The most interesting games released in 2003
All the best and most popular games of the year, upcoming releases, and hits from the past. Use filters to narrow down search.
Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour
Strategy
September 22, 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.
I.G.I. 2: Covert Strike
Action
February 21, 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.
MapleStory
RPG
April 29, 2003
MapleStory is a free Korean MMORPG in fantasy reality. The title is characterized by a way of showing the game, reminiscent of side-scrolled 2D platformers. The game focuses on fighting monsters, which is rewarded with experience points that allow the hero to develop within an extensive system of character classes.
Need for Speed: Underground
Racing
November 17, 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.
Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne
Strategy
July 1, 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.
Command & Conquer: Generals
Strategy
February 11, 2003
Another installment in a series of popular RTS games, which was initiated by Westwood Studios in 1995. Once Electronic Arts took over, EA Pacific was entrusted with the task of creating the game; creators of the original Command & Conquer were included in the team as well. C&C: Generals is not connected to any of the franchise's previous iterations in terms of the story. The game is set in a close future, when in the face of a huge war, the combined forces of the US and China stood up to a terrorist organization known as Global Liberation Army. The creators included three campaigns, one for each of the powers involved. Each campaign consists of 10 missions linked together by a storyline. Commanding the forces of each of the superpowers requires a slightly different approach, because the player leads here both modern-day combat units (USA) and infantry with unique technical support (China), apart from a gathering of dangerous fanatics and mercenaries (GLA). Command & Conquer: Generals utilizes the 3D SaGe engine, which is at the source of the game's high-quality visuals.
EVE Online
Simulation
May 6, 2003
Set in science fiction realities, an MMO simulator developed by Crowd Control Productions from Iceland. The action of EVE Online takes place in a universe called New Eden, which consists of over 5,000 star systems. On the beginning of the adventure you create your own hero by choosing his/her e.g. face, past, and origin. At first you get just a small spaceship and some credits. Your mission is to explore remote places of the universe in order to complete various story missions given by NPCs. These independent characters represent a broad spectrum of factions in which you gradually build up your position. With progress, you successively develop your avatar by acquiring new skills. The game also features ship customization. You can also upgrade vessels with new modules that influence performance, weaponry, and armor. There is no idleness in space, as creators constantly add new missions and challenges.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Power of Chaos: Yugi The Destiny
Puzzle
November 28, 2003
A digital adaptation of a popular collectible card game, Yu-Gi-Oh!, which originates from the manga of the same title. It was developed by Konami and presents further adventures of Yugi, a boy well-known to all fans of the franchise, who collects the Duel Monsters cards and is deeply fascinated with this game (which involves battles between various summoned creatures). His obsession leads to a chain of surprising events — the emissaries of evil will materialize the monster cards in the real world and use Yugi’s skills to achieve their wicked goals. The protagonist’s task is to defeat his opponents and save the world from certain doom. Yu-Gi-Oh! Power of Chaos: Yugi the Destiny was designed to be as faithful as possible to the rules and other aspects of the real game, so the battles fought in-game actually do not differ from those fought in the real world. The advanced artificial intelligence makes our enemies react adequately to our moves as well as take initiative when possible.
Postal 2
Action
April 14, 2003
The direct successor to one of the most controversial PC games of all time. The original game was released in 1997. Again, the player takes on the role of Postal Dude, whose entire life collapses one day. The desperate protagonist has to fulfill a set of daily tasks over the course of one week, relieving personal tensions along the way. The game is set in Paradise - a town where the majority of population (ordinary civilians, cops, priests, zombies, mutants and even religious fanatics) is armed and hostile towards the protagonist. However, Postal Dude has a wide array of weaponry throughout the game, including both conventional firearms and melee weapons, as well as other sophisticated, often shocking means of destruction. Transition into three-dimensional environment and making the player observe the game world through the eyes of the protagonist were the largest changes introduced in the second installment. These were possible thanks to the Unreal Engine the game utilizes.
Max Payne 2: The Fall Of Max Payne
Action
October 15, 2003
A continuation of the extremely successful action game from 2001. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is once again developed by the Finnish developer Remedy Entertainment with the help from the publisher Take-Two Interactive. The action takes place one year after events of the first installment. Max Payne is back in NYPD. Unfortunately, the dark past still haunts him – the life of the hero is threatened by Mona – a beautiful killer, who steals his heart. There are not many changes in gameplay – it still combines elements of a third-person perspective shooter and an adventure game. Once again the developers implemented Bullet Time mechanics, offering new movement possibilities (like the thrilling bullet dodging).
Call of Duty Classic
Action
October 29, 2003
The first installment in one of the most popular series of first-person shooters, created by Infinity Ward. The game takes the player to several different front lines of the Second World War. Throughout 24 missions divided into four single player campaigns, the player assumes the roles of several allied soldiers. The list includes an American paratrooper, a British commando and a Soviet infantryman. The missions bring great amounts of action and diversity as well. The player participates in the biggest battles of World War II, including mainly the Normandy landings, Battles of Stalingrad and Berlin, as well as tactical operations involving sabotage. Apart from that, the game offers several multiplayer modes. Call of Duty faithfully recreates the historical background - the player can find a set of authentic weapons and vehicles represented in the game. The places and major events were recreated in accordance with actual history as well. Call of Duty utilizes a modified version of the id Tech 3 graphical engine, used previously in Return to Castle Wolfenstein.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Adventure
October 30, 2003
An action adventure game which is a remake of the 1989's Prince of Persia, one of the most popular platformers of all time, originally developed Broberbund Software. The game was created by Ubisoft Motreal and Jordan Mechner – the father of the original game, who worked on The Sands of Time as consultant and lead designer. The game tells a story of the eponymous Prince who accidentally releases the legendary Sands of Time, a mystical artifact that poses a terrible threat to the world. With the help of the beautiful princess Farah, the protagonist has to make up for his mistake and bring back order to his land by facing various creatures and dangers. Gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is seen from the third-person perspective and features fully 3D graphics. During the course of the game, the hero makes use of the supernatural power to control the time. The creators emphasize their effort to recreate the characteristic elements of the original title, like realistic animations and combat system.
Will Rock
Action
June 13, 2003
Will Rock is a first person shooter produced by Saber Interactive studio, modelled on the adventures of Serious Sam. Players take on the role of an archaeologist who tries to stop members of a dangerous cult from bringing ancient Greek gods to Earth. The creators took care of, among others, a varied arsenal of available weapons and the option of multi-person fun on 6 dedicated boards.
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault - Breakthrough
Action
September 22, 2003
Second, official addition to the famous action game/FPP Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. This time we become sergeant of the American Army, John Baker, and the "Breakthrough" campaign will lead us from battles in North Africa, through clashes in Sicily, to bloody battles in Italy.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Action
September 16, 2003
A virtual version of the adventures of a crazy yellow family, known to people all over the world for over 14 years. Radical Entertainment is responsible for the development of the game, and the script was created by people responsible for the popular TV series.
Midtown Madness 3
Racing
June 17, 2003
The third installment of the famous series of car races created by the giant from Redmond. Again, we crashed in the crowded streets of bustling metropolises, this time in Paris and Washington. There are fourteen different careers to choose from, including a policeman, limousine driver and pizza supplier and each has its own set of unique missions.
Blitzkrieg
Strategy
May 13, 2003
An extensive real-time strategy in which we take part in the battles of World War II. The creators prepared three campaigns with a total of 21 missions and more than 15 types of units. The game resembles the Sudden Strike series. The production also includes multiplayer mode and map generator.
Freelancer
Simulation
March 4, 2003
Continuation of adventures in the universe known from Stanlancer, where this time the player plays the role of a civilian crossing the space in search of fame and money. Unlike its predecessor, Freelancer offers an open structure of the world and a free choice of ways of earning money.
Gothic II: Night of the Raven
RPG
August 22, 2003
An official expansion to the second installment in the action RPG series - Gothic. The add-on expands Piranha Bytes' work by a new story chapter, loosely tied to the events depicted in the original story. The Nameless Hero needs to help the Water Mages in their quest to defeat Raven, a magnate known from the first Gothic, who aims to lay his hands on a mighty artifact called the Claw of Beliar, hidden away in the Temple of Adanos. This time you get to visit new locations, whereas the old ones were expanded by new secret places. The developers introduced a wide array of new missions, monsters, equipment, and non-player characters – including some known from the first installment. The progression system features new options and the gameplay difficulty was raised. Apart from further engine improvements, numerous bugs found in the base game were fixed.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
RPG
July 16, 2003
A third person RPG title set in the Star Wars universe, one of the world’s most famous science fiction franchises. The game was created by BioWare Studios, mainly known for the legendary series Baldur’s Gate. The story of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is set 4,000 years before the events of the film saga, during the so-called Old Republic period. You take lead of a party of heroes representing three different races and several classes, and make your mark on the age-long conflict between Jedi knights and the Sith. The game invites you to visit 8 diverse worlds – some of them known from the films and a couple of brand new ones. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic features real-time combat with active pause, letting you adjust your tactics on the fly. As befits an RPG, you get to use a large arsenal of weapons and supernatural artifacts. Moreover, characters can be developed in multiple ways. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic constantly puts you up against choices between the dark and light side of the Force – these decisions will impact the way the story unfolds.
Silent Hill 3
Adventure
May 23, 2003
Silent Hill 3 is the third installment of the survial-horror series produced by Konami. The main character is 17-year-old Heather, who unexpectedly finds herself in an alternative, nightmarish reality. The girl has to discover the mystery of a monstrous world and thwart the plans of a mysterious cult wishing to resurrect a cruel god. The title combines elements of an action game and adventure, but due to the macabre scenes is addressed to older players.
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004
Simulation
October 21, 2003
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 is an extensive railway simulation, created by Auran, a development studio specializing in this type of productions. The player has the opportunity not only to drive more than 50 models of trains (from steam locomotives to electric locomotives), but also to design entire rail networks with their infrastructure and surroundings. The creators took care of the high realism of the simulation, which uses an advanced physical engine and is recommended by railway engineers.
Age of Mythology: The Titans
Strategy
September 30, 2003
The first official extension to the "Age of Mythology" real-time strategy. This add-on enriches the original game with a new single player campaign and new units, new divine powers, etc. The add-on also enriches the original game with a new single player campaign and new units, new divine powers, etc.
Commandos 3: Destination Berlin
Strategy
October 15, 2003
The third installment in a series of tactical strategy games set in the World War II, as always created by Spanish developer Pyro Studios. Commandos 3: Destination Berlin places you as the leader of a six-men squad of special soldiers, whom the fans know from the first game in the series. Each of them has unique skills and specialization. The game offers 20 varying missions, split into four mini-campaigns: London, Normandy, France and Germany, and Stalingrad. Some of the objectives you must complete are e.g. the well-known search-and-destroy type of missions as well as some brand new ones, such as defending an Allied general from paratrooper landing, ambushing a German convoy, or capturing a train full of Nazis on its way from France to Germany. Mission structure has been overhauled and, in effect, maps are now divided into smaller sections. Commandos 3: Destination Berlin also offers more action and with each passing mission the player has to come up with new tactics and ideas. On top of that the developers implemented improved enemy AI and clearly better graphics.
FIFA Football 2004
Sports
October 30, 2003
The next installment of the acclaimed sports series offering football fans a level of realism never seen before in similar productions. The game features eighteen leagues, three hundred and fifty teams and ten thousand players from both European and American superligents.
SimCity 4: Rush Hour
Strategy
September 22, 2003
The first official expansion for the fourth installment of the Sim City series – the economic strategy city builder franchise developed by Maxis. The expansion pack introduces many features that enable the player to make his city’s communication network more effective. Among these features there are tools that enable him to observe the traffic levels and to quickly react to any problems related to it. One of them is “route query” that enables the user to check routes and the way how the inhabitants of the world are traveling to their destinations. Additionally, Sim City 4: Rush Hour offers a special mission mode in which the player assumes control of a specific car or helicopter and uses it to remove the results of a disaster or to prevent a crime. In addition to that, the number of available means of transportation was increased, the city can become the victim of a disaster, and there are four new metropolis styles available. There are more than one hundred new objects available as well. It is worth mentioning that the expansion pack requires the basic version of the game to work.
