but still it kept me intrigued 'till the very end.

Zoe Nightshade: I was looking for the powder room!
Austrian Guards: With lock-picks and a 9-millimeter?
Zoe Nightshade: Hey, it's a tough neighborhood.

Soldier of Fortune


Well, this game has that strange sort of Half-Life sensation. I fail to describe it but it is there. The pace is slowly getting faster with each game level. Remarkable...

Counter-Strike: Deleted Scenes


Addition to CS:CZ this counterpart to the game just shows you how CoD:MW would look like if it were made right after the original CoD. Despite being a CS hater, I strongly advise you to try it.

Halo: Combat Evolved


Damn XBOX. I have nothing else to say, really. Thanks to XBOX PC users could only try it waaaaay after the release. However the game was and is good. All those fights through alien hordes, interesting level architecture and a bit of drama can melt even the most cold heart. Unlike its legacy, the game was never aimed to be a BigBoomShootBoom type of game. Probably that is why it is still the best of all Halos.

Sgt. Johnson: Well, I don't care if it's God's own anti-son-of-a-bitch
machine, or a giant hoola hoop, we're not gonna let 'em have it!

Blood


I'm quite sure you all played Doom and Quake, but how about this game. When I first tried it (on a Windows 9X OS) I felt very interested. Though no particular storyline was present, going through levels, searching for secrets and the exit was always fun. This game is a little more serious Serious Sam of its generation.

Star Wars: Republic Commando


Another SW game of particular interest. The perspective of the game is the dark and grimy weekdays of an expendable star wars trooper. This game is perfect if you like Star Wars and tired of constant lighsaber swinging and force pushing. 3 teammates surrounding you really help to shake all negative feelings off as they make very light-hearted jokes.

Advisor: Once, you're inside, proceed with disabling maneuvers.
Sev: Disabling maneuvers?
Scorch: Uhm... blowing things up?
Sev: Oh... I knew that.


I recommend you all to try these games, including soe staff. Extra inspirational material is always good.


PS: I can't come with more yet, so feel free to add to this list and I'll edit the OP.