PC games reccomendations from recent years?

nyarlathotep · 17 Nov 2007 at 17:22

Hi folks. I'm building myself a new PC for Christmas. It's primarily going to be used for music production, but I would like to enjoy a few games on it too.
The machine isn't going to be up to running the latest and greatest (e2180, 2gb RAM, x1950 pro), but should happily run stuff from the last 2-3 years.

I also have an xbox360 and wii. Favourite games include Oblivion (which is in fact one of my favourite games ever) and Metroid Prime 3, but I'd like to see what PC games I've missed in recent years.

Any suggestions greatfully received!

nyarlathotep · 17 Nov 2007 at 17:28

Oh, and just to add that any elite/privateer type games are most welcome!

Will_3rd · 17 Nov 2007 at 17:29

Get Orange Box

Greenlizard0 · 17 Nov 2007 at 18:33

Quake 4, Bioshock, Crysis.

Darkwave · 17 Nov 2007 at 18:35

The Orange Box, Crysis, Bioshock, The Witcher, Call Of Duty 4, Supreme Commander, Civlization 4.

Skyboat · 17 Nov 2007 at 18:51

Another vote for the Orange Box; HL2 + EP1&2, Portal (ending alone is worth it), and Team Fortress 2 for insane multiplayer fun.

nyarlathotep · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:02

I've been considering Orange Box for the 360. Would it be better purchased for the PC then?
I'm certainly a fan of halflife, having completed 1 (on PC) and 2 (on original XBOX)

Skyboat · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:18

Consoles and FPS games are just ugh. Play them properly I say.

Darkwave · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:28

nyarlathotep said:
I've been considering Orange Box for the 360. Would it be better purchased for the PC then?

It's lightyears ahead on PC TBH!

georges · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:49

Would an HD3850 not be better performance for the same price, and quieter?

I'm hopefully getting pretty much the same spec as yours, but the above card, maybe even the 512 version if price has dropped by then.

mark_t50 · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:54

nyarlathotep said:
Oh, and just to add that any elite/privateer type games are most welcome!

You could try X3, it's a fantasic game and should run ok on the rig you mentioned.

nyarlathotep · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:59

Well the x1950 pro (512mb) seems decent for the price from my research. I've ordered it now anyway! It is typically at least 30 quid cheaper than the HD3850.

As stated, the PC isn't primarily a games machine, but the odd game will be nice!

HangTime · 17 Nov 2007 at 20:21

If you like RPGs then you might like to check out KOTOR and KOTOR 2. Plus of course Morrowind which many consider superior to Oblivion, although that's a bit older.

darwin · 17 Nov 2007 at 21:07

Dark Messiah is well worth getting as well - it's a hybrid RPG/Shooter and should run well on your rig

Pipe & Slippers · 17 Nov 2007 at 22:11

If you like sneaking around FPSs add Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butchers Bay - you can pick it up dirt cheap - very enjoyable - "Wanna live, get a shiv"

Another FPS to try is FEAR

If you liked Oblivion, how about Fable: The Lost Chapters, bit old now but the gameplay is still good

fobose · 17 Nov 2007 at 22:37

I also enjoyed Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butchers Bay, infact I want it again now :|

Thorien · 18 Nov 2007 at 10:20

Hitman Blood Money - excellent game!

chrissss · 18 Nov 2007 at 10:30

I can tell you for one thing to NOT get FEAR. I didn't play it because my couldn't handle it, and so now I played it again, and the game is crap. The storyline is vague and doesn't fit the game, the level design is one of the worst ever, and the gameplay is so repetitive. the graphics are ok, except the shadows are way to unrealistic that it made me wonder of the programmers ever even saw a shadow in real life.

my reccomendations would be :

Hl2 series and portal
Quake 4 ( its short and sweet, and should be 5-10 pounds in your local shop)
Bioshock: played some of it, it was fun, though maybe not worth the full £30 though.

If you liked the max payne series; both games are amazing.

Far cry is a great game imo, especially if you tweak the shadows and give it HDR and stuff.

Oblivion is a nice game, though its not really a fps shooter at all.

Camalot · 18 Nov 2007 at 10:47

Games i've loved playing:

Fahrenheit
DreamFall : Longest Journy
The Witcher

nyarlathotep · 18 Nov 2007 at 13:12

Thanks for all the suggestions - I think the consoles are going to be left gathering dust for a while!
Orange box and X3 are definates, and I can see me getting several of the other suggestions too.

Chrissss, I'm with you on FEAR. Got it on the 360 and thought it was great until I realised it just did the same thing all the way through (though admittedly I've not completed it)..