Tag Archives: PC

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (2024) REVIEW

Nightdive Studios remastered the classic Star Wars Dark Forces game for modern consoles and PC, upgrading the graphics & music as well as including a bunch of developer behind the scenes content. Can they improve on one of the best Star Wars games ever made? Check out my review!
More info: https://www.nightdivestudios.com

“Star Wars: Dark Forces” stands as a seminal milestone in the realm of video game adaptations of the beloved science fiction franchise. Released in 1995 by LucasArts, this first-person shooter immersed players in the expansive Star Wars universe, offering a gripping narrative set within the Galactic Empire’s oppressive regime. Players assumed the role of Kyle Katarn, a skilled mercenary tasked with thwarting the sinister plans of the Empire, including the development of the dreaded Death Star. Through a combination of intense action sequences, intricate level design, and a richly crafted storyline, “Dark Forces” captivated audiences, earning widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay mechanics and faithful adherence to the Star Wars mythos.

With its groundbreaking features, “Star Wars: Dark Forces” left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, influencing subsequent titles in the genre and cementing its status as a classic. The game introduced players to an array of iconic Star Wars locales, from the industrial depths of Imperial bases to the sprawling expanses of alien worlds. Furthermore, its dynamic blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense combat offered a multifaceted gaming experience that resonated with audiences of all ages. Even decades after its release, “Dark Forces” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers, serving as a testament to the enduring power and cultural significance of the Star Wars franchise in the realm of interactive entertainment.

Ken and Roberta Williams Interview w/ Matt Barton (New for 2024)

Ken and Roberta Williams are the founders of Sierra On-Line, one of the most influential computer game developers and publishers of all time. Recently, the couple returned to their gaming roots with a 3D, AR-enabled version of the classic text adventure Colossal Cave.

Sierra On-Line was a powerhouse in the gaming industry throughout the 1980s and 1990s, known for producing some of the most iconic and influential adventure games of the era. One of their standout titles from the 1980s was “King’s Quest” (1984), a groundbreaking adventure game that introduced players to the fantastical world of Daventry and the daring adventures of King Graham. With its innovative use of graphics and text-based commands, “King’s Quest” offered players unprecedented freedom to explore its richly detailed environments and solve puzzles, setting a new standard for the adventure game genre. Its success spawned numerous sequels, each building upon the legacy of the original and further cementing Sierra’s reputation as a leader in interactive storytelling.

In the 1990s, Sierra continued to push the boundaries of gaming with titles like “Space Quest” (1986) and “Quest for Glory” (1989). “Space Quest” combined humor, science fiction, and adventure in a series of games following the hapless space janitor Roger Wilco as he stumbled his way through various interstellar misadventures. The series was known for its witty writing, colorful characters, and imaginative settings, earning it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. “Quest for Glory,” on the other hand, blended elements of traditional adventure games with role-playing mechanics, allowing players to create and develop their own character as they embarked on epic quests in the fantasy world of Gloriana. With its innovative approach to gameplay and rich narrative, “Quest for Glory” left a lasting impression on the gaming landscape and remains beloved by fans to this day. Overall, Sierra On-Line’s catalog of games from the 1980s and 1990s showcased the company’s pioneering spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the history of gaming.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection Official Announcement Trailer

Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection is coming to Xbox, Playstation, Switch and PC.

The appeal of the first two Star Wars Battlefront games lies in their immersive and action-packed gameplay set within the beloved Star Wars universe. Developed by Pandemic Studios and published by LucasArts, these games allowed players to engage in epic battles across iconic locations from the Star Wars films. Whether fighting on the forest moon of Endor, storming the beaches of Kashyyyk, or engaging in dogfights above the Death Star, the games captured the essence of the Star Wars saga and allowed fans to experience the thrill of being a part of the galactic conflict firsthand. The seamless integration of ground and space combat, along with the ability to play as various iconic characters and vehicles from the franchise, offered players a diverse and dynamic gameplay experience that kept them coming back for more.

Moreover, the first two Star Wars Battlefront games excelled in their attention to detail and faithful recreation of the Star Wars universe. From the authentic sound effects of blaster fire and lightsabers to the visually stunning landscapes and meticulously designed character models, the games immersed players in a galaxy far, far away like never before. The inclusion of single-player campaigns, multiplayer modes, and cooperative gameplay options ensured that there was something for every type of player, whether they wanted to embark on solo missions as a hero of the Rebellion or team up with friends to conquer the galaxy together. With its combination of thrilling gameplay, faithful representation of the source material, and ample content for fans to enjoy, the first two Star Wars Battlefront games remain beloved classics in the realm of Star Wars gaming.

Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition – Launch Trailer

Enjoy Resident Evil 4 to its fullest with the base game, Separate Ways story DLC, and an Extra DLC Pack with Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition! The action-packed The Mercenaries mode is also available as a free DLC. Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition Release date: Feb. 9, 2024

Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential video games in the survival horror genre. Released in 2005 by Capcom, it revolutionized the series by introducing a more action-oriented gameplay style while still retaining elements of horror and tension. One of the key reasons for its popularity is its innovative over-the-shoulder third-person perspective, which provided players with a more immersive and dynamic experience compared to the fixed camera angles of its predecessors. This new perspective allowed for greater control and precision in aiming weapons, enhancing the game’s combat mechanics and making encounters with enemies more intense and visceral.

Another factor contributing to Resident Evil 4’s popularity is its compelling storyline and atmospheric setting. The game follows special agent Leon S. Kennedy as he embarks on a mission to rescue the President’s daughter from a sinister cult in rural Europe. The eerie and atmospheric environments, along with the grotesque and menacing enemies, create a sense of dread and unease throughout the game. Additionally, Resident Evil 4 features a variety of memorable and challenging boss battles, as well as clever puzzles and exploration elements that keep players engaged and immersed in the game world. Combined with its polished gameplay mechanics and high production values, Resident Evil 4 set a new standard for action-horror games and continues to be beloved by fans and critics alike for its thrilling gameplay experience.

Restoring Sony’s first VAIO laptop! (1998)

Sony’s PCG-505 looks like a pretty typical late-90s laptop at first glance. But it actually had a big impact on the computer industry — you probably just didn’t realize it.

The Sony Vaio line of laptops, introduced by Sony Corporation in 1996, gained prominence for its sleek design, advanced technology, and premium build quality. Vaio, an acronym for “Video Audio Integrated Operation,” initially focused on multimedia capabilities, setting itself apart in the market. Over the years, Sony Vaio laptops became synonymous with cutting-edge innovation and a blend of form and function. The laptops featured vibrant displays, powerful processors, and high-quality audio, catering to users who sought a seamless multimedia experience. Sony Vaio laptops were particularly known for their distinctive design elements, such as the slim profile, metallic finishes, and backlit keyboards, contributing to their premium appeal.

Despite their initial success, Sony eventually sold its Vaio PC business in 2014 to a Japanese investment firm. The Vaio brand, however, continued to thrive under new ownership. The laptops retained their commitment to high-end performance and style, adapting to changing technological trends. The Sony Vaio line left a lasting legacy in the laptop industry, symbolizing a convergence of style and functionality, and paving the way for the premium laptop market to evolve.

*New* BOOMER SHOOTERS: 8 Games You Must Play!

Boomer Shooters are very popular these days and I share eight games that you must play now!
GAMES SHOWN:
Beyond Sunset
Chop Goblins
Wizordum
Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition
Deadlink
Impaler
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered
Forgive me father 2

A “Boomer Shooter” is a subgenre of first-person shooter (FPS) video games that draws inspiration from classic shooters of the 1990s, particularly those from the era of PC gaming dominated by titles like Doom, Quake, and Duke Nukem 3D. The term “Boomer” in this context doesn’t refer to the generational demographic but rather pays homage to the gameplay style and design philosophy reminiscent of the shooters that were popular during the formative years of the genre. These games aim to capture the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action, and straightforward mechanics that characterized the early days of FPS gaming.

Typically, Boomer Shooters feature intense, non-stop combat, large and intricate level designs, and a focus on skill-based gameplay. They often eschew modern gaming conventions like regenerating health and cover-based mechanics, opting instead for health pickups, expansive weapon arsenals, and challenging enemy encounters. The graphics and visuals may deliberately adopt a retro aesthetic, utilizing pixel art or low-polygon models to evoke a nostalgic feel while still incorporating modern design elements. Boomer Shooters cater to players who appreciate the purity of the classic FPS experience, emphasizing speed, precision, and a sense of immersion in dynamic, action-packed environments reminiscent of gaming’s golden age.

Game Chasers: This Apple II Computer Turned Out To Be Worth The Money!

Game Chasers Billy takes the Apple II he found for $40 bucks to The 8-Bit Guy, a local vintage computer hobbyist. They will find out if it works, restore it to its former glory, and see whether or not it was worth the money to pick it up.

The Apple II was a pioneering personal computer released by Apple Inc. in 1977, revolutionizing the consumer tech landscape. With its sleek design and innovative capabilities, it became a hallmark of the burgeoning home computing era. The Apple II featured a distinct beige-colored plastic case, a built-in keyboard, and a central processing unit running at just over 1 MHz. Its graphical display, utilizing a color palette that was revolutionary for its time, facilitated a variety of applications from gaming to word processing.

What set the Apple II apart was its expandability and versatility. Unlike many computers of its era, it offered expansion slots, allowing users to add peripheral devices like floppy disk drives, printers, and modems. The availability of software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, propelled the Apple II into offices and businesses, solidifying its impact on both personal and professional spheres. Its accessibility and user-friendly design made it a cornerstone of the microcomputer industry, leaving a lasting legacy that contributed significantly to the evolution of personal computing.

Digital Foundry’s Best Game Graphics of 2023 – PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch – Another Amazing Year

As is DF tradition, we round off the year with a look at the team’s personal picks for the best game graphics of 2023. Covering off the very best in both PC and console rendering, Alex Battaglia, John Linneman and Oliver Mackenzie share their thoughts on the most impressive visuals of the year, leading to an open debate on which title did it best: Alan Wake 2, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora or Cyberpunk 2077’s RT Overdrive?

The history of video game graphics is a captivating journey marked by groundbreaking advancements. In the early days of gaming during the 1970s, games relied on simple, pixelated graphics due to technological limitations. The Atari 2600, released in 1977, featured iconic games like “Pong” and “Space Invaders,” showcasing basic shapes and limited colors. As technology progressed, the 8-bit era emerged in the 1980s with consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Master System, introducing more detailed sprites and vibrant colors, enhancing the gaming experience.

The 1990s witnessed a significant leap in video game graphics with the advent of 16 and 32-bit consoles such as the Super Nintendo (SNES) and the Sega Genesis. These consoles allowed for smoother animations, more complex character designs, and richer environments. The transition to 3D graphics became a game-changer in the mid-1990s with the release of consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64, enabling developers to create fully immersive 3D worlds. Technological advancements continued rapidly, leading to high-definition graphics, photorealistic textures, and lifelike character models in modern gaming, as seen in consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and powerful gaming PCs. The evolution of video game graphics reflects the relentless march of technology and human creativity, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s visually possible in gaming.

Top 5 Worst Decisions in Cyberpunk 2077 – Phantom Liberty

Despite mostly sporting a plethora of morally grey choices. Here are some decisions in Phantom Liberty that can turn out pretty bad!

Cyberpunk 2077 paints a vivid and sprawling picture of a dystopian future where the boundary between humanity and technology has blurred beyond recognition. Set in Night City, a vibrant yet dark metropolis, the game unfolds in a world dominated by mega-corporations, where power, greed, and advanced technology collide. Cybernetic enhancements are the norm, offering individuals a chance to augment their bodies with cyberware for both survival and status. Neon-soaked streets pulsate with a mix of cultures, from the opulent skyscrapers of the elite to the seedy underbelly where gangs rule and desperation lingers. The game’s narrative weaves a complex web of intrigue, moral ambiguity, and the quest for power, all against the backdrop of a society teetering on the edge of chaos and control.