Multiplayer games - local network DS
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 15 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.
Anno: Create a New World
Strategy 20 May 2009
The fourth major installment in the popular series of economy simulators that began in 1998. It was developed by Related Designs, a subsidiary of Ubisoft. As the title says, the action takes place in the Middle Ages during the Age of Discovery, and the players assume the role of colonists who managed to reach the eastern coast of Asia. The gameplay mechanics do not deviate from the well-known standards of the series. Starting out with a modest colony established on a remote island, we have to develop it and transform subsequent cities into metropolises brimming with life. Anno 1404 offers a sophisticated economy model that involves creating complex production chains as well as effective trade and diplomacy. Among this myriad of lesser novelties, especially noteworthy one is the sandbox mode that allows us to play freely without any plot limitations.
Disciples II: Dark Prophecy
Strategy canceled
A turn-based strategy embedded in the reality of fantasy, which is a direct continuation of Disciples: Sacred Lands. We enter a magical world reminiscent of the Middle Ages, where four races fight for vast territories. Compared to the previous part, graphics, user interface and artificial intelligence of opponents have been improved. The game has a multiplayer mode for up to four 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.
Call of Duty: World at War
Action 11 November 2008
A spectacular first-person shooter (FPS) set during the Second World War. The game was developed by Treyarch, Activision’s subsidiary. It’s three-chapter campaign spans across the years 1942-1945, being set on Southern Pacific and the Eastern front. We observe the events from the perspectives of three soldier (two Americans and one Russian), and we get to take part in such military operations as the defense of Stalingrad or the Battle of Okinawa. As usual in the Call of Duty series, the missions are heavily scripted to make the action seem more cinematic. Gameplay boils down to shooting sequences, in which we use a variety of historical weapons. In addition to a single player campaign the game also includes online multiplayer with new game modes: co-op and Nazi Zombie.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Action 05 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.
Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery
Strategy 24 August 2007
Anno 1701 is a position that will be of particular interest to lovers of the laborious development and expansion of overseas properties and growing into power through skillful, economical manoeuvres.
Jagged Alliance
Strategy 19 May 2009
Jagged Alliance is the first installment of a series of tactical turn-based strategies, for which the development team of Sir-Tech is responsible. The player commands a group of mercenaries to clear Metavira's tropical island of enemies. Branch members have different skills and the success of individual missions depends on their proper use.
Need for Speed: Underground 2
Racing 27 May 2005
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.
Colin McRae: DiRT 2
Racing 08 September 2009
The sequel of the well-received racing game entitled Colin McRae: DiRT that set a completely new direction for the racing game series by Codemasters, labeled with the name of the tragically deceased Scottish racing driver. DiRT 2 focuses on dynamic off-road tournaments in which we can sit behind the wheel of several licensed cars. The new career mode was designed similarly to that of GRID — while traveling around the world, we take part in races and gradually build our reputation. As we progress, we establish friendships with other aces of motorsports such as Travis Pastrana or Ken Block who invite us to exclusive tournaments with valuable prizes. The game has a typical youth style, although it retains the class of its predecessors. From among the introduced novelties, the most notable ones are enhanced gameplay mechanics, the improved Flashback feature, and significantly expanded multiplayer.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Action 17 March 2009
A spin-off to the bestselling Grand Theft Auto series, at first developed for Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable handhelds and later converted to mobile devices as well. The story takes place in Liberty City, a place well known to the fans of the series. As Huang Lee, member of a Chinese criminal group, the player is trying to prove his worth, avenge the death of his father, and reclaim a valuable sword that for centuries was the symbol of his family’s power. The gameplay mechanics are similar to previous installments in the series, except for the missions being slightly shorter and the fact that the player can repeat failed actions. Other important changes include an auto-aim system, simplified driving mechanics, and the necessity of destroying police cars. A new interface and various mini-games were added to the game as well. The graphics of the game utilize cel-shading technology, combining the classic top-down view and isometric perspective.
The Sims 2
Simulation 24 October 2005
A sequel to the bestselling human life simulation game – The Sims (2000). The Sims 2 was developed by Maxis Studio (SimCity, EA Land, and others) in cooperation with the Electronic Arts company. Players again take care of virtual characters leading them through their entire lives – from early childhood till elderly age. The main goal is to achieve as high Life Score as possible, which stands for how well a sim leads his/her life. When compared with its predecessor, The Sims 2 offers much more complex character creator and a wider array of available objects. A new, more efficient game engine allowed for presenting the life of the sims in fully 3D graphics.
Pokemon Platinum
RPG 22 May 2009
Pokémon Platinum is another game in which we can become a trainer of popular Pokemons. It complements the other titles of the series - Diamond and Pearl - while being their improved version.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Action 08 November 2011
The third part in the first-person shooter series being one of the spin-offs of the Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was developed by Infinity Ward with the assistance from other development studios owned by Activision – e.g. Raven Software and Sledgehammer Games. The plot continues the action of the first two installments of the game. Players are presented with the further fates of the members of Task Force 141 as they try to eliminate the leader of the Russian Ultranationalists responsible for the outbreak of the international conflict. Developers draw on the well-proven formula employed by the previous installments, such as the spectacular, yet heavily-scripted single player campaign, dynamic shootouts and numerous multiplayer modes. The fourth generation of the IW Engine provides high-level audio-visuals.
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues
Adventure 17 November 2009
A continuation of one of the entries in the LEGO series developed by Traveller’s Tales. The players once again assume the role of Indiana Jones, a famous archeologist/adventurer, and lead him through a number of events that took place in the original trilogy and the newest entry in the series – Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. In contrast to the previous installment, we’ve been given a number of new features and additional vehicles, while the titular hero had received a number of new animations and a more useful whip that allows him to pull his opponents in. The levels are now characterized by a high degree of interactivity, as we can use almost any item as a melee or a ranged weapon. As always, the players can switch between the available characters on the fly, or invite a friend to join our session. Aside from Story and Free Play modes, LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues offers an extensive level editor which can also be used to share our works with other players.
New Super Mario Bros.
Arcade 15 May 2006
New Super Mario Bros. for the pocket console Nintendo DS, is a refreshed version of the classic item from 1985. Producers are returning to their roots, offering us a two-dimensional platformer containing 3D graphics based on polygons.
My Horse and Me 2
Sports 31 October 2008
A sequel to the sports-simulation game that focuses on horses and horsemanship. This time around, we assume the role of a teenager who dreams of a professional jockey career. In order to accomplish her goal, she arrives at the farm of her uncle’s, a racehorse breeder, but it quickly turns out that the facility goes through some financial difficulties and its personnel is not exactly qualified. The only way to save the stable from bankruptcy is to win a prestigious competition in Kentucky. My Horse and Me 2, much like its predecessor, focuses primarily on realism, offering an exclusive license of the FEI, a global equestrian sports organization. In the title, we take part in a number of varied mini-games that improve our horse’s skills. We also have to take care of the animal and even beautify it in order to please the demanding jury. One of the title’s advantages is the emphasis on creating a specific bond between the rider and his mount.
Need for Speed: Nitro
Racing 06 November 2009
The next installment of the famous Need for Speed series, this time focusing on more arcade fun. Lots of licensed top-of-the-line cars and a unique audiovisual setting.
Pokemon Black
RPG 18 September 2010
Pokemon Black is another installment in the series, in which the player has the opportunity to train and then put into battle hundreds of different creatures. Pokemons fight each other in RPG style. By winning battles, we expand our collection with more creatures.
Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City
Racing 01 November 2006
The tenth installment in the bestselling racing game series originally launched back in 1995. The game lets you play as the main protagonist of the previous game. He returns to his home city only to find his domestic street racing scene taken over by rivaling gangs. As you take on new racing challenges, you take back your home town one district at a time. The game’s mechanics employ the well-proven solutions introduced by its predecessors, while introducing several new elements at the same time. Those include, first and foremost, canyon duels, which require much attention, as it is possible to run through the traffic barriers and roll down the slope. The other novelty is the team; you can assemble your own crew, and its members can aid you during races, e.g. by blocking your rivals. Additionally, the game features cut-scenes with real actors, several dozen licensed car models, as well as vast car customization options. Regarding the latter, Autosculpt module lets you modify almost any element of the car body.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat
Fighting 12 November 2007
Ultimate Mortal Kombat is the next installment of the best-selling series of virtual fights. The first item from this cycle appeared already in 1992 and was published with machines in mind. This production is a conversion of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 - a hit that originally debuted in 1995. It is worth mentioning that this is the first title in the history of the series, whose target platform was made the Nintendo DS console.
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Action 06 November 2007
Complete edition of two bestselling games from the LEGO series, based on the first six movie episodes of Star Wars (divided into classic and new trilogy). LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga consists of 2005’s LEGO Star Wars and its year younger sequel, LEGO Star Wars: The Original Trilogy. They are no different from the earlier productions from TT Games studio (previously known as Traveller’s Tale), both games being colorful action adventure games with platformer features. During the game (alone or in cooperation for two players) we play as numerous characters from the legendary galactic saga and visit locations shown in the movies. Plotwise, both titles have been combined into a single, epic tale, with additional stage in episode V and completely new Challenge mode in the form of time trials, in which the players have to collect a required number of items as quickly as possible.
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.
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Action 12 September 2006
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is a continuation of one of the best made electronic and entertainment products of 2005. According to the subtitle, this time the developers focused on three episodes of the Star Wars film cycle, shot by George Lucas in 1977-1983.