Multiplayer games - local network XSX
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).
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
Action 06 March 2024
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.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Action 06 March 2024
A post-apocalyptic action game inspired by the science-fiction books by the Strugatsky brothers. It was developed by Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, known for Codename: Outbreak as well as Cossacks and the American Conquest game series. As a result of blowing up of the sarcophagus protecting the damaged nuclear reactor in Chernobyl, radioactive dust covered a vast portion of the surrounding areas. This led not only to the death of a large part of plants and animals living there, but also the emergence of hideous mutations and a variety of deadly anomalies. The player takes on the role of one of the stalkers, a group of men who venture into the contaminated zone years after the catastrophe, in search of valuable items, plants, and artifacts. The game combines elements of tactical first-person shooters, adventure games, and RPGs. Players are given a vast terrain completely open for exploration, a wide arsenal of customizable weapons, and a full spectrum of unique enemies with different abilities. The game’s non-linear story offers 7 alternative endings.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
Action 06 March 2024
A prequel to 2007's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl - an action game set in a post-apocalyptic reality and created by GSC Game World - a Ukrainian developer. The plot is set a year before the events shown in the original game and focuses on a mercenary called Scar. While escorting a group of scientists, Scar witnesses a massive energy emission kill the members of his team before being knocked out by it. The protagonist wakes up at a camp belonging to an organization called Clear Sky. The player's task is to discover the secrets of the Zone and find out what causes the mysterious phenomena. The game world was both expanded and modified to an increased degree. The player completes assignments for one of six factions, gathering completely new weapons and useful artifacts. The latter can be sold or used for private purposes. The game introduces changes mainly to visuals, interface and both the PDA and inventory menus. The multiplayer mode was improved as well - up to 32 players can meet within a session.
Rain World
Arcade 11 July 2023
A hybrid of a platform and a survival game. The title was developed by two people – Joar Lisberg Jakobsson was the lead programmer and the author of the idea of the game while the music was composed by James Primate. The game takes place in a hostile post-industrial realm filled with complicated machinery. The environment is constantly plagued by downpours and the animals that live in it are forced to hide from the rain in a hibernated state. The main protagonist is Slugcat – a creature that is similar to a cat. It is tasked with gathering enough food to survive the forced resting time. What’s interesting, the ecosystem is filled both with creatures smaller than Slugcat and ones that are much larger. This makes the protagonist the hunter and the prey at the same time. The gameplay concentrates on visiting atmospheric locations, avoiding confrontation with larger predators and avoiding traps and other dangers. Luckily, the unusual protagonist isn’t completely defenseless – he can use a spear that allows him to kill or stun other creatures. Rain World can be played alone or in cooperation mode. Low-key colors and simple graphics fit the grim atmosphere of the game.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Dynasties of India
Strategy 31 January 2023
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Dynasties of India is the third expansion pack for the Age of Empires II remaster. It introduces three Asian nations and as many new story campaigns.
Blade of Darkness
Action 15 March 2023
Centuries after the creation of the Sun, Moon and Earth, evil awakens on earth, spreading terror and havoc. You need a chosen one who will bear the holy sword to victory and eventually defeat the enemy.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Return of Rome
Strategy 16 May 2023
Return to Rome is an expansion to an RTS, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. The DLC introduces multiple new ancient civilizations, three new campaigns and a new, longer, slower-paced game mode.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - The Mountain Royals
Strategy 31 October 2023
An expansion to the remastered version of Age of Empires II from 2019. The Mountain Royals introduces two new civilizations, Armenians and Georgians, as well as three new story campaigns.
Rising Lords
Strategy 18 January 2024
A turn-based strategy with elements of card and board games, in which the player takes on the role of one of the titular lords. Our task is to expand our influence, take care of the economic situation and wage war against enemy forces. Rising Lords has a singleplayer mode, as well as a local and Internet multiplayer mode.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Lords of the West
Strategy 31 January 2023
Add-on to the game Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Lords of the West introduces three large campaigns, as well as two new civilisations, the Burgundians and the Sicilians, with unique units and technologies.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Dawn of the Dukes
Strategy 31 January 2023
Dawn of the Dukes is the second expansion for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. The DLC focuses on Central Europe, adding two nations, including Poland, and three new campaigns.