Multiplayer games - local network PC
Playing multiplayer games over local area network (LAN) is a somewhat forgotten form of multiplayer, which had its heyday in the 1990s when Internet cafes were extremely popular. In LAN, players don't need to connect via the Internet, because their computers or consoles are directly connected to each other (wirelessly or with the use of network cables). This form of multiplayer is usually chosen by people who get together in one place (called LAN parties).
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
Racing 16 November 2005
The ninth installment in a legendary racing game franchise created by Electronic Arts company. After two Underground games, featuring illegal night street races, the franchise went back to its roots, combining ideas from the two most recent titles with classic elements. The player’s goal is to climb to the top of a black list of the most wanted drivers. Again you get to explore a huge virtual city, taking on different racing challenges. These include circuit, sprint, drag, elimination, time trial, speed challenge, and police pursuit. After completing enough of these you can challenge subsequent drivers from the black list. Apart from elements typical for the series, such as licensed cars and diverse soundtrack, the game features complex car customization, both in terms of appearance and performance.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 - Yuri's Revenge
Strategy 17 October 2001
The official expansion to Command & Conquer 2: Red Alert 2, the renowned RTS released in 2000 by the Westwood Studios company. The expansion pack, titled Yuri’s Revenge, expands the storyline of the vanilla version by adding an additional plot thread, in which Yuri – the advisor of the main antagonist of Red Alert 2 – is the lead character. Similarly to the previous installment of the production, the single player campaign has been divided into two separate parts (seven missions for each of the factions), allowing us to declare ourselves either for the Allied or the Soviet side of the conflict. The multiplayer mode has also been further developed with the addition of ten new scenarios and also an entirely new faction ��� the forces of Yuri. Furthermore, the title also features previously unavailable regions, such as Hollywood, London, Cairo or Transylvania; several unique buildings and units have also been added to the expansion, including the Virus sniper, the genetically modified Brute, the Boomer submarine, as well as the Slave Miner excavation vehicle. The developers have also prepared over an hour of HD cutscenes to further enhance our gameplay experience.
Need for Speed: Underground 2
Racing 12 November 2004
A sequel to Need for Speed: Underground, a best-selling 2003 game from Electronic Arts, which changed the shape of one of the most popular car racing franchises. The game takes you to a virtual metropolis that thrives after dark. For the first time in the history of the franchise, the city is completely open for exploration. As you ride around its streets you can challenge the drivers you meet on the way or learn more about the favorite locations of the street racing community. The gameplay mechanics did not change much; rather, the developers focused on an even more detailed recreations of licensed cars and car parts used for tuning. The game’s graphics were noticeably improved, featuring all sorts of new visual effects. The soundtrack keeps equally high level, as usually featuring songs by famous artists across a wide spectrum of genres.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Action 02 December 2008
The fourth installment in a best-selling action game franchise. The title was developed by Rockstar North Studios under the supervision of Chris Sawyer. The protagonist of Grand Theft Auto IV is Niko Bellic, an immigrant from Eastern Europe who recently came to America, where he starts a career in the criminal underground. The sandbox gameplay model gives the player much freedom in exploration of Liberty City, a virtual metropolis, where you can move around using various vehicles (cars, motorbikes, and helicopters, among others). How the story unfolds depends on the player’s choices regarding order in which the missions are completed. Apart from single player gameplay, Grand Theft Auto IV offers online or LAN multiplayer for up to 32 people.
Total War: Warhammer III
Strategy 17 February 2022
The third and final part of the Total War series sub-cycle based on the Warhammer license. Total War: Warhammer III introduces, among others, the Kislev and Cathay factions, which take part in even greater battles than before.
Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour
Strategy 22 September 2003
An official expansion for the strategy game Command & Conquer: Generals developed by EA Los Angeles (previously known as EA Pacific). The expansion continues the story from the base game and features 3 new campaigns, each consisting of 5 missions for each side of the conflict. There are new varied tasks to complete, from naval combat to enemy base infiltration. The expansion introduces new buildings (e.g. the internet center), units (such as helicopters and battle motorcycles, and upgrades (Hellfire rockets and chemical suits). The graphics engine SaGE has been improved, which resulted in better weather effects and explosion animations. Apart from the single player mode and the multiplayer mode known from the base game, Zero Hour introduces the challenge mode, in which you fight against 9 armies controlled by 9 AI-controlled generals.
Stronghold Crusader HD
Strategy 01 November 2012
An improved edition of a popular RTS game created by FireFly Studios and originally released back in 2002. The HD edition increases the maximum resolution supported and adds zooming in and out in the isometric view. The game offers the entire content of the original release, supplemented with additional units, scenarios and tactical options introduced in the Stronghold Warchest and Stronghold Crusader Extreme editions. The player assumes the role of a castle's administrator living during the first three crusades. Throughout several single player campaigns, the player completes a series of story missions, familiarizing themselves with subsequent game mechanics. Balancing between prosperous economy and powerful army is the core element of gameplay here. Apart from standard campaigns, the game offers a set of individual scenarios and multiplayer missions for up to 8 players. Beyond the aforementioned technical improvements, the audiovisuals as such were not changed.
I.G.I. 2: Covert Strike
Action 21 February 2003
The sequel to the first-person shooter Project I.G.I., developed by the Interloop studio. Player assumes the role of the first part's protagonist – a former soldier of the British special forces SAS, who, as a member of the I.G.I. organization, single-handedly completes secret missions in various parts of the globe. I.G.I.2: Covert Strike features three thematically connected campaigns that take place successively in Russia, Libya, and China. Compared to the previous installment, I.G.I.2: Covert Strike offers improved enemy AI, which now takes advantage of authentic combat tactics used by modern armies. Available firearms' arsenal was also enlarged. The game is built on a modified version of the previous installment's game engine, thus features more detailed locations and diversified weather conditions. In addition to the single player mode, I.G.I.2: Covert Strike offers also a team-based multiplayer.
Need for Speed: Underground
Racing 18 November 2003
The seventh installment in the legendary racing series developed since 1995. Created once again by EA Black Box, the game brings revolutionary changes to the series, focusing on illegal street racing, popularized mainly by The Fast and the Furious movie. This time, apart from usual races, the player can take part in several racing events, such as drifting competitions or drag races. The game offers a wide set of licensed cars popular among the illegal racing aficionados. The game stands out with a wide array of car customization options it delivers - the player can buy licensed car parts produced by the most popular real-life manufacturers. Money is an important aspect of the game, because the player spends the cash they earned in races to buy new cars and parts. Need for Speed: Underground features a diverse soundtrack as well. The player can listen to a variety of genres, such as rap, techno, or metal.
Divinity: Original Sin II
RPG 14 September 2017
A direct sequel to Divinity: Original Sin and another installment in the popular RPG series launched in 2002 by the Belgian developer, Larian Studios. The story takes place once more in the fantasy land of Rivellon and presents events that occur between the first and second game in the franchise. This time around, we assume the role of a sorcerer, who uses the forbidden powers of the Source and is constantly pursued by the Order. We can determine the race and origin of our character, both of which influence the attitude of the encountered NPCs towards him or her to a large extent. The gameplay mechanics do not deviate significantly from the previous game in the series, although the developers did introduce a few novelties, such as a modified combat system, new element combinations as well as Source Powers. Contrary to its predecessor and other titles of the franchise, the production has a clearly darker atmosphere.
Battlefield 2
Action 21 June 2005
A first-person shooter and a sequel to the bestselling Battlefield 1942 (2002) and Battlefield Vietnam (2004) - both developed by DICE. Battlefield 2 is set in modern times and the singleplayer story campaign is centered around a fictional conflict between the United States, The People's Republic of China and the Middle Eastern Coalition. The player is put in the shoes of a soldier participating in a series of dangerous military operations, with various kinds of weaponry and vehicles (above all, the M1 Abrams tank and the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter) at their disposal. The game stands out with its extensive multiplayer mode, which can be enjoyed via local area network or online. Also, Battlefield 2 offers high-quality visuals generated by the Refractor 2 engine.
Divinity: Original Sin
RPG 30 June 2014
Divinity: Original Sin is a sequel to the cRPG series developed by Larian Studios. The game is set before the events presented in Divine Divinity (2002). The story focuses on the adventures of young Source Hunters, who have to delve into the arcanes of forbidden magic and prevent its effects. Gameplay is based on classic RPG mechanics. You lead a team of up to four heroes and together you complete quests, explore locations, and fight enemies. As they gain experience, the characters' stats will increase and they can master new skills. Apart from single player mode, Divinity: Original Sin offers a co-op mode with a second player via LAN or Internet.
Dying Light
Action 27 January 2015
An first-person perspective survival horror game, created by the Polish developer Techland, known for Dead Island and the Call of Juarez series, among others. The player assumes the role of a character who is trying to survive in a zombie-infested metropolis. The sandbox gameplay of Dying Light is divided into two phases. During the day, the game puts main focus on exploration and acquisition of raw materials and weapons, while at night players must face hordes of the living dead. The creators wanted to put the accent on two gameplay elements: thrilling combat with a variety of weapons (including crafted ones), and dynamic movement throughout the city, enabling the players to overcome terrain obstacles using parkour. In addition to a single-player campaign, Dying Light also offers a four-person cooperation mode via the Internet.
Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne
Strategy 01 July 2003
An official expansion pack for the third installment in the series of classic RTS games set in a fantasy world and developed by Blizzard Entertainment since 1994. The story of the expansion is set in the world of Azeroth, several months after the battle for mount Hyjal. The plot here is centered around the trials to find Ner'zhul - the lord of the Undead, who has remained inside a frozen tomb in Northrend. The players receive four new campaigns for each of the four available races. However, the Orcs' campaign (separate from the main branch of the plot) deserves to be given special attention, because it lays the groundwork for the planned World of Warcraft MMORPG. It is worth noticing that all the parties involved in the conflict received new characters with their unique skills, as well as new types of units. The player is now capable of hiring neutral heroes and building stores selling magical equipment. Additionally, the expansion introduces new items, buildings and upgrades related to them.
Might & Magic: Heroes VII
Strategy 29 September 2015
The seventh installment of one of the most popular turn-based fantasy strategy series dating back to 1995. It was created by the German studio Limbic Entertainment, whose portfolio includes the previous installment in the Heroes of Might & Magic series and Might & Magic X: Legacy. The story takes us to an empire torn by a civil war, in which young Prince Ivan created the Shadow Council composed of representatives from six different factions. The mechanics of the game are reminiscent of the earliest installments of the series and use a variety of solutions which were not implemented in the sixth part. The previously simplified economic model was improved, and the town screen was restored, together with all the characteristic features of individual factions. The maps are much larger and put greater emphasis on exploration; furthermore, the typical turn-based combat system has been slightly modified. During the battle we can use numerous machines and support units, including catapults, ballistas, and medical tents, and the battle arenas are filled with a larger number of various objects and obstacles.
Resident Evil 5
Action 15 September 2009
A TPP action game, another entry in the popular horror game series. Resident Evil 5 takes place 10 years after the destruction of Racoon City. Main hero – Chris Redfield – travels to Africa to investigate origins of the mysterious T Virus that changes humans into zombies. Gameplay combines dynamic shooting sequences with gory horror, as the player has to deal with hordes of enemies using various weapons: from pistols, shotguns and machine rifles, to knives and grenades. Resident Evil 5 offers several modes, including multiplayer cooperation for two players.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Action 09 November 2010
A first-person shooter, the seventh installment in the Call of Duty series, and a start of a new sub-series. The game was developed by studio Treyarch, the team responsible for Call of Duty: World at War. The story campaign of Call of Duty: Black Ops is presented in the form of flashbacks suffered by the main protagonist, Alex Mason. Having previously worked for the CIA as a field operative, in his memories Mason returns to the age of Cold War. The game offers several single and multiplayer modes, including cooperation and zombie mode. Call of Duty: Black Ops is is powered by modified versions of IW Engine 3.0 and Demonware.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
Action 02 October 2009
The third installment in a series of action games developed by GSC Game World. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic reality of the Zone - an area contaminated as a result of the explosion that destroyed the sarcophagus protecting the damaged reactor in Chernobyl. The story focuses on discovering the reasons behind the failure of the Fairway Operation, which was organized by the government in order to thoroughly search the dangerous areas. The player assumes the role of a State Security Service agent by the name of Alexander Degtyarev, whose task is to find out why the aforementioned secret operation yielded no results. The player visits three extensive new areas located around the titular Pripyat, all of them representing real-life locations. When it comes to the changes brought with this installment, these concern mainly the side missions, which are no longer randomly generated. Instead, they are more extensive and non-linear now. Among other changes, it is worth noticing further AI improvements, a new UI, and the new ability to sleep, which regenerates the protagonist's health.
Need for Speed ProStreet
Racing 13 November 2007
The 11th installment in the popular racing game series developed by Electronic Arts. In contrast to the previous parts of the game, this title completely abandons the idea of illegal races and transfers the action to professional racing circuits. Players take part in a number of challenges divided into four race variations: Drag, Grip, Drift, and Speed Challenge, in the latter the driver who reaches top speed wins. Successive victories unlock new challenges and cars. The game offers 26 licensed car models that can be customized with the Autosculpt system. The authors emphasize the recreation of crashes and the realistic damage model that influences the car’s performance. Fans of realism were given the option of turning off all the driving assistance, like power steering and ABS, which makes driving much more simulator-like.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert
Strategy 09 November 1996
The continuation of the enthusiastically-received RTS title from the Westwood Studios company. In contrast to the purely fictional storyline of its predecessor, this time the developers have decided to provide the players with an alternative version of reality, in which Stalin decides to “liberate” the world from the hands of imperialists and subjugate it to Soviet authority. After we declare our allegiance we can either assault the West under the red banner or fight in the ranks of the Allies and try to withstand the Soviet onslaught. This decision will have huge impact on our gameplay experience, as both factions have completely unique types of units and armaments, which also results in slightly different playstyles and strategies. The arsenal of doomsday devices which we have at our disposal has also been made much more realistic in comparison to the production’s archetype; however, there is no shortage of various weapon prototypes, such as the Tesla coil which electrocutes nearby enemies. Each of the campaigns consists of fourteen diversified missions, while those looking for an even greater challenge can try their strength in the multiplayer mode.
Far Cry
Action 23 March 2004
A FPS set in tropical environment. Far Cry is the first commercial production in the history of the German Crytek studio. Jack Carver, the game's main character, is a retired commando, who currently runs a small haulage company. He is contracted to ferry young miss reporter to Micronesia. Unfortunately, the job is suddenly hindered when Carver’s ship is sunk by an unknown military unit, his client vanishes, and Carver himself ends up shipwrecked on a tropical island filled with soldiers. The protagonist has to make use of his extraordinary skills retained from military service to come out unscratched of this situation. The sandbox gameplay of Far Cry doesn’t force any order, giving players a freedom in exploring the tropical setting and completing tasks. The game's impressive visuals are powered by the CryEngine.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Strategy 24 October 2000
The official sequel to Command & Conquer: Red Alert, a game originally released on PCs in 1996 by the Westwood Studios company. The storyline of Red Alert 2 is a continuation of that of its predecessor, however, due to the results of the secret Soviet experiments, this time we will witness the emergence of several alternative reality scenarios. The players can once again declare themselves either for the side of the Allies or the advancing red tide of the Soviets, and it is their task to try to decide the fate of the world with the numerous new tools at their disposal. Said novelties include unique, futuristic military technologies, as well as the ability to deploy spies, who can reach even the most carefully guarded secrets of any enemy base. In total, the production features forty new single-player missions and thirty previously unavailable units and buildings. The visuals of C&C: Red Alert 2 have also been significantly upgraded to harness the full potential of newest computers and modern graphics cards.
Hearts of Iron IV
Strategy 06 June 2016
The fourth major installment in a series of larg-scale strategy games, which originated in 2002 as a spin-off to the popular Europa Universalis series. Both franchises are consistently developed by Paradox Interactive. The game lets you take the lead of a country from the World War II period and beyond, specifically the years 1936-1948. Your responsibilities involve taking care of international relations and building alliances, but also developing the army, choosing the right strategy, and conducting the military operations. As it was in the previous editions of the series, the game combines faithfully recreated historical events (including authentic leaders, as well as military forces and technologies used by particular countries, along with the possibility of putting the history on a different course. As compared with the previous games, micromanagement was slightly reduced, and the focus shifted to larg-scale strategy. Other additions include the day and night cycle and changing seasons, as well as an option of grouping provinces into regions to facilitate management.
