VLife 2.1

So the original Battlezone was way before most of us. I think I was still too young to even know what a video game was. Heck, I didn’t even know there was an original Battlezone until I read the feature in PCGamer Magazine.  I think for 1998 it was a really innovative mix of strategy and shooter. One of the more memorable missions was when I had to drive my tank up a cliff and eject myself out into the enemy base to steal one of their tanks and use it against them. I never finished the game which is why I’m installing it again on one of my older machines. I hate not finishing games so I definitely don’t mind re-doing the missions again.

So here’s a short description from mobygames.com:

The history you knew is a lie. There was no Space Race.

The real story is simple… In 1950′s, American and Soviet scientists have discovered alien bio-metal that arrived via meteorites. The bio-metal can be quickly and efficiently be turned into amazing weapons and vehicles. Soon all the bio-metal has been “harvested”, but neither side have “enough”. So the space program is launched to gather MORE bio-metal from the other planets… And fight over the bio-metal deposits.

And now, you are in command of these advanced units. Can you stop the Soviet onslaught?

Battlezone is a first-person RTS where you both command your own vehicle as well as direct other units to fight with you or do other things. You send out harvesters to scavenge bio-metal scraps, which can be turned into units via your Recycler, Mobile Unit Factory, and/or Construction Rig. You then build offensive and/or defensive units that will help you accomplish your mission, all in first-person 3D.

The interface is very intuitive. Put crosshair on unit and hit “command” (defaults to “space”). You then get menu of that unit, with a default command already selected. If you want the default command, point crosshair to target and press “command” again. For example, if you want the tank to attack enemy tank, point at your tank, hit command, point at enemy tank, hit command again. You can issue goto commands the same way, as well as all the other types of commands with this simple and efficient command system.

You can bail out of vehicles that is almost destroyed. You can then use your rifle (with sniper mode) to take out the enemy pilot and hijack his vehicle for your own use. You can even order your own pilot to head back to base on foot so you can grab his vehicle.

You can’t expand forever as you’re limited by the number of pilots you have, the amount of bio-metal you have, and the number of thermal geysers you have access to. Thus, you have to balance speed, armor, and firepower when you decide what vehicles you should manufacture.

If you have time to play this oldie or see it in a bargain bin for $5 bucks. Pick it up and play it for a few minutes… though you probably won’t play for a few minutes since it’s a very good game!

[Original Source: mobygames.com]

OMG. If you’re not excited. You’re stupid… and I hate you.

Ok… I’m not going to lie. “Beat em ups” were one of my favourite genres on the SNES. Rival Turf is not a well known one but I thought the game was a lot of fun when I was a kid. I’m a simple guy to please. As a kid I didn’t know the difference between a good “Beat ‘em up”, I just enjoyed smashing one button to kick the crap out of enemies. One of the characters also reminds me of M.Bison.

Here’s a game description from mobygames.com:

When a ruthless gang led by Big Al invades their turf, it’s up to the Brawl Brothers to take back their streets and send their rivals home with their tails between their legs. You can go at it alone or team up with a friend for some simultaneous two-player action as you kick, punch, and body slam your way to victory through six stages of no holds barred, hand-to-hand fighting action. There are all kinds of realistic street-fighting techniques to master, including body slams, leg sweeps, jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. If you want a fight but aren’t feeling friendly, then turn the tables on your friend and go head-to-head for bragging rights and control of the streets. In RIVAL TURF, only the strong survive…can you take it?

Enjoy! Let me know what you guys think of it.

Caesar II is set in the time of ancient Rome, and lets you try to be the next Caesar. You start with one province and have to build an efficient city. To do this you’ll have to manage the water supply properly, make sure the city is policed well, and provide adequate education, entertainment, baths, and temples (which also hold your money and can be robbed if you don’t have enough protection).

At some point, possibly more then once, you’ll have to defend your province from invading tribes that don’t really want you there. You also have to connect all the little villages in the province with roads and make some industry, like stone mining, grapes, etc. for which you can then create markets in your city.

When you have achieved the necessary requirements, you’ll be able to start all over again in a new and more challenging province. Do well enough and you can become the new Caesar.

One of the many PC games I used to play all the time when I was younger. I loved the mix of Simcity with a little bit of strategy game play. I remember getting quite annoyed at the computer constantly nagging me about more “plebs”. Oh memories…

If you were into the old city sim games, I urge you to get DOSBOX and find yourself a copy of this game. I think it still holds up pretty well even for today. The minute I started playing again, I got sucked back in and 2 hours seemed to go by like minutes. It is a bit confusing at first but you can always view a faq which should point you in the right direction. Enjoy this one!

[description by: mobygames.com]

I know I’m starting to sound a bit like a salesman but I can’t help it, everyone needs to get in on these deals. Steam is offering a huge 2K Games package for $53.99 which would normally cost you $229.80. Now, that’s quite a discount!

Many have asked where I download my old games from so I just thought I’d post a link to http://gog.com. It has a very good catalogue and the games are either $9.99 or $5.99. Selections include Fallout 1&2, Tex Murphy and Megarace! Some of these games are a steal at these prices. I love taking a walk down memory lane with the games I grew up with on PC.

Some footage from Video Games Live from a while back. Re-posting for archiving purposes. Great concert, I highly recommend you go if you get the chance next year!

Playing Street Fighter 4 and Little Big Planet with Laurdokes. Good times!

Just came across this sweet looking game made by an ex-employee of Capcom. I love 2D fighters so I’m hoping to give this a try later. Just thought I’d share =).

Game can be downloaded here.

[original post: kotaku.com]

So friggen awesome! This video makes me proud to be an urber nerd! It even has a reference to the “Barrell Roll” how much better can you get? EVERYDAY WE ROLE PLAAAAAYYYYY PLAYYYYAAHHH!