What does the rest of the year hold for "must buy"

JSHAW · Post by **JSHAW** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:11 am

I'm slightly out of the loop on what the rest of the year holds as far as kick-ass PC games that will be released towards the last quarter of the year.

What are the titles that are going to be highly anticipated, and highly regarded as "MUST BUYS"?

godhugh · Post by **godhugh** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:36 am

Moving to Games in General...

Kraken · Post by **Kraken** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:12 am

Civ4, and probably GalCiv2, if they ship this year.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:15 am

Ironrod wrote:Civ4, and probably GalCiv2, if they ship this year.

Civ 4 for me would be a day one purchase.

YellowKing · Post by **YellowKing** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:16 am

Age of Empires 3 looks absolutely incredible and is supposed to ship towards the end of the year. I wouldn't be surprised if it was delayed, but we can hope.

JayG · Post by **JayG** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:20 am

Moving to games in general is one I'm really looking forward to as well.

Also, GTA: San Andreas, Elder Scrolls 4:Oblivion, Gothic 3 (German), Half Life 2 expansion, Bioshock, Hellgate, Black and White 2, Bone and Fable.

Next year looks great, with NWN 2, Dragon Age and hopefully Arx Fatalis 2 due.

docvego · Post by **docvego** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:47 am

Elder Scrolls 4:Oblivion and Star Wars: Empire at War are both pretty high on my list, however for Empire I'll probably wait for a review or two to make sure LucasArts isn't selling a Beta.

setaside · Post by **setaside** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:54 am

The Movies is the big one for me. Last I heard it was slated for a late 2005 release. I'm also looking forward to GalCiv2. Not sure if anything else coming this year is a "MUST" buy or not. I've got to really restrain myself this year.

Hetz · Post by **Hetz** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:58 am

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Preacher · Post by **The Preacher** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:10 am

Austin wrote:
Ironrod wrote:Civ4, and probably GalCiv2, if they ship this year.
Civ 4 for me would be a day one purchase.

Really? Civ3 took such a long time to come around that I am certainly waiting to hear how it plays out of the box (and don't get me started about multiplayer and PTW). That being said, it is definitely near the top of the list if it is ready this year and it pans out.

The only other game that approaches "must have" this year is Battlefield 2, which looks awesome.

ChrisGwinn · Post by **ChrisGwinn** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:27 am

The Longest Journey 2, if it comes out this year. I'll probably grab the HL2 expansion and Guild Wars, but neither are must-buys for me.

shaggydoug · Post by **shaggydoug** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:28 am

HL2 Aftermath is the only thing that is currently a must-buy on my list. If S.T.A.L.K.E.R actually comes out this year, that will be on it as well.

If I had infinite disposable income and time, I'd get some of the Star Wars titles that are being released.

- shaggy

Cylus Maxii · Post by **Cylus Maxii** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:54 am

City of Villains

killbot737 · Post by **killbot737** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:15 pm

Supreme Ruler 2010
City of Villains
Domination (maybe - have to finish Massive Assault first)
that GBA X-Com one, Rebel comander base squad something or other
Advance Wars for GC

not much on my plate I guess. I may try out Matrix Online in a few months if the horrible nagging glitches left over from beta are taken care of, and if the price comes down from $50!

I didn't know there's going to be more HL2 content. I'll have to watch for that too.

Greg Wak · Post by **Greg Wak** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:58 pm

Hl2 expansion for sure. That's the first game in a long time that left me wanting more. Stalker and Oblivion if they make it out this year. Might have to wait a couple of weeks on Stalker to make sure it works. The delays have me a little spooked. Hellgate looks very cool.

KiloOhm · Post by **KiloOhm** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:09 pm

The Preacher wrote:
Austin wrote:
Ironrod wrote:Civ4, and probably GalCiv2, if they ship this year.
Civ 4 for me would be a day one purchase.
Really? Civ3 took such a long time to come around that I am certainly waiting to hear how it plays out of the box (and don't get me started about multiplayer and PTW). That being said, it is definitely near the top of the list if it is ready this year and it pans out.

The only other game that approaches "must have" this year is Battlefield 2, which looks awesome.

The major difference this time is Sid is actively on the design team from the start. It will probably be pretty good day 1. I agree with your sentiment though, I would rather wait for the "complete" game a year later generally.

Caine · Post by **Caine** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 2:14 pm

Greg Wak wrote:Hl2 expansion for sure. That's the first game in a long time that left me wanting more. Stalker and Oblivion if they make it out this year. Might have to wait a couple of weeks on Stalker to make sure it works. The delays have me a little spooked. Hellgate looks very cool.

i almost posted that saying "stalker and oblivion" were redundant because stalker: oblivion lost was the first name of the game until they changed it to super cherynobyl mutant freak shadow or something and that oblivion refers to ES IV now. i agree with you on all counts though, and those are the big names this year for me.

isn't quake 4 due this year? if so, then it's on my short list too.

Greg Wak · Post by **Greg Wak** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 2:37 pm

I had to look this up because I forgot the name AGAIN: Boiling point: the road to hell. This should be out May/June and is getting no pub whatsoever. It sure looks great though.

The Meal · Post by **The Meal** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:05 pm

KiloOhm wrote:
The Preacher wrote:
Austin wrote:
Ironrod wrote:Civ4, and probably GalCiv2, if they ship this year.
Civ 4 for me would be a day one purchase.
Really? Civ3 took such a long time to come around that I am certainly waiting to hear how it plays out of the box (and don't get me started about multiplayer and PTW). That being said, it is definitely near the top of the list if it is ready this year and it pans out.

The only other game that approaches "must have" this year is Battlefield 2, which looks awesome.
The major difference this time is Sid is actively on the design team from the start. It will probably be pretty good day 1. I agree with your sentiment though, I would rather wait for the "complete" game a year later generally.

What was the last game that Sid had a major part in the creation of the design document? I know that he had very little to do with even SMAC (which would be more appropriately acronymed as BRAC), for instance. What *is* his last baby?

~Neal

geezer · Post by **geezer** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:12 pm

The Preacher wrote:
The only other game that approaches "must have" this year is Battlefield 2, which looks awesome.

yep.

JonathanStrange · Post by **JonathanStrange** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:16 pm

Any more strategy games anyone looking forward to? Dont be shy.

So far: Galactic Civilizations 2, Civilization 4

I'm interested in strategy - particularly turnbased strategy - so if you know of some coming out 2005, let us know here.

Cylus Maxii · Post by **Cylus Maxii** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:18 pm

I believe Sid Meier had some input on the recently released Pirates.

SuperHiro · Post by **SuperHiro** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:25 pm

Dominions 3

The Meal · Post by **The Meal** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:26 pm

Cylus Maxii wrote:I believe Sid Meier had some input on the recently released Pirates.

Good call.

Should we then expect that Civ4 is a throwback to the mid/late 80's in terms of gameplay?

I'm not convinced that Mr. Meier has a great grasp as to what the masses of the mid 00's want in their games. This doesn't frighten me at all (as I'm a product of 80's gaming), but I doubt that means universal acceptance for Civ4.

Ferinstance, I doubt Sid will take Civ4 in the direction of Double Your Pleasure or Rise and Rule (i.e., complexity & innovation), but instead would try to move things to a more simple platform. Unfortunately, a move to a more simple platform for Civ3 already exists. It's called Civ2.

Can Sid innovate? I know he can make sure a fun game gets produced, but would that be enough for the Civ crowd?

~Neal

The Meal · Post by **The Meal** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:27 pm

SuperHiro wrote:Dominions 3

ETA?

*This* would be the only Day 1 purchase for me that's been mentioned in this thread.

I only ask for the targetted release date, as I want to know how long I have to get buddy-buddy with a good divorce attorney. (Is Sunderer a Dominions player?) I have the feeling that game could get me excommunicated from my own family...

~Neal

knob · Post by **knob** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:21 pm

Even though I actually hold a lot of hate for the series, Battlefield 2.

BF1942 was one of my favorite and least favorite games to come out. The gameplay was so much fun, I couldn't get enough of it. But the engine had so many stupid problems. I still can't figure out why I could die from fall damage while running down stairs.

SuperHiro · Post by **SuperHiro** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:43 pm

The Meal wrote:
SuperHiro wrote:Dominions 3
ETA?

*This* would be the only Day 1 purchase for me that's been mentioned in this thread.

I only ask for the targetted release date, as I want to know how long I have to get buddy-buddy with a good divorce attorney. (Is Sunderer a Dominions player?) I have the feeling that game could get me excommunicated from my own family...

~Neal

Details are limited. But all I've seen points to "Late 2005"

http://www.wargamer.com/news/news.asp?nid=1517

gellar · Post by **gellar** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:52 pm

Battlefield 2 is the only thing on my radar. There will be much #gonegold jackassery from that, and I will rejoice.

gellar

Post by **ImLawBoy** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:55 pm

I'm intrigued by the upcoming Call of the Cthulhu game, but I'll probably wait for a review or two first.

HL2 expansion is a no brainer for me.

I'll probably grab Quake IV, too (assuming it makes this year).

Faldarian · Post by **Faldarian** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:34 pm

Battlefield 2, Age of Empires 3, Elder Scrolls IV, Battlefront 2 if it hits this year, and FEAR.

naednek · Post by **naednek** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:41 pm

HL2 Aftermath episode (not expansion since there hasn't been an expansion announced ;p)
Battlefield 2 and Madden 2006 (xbox)

Post by **ImLawBoy** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:47 pm

naednek wrote:HL2 Aftermath episode (not expansion since there hasn't been an expansion announced ;p)

They can call it a "Walk in the Park" for all I care. It's still an expansion.

Archangel · Post by **Archangel** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:26 pm

Battlefield 2 and The Godfather are the only two that are left in this year for me.

Biyobi · Post by **Biyobi** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:40 pm

Add me to the Battlefield 2 party. Civ4 and Age of Empires 3 are on my immediate purchase list too.

Wasn't Sim Golf Sid's project? I had a blast with that.

Zitterbacke · Post by **Zitterbacke** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:15 pm

Battlefield II, Dawn of War Addon. The others on my list I need you to betatest first. E.g. Morrowind. I'd so much hate it to be sucked into the game and then realize questbreaking bugs. Or CTD.

Lee · Post by **Lee** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:15 pm

Are Civ 4 and Oblivion really expected this year? Especially the latter, I would be shocked to see this before mid 2006, because I know they will do their best to get it right before releasing it.

Cylus Maxii · Post by **Cylus Maxii** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:27 pm

Add me to CIV4 and TES IV: Oblivion

Belerofon · Post by **Belerofon** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 4:25 am

Age of Empires 3
Battlefiel 2
Serious Sam2 (Im not too sure if thats coming out this year)
Matrix Online

nomorals · Post by **nomorals** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 4:35 am

I think I may actually bother to figure out how to use a headset when Battlefield 2 comes out.

The Mad Hatter · Post by **The Mad Hatter** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:49 am

nomorals wrote:I think I may actually bother to figure out how to use a headset when Battlefield 2 comes out.

I can't think of anything less appealing than playing a computer game while listening to a 13 year old in Topeka yell obscenities. Text only for me.