My Top 10 PC Games
My top 10 computer game titles as a list with short description, screenshots and pro/con list. The titles are sorted by release date, not by my rating.
1. Lands of Lore
Release: 1993 — Link to Wikipedia
Fantasy action RPG. System based on Dungeon Master and Eye of the Beholder. Linear story with limited ability to influence it. Melee and ranged combat. Independent universe, which I care about.
Positive
- good elaboration of the characters, both content-wise and visually
- real-time battles in 1993 with animations, but without 3D
- gloomy basic mood
- four different characters
- good music, good english voice actors (e.g. Patrick Steward)
- world-building through characters and story
- if you don’t collect the map, you have to play without automap
- no quest marker, no tutorial, no quest overview
Negative
- partly useless items, too few stores
- some contents are not thought out to the end, elaborated
- no info how much damage a bow/crossbow does
2. UFO: Enemy Unknown
Release: 1994 — Link to Wikipedia
Turn based strategy game with base building and small story. Independent universe. Cool art design. Art design basis for Diablo 1.
Positive
- Strategy part challenging and detailed, almost never unfair
- definition of an own genre (XCOM-like)
- gloomy atmosphere
- 14 enemy types
- base building, research, production
- own bases can be attacked, cool idea
Negative
- AI partly stupid
- idle running in places
3. Deus Ex
Release: 2000 — Link to Wikipedia
Science fiction first person RPG with implant system. Linear story with different plot lines. Close and long range combat. Independent universe.
Positive
- very good character development
- mega conspiracy story
- many possible solutions
- gloomy atmosphere
- you can hack a locked door, open it with a rocket launcher, set off the alarm and the guard opens the door or steal the key
- good music
- world-building through characters and story
Negative
- AI partly stupid
- some idle running in places
4. Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction
Release: 2001 — Link to Wikipedia
Fantasy third person action RPG. Story not worth mentioning. Melee and ranged combat. Independent universe. Very many combinations of items, rune words, mercenaries, skill tree and classes. Mega replay value.
Positive
- own visual style
- baseable items and rune words, gems
- gloomy atmosphere
- six classes, very individual skill trees
- good music
Negative
- spam in Battle.net
- mega-grinding for certain items
5th Civilization 3: Conquests
Release: 2003 — Link to Wikipedia
Turn-based strategy game with culture, military, economy, diplomacy, infrastructure. Played it for the longest time — haven’t played it since there was the New Frontier Pass from Civ 6 which perfected the game series.
Positive
- 31 different civilizations with different play styles / characters
- forms of government, corruption, alliances, six victory conditions
- complete freedom in strategy
- flexible map generator to start the game
- planning without time pressure, because turn-based
- Civilopedia: ingame Wikipedia for all game info
Negative
- AI partly very unfair on difficulty God and Sid
6. Half-Life 2
Release: 2004 — Link to Wikipedia
Varied science fiction first person shooter with a good story. Close and long range combat. Independent universe. Believable world. First use of ingame physics. Partly a bit prole.
Positive
- very good character development, both visually and in terms of content
- gloomy dark atmosphere, sometimes depressive vibes
- cool weapons, especially the gravity gun
- good music, good english speakers
- world-building through characters and story
Negative
- AI partly very stupid
7. Dead Space
Release: 2008 — Link to Wikipedia
Science fiction third person horror action. Linear good story. Close or long range combat. Self-contained universe. Hammer soundscape. Game concept: cut enemies into pieces.
Positive
- very good character development, both visually and in terms of content
- own art style
- gloomy dark atmosphere, not afraid to show blood
- no HUD
- good music, excellent own sound effects
- world-building through rooms and video messages
Negative
- dull jump-scares in places
8. Dragon Age: Origins
Release: 2009 — Link to Wikipedia
Fantasy third-person RPG with morality system. Linear story with different storylines. Melee and ranged combat. Independent universe.
Positive
- very good content development of the characters, eight companions
- pausable battles allow for strategic approach
- gloomy atmosphere, not afraid to show blood
- six origin stories depending on class and origin
- good music, good English voice actors
- world-building through characters and story
Negative
- AI often stupid
- look partly uninspired, cliché-ridden
- idle at times
9. Mass Effect 2
Release: 2010 — Link to Wikipedia
Science fiction third person action RPG with morality system. Linear story with different plot lines. Close or long range combat. Independent universe.
Positive
- very good character development, both visually and in terms of content
- character editor
- themes: intrigues, racism, genocide, lust for power
- gloomy atmosphere
- good music, good English speakers
- world-building through characters and story
Negative
- alibi RPG elements, too much action sections
- AI partly stupid
10. Fallout: New Vegas
Release: 2010 — Link to Wikipedia
Post-apocalyptic first-person RPG with morality system. Almost complete freedom. Kind-hearted or absolutely antisocial. Close or long range combat. Weapons break, ammo can be made or bought. Uniforms as disguises. Many NPCs and their stories are partly very strange and at the same time creatively written.
Positive
- gloomy and sarcastic
- over 30 factions, 4 of which you can join
- eight different optional companions
- 88 Perks (with all DLCs 117 !)
- world-building, for explorers and curious people
Negative
- lame story
- AI partly very stupid
