The most interesting games released in 2005
All the best and most popular games of the year, upcoming releases, and hits from the past. Use filters to narrow down search.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
Racing
November 15, 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.
Battlefield 2
Action
June 21, 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.
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Action
January 11, 2005
The fourth major installment of the cult series of survival horrors created by Capcom. In the game the player assumes the role of ex-cop Leon S. Kennedy, a character well known from the second entry in the franchise. As a special agent responsible for protecting the presidential family, he goes to Europe in order to find the missing daughter of the US president. The trail leads to a small village in Spain. The village is controlled by a mysterious sect and the citizens are infected with a virus which causes mutations. During the game one will face hordes of zombies as well as more demanding bosses, such as giant monsters or the powerful leader of the sect, Osmund Saddler. Resident Evil 4 retains the dark feel of the previous installments and the game contains puzzles, but gameplay mechanics were greatly changed and the new engine allowed the developers to create faster and more dynamic action sequences. The game also contains many quick-time events.
Black & White 2
Strategy
October 7, 2005
The sequel to the innovative strategy game by Peter Molyneux, once again offering the players an opportunity to play a god. The action of Black & White 2 takes place in the same world, and our task is to assume divine control over a chosen tribe of worshipers. The gameplay mechanics were not significantly changed, although the continuation is more combat-focused than its predecessor, and the constant choosing between good and evil remains the key issue. Depending on one's play style, the direction in which our tribe develops may, and will, change as well; we ourselves can influence it to focus more on the economy or the military. Furthermore, the so-called familiars still play an important role in the game. The creatures became more intelligent, though, and can be assigned more complex tasks than before.
Fable: The Lost Chapters
RPG
September 20, 2005
An expanded version of Fable, the 2004’s bestselling, Xbox-exclusive RPG by Lionhead Studios. The action once again takes us to the fantasy land of Albion, where the protagonist seeks revenge on those who assaulted Oakenfold, his home village. In the game, we complete subsequent story quests and observe how the main character evolves from a defenseless child to one of the biggest heroes of Albion. The gameplay is supplemented by the constant necessity to make moral choices that influence the appearance and alignment of the protagonist as well as the way the NPCs react to his presence. Compared to the Xbox original, Fable: The Lost Chapters introduces numerous new elements to the gameplay – the most important one is the extended story line, including an additional chapter taking place after the game's finale. Moreover, the game offers new missions and locations as well as previously unavailable items and spells.
Indigo Prophecy
Adventure
September 16, 2005
Featuring paranormal mystery/thriller esthetics, a third-person action-adventure game by Quantic Dream studio. The plot of Indigo Prophecy – perhaps better known as Fahrenheit - is set in New York City in year 2009. The city is witness to a series of inexplicably violent acts of murder committed by seemingly ordinary, lawful citizens. The action is presented from the point of view of two separate characters. One of them is Lucas Kane who experiences the mysterious event first hand as he kills a complete stranger in a restaurant's restroom. Haunted by strange visions, he decides to find out what is really happening. The other character is Lieutenant Carla Valenti who, along with her life partner Sergeant Tyler Miles, investigates the case. In the course of the game we will visit various locations, speak to other characters, and fight. What is characteristic for Indigo Prophecy is the dark, shrouded in mystery plot and the opportunity to solve the puzzle while playing either as the hunter, or the hunted.
Call of Duty 2
Action
October 25, 2005
A sequel to the bestselling first-person shooter developed by Infinity Ward in 2003. The action of the game once again takes place during the World War II, offering three campaigns spanning across 1941-45. During the game the player switches between an American paratrooper dropped in Western Europe, a British commando fighting in Northern Africa and France, and between a Russian infantryman deployed on the eastern front (including Stalingrad). Similarly as in the original game, the developers managed to successfully recreate the atmosphere of historical battles – in terms of graphics as well as sounds. In addition to the large arsenal of actual weapons from World War II, the player can also use vehicles (for example tanks). In comparison to its predecessor, Call of Duty II is less linear, features improved AI, and the player no longer has to use first aid kits (instead, the health regenerates automatically). Graphics were greatly improved as well.
Age of Empires III
Strategy
October 18, 2005
The third major installment in a cult RTS franchise created and developed under the watchful eye of the Microsoft company. Contrary to the previous editions, which were set in ancient and medieval times, this one lets you witness centuries-long conquest of America, spanning from 16th to 19th century. Because of its wider time frame and a setting much closer to modern times, the game lets you command both medieval units, as well as more recent technical advancements. The developers brought back the well-proven mechanics, with an addition of some new elements. Core gameplay is an extensive story campaign depicting a blend of facts and fictional events. In multiplayer you can command one of eight playable nations, each one having its own, unique features. Additionally the game can boast impressive 3D graphics created using the Havok physics engine.
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
Adventure
December 1, 2005
Another installment in the highly-rated action adventure game franchise following on the eponymous Prince, who in the past carelessly unsealed the mythical sands of time. After events of the previous part of the game, the protagonist return to his home – Babylon – plunged in the chaos of war. Soon it turns out that the previous actions of the hero led to the birth of his dark alter ego, whose spirit gradually takes over control over the protagonist's will. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones expands the mechanics implemented in the two previous installments and introduces new improvements to the combat system, as well as some innovative uses for the dagger of time and skills unavailable before, like sneaking. The biggest novelty offered by the game is the possibility of controlling two characters different with personalities, fighting styles, and abilities.
Counter-Strike: Source
Action
October 21, 2005
Enhanced version of one of the most popular online first-person shooters, which debuted in the year 2000. The new edition is one hundred percent faithful to the original concept, focusing entirely on skirmishes of two teams: terrorists and counter-terrorists. Just like it was in the original game, the choice of either of the sides is essential for both the objectives that you must reach as well as the equipment you can use for the job. However, some major changes were introduced to the technical side of the game, thanks to moving it to an advanced game engine called Source, which was created by Valve for the second installment in the Half-Life series. Due to that fact, all of the original maps gained in visual quality and level of detail, while the gameplay was enhanced by much improved physics and a variety of advanced effects that were lacking from the first release of the game. Counter-Strike: Source is distributed along with a similarly overhauled version of the Day of Defeat mod as well as the expanded multiplayer for Half-Life 2.
Quake 4
Action
October 18, 2005
The fourth major installment in the cult FPS series developed by Raven Software under strict supervision of id Software. Contrary to its predecessor, Quake 4 features an extensive single player mode, the action of which takes place right after the events of Quake II. The defeat of the Strogg leader, Macron, did not seal the fate of the hostile alien race, for it managed to regroup and bring a new, even more dangerous leader to life. Faced with the threat, a special commando group was sent to deal with the enemy once and for all. Mechanics-wise, the title offers a typical dose of action, although there are some simple story quests to be performed as well. Enemy character models and weapon arsenal were not drastically changed. What is new is that the protagonist, as a result of medical experiments, came into possession of special implants that let him wreak even greater havoc.
Sid Meier's Civilization IV
Strategy
October 25, 2005
The fourth installment of the bestselling turn-based strategy games series launched back in 1991 by the gaming industry legend, Sid Meier. Civilization IV is another important step in the development of the franchise, combining the classical solutions of its predecessors with modern graphics and introducing a number of novelties and changes. Once again, the player assumes control over a nation of his choosing and leads it through subsequent millennia to total domination over a randomly generated world. Compared to the previous installments in the series, the fourth entry has a different system of state management and features expanded diplomatic options; furthermore, an emphasis was put on such factors as culture and religion. The game also offers new units, nations (18 in total), buildings, inventions, and resources to be traded. Thanks to the 3D graphics engine, the map is full of animated objects and can be freely zoomed and rotated.
Juiced
Racing
June 13, 2005
Juiced is a combination of realistic simulation and the simplicity of control and gameplay effects typical of dynamic arcade games. An interesting element is the great emphasis on the driving style. If we don't take care of it, our opponents may refuse to compete with us.
SWAT 4
Action
April 5, 2005
Another installment in a series of realistic, tactical action games. SWAT 4 was created by Irrational Games - a developer popular mainly for System Shock 2. The career is the main mode, giving us an opportunity to lead a SWAT team through a series of missions. The player is required to rescue hostages kept by terrorists or to apprehend dangerous criminals. Before each operation, the player chooses the weapons and equipment that will serve the objectives best. The game features representations of many real-world weapons and tactical gadgets. When playing solo, the player can control the team members directly (one can switch between them) or give orders to the team from the base of operations. Apart from the single player experience, SWAT 4 offers three multiplayer modes, as well as the co-op campaign mode. Additionally, a special editor is featured, which allows the player to create their own missions and modify the existing ones.
Stronghold 2
Strategy
April 19, 2005
The second installment in the series of strategy games which was started in 2001 by Firefly studio. The developers decided not to experiment with gameplay mechanics and instead only expanded the best features of the original. The player can once again choose from two separate campaigns which focus on either the economic or the military aspects of the gameplay. The list of available siege machines and defense tools was expanded, the realism of the game was improved and a possibility to use various battle formations was introduced. The economic part of the game was improved as well – now it offers almost 140 buildings and 20 different production chains. The necessity to keep the stronghold clean was introduced. Ignoring this can lead to plague or an epidemic outbreak. The most visible change is a fully three-dimensional graphics engine. Thanks to it one can observe the settlement from top-down perspective and the battles, in which up to 1000 units can participate, now take place also inside buildings.
F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon
Action
October 18, 2005
A combination of first-person shooter and survival horror developed by Monolith Productions. The game's protagonist belongs to the eponymous First Encounter Assault Recon – special anti-terrorist unit, which trains its members not only in conventional tactics, but also develops their paranormal abilities. The task before the protagonist is to take back the Armacham Technology Corporation from the hands of unknown criminals. In F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon you explore various locations (the events take place both inside and outside the compound) and fight encountered opponents. In combat you can make use of an array of weapons as well as the aforementioned special abilities of the hero, spearheaded by bullet-time mechanics. The atmosphere of horror is created by the presence of Alma – a creepy mysterious girl responsible for paranormal events taking place around you. F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon makes use of advanced physics simulation and sports detailed graphics.
Singles 2: Triple Trouble
Simulation
May 23, 2005
Singles 2: Triple Trouble is a continuation of Singles: flirt up your life published in 2004. The first part consisted in observing and properly arranging relations between the two lonely heroes. This time the programme is not limited to the control of two people.
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland
Sports
October 18, 2005
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland is another arcade game from the series, named after a well-known American sportsman. The play system resembles two versions of Tony Hawk's Underground, and the action is located only in Los Angeles (presence of real locations like Hollywood etc.).
Guild Wars
RPG
April 28, 2005
Guild Wars is a cRPG allowing hundreds of players to interact with one another and the game world via the Internet. The game was developed by ArenaNet, a company founded in the year 2000, by people who developed titles such as Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo; they also helped to create the Battle.net service.
Total Overdose: A Gunslinger's Tale in Mexico
Action
September 16, 2005
Total Overdose is an expanded action/TPP game, referring to the atmosphere and performance of the Grand Theft Auto series (the main character is a heartwood with a dark past) and the first part of the film hit "Desperado". (a plot centred around the Latin American community).
Peter Jackson's King Kong
Adventure
November 13, 2005
King Kong is an action adventure game based on the "remake" of a film under the same title, directed by Peter Jackson (including the Lord of the Rings trilogy). The player will play the role of Jack Driscoll, a scientist, who together with a team of faithful companions ends up on a fantastic island....
Gun
Action
November 8, 2005
An open-world action game developed by Neversoft Entertainment, the studio known from the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series. Gun takes us to the American Frontier in XIX century and sees us assume control of Colton White – a young cowboy searching for his real family, following the tragic death of his foster father. The game offers an extensive world consisting of vast wastelands, as well as small towns and Indian settlements. Our hero can explore the world both on foot and by riding horses, while the plot is conveyed through cinematic cut-scenes accompanying the story missions. During his journey, Colton encounters a wide range of NPCs, including the virtual versions of Wyatt Earp or Billy the Kid. When it comes to combat, the player takes part in spectacular shootouts using an extensive and fun-oriented arsenal, including revolvers, rifles, or even the Gatling Gun. The game is characteristic for its detailed, three-dimensional visuals.
Blitzkrieg 2
Strategy
September 23, 2005
Sequel, a popular real-time strategy (RTS), whose market debut took place in May 2003. The action of the program takes the player to the frontline of World War II, where as the commander of the army of one of the four fighting factions (to choose from: Germany, Great Britain, the USSR and the United States) he must lead his subordinate troops to victory.
Starship Troopers (2005)
Action
October 28, 2005
The second attempt to transfer to personal computers the realities of the world created by Robert A. Heinlein, i.e. the epic war between people and the cruel race they were doing - the Arachnids. Blue Tongue Entertainment Ltd. was the first to perform this operation, releasing in 2000 a strategy and tactical game entitled Starship Troopers: Terran Ascendancy. This time, the internal studio of Empire Interactive, Strangelite is responsible for development.
Empire Earth II
Strategy
April 28, 2005
The second installment in a popular series of real-time strategy games. The player assumes control of one of fourteen civilizations, leading it from the Stone Age and up to the era of space travel. Our goal involves developing new technologies, creating military units, and leading them in combat in order to defeat our opponents. In contrast to its predecessor, Empire Earth II offers a wide range of new features, including improved AI, weather conditions that affect the units on the map, and a new formation system that helps in leading large numbers of units and makes them less likely to engage in random skirmishes. Aside from a single player mode, we are offered nine multiplayer variants, including Hot Spots, a mode that sees us defend strategic locations around the map, an improved multiplayer ranking known as Crown System, expanded match statistics, tournament mode, and finally the ability to record matches.
Trainz Railway Simulator 2006
Simulation
September 23, 2005
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006 is an advanced railway simulation developed by Auran's development team. The player has the opportunity to build extensive networks of railway connections from scratch and manage the trains moving on them manually. Compared to previous releases of the series, developers have made significant changes in the way they model their driving physics, improved the quality of graphics and animation, and increased the functionality of the user interface. The Auran Download Station, which provides additional train paths and models for download, is also one of the advantages of the game.
Condemned: Criminal Origins
Adventure
November 22, 2005
Dark, first person psychological thriller, in which the player has the opportunity to experience an abnormal level of mental tension by tracking down serial murderers. In our investigation we use our own instincts, court procedures, sophisticated investigative tools, and in many cases, hand to hand combat skills.