Library
Eric Barstad
Collection Total:
48 Items
Last Updated:
May 25, 2009
Baldur's Gate 2: Ultimate Collection
Vivendi Universal Baldur's Gate II: The Collection brings you into a world of intrigue, adventure and fierce combat!
Beyond Good and Evil
Ubisoft A government conspiracy wreaks havoc upon the planet Hillys. As the rebellious action-reporter Jade. In a world of deceoption, believe in nothing...except yourself.
BioShock
2K Games BioShock lets you do the impossible as you explore a mysterious underwater city. When your plane crashes, you discover Rapture - an underwater Utopia torn apart by civil war. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified "splicers" and deadly security systems, you have to come to grips with a deadly, mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. As little girls loot the dead, and biologically mutated citizens ambush you at every turn. Now you're trapped, caught in the middle of a genetic war that will challenge both your capacity to survive and your moral allegiance to your own humanity. Make meaningful and mature decisions that culminate in the grand question - do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture to save yourself - or risk all to become their savior?
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Ubisoft * * * - - Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway brings the critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics and sound, new cutting-edge gameplay features, and a totally redesigned online component. Delivering on the franchise's compelling story, unrivaled authenticity and intense squad-based action, Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway drops you into Operation Market Garden, the largest paratrooper operation in World War II. Lead Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division as they fight to open "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war.

The Next-Gen of WWII action
Take command as Sgt. Matt Baker.
View larger.
Engage in large scale battles.
View larger.
Or house-to-house combat.
View larger.
Experience the life of a soldier.
View larger.
Utilze fully-destructable cover.
View larger.
Precision shots yield 'quick kill' points.
View larger. Operation Market Garden: The Story of Hell's Highway
Operation Market Garden was a real-life Allied offensive designed to destroy Nazi Germany before Christmas, 1944. The plan was ambitious - it was largest airborne invasion in the history of the world. The plan was to capture a corridor through Holland to punch through the German lines. Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne and other divisions dropped from the sky in mid-September to seize and hold the corridor by surprise. The surprise attack was a bust. Hitler's best units were in the area and immediately counter-attacked and crushed the corridor.

Meet the Squad
Although players see the chaos of Operation Market Garden exclusively through the eyes of Sgt. Matt Baker, Hell's Highway is squad-based and as such players will direct, interact with, and get to know all the members of the 101st Airborne in intimate detail. Some of the characters return from earlier games in the series, while others are brand new. Regardless, each has his own personality, history and attitudes towards the plight the squad finds themselves in as they seek to survive a bold, but doomed plan. Some of the dog faces players will encounter are include:

Name & Rank: Sgt. Matt Baker
Preferred Weapon: M1 Rifle
Bio: With his experience from the battles of Normandy, Baker enters Holland fully accepting the mantle and responsibilities of squad leader. However, the loss of half his original squad still weighs heavily on him and he will not let any more of his men die. Name & Rank: Sgt. Joe "Red" Hartsock
Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson
Bio: A corporal under Baker's command, he was promoted to Sergeant after the battle in Carentan. Unlike Baker, Red understands the realities of war and is prepared to make the tough decisions required of a squad leader. All he can do is minimize the casualties. Name & Rank: Pfc. Mike Dawson
Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson
Bio: Though a newcomer to the squad, Mike served with the 502nd PIR in Normandy. He believes in fate and is interested in the story of Baker's "cursed pistol." His inquiries have made him a pariah, as the other members would rather not re-live those events. Name & Rank: Cpl. Tom Zanovich
Preferred Weapon: M1918A2 B.A.R.
Bio: The "old man" and veteran of the squad, Zanozich served in the French Foreign Legion before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Despite all the combat he's seen, Tom has a strong sense of humor - even when the situation doesn't exactly call for it. Name & Rank: Cpl. Sam Corrion
Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson
Bio: Corrion was a corporal with Baker and Hartsock before Normandy, and much to his dismay, is still a corporal. Sam excelled as a foreman in the saw mill back home, and believes that he could perform better than either of his compatriots, if only given a chance. Key Features:

Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway - Next Generation: The classic authentic, squad-based combat series explodes on your PC, offering unprecedented graphics and features.New Story, New Setting: Follow Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division in "Operation Market-Garden" as they fight to open famous "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war.Live the life of an Enlisted Man: Get orders from HQ, go on patrol, spot the enemy and set up a devastating ambush. For the first time, finding the enemy before they find you is part of the challenge.Unprecedented Character Design: Lifelike characters look, talk, move and think with incredible realism. Game characters interact with the player and each other like true brothers in arms, trading ammunition, helping wounded allies and civilians, working together to man team-operated weapons, and more.Rich Cinematic Experience: As the squad leader, you interact with and get to know your brothers. Each character has his own personality, unique story and background, and grows through the game.Powerful New Units Under Your Command: Players can use or command combined arms teams - machine gun crews create intense fire, bazooka crews destroy buildings and tanks, and mortar crews pound the enemy from a distance.Step Into the Boots of a Soldier: Hit the dirt and get prone, rip grenades from your chest and hurl them at your enemies. See and feel the blast of nearby explosions.Completely New Multiplayer Experience: Fight major multiplayer battles with dozens of players on each side; all the intensity and accessibility of Deathmatch meshed with the squad-based gameplay that helped make Brothers In Arms famous.Destroyable Cover: Keep your men moving and choose your cover wisely - simulated with real physics, weapons will damage, dent, scorch and destroy the world around you.There's only one way out of hell, and that's through it. To the Allied paratroopers who fought to capture and hold the bridges and roads of Holland targeted in Operation Market Garden the price was the lives of their brothers in arms. To them the corridor became known as Hell's Highway. It was the the last great Nazi victory. It was simply hell for Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad. Relive their courage and heroism in Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway.

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway: The Colonel Antal Interview

Since 1985, when it dropped into the WWII division of the popular tactical/strategy shooter genre with Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30, the Brothers in Arms series has consistently met with critical acclaim and gamer praise. This was a tough mission to accomplish, but it did so by focusing compelling squad-based tactical gameplay against the backstory of a fictional squad within the US Army's 101st Airborne Division as they battle through a historically correct re-creation of the events of the Allied invasion of Europe during WWII. This type of realism is more or less unheard of in the video game world and can only be provided by someone who really knows their stuff. Enter Colonel John Antal, US Army (Ret.).

Vice President of Knowledge Operations and Military and Historical Director at Gearbox Software, developers of the Brothers in Arms series, Colonel Antal is an Airborne-Ranger officer, and a published author of scores of magazine articles, as well as several fiction and nonfiction books on military topics. Most importantly for the subject at hand though, he is also a major force behind the development of the Brothers in Arms series. Recently I was able to catch up with him and ask some questions regarding the newest title in that line, Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway.

Colonel John Antal, US Army (Ret.) in Kandahar, Afghanistan in September, 2008 during a visit with the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division Amazon.com/games: The modern military is full of cutting edge technology, but I'm sure that some readers will be surprised to hear that a career military man, such as yourself, plays such a pivotal role in the development and marketing of a video game. How did this come about? And did you have any video game experience prior to the Brothers in Arms franchise?

Colonel Antal: I just returned from a ten day visit with US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, and I can report to you that when Soldiers are not fighting, they are training for the next fight. The more time Soldiers spend training in realistic simulated battles, the less blood spilled in battle. During my thirty years in the US Army, I trained thousands of Soldiers using constructive, virtual and live military simulations. Once I retired, it was an easy leap for me to switch my experience with military simulations into value-added content for video games.

Amazon.com/games: I know you've probably been asked this question a thousand times, but let's make it a thousand and one. Operation Market Garden, the WWII allied offensive that Hell's Highway is based on culminated in a German victory. Why make a video game based on a defeat?

Colonel Antal: Market Garden was not a complete success, but war is fought at many levels. At the squad level, war is about fighting for the next hill, hamlet or road junction. Victory and defeat is very clear in a squad - when the battle is over you either have won and lived, or have lost and most of your comrades are dead or wounded. In Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway, we created a historical fiction that is true to the real history of the battle in ways no other game has approached. The true story of the battle for Hells Highway is dramatic and a worthy story. If we told only stories of victories, we wouldn't be telling true historical fiction. War is about victory AND defeat, gain and loss. Telling both is part of being true to the actual history.

Amazon.com/games: As a follow-up to this, because this game is based on a very real and in many senses, tragic event for the forces involved and the civilian population, was there more pressure to stick to the facts in this game in order to get things right? And if so how did your team ensure this?

Colonel Antal: Yes. We have done our best to make the game the most authentic WWII experience ever. Our goal is to put you in the boots of a true-to-life squad leader in the 101st Airborne during the fight for Hell's Highway. This game addresses the true history of the Battle for Hell's Highway, uses realistic tactics and requires you to lead a rifle squad in ways that no other game has ever done.

Amazon.com/games: The game's story is centered around the events of an American squad, but since Operation Market Garden was an allied offensive, will players get to control, or even better, play as other allied forces? And will there be any playable German characters?

Colonel Antal: The player will play as an American, Staff Sergeant Matt Baker. If you want to learn more about the British, the Dutch Resistance and the Germans, read my companion novel to the game, "Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway", published by Ballantine Books, Random House. There will also be a history book out in January 2009 that explains the battle for Hell's Highway in day-to-day detail with maps, historical photos, screenshots from the game and much more. Shop for the Colonel's companion novel, "Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway."

Amazon.com/games: I've read that Hell's Highway will contain a whole new multiplayer experience. Can you shed some light on how this experience is different from what previous games in the series offered?

Colonel Antal: Multiplayer is really exciting. Our multiplayer design is different from other games because it brings squad game play on-line. We created a team based game, where the team-based aspect is about squad organization. The game will select (or players will vote on) a commander on each team. There can be up to 20 people in the game, 10 per team. The teams will go after objectives in each map that will be resolved in rounds.

Amazon.com/games: A common criticism in squad-based games is that AI enemies engaged in singleplayer modes are too easily outwitted, which is obviously something that should not happen on a real battlefield. Was dealing with this a consideration in the development of Hell's Highway?

Colonel Antal: Yes, the team did a good job at creating a robust enemy AI that is clearly a tough opponent. Players will be excited about this feature.

Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway will feature a wide variety of weapons, not only used by US forces, but also those of allied troops and the Germans. Are all of these usable by any character and if so does each have specific ammo?

Colonel Antal: All the small arms — pistols and rifles — will be useable, as well as most of the crew served weapons (like machine guns). Players can choose from semi-automatic rifles such as the M1-Carbine and M1-Garand, to machine guns such as the M1A1, bazookas such as the M9A1 and pistols. To check out all the weapons you can use and see them in action, check out the website (www.brothersinarmsgame.com in 'the game' section).

Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway is the first Brother in Arms title to come to Next-Gen platforms. How much has the visual clarity made possible on these platforms helped in the series' ongoing quest for authenticity?

Colonel Antal: The visual clarity is stunning in this game. It makes use of the Unreal 3 Engine technology to deliver incredibly realistic, authentic and cutting-edge 3D environments. The game also has unprecedented character design - with lifelike characters who look, talk, move and think with incredible realism.

Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway is the third game in the series featuring Sgt. Matt Baker, and now Sgt. Joe Hartsock. These two have differing views on the acceptable costs of war and have traded off command duties in the last two games. In Hell's Highway both lead separate squads, but Sgt. Baker appears to be front and center. Will the game feature the ability to play as either sergeant? And regardless, is this dichotomy of outlook regarding command as much an attempt at realism in the field as anything else in the game?

Colonel Antal: The player will play the role of Baker. The story of Baker and Hartsock, and their different approaches to leadership is a vital part of the story that I many of our fans will find intriguing.

Amazon.com/games: I don't recall tanks playing too much of a role in earlier Brothers in Arms games, but one of the nicer videos I've seen indicated that they might be prominent in Hell's Highway. This seems a nice touch considering that Operation Market Garden's objective was to secure a path for armored units crossing into Germany. What exactly will players be able to do with tanks and what other new units and/or changes to the control scheme can players expect to see?

Colonel Antal: The player will be able to fight as part of a Sherman Firefly crew and will be able to battle German Panzers head to head.

Amazon.com/games: When last I saw Hell's Highway demoed, one of the things that stood out in my mind was the destructibility of environments and cover. Considering that the game in filled with weapons of varying destructive power, I thought this was a fantastic and natural addition. Can you give a few details on this for our readers?

Colonel Antal: Destructible cover allows the player greater tactical flexibility. Now you can create a flank by blowing away flimsy cover that would normally block your maneuver. The destructible cover system was modeled using real physical properties and behaviors, so weapons will actually damage, dent, scorch and destroy the world around you. It's a great addition to the game that gives players a truly authentic experience.

Amazon.com/games: Having grown up myself watching movies like A Bridge Too Far, The Guns of Navarone/Force 10 From Navarone, Where Eagles Dare, The Dirty Dozen, Kelly's Heroes, The Longest Day, etc. I've often wondered why the events of WWII have not been more heavily mined for game subject matter. With the continued success of the Brothers in Arms franchise and others, as well as the power of Next-Gen technology, do you see this changing?

Colonel Antal: I strongly believe that powerful, dramatic human stories provide an exciting medium for video games. WWII was a vast WORLD WAR with countless powerful, dramatic, human stories. Anyone who is bored with WWII hasn't studied the war in depth. The stories from WWII have importance relevance to us today and are archetypical examples of the moral dilemma of war. No sane person wants war, but if you value life and liberty, sometimes you are forced to fight. I expect that we will be telling these stories and incorporating them into our games for many years to come.

Amazon.com/games: Since the framework of the Brothers in Arms series is the allied invasion of German-occupied Europe and the battles that would eventually make up the march towards Berlin/the race to beat the Red Army there, can players expect to see more from Sgt. Baker and his squad in the future, perhaps at the Battle of the Bulge and beyond?

Colonel Antal: As long as I have anything to do with it, the answer is YES.

Amazon.com/games: Finally, because it's interesting to pick the brains of people behind the games, do you mind telling our readers what games you are playing and/or what you are reading these days? Also, I know that you have authored several fiction and nonfiction books as well as articles. Are you working on anything new that you might want to tell us about?

Colonel Antal: I'm an Airborne-Ranger and have been a combat officer all my adult life. I pretty much like to play anything with WAR in the title!

Many thanks to Colonel Antal for taking taking some time to give us his insights into the impact that the historical events of WWII, as well as actual combat tactics, have played in the creation of Hell's Highway and the Brothers in Arms franchise as a whole. We wish him, Gearbox Software and Ubisoft much success with the new game and look forward to the next installment in the Brothers in Arms saga, where players may find the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne fighting their way to Berlin and an eventual rendezvous with VE day.

—Tom Milnes, Freelance Contributor
Call of Duty
Activision Inc. Developed by Infinity Ward, a newly formed studio including 22 of the individuals, and all of the production leads, who developed the PC title Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Call of Duty delivers the gritty realism and cinematic intensity of World War II's epic battlefield moments like never before.. through the eyes of citizen soldiers and unsung heroes from an alliance of countries who together helped shape the course of modern history. Throughout the game's 24 missions, players will be part of a squad, who bond together to take on enemy forces and achieve mission objectives through pivotal WWII battles and authentic military campaigns.
Call of Duty 2
Activision Call Of Duty 2 redefines the cinematic fighting game. It's a complete wargaming experience with more immense, more intense, more realistic battles than ever before. Beautifully rendered graphics, dynamic lighting and shadows, groundbreaking AI, and choice-based gameplay innovations make this the most intense WWII shooter yet. Go online for Axis vs. Allies team-based multiplayer action, building on the intense Call of Duty multiplayer modes
Call of Duty: United Offensive Expansion Pack
Activision Call of Duty: United Offensive presents more of the award-winning recreation of WWII's most legendary conflicts. This expansion pack features an all-new single player campaign filled with new weapons, character abilities and more. Three new multiplayer modes bring you hours of thrills and combat excitement. Join your squad mates in authentic action on Europe's most historic battlefields — and liberate the continent!
Counter-Strike: Source
Electronic Arts Counter-Strike: Source kicks up the action in the world's most popular online game. It's the same Counter-Strike you've played and loved, but with the enhancements of the Sourceengine. With the Source engine, you get high-resolution textures, detailed character models, realistic physics and lighting, support for up to 64 players, shiny water effects&better objects - creating a more realistic gaming experience.
Become a squad leader in an elite counter-terrorist operative, use new intel and weapon skills to complete an incredible collection of single-player missions. Lead your team in increasingly challenging scenarios — from harsh jungle environments to severe arctic terrains, unforgiving deserts to dangerous international city streets. Rescue hostages, escort VIPs to safety and locate and defuse bombs. It's all in a day's work, for the world's deadliest soldiers. Downloadable content and new maps for extended gameplay
The Dark Eye: Drakensang
THQ * * * - - Welcome to the dark ages. The Dark Eye is the first PC adaptation of Germany's most popular and long-standing pen and paper RPG franchise in 10 years. In the last twenty years a thriving community of millions has grown, as the fantasy universe of Aventuria has been expanded in books, board games and computer games. With an incredible attention for detail, the world of Aventuria comes to live on the PC in state-of-the-art 3D graphics that bring to life the epic vistas and stunning variety of this one-of-a-kind fantasy world.
In the legendary continent of heroes, adventure and mysteries, something is on the move. And it's an event which role players have been eagerly awaiting ever since the Nordland Trilogy. The story centres around Ferdok, an important trading city on the Great River. The feared female lancers of Ferdok and Ferdok's famous beer have given the city a reputation throughout the continent and the humans here live in harmony with the dwarves. But despite the cheerful and peaceful atmosphere, the peace is now being shaken by a mysterious series of murders. Sinister figures are pursuing their dark schemes, while the fear among the population grows with every new murder. And while the adventures are still pondering whether the crimes are connected to the proclamation made by the Church of Hesinde on the tenth anniversary of the Dragonquest, they themselves are dragged into the mysterious events by a very particular murder
Deus Ex: Invisible War
Eidos * * * - - In Deus Ex: Invisible War, you'll become part of a deadly war that's being fought in places no one ever sees. Thrills and chills are waiting for you in this sequel to the incredible hit Deus Ex! Move your character down different paths — try to figure out who's really on your side
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
2K Games * * * * * Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created. This new chapter uses next-generation technologies to create a fully immersive gaming adventure. The Emperor of Tamriel has been assassinated and the killer still runs loose; meanwhile, no heir sits on the throne. With no Emperor upon the throne, the gates of Oblivion open wide and demons invade. Your quest is to find the lost heir and place him on the throne, before demons destroy the land. Next-generation graphics with pixel-shader effects for high-definition TVs, creating lifelike towns & dungeons and the most realistic forests
Escape from Monkey Island
LucasArts Entertainment The Monkey Island tales jumped onto our screens a long time ago and charmed us with intriguing storylines and chirpy dialogue. Now after a wait that seems like an eternity, Guybrush Threepwood and his trusty band of friends are back in the fourth instalment, Escape from Monkey Island. Carrying on where Curse of Monkey Island left off, Escape from Monkey Island starts with Guybrush and his now-wife Elaine Marley-Threepwood, The Governor of the Tri-islands, returning back to the peaceful island of Mêlée, only to find that not all is what it seems, and while they have been battling the high seas, the evil villain Charles L Charles has plotted to take over the islands. All sounds hectic stuff, and you would be right in thinking so, but Escape from Monkey Island is not about being hectic, so sit back, take a sip of that tea you've got next to the computer and let's take it easy. For those not aware of the series, Monkey Island is your average point-and-click game: search around, ask some questions, pick up some stuff, ask some more questions and so on and so on, but where Escape from Monkey Island differs is in the execution. With its superb 3-D graphics—the others didn't feature in 3-D—that lusciously depict the Tri-island area, the graphics are the first thing that will catch you eye. Couple this with a witty, clever and at times wonderful script and you've got a game that will have you chuckling out loud as Guybrush spins puns, jokes and insults aplenty. If you are a fan of the point-and-click genre, or the Monkey Island series for that matter, then this is definitely going to be your cup of tea with intriguing challenges and humour you have come to appreciate from a game like this. If, however, like a lot of people, you are wary of point-and-click games, this is the perfect starting point, with the game slowly easing you into the wonderful world that is Monkey Island. —Stuart Miles . . Windows ME / 98 / 95 PC: 200MHz , 32MB RAM, 4MB graphics card
Fallout 2
Interplay Fallout 2 is the sequel to 1997's critically acclaimed Role Playing Game of the Year. This post-nuclear adventure takes place 50 years after the first game and features more weapons and character skills, fierce mutant enemies, and an intricate plot that places you in a dangerous world devastated by nuclear war.
Fallout 3
Bethesda Softworks * * * * * Fallout 3 PC
Far Cry
Ubisoft * * * - - Far Cry is an incredible detailed action-shooter with graphics and gameplay that will blow you away. Jack Carver runs a small charter boat business in Micronesia, when he's hired to escort a young journalist to the deserted island of Cabatu. There Jack discovers and incredibly deadly secret — and he'll have to fight to get away with that secret alive.
Far Cry 2
Ubisoft * * * * - Far Cry 2 by Ubisoft is the anticipated sequel to the award-winning original that brings players into the beautiful and hostile world of Africa. Far Cry 2 for Windows Vista/XP features open-ended gameplay that allows you to play the game whichever way you choose, with the choices you make affecting where the game leads you.

Far Cry 2
Players:
Offline: 1
Online: 16

Multiplayer Modes:
Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Diamond, Uprising

Format:
Native 720p high-definition output.

Far Cry 2 brings you to Africa where you'll explore the savannah and the jungle. View larger.

Features real-time night-and-day cycles and smart enemy AI. View larger. Outstanding Graphics
Ubisoft developed the Dunia Engine specifically for Far Cry 2. Among other things, the Dunia Engine delivers realistic, interactive environments, special effects, real-time night-and-day cycles, and smart enemy AI.

Expansive, Realistic Environment
Far Cry 2 is set in a fictional region of Africa where you are caught between two rival factions at war. The Ubisoft team spent a lot of time filming and photographing in Africa to get all the details of the landscape and native wildlife. The result is a huge gameplay area that is 50 square kilometers, taking players into and out of the jungle and savannah. Wild animals such as zebras, buffalo, gazelle are encountered during the game, with both players and enemies allowed to interact with them.

Far Cry 2 features an incredible level of detail and realism, with a minimal in-game interface to detract from immersion. For example, players will need to navigate the world using an in-game map and navigation system, weapons will disintegrate over time, and fires will spread and propagate.

Each of the actions a player takes is reflected in the environment and changes the content of the game. To fulfill your mission, you need to play the enemies against each other, using both strategy and skill.

Huge Range of Weapons and Vehicles
Far Cry 2 offers gamers a wide range of weapons, from a machete for hand-to-hand combat, to a sniper rifle that can stealthily pluck off enemies from afar. As weapons disintegrate over time, they might jam or even explode in your hand.

There are also a large range of vehicles such as gliders, trucks, cars, and boats that will let you fly, drive, slide, and hover over the open landscapes.

Multiplayer Options for up to 16 Players
Far Cry 2 supports up to 16 players and has four gameplay modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Diamond, and Uprising. Players can choose from six different classes in multiplayer, each with its own set of pros and cons. Just as in the single-player mode, multiplayer games will feature dynamic elements, making each session unique. System Requirements Minimum Recommended Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista CPUIntel Pentium 4 3.2 GHz, Intel Pentium D 2.66 GHz, AMD Athlon 64 3500+ or better Intel Core 2 Duo Family, AMD 64 X2 5200+, AMD Phenom or better Memory1 GB 2 GB Hard Drive Space12 GB of free space Graphics HardwareNVidia 6800 or ATI X1650 or better; must support Pixel Shader 3.0 Nidia 8600 GTS or better, ATI X1900 or better
Gothic 2 Gold
Aspyr Media * * * * - Gothic II Gold combines two great hybrid RPG gaming experiences into one — for incredible fantasy adventure in a lush, 3D-rendered environment. You slave away in a small mining town, eking out an existence mining the exhausted seaside. They were imprisoned there by a seemingly natural magical barrier, until one brave man managed to burst the bonds of imprisonment. He ventured deep into subterranean temples, answering a call to banish the evil that created that barrier. Spurred by the hatred of men long-suppressed, the prisoners streamed trough the only pass to freedom. Enter this world and fight for a man's right to decide his own fate. The original Gothic storyline flows directly into the expansion pack, for gripping non-stop adventure!
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Rockstar Games * * * * * CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets. Featuring polished and enhanced graphics, visual effects, soundtrack capability, instant replay, player mod support, and more.
Grim Fandango
LucasArts Entertainment Meet Manny Calavera, travel agent at the Department of Death. He sells luxury packages to souls on their four year journey to eternal rest. But there's trouble in paradise. Help Manny untangle himself from a conspiracy that threatens his very salvation.
Half-Life
Vivendi Universal The critics agree. Half-Life is easily the most gripping, frightening and intense game experience ever. Awarded Game of the Year by more than 40 publications, Half-Life has been called a "Masterpiece of epic proportions." The Half-Life Game of the Year Edition includes new multiplayer models and maps as well as Team Fortress Classic, the hugely popular team-based multiplayer game that runs on top of the Half-Life engine. Featuring an integrated storyline with stunning visual effects and a hug
Half-Life 2
Electronic Arts * * * * - Half-Life 2: Game of the Year Edition compiles all the best elements of this incredible game, with all-new player options and even better graphics. Start out with Half-Life 2, where you return to the alien research facility called Black Mesa. The aliens are now pouring into our world and you'll join the resistance movement to stop them. Battle it out with friends in crazy, realistic mulitplayer action with Half-Life 2 Deathmatch. Then test your tactical abilities with Half-Life: Source — where the gaming kicks up anotch through the amazing Source game engine. With the Source engine, you get high-resolution textures, detailed character models, realistic physics and lighting, support for up to 64 players, shiny water effects & better objects - creating a more realistic gaming experience. The action continues in bigger, better form with Counter-Strike: Source
Half-Life 2: Episode One
Electronic Arts * * * * - Half-Life 2: Aftermath brings you the new adventures of Gordon Freeman and his able sidekick Alyx. At the end of Half-Life 2, you did critical damage to the Citadel. The whole place is going to go up, taking out City 17 and what's in its immediate radius. In this expansion, Gordon and Alyx are leading the flight from the city — and getting up close and personal with some of the creatures and sights from the Half-Life 2.
Half-Life 2: Episode Two
Valve * * * * * Half-Life® 2: Episode Two is the second in a trilogy of new games created by Valve that extends the award-winning and best-selling Half-Life® adventure.
As Dr. Gordon Freeman, you were last seen exiting City 17 with Alyx Vance as the Citadel erupted amidst a storm of unknown proportions. In Episode Two, you must battle and race against Combine forces as you traverse the White Forest to deliver a crucial information packet stolen from the Citadel to an enclave of fellow resistance scientists.
Episode Two extends the award-winning Half-Life gameplay with unique weapons, vehicles, and newly-spawned creatures.
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Eidos * * * * - Enter the realm of a retired assassin, forced back into action by treason. You may be a hired gun but you still try to live by a sense of loyalty and justice. The enemy is closer than you think, retrace your steps, and you will prevail.
Kings Bounty: The Legend
Atari * * * - - In a fairy tale fantasy world of fearless knights, evil mages, wise kings and beautiful princesses, you are a hero. King's Bounty: The Legend is an adventure game with tactical turn-based battles and role-playing elements. Gameplay is divided into two major sections: adventure mode and battle mode. In adventure mode you control your character in real-time. You move through the adventure map seeking various treasures, fighting monsters and accomplishing quests. In battle mode you lead your troops in tactical turn-based combat. Battles take place on land or sea, in dungeons or castles or even in some items. You yourself don't participate in the combat, but can assist your troops by casting spells or summoning different creatures.

A rich role-playing system including 7 parameters and more than 30 skills and perks and a highly-developed system of tasks and relations More than 70 spells to use on the battle arena and in everyday life An alternative option for magic development are the Spirits of Rage to be summoned in combat More than 60 unique creatures with special abilities and skills ready to fight in your army Dozens of different battle arenas. Unique arenas for castle sieges Various traps and bonuses on battle arenas that can change the course of fight Unique system of live items acting of their own will and changing their essence Ability to start a family, find a wife and have children
The Longest Journey
Aspyr Media This game is an epic futuristic tale of adventure, magic and intrigue. Now, an age of great turmoil and chaos threatens to tip the scales and bring terrifying dreams to life.
Max Payne
Rockstar Games Max Payne is the game where your life has fallen apart in a New York minute, and you have to get revenge before you can move on.
MVP Baseball 2005
Electronic Arts * * * * - MVP Baseball 2005 offers serious baseball fans an unprecedented level of control and variety. Whether you want total control of your at-bat, read the pitch, or try your skill sas an owner, it's all here. Make your run for the pennant in a fully featured Spring Training mode, playing in unbelievable 3D stadiums. With all-new unlockable legends and gear and head-to-head online play, MVP Baseball 2005 is the most fun, polished, innovative, and authentic baseball simulation ever created. Hitter's Eye visual indicator picks up the pitch as soon as it leaves a pitcher's hand Take your game online and track fantasy baseball stats in-game with the latest MLB news and live scores
Neverwinter Nights 2
Atari * * * - - Neverwinter Nights 2 returns you to the Forgotten Realms, one of the popular campaign settings of Dungeons and Dragons. Emerge from the tiniest of villages into a sweeping tale of danger and war, chronicling your rise from a peasant to a full-fledged hero of the Realms. The story takes place several years after the original Neverwinter Nights, and reintroduces popular characters and NPCs in a new storyline with new challenges.
Neverwinter Nights 2 Expansion Pack: Mask of the Betrayer
Atari * * * * - Neverwinter Nights 2 (NWN2) is a computer role-playing game set in the fantasy world of the Forgotten Realms, one of the popular campaign settings of Dungeons and Dragons. It takes the player from the tiniest of villages into a sweeping tale of danger and war, chronicling their rise from a peasant to a full-fledged hero of the Realms, defending it against one of the greatest threats of the age.
In Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer, players are transported back to the Forgotten Realms shortly after the events detailed in the original Neverwinter Nights 2. Following the climactic battle against the King of Shadows, the player awakens alone and stranded deep beneath the earth. Surrounded by a horde of evil spirits, the player embarks on an epic adventure that reveals his true destiny. Set in harsh, spirit-rich Rashemen, near the powerful nation of Thay, Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer will present players with an exciting new campaign; epic levels; dozens of new feats and spells; new races, base classes and prestige classes; new companions; new weapons, armour and crafting options; hordes of new monsters; and enhanced modding tools.
Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate
NHL 2006
Electronic Arts NHL 2006 gives you a chance to hit the ice&take complete control of every scoring opportunity.Express your shooting style with the new Sniper Stick - fire off pinpointed slap shots or execute sweet backhanders in a precise location with the flick of the stick. All-new deking control adds to your arsenal by letting you skate arond, between, and through opponents while maintaining full puck control. Shoot and score like never before with NHL 2006.
Painkiller Gold Edition
DreamCatcher Interactive PainKiller Gold delivers unmatched level and character design, together with adrenaline-rush style gameplay. You'll be constantly attacked by hordes of monsters, while being driven forward by objectives and a deep, gothic storyline. Trapped in a dark and unwelcoming world awaiting your purification, you must fight through an endless number of enemy warriors as you attempt to stop the imminent unholy war and overthrow Lucifer. But even if you win this insane battle, you still have to take out hoards of howling devils, eager to avenge their master. 15 maps and 7 Multiplayer modes available
Peggle
PopCap Games * * * * - Ready, aim... bounce! Clear the orange pegs from 55 fanciful levels as 10 whimsical teachers guide you toward Peggle greatness. Wield mystifying Magic Powers, rack up huge bonus points and make shots you'll smile about for weeks. Amidst all this fevered action, only one question remains: Can you become a Peggle Master?
Portal
Electronic Arts * * * * - Your name is Chell and GLaDOS (Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System) is a computer AI that monitors, directs and misleads you in a kind of twisted experiment. You must rely on information from GLaDOS to survive as you navigate through a series of mostly doorless rooms using the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device ("portal gun"). The portal gun creates two portal ends, both of which are simultaneously a potential entrance and exit. Objects, alive or otherwise, that travel through one end will exit the other at the same speed. Also, portals create a visual and physical connection between two different locations in 3D space. Their ends are restricted to planar surfaces, but if the portal ends are on nonparallel planes, bizarre twists in geometry and gravity can occur as you are immediately reoriented to be upright with respect to gravity after leaving a portal. You can pass through open portals at will, but barriers, known as "Material Emancipation Grids" or 'fizzlers' prevent you from carrying objects beyond them. Luckily certain objects, known as 'companion cubes' can be tossed through. Passage through these fields also closes any open portals, so it's important to look before you leap. It's your challenge to survive the hazards of the portals, including booby traps, hidden gun turrets and the treachery of GLaDOS in the search for eventual freedom.

Windows Vista/XP/2000 1.7 Ghz Processor [Pentium 4 Processor (3.0 Ghz or better) recommended] 512 MB RAM [1 GB RAM recommended] DirectX 8 level Graphics card [DirectX 9 level Graphics card recommended] DVD-ROM Drive/Mouse/Keyboard/Internet Connection
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
Ubisoft * * * * - Prince Of Persia is an update of the world-renowned game — taking one of the all-time great games into the new century. It has the same themes&gameplay thatmade it such a hit, with all-new graphics and modern features for a brand new classic!
Rome: Total War Gold Edition
Sega of America, Inc. * * * * - Rome: Total War Gold puts you in command of the ancient world's greatest armies. Storm clouds will gather over Europe, Asia and North Africa as you lay siege to civilizations using powerful war engines. Prepare your army and develop strategies for victory, then enjoy wealth and power unlike any who came before you.Gold Edition features the original Rome: Total War and its expansions, The Barbarian Invasions.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
THQ * * * * - Stalker: Shadow Of Chernobyl takes you into a near future where nuclear disaster has taken place. When a strange second explosion at the old Chernobyl site rocks the landscape, it leaves a vast "Exclusion Zone" plagued with deadly energy disturbances in its wake. The quarantined Exclusion Zone expanded over time, and by 2012, specially equipped poachers, known as S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, venture into the Zone to claim radioactive artifacts for the black market. You are a new S.T.A.L.K.E.R. battling for survival among rivals, soldiers and mutant creatures while trying to discover the true nature of Chernobyl's dark past and horrific future.
SWAT 4 Gold
VIVENDI JEUX PC SWAT 4 Gold Edition includes the critically acclaimed SWAT 4 and the expansion pack, SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate. Lead a SWAT team into dangerous situations with the goal of bringing order to chaos. Enter the tense, gritty explosive world that is business as usual for SWAT. SWAT 4 gives you easy control over advanced strategic and tactical tools. Plan missions. Deploy your team. Take down dangerous criminals. And in the SWAT 4 Expansion Pack, you get additional weaponry, equipment and even greater challenges.
Syberia
Dreamcatcher * * * - - Syberia takes you into an enchanting world full of clockwork machinery that mimics life so perfectly it could almost be alive — and that may be the secret you've hired to uncover! Beautiful fantasy awaits in this gorgeous puzzle-adventure game!
Team Fortress 2
Electronic Arts If you're ready for the challenge of true team-based online action, you'll find it in Team Fortress 2. With TF 2, you'll go into battle as part of a cohesive squad of fellow warriors all bent on the same goal - whether it's storming a beach, demolishing a bridge or escorting a VIP to safety. And you'll do it knowing your teammates are watching your back as carefully as you're watching theirs. Begin by assuming one of twelve roles, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. If you're looking for a straight-up fight, you'll choose Marine or Commando. Prefer the shadows? You'll make a cunning Spy or Sniper. Medics and Engineers support their teammates through bravery and ingenuity. Focus the raw force of your team's talents through communication and strategizing.

Automatic updates - Stop wasting time looking for patches or new content
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006
Electronic Arts * * * - - Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is our early entry to the next generation of golf games. Itdelivers ultra-realistic course environments with the intensity of a championship golf tournament. With greatness comes pressure, as players are put to the test of making perfect tee shots or sinking tournament-winning putts in crunch time.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
Ubisoft * * * * - Rainbow Six: Vegas presents a new team of Rainbow Warriors, as they take to the streets of America. The streets of Las Vegas are chaotic, an escalating terrorist siege in "Sin City" threatens to take world terrorism to new, uncontrollable heights. The future of global security hangs in the balance as you battle to defend classic Vegas locations and environments like Freemont Street, The Strip, and Casinos. Experience Las Vegas like never before through revolutionary next-generation technology as you work against the clock to keep one of the world's most recognizable cities from utter devastation. Next-generation AI - Encounter deadlier, more skilled enemies who work together as a group to counter every move you make Customize your multiplayer experience - Your character evolves as you play online, unlocking new equipment and achievements as you go
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
Ubi Soft * * * - - The sequel to the award-winning next-generation first-person shooter — returns to Sin City. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is your last chance to rescue America's sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will force you into heart-pounding action from beginning to end. The best are back and this time winner takes all.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
Ubisoft Get in on the action with these two award-winning games. You alone have the right to spy, steal, destroy, and assassinate to ensure that American Freedoms are protected in Splinter Cell: Stealth Action Redefined. In Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, as Sam Fisher, you must recover classified intelligence before it falls into enemy hands. Do you have what it takes as the Splinter Cell?
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Ubisoft * * * * - What if an algorithm could crash the stock markets, black out New York, and hijack ballistic missiles? The one programmer who has the key to this algorithm has vanished. find him at any cost. Bring the battle closer to the enemy - bring it to their soil before the chain of chaos becomes unstoppable. You are Sam Fisher - You are a Splinter Cell.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
Activision Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a new role-playing legend starring the creatures of the night. You have recently been sired in Los Angeles, and like all new vampires you must follow the rule of the Prince. As time goes on, you discover that you have more than one choice of who to follow. Who should you ally yourself with? Will you betray your old friends? Will you eliminate your foes? Find out as follow your own path the in the World Of Shadows.
The Witcher
Atari * * * * - The Witcher is a pinnacle of storytelling in role-playing games. It shatters the line between good and evil, building a world where moral ambiguity reigns. You'll become your own idea of what a great hero should be, as you control Geralt of Rivia — a a white-haired "witcher," monster-slayer-for-hire and master swordsman. While trying to regain his lost memory, Geralt unwillingly becomes involved in a world-shaking power struggle. In the process, you'll deal head-on with matters that most fantasy worlds ignore: Racism, political intrigue and genocide, to name a few. The Witcher emphasizes story and character development in a vibrant world, while incorporating tactically-deep real-time combat like no game before it. Incredible tactical depth - Six combat styles, dozens of potions, complex alchemy system, modifiable weapons and powerful magic — all working together in a fluid real-time experience Inspired by the writings of renowned Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski