Gamepressure.com Staff Picks 2007

Akcji 06 November 2007

The fourth installment in an overwhelmingly popular first-person shooter series from Infinity Ward. This time the developers from Encino, California, have decided to break away from the tradition of making World War 2 games and set the action of their new game in modern times. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’s story features a conflict with Russian ultranationalist faction, led by an unpredictable individual named Imran Zakhaev. Players get to witness the events through the eyes of several soldiers, including members of the British SAS and US Marines. The main story campaign consists of a series of missions set in different parts of the world. Gameplay relies heavily on cinematic, scripted shooting sequences. In addition to the single player mode the game includes expanded online multiplayer. When it comes to technology, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is powered by IW Engine.

PC

Wyścigi 16 March 2007

A new incarnation of the popular racing game series launched back in 1987 by Distinctive Software and Accolade. Test Drive Unlimited was developed by Eden Games, the creators of the V-Rally franchise, under the aegis of Atari. The main change in relation to its predecessors is the vast open world set on the faithfully recreated Oahu island, which can be freely explored. The players can undertake a number of various racing challenges to earn cash that lets them buy new vehicles for their garage. In total, there are over 90 licensed cars and motorcycles to choose from. In the game, we can modify our avatar by dressing him in designer clothes and even buy a new house with a bigger garage. The title features an innovatory multiplayer mode that, similarly to MMO productions, enables thousands of players to compete at the same time.

PC

Akcji 21 August 2007

BioShock is a combination of an action game, first person shooter, cRPG, and survival horror created by Irrational Games (developers of System Shock 2, SWAT 4, and other titles). The story takes you into the submerged city of Rapture, where the main protagonis, named Jack, arrives after having survived a plane crash. This ruined metropolis hides many dark and deadly secrets. In terms of gameplay, BioShock combines the elements of a dynamic FPS and cRPG. In combat you can use several types of conventional weapons as well as so-called plasmids that give you supernatural powers. Moral choices you make in the game influence how the events unfold. The game features very atmospheric audiovisuals, with graphics powered by the popular Unreal Engine 2.5.

PC

Akcji 14 November 2007

A futuristic first-person shooter that was initially supposed to be the sequel to Far Cry, the bestselling FPs developed by the German developer Crytek. The action takes place on a remote island where a group of scientists made a breakthrough discovery. Soon, the North Korean army takes control of the isle, isolating it from the rest of the world. The US government sends a special mission to rescue the scientists. Skirmish with enemy soldiers quickly becomes a fight for survival against an alien race. The game offers a vast, highly interactive world, as well as a significant degree of freedom in completing our objectives. The usual FPS features were complemented by science-fiction elements, namely a Nanosuit that allows us to increase the protagonist’s strength, camouflage, or activate a special protective shield. The developers also created a full-blown multiplayer mode in which two commando teams compete against one another.

PC

Akcji 19 November 2007

Third-person action adventure game that came out as Sony’s response to the unwavering popularity of the Tomb Raider franchise. The game was created by Naughty Dog, an experienced developer known for such cult game series, as Crash Bandicoot or Jack and Daxter. Uncharted lets you play as a young man named Nathan, a (self-proclaimed) descendant of one of the world’s greatest sailors and wayfarers – Sir Francis Drake. The protagonist’s journey begins as Sir Francis’ coffin is extracted from the sea bottom. Instead of a body, the coffin contains a journal describing a mysterious island, where lie the answers to the final fate of his supposed ancestor as well as one of the world's greatest treasures. The game features action-adventure gameplay, mostly boiling down to traversing various locations, simple puzzle solving, and dynamic shootouts. Combat mechanics offers a cover system similar to the one featured in the Gears of War series. At the time of release, the game offered top quality visuals with detailed character animations.

PS3

RPG 26 October 2007

An action RPG developed by CD Projekt RED and based on the series of short stories and novels by Andrzej Sapkowski. The story of the game is set in 1270, five years after the Northern War. After losing his memory, Geralt somehow returns to the Witcher keep Kaer Morhen. The stronghold soon gets ambushed by a group known as the Salamander... While in pursuit of the attackers, our protagonist becomes entangled in an intricate plot involving the Order of the Flaming Rose. In the course of our quest we visit a number of locations and encounter several characters known from the books. The developers created a sizable world that reacts dynamically to the actions of the main character. On the technical side, The Witcher uses a completely rebuilt version of Aurora Engine.

PC

Akcji 13 November 2007

An action adventure game with stealth elements, created by the Ubisoft Montreal studio. The plot revolves around centuries-long conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Players take on the role of Desmond Miles, who lives in modern age, but thanks to the machine called Animus he can also relive and control the actions of his ancestor – a Syrian assassin living in the 12th century, Altair Ibn-La'Ahad. The game's open-world environment offers a lot of freedom during exploration and completing our objectives. The gameplay focuses on moving through the city using parkour acrobatics, swift elimination of a given target, and, in case of failure, thrilling arcade combat. Assassin’s Creed is strictly a single player title, and the Director’s Cut version has been enhanced with a few additional missions.

X360

RPG 26 June 2007

An action game with RPG features. The title was developed by Triumph Studios. The player is taken to a classic fantasy world. However, contrary to the typical genre tropes, this time they assume the role of a lord of darkness. The main character’s greatest wish is to take over the world. Hordes of minions with various abilities are helping them in achieving this goal. In Overlord the player is fighting legions of opponents by sending his small, brave, but very stupid followers to a certain death. They are for example very effective when it comes to triggering explosives, but if needed they can also jump into a fire or down a cliff. Although the game is filled with unique humor and a bit tongue-in-cheek, it also contains a bar that represents the corruption level of the protagonist. The player can transform the protagonist into a true evil lord. However he can also change him into a lord protector, for example by helping the citizens of a besieged city. The title has nice looking, colorful graphics that use a slightly cartoonish style.

PC

Strategiczne 28 March 2007

The third full-fledged installment in a series of bestselling strategy games. The series was launched by Westwood and further developed by EA Los Angeles - a team employing the creators of the original game. This third installment reaches back to the roots of the franchise, both in terms of the mechanics and the plot. The game focuses on further developments in the conflict between the Global Defense Initiative and terrorists known as the Brotherhood of Nod. Their ruthless leader by the name of Kane tries to conquer the world using the titular Tiberium - a substance of space origin. The gameplay here is based on a well-proven formula and focuses on resource gathering, base expansion and commanding the player's forces through dynamic, real-time battles. The game offers units that appeared first in the previous installments, such as Mammoth tanks or Orca aircraft. Simultaneously, the visuals were significantly improved, using an upgraded version of the SaGE engine.

PC

RPG 20 November 2007

A science-fiction action RPG developed by BioWare, the creators of such cult games as Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights. The story takes place at the end of the 22nd century. The players assume the role of Commander Shepard, the first human Spectre agent, tasked with the mission of stopping a rogue Spectre - Saren Arterius - after the protagonist discovered that his opponent had allied himself with a terrifying foe: an ancient race of intelligent machines called the Reapers, whose only objective is to wipe out all sentient organic life in the galaxy The game skillfully combines classic RPG elements with the premises and gameplay of a modern action game. Apart from exploration, numerous dialogues, various quests and moral choices, the game features dynamic, tactical combat, where we lead a 3-member squad. The game awards us with experience points to develop our characters and enhance our arsenal of futuristic weapons and gadgets.

X360

Akcji 10 October 2007

The second official expansion pack to Half-Life 2 that shows the following adventures of the two characters known from the previous installments – Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance. This time the action focuses on the secret data which the two protagonists obtained while escaping from alien citadel. In this episode the player visits much more varied locations (forests, a military base and an abandoned mine). The developers introduced a new 2-person vehicle and a completely new weapon. Additionally, the distinctive Gravity Gun received some completely new abilities. It can be used for example against Hunters, the new type of small but quite troublesome enemies. As for the technical and gameplay matters, Episode Two doesn’t change anything, instead employing the well received solutions known from previous installments. It is worth mentioning that the in-game riddles have become much harder.

PC

Akcji 13 March 2007

A follow-up to the Sony's bestselling slasher released in 2005, whose plot is loosely based on the characters and events from Greek mythology. In God of War II we, once again, take on the role of Kratos, a Spartan warrior seeking vengeance, who, after having killed Ares, has become the new god of war. Tormented by nightmares of his past, the hero – despite the goddess Athena’s warnings – descends to Earth to help his fellow Spartans in conquering Rhodes. His actions infuriate Zeus, who cripples and kills our hero. Finding himself in Hades, Kratos learns that to turn back time and change his fate, he must find and kill three legendary Sisters of Fate. In terms of game mechanics, the second part of God of War doesn’t differ too much from its predecessor, though developers gave players completely new attacks and placed on Kratos’ path a lot of logical puzzles, which require – aside from fast fingers – a sharp mind.

PS2

Strategiczne 24 September 2007

A standalone expansion to the bestselling war strategy game Company of Heroes by Relic Entertainment. The expansion enriches the basic version of the game with two brand new campaigns realized with a similar cinematic flair as the original. In the first of these we take part in the battles of Normandy and the Battle of Caen, taking command over the forces of the British 2nd Army. The second allows you to stand on the opposite side of the barricades and lead German armored units to victory during the famous Operation Market Garden.

PC

Akcji 06 March 2007

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 is the second part of a mini-series of popular tactical action games called "Ghosts".

X360

Strategiczne 23 October 2007

The second expansion to Age of Empires III, developed by Big Huge Games, the authors of the well-received Rise of Nations. This time, the players visit Far East, being given access to three new civilizations: India, China, and Japan. The single-player mode received a new campaign consisting of fifteen scenarios (five for each new nation). The new maps take place in the new geographical zone, while some of them were influenced by historic locations or events. The eastern civilizations can build a consulate, as well as wonders that enable them to enter a new era. Additionally, Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties also brings an updated multiplayer mode – the developers asked for the players’ input, which resulted in, for example, new useful keyboard shortcuts.

PC

Logiczne 10 October 2007

First-person action game, innovative logical production by Valve studio, created while working on second expansion to cult Half-Life 2. In the game we play as a woman named Chell, who wakes up inside of scientific research complex Aperture, where she has to go through a series of tests. Our task is to get through the maze of rooms and corridors of the facility using a prototype weapon with properties reminiscent of Gravity Gun known from Half-Life. It gives the ability to create title portals, connecting any two points in space.

PC

Akcji 10 October 2007

The continuation of the multiplayer FPS with strategy elements, being a continuation of the legendary Quake’s freeware modification from 1996. After Valve Corporation bought the title, subsequent versions of the game were powered by Half-Life’s engine, while TF 2 utilizes the modern Source engine. To some extent, mechanics resemble those in the original Team Fortress, which means completing subsequent missions, despite the other team's efforts to prevent that. There are 9 well-balanced classes which feature unique abilities. Cooperation – the key to success – consists in the skillful use of character abilities that supplement each other. The most characteristic element of the game are the exaggerated heroes and humorous visuals that go against the hyper-realism trend, employing the style of an animated movie.

PC

Strategiczne 18 September 2007

World in Conflict is a real-time strategy game designed by the creator of the cult series Ground Control. The developers from the Swedish company Massive Entertainment enabled the players to assume the role of a military commander and to participate in a global military conflict.

PC

Akcji 28 September 2007

An online first-person shooter that combines the universe of the cult Quake series with the gameplay mechanics of the free modification to Return to Castle Wolfenstein entitled enemy Territory. It was developed by Splash Damage in cooperation with if Software. The action takes place in 2065 after the merciless Strogg land on Earth with the aim of obliterating its inhabitants. An elite commando unit called Global Defense Force takes up arms to defend the planet, while the players can side with either faction. Despite the fact that Enemy Territory: Quake Wars concentrates solely on multiplayer, it features over a dozen missions in which players complete predetermined goals that involve defense of key strategic points or frontal assaults on enemy bases, among other things. The gameplay is focused on cooperation within a team. Each participant represents one of five different character classes and has a unique role to play.

PC

Akcji 25 September 2007

The third installment in the bestselling Halo series of FPS shooters, marking the series' debut on 7th generation consoles. In terms of the story, the title is a kind of crowning of the trilogy, telling the story of the human race's fight against the Covenant civilization in a futuristic world. The action of the game begins in the eastern part of the African continent, where our hero's ship crashes. With the help of old friends Master Chief again moves to the fight to finally stop the alien invasion.

X360

Wyścigi 15 June 2007

A continuation of the popular racing game series labeled with the name of Colin McRae, a famous racing driver. Contrary to the previous installments of the series that were devoted to classic car racing, this time around, the developers at Codemasters decided to turn their eye to a completely different direction and focus on off-road racing, which was an equally important episode in the career of the legendary Scotsman. Colin McRae DiRT features an extensive career mode in which we can participate in a number of various challenges, starting with off-road special sections to rallycross tournaments and mountain races on the popular Pikes Peak track in Colorado. Depending on the race, we have different types of licensed cars at our disposal. As we drive, the vehicles can be damaged in various ways and are gradually covered with the eponymous dirt. The title also features a multiplayer mode that lets us compete against other players over the Internet.

PC

Symulacje 20 March 2007

Silent Hunter IV: Wolves of the Pacific studio Ubisoft is another part of a series of marine simulators, collecting very high ratings, both among players and critics. This time, sea wolves, fans of underwater hunting for armored animals, move to the Pacific Ocean.

PC

Strategiczne 20 July 2007

Second, after Warlords, the official addition to the great strategy game, Sid Meier's Civilization IV. This time, as the name of the extension suggests, Firaxis Games' developers and designers decided to focus on the periods in human history that followed the invention of gunpowder and the introduction of firearms.

PC

Akcji 12 November 2007

The next installment of the bestselling series of FPP shooters, focused mainly on multiplayer gameplay. Unreal Tournament 3, developed by Epic Games, is not an improved version of the previous installments, but a completely new game. The title introduces a number of previously unavailable elements, and employs the third generation of the powerful Unreal Engine. The authors decided to cut some of the previously known game modes, at the same time introducing some new ones, such as Duel, Betrayal, Greed, Vehicle Capture the Flag, or Warfare, a mix between Onslaught and Assault modes. The game contains the characteristic elements of the series, and contents known from UT 2004, such as maps, weapons, and vehicles, although the game doesn’t lack completely new elements as well. Other highlights include the new system of global communication, and an improved matchmaking system that pits beginner players against similarly skilled opponents.

PC

RPG 24 April 2007

An MMORPG set in the fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and his other works. The players get right in the middle of the war between the forces of evil (led by Sauron, who commands an unlimited number of orcs and other beasts from Mordor) and the forces of good (races inhabiting the remaining parts of Middle-Earth). The game developed by Turbine Entertainment allows one to assume the role on an Elf, a Human, a Hobbit, or a Dwarf, explore the vast open world, fight Sauron's minions, complete various quests, as well as collect useful pieces of equipment and weapons. On their journey, the player can develop their character’s combat potential by selecting consecutive abilities as they see fit. Since mid-2010, the game has switched to a free-to-play business model. This means that the players can enjoy it for free, however, those who want to unlock the access to the so-called 'premium content' have to utilize the optional microtransactions system.

PC

Akcji 23 February 2007

Infernal is an extensive action game created by the Polish studio Metropolis Software known mainly from the Gorky series. The player takes on the role of Ryan Lennox, a super-agent working in the service of his devilish character, hellish equivalent of the well-known James Bond.

PC

Akcji 02 October 2007

Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow is a third-person action game that is a continuation of Dark Mirror and the sixth title from the PSOne series, which started in the times of PSOne.

PSP

RPG 27 March 2007

Shivering Isles is the first real-world addition to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. After a series of official and controversial plug-ins, Bethesda Softworks decided to prepare a large extension, which provides users with a land unknown from the basic version of the game.

PC

Zręcznościowe 12 November 2007

The famous bearded plumber has already appeared in several dozen games, available for all possible Nintendo consoles. With the release of the new Wii land-based console, the father of the Mario series, Shigeru Miyamoto, surprised the players: he sent his hero into space!

Wii

Zręcznościowe 13 February 2007

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is a title that combines shooting with a platformer. We can play each of the two main characters: Ratchet, who loves challenges and fight, as well as Clank's robot.

PSP

RPG 16 January 2007

The Burning Crusade is the subtitle of the first fully-fledged add-on to World of Warcraft - an award-winning, internationally popular MMOcRPG by Blizzard Entertainment.

PC

Wyścigi 02 October 2007

Project Gotham Racing 4 is a continuation of a series of racing games that dates back to 2001. The fourth part for the first time in the cycle introduces the possibility of racing on two-wheelers, i.e. motorcycles.

X360

Towarzyskie 20 November 2007

Rock Band is a music game created by the authors of Guitar Hero. It allows us to become stars of a rock band consisting of guitarists: lead and bass as well as a drummer and vocalist.

PS3

Przygodowe 23 October 2007

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is an arcade game that combines the features of a platformer and shooting. It's an another installment of the series about the adventures of a rat-like friendly creature named Ratchet and his friend - the robot Clank.

PS3

Wyścigi 29 May 2007

The sequel to the critically acclaimed racing game released by Turn 10 for Xbox in 2005. Similarly to its predecessor, Forza Motorsport 2 puts a great emphasis on simulation aspects and rich car customization options. This time around, the players are given over 300 licenses and faithfully recreated vehicles at their disposal. They can also be damaged, both visually and mechanically. The game also offers lots of tuning options, such as the possibility of replacing the engine, installing a turbo, changing breaks configuration, etc. As far as tracks are concerned, the developers designed about 60 locations in 18 different environments. The title offers completely fictional speedways as well as those based on actual places (e.g. Laguna Seca or Silverstone). Thanks to significantly higher technical capabilities of Xbox 360, the graphics were greatly improved and adapted to the HDTV standards.

X360

RPG 22 April 2007

Pokemon Pearl is the next installment of a very popular worldwide RPG game designed for portable Nintendo consoles. After very successful versions of Emerald, Fire Red/Leaf Green and Sapphire written especially for GBA, the time has come for NDS owners to get the opportunity to play as a Pokemon trainer.

NDS

Towarzyskie 03 April 2007

The second part of the best-selling series of music games, in which we play dozens of rock and metal hits with the use of a controller resembling a real guitar.

X360

Towarzyskie 12 January 2007

In WarioWare: Smooth Moves is not an important story - the whole gameplay comes down to performing short (sometimes lasting only a few seconds) arcade or logical tasks. Two hundred mini-games of this type are available.

Wii