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This Week In PC Games: November 2-8

Posted Nov 2nd 2009 8:00AM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

After a massive amount of new games last week, things settle down just a bi for this week. However this week also includes a game which could get some Game of the Year nods before 2009 concludes

Dragon Age: Origins: BioWare's return to a straight fantasy RPG has been long awaited by PC fans and this week they get their wish in this massive single player title. The game will come with some downloadable content, including an all new quest, for free for the first copies of the game to be sold.

Gallery: Dragon Age Origins

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The Best of Big Download: October 26-November 1

Posted Nov 1st 2009 11:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

Wow. We had a ton of original features this week and it doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon. Let's take a look at what transpired on Big Download in the past seven days:
Exclusive features

Reviews: We give our final verdicts to Tropico 3 , Eufloria and Cities XL along with impressions of the Left 4 Dead 2 PC demo
Orson Scott Card Interview: The best selling novelist talks about his love of games and reveals a dream game project he would like to make.
Natural Selection 2 Interview: We chat with Unknown Worlds about their upcoming and long awaited FPS-RTS game on the occasion of the release of the game's first screenshots.
Guide to Team Fortress 2 Scarechievements: Valve released a new Halloween themed update to Team Fortress 2 and we have the skinny on the five new achievements added to the game.
How 10 US cities would fare in the zombie apocalypse: Left 4 Dead 2 is set in New Orleans but what about other major metropolitan area. We speculate on what might happen.
An Open Letter to Infinity Ward: We give the Modern Warfare 2 developer our feelings on how we think the PC community has been marginalized by their recent actions.
The Top 10 PC Game News Stories for October 2009: We look back in the past 31 days for the big stories that affected the PC game industry.
Mac Monday: Our weekly Mac game feature this week looks at two titles: Grappling Hook and The Three Musketeers.
Playing for Free: Our latest look at a free-to-play online game is with the RPG La Tale.
Boot Disk: Our latest retro PC game column takes a look at the FPS title Uprising.
Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes checks out if games are less challenging now than they were in the past.
All You Need to Know: Our latest 411 article on upcoming games gives all the info on EA's WWII action game The Saboteur
Freeware Friday: Our popular weekly look at free PC games checks out the odd platformer We Want YOU!.

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: October 26-November 1

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The Best of Big Download: October 19-25

Posted Oct 25th 2009 5:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

Windows 7 is now out and about, but what will it mean for PC gaming? That was our main theme this week at Big Download. Let's look at the features, download and news items from PC gaming for the past seven days:
Exclusive features

The launch of Windows 7: On the occasion of Microsoft's launch of its latest OS, we examined if PC gamers should upgrade to Windows 7, gave some advice to Microsoft on how they can help PC gaming with their new OS, and chatted with a number of game developers on their opinons of Windows 7.
Lucidity Review: We give our final verdict to LucasArts' recent downloadable puzzle-platformer.
Mac Monday: This week's Mac gaming column checks out two games: Bullet Candy Perfect and Avenue Flo.
Boot Disk: Our regular look at retro games checks out the classic Dungeon Keeper.
Big Ideas: Our look at game themes this week examines why game developers should set more games in modern times.
All You Need To Know: Just in time for the game's demo release, we examine all we know at the moment about Left 4 Dead 2.
Freeware Friday: Our popular column this week looks at this mix of retro and rogue game in DoomRL
Contest: You still have some time to enter our Order of War giveaway contest.

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: October 19-25

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This Week In PC Games: October 19 - 25

Posted Oct 19th 2009 8:00AM by John Callaham
Filed under: Action, RPG, RTS, Simulation, Meta BD

This week gamers can be a evil Sith apprentice, a ruthless dictator and other roles in two retail releases and three downloadable titles.

Tropico 3: Publisher Kalypso Media revives this sim game franchise that was first started by 2K Games. Developer Haemimont Games created this third title in the series which puts the player in charge of an island nation. Will you be the typical island tyrant or a more benevolent leader? As usual there are pros and cons to both choices.

Gallery: Tropico 3

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The Best of Big Download: October 12-18

Posted Oct 18th 2009 5:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

We are just a few days away from the official launch of Windows 7. Will it create the push that gets more people into PC gaming? We will soon see. In the meantime Big Download takes a look at the previous seven days of work on the site:
Exclusive Features

A Brief History of Windows Gaming: We look back at the various versions of Windows as they related to PC gaming history.
Black Ops Games Redux Part 1: In the first part of this multi-part series we look back at some former games that were unannounced last year that finally were officially announced.
Hands-On with Torchlight: We get to play the upcoming downloadable fantasy action-RPG from Runic Games before its release on October 27.
Big Versus: City of Heroes Vs Champions Online: Our Versus feature returns as we compare the new super hero MMO with the first one:
All You Need To Know: This week our game info feature looks at Bioware's upcoming RPG Dragon Age: Origins.
Mac Monday: Our weekly Mac column takes a look at two titles this time out: Machinarium and QuantZ.
Boot Disk: Our weekly retro game feature looks at the classic Shiny Entertainment created Earthworm Jim.
Playing For Free: Our weekly look at free-to-play online games checks out the space-based title DarkSpace.
Freeware Friday: Our always popular free PC games column checks out a game with the unusual title RRRRRPG.

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: October 12-18

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The Best of Big Download: October 5-11

Posted Oct 11th 2009 9:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

Another busy week for news, downloads and exclusive features at the PC game-oriented Big Download. As we always do around this time of the week, we look back at the highlights of the last seven days:
Exclusive features

Reviews: We give our final verdict for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising and also our first impressions of Aion.
What PC Gamers Need To Know About Windows 7: We give you some tips and info on Microsoft's Windows 7 and how it will affect PC gaming.
Left 4 Dead Guide: Crashing and Burning: It's our guide to the recent free mini-campaign for Valve's zombie shooter.
Mac Monday: Our weekly look at Mac games checks out Miriel's Enchanted Mystery.
Boot Disk: Our look at retro games checks out LucasArts' classic Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight
All You Need To Know: We take a look at all the info currently know about the upcoming RPG Alpha Protocol.
Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes examines how realism really works in games.
Playing For Free: Our weekly examination at free-to-play online games checks out Nexon's latest Dungeon Fighter Online.
Freeware Friday: Our regular look at free PC games checks out the platformer RunMan: Race Around the World.

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: October 5-11

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The Best of Big Download: September 28-October 4

Posted Oct 4th 2009 5:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

Once again there was a lot to report on and talk about in the world of PC gaming last week. Big Download has all the highlights for the past seven days:
Exclusive features

Five PC games console players would love to play: There are still some big PC exclusive games that console players have never played. We take a look at five of them.
The Top 10 PC Game News Stories for September 2009: We look back and give our picks for the news that was the most important for PC gaming in September.
Left 4 Dead Crash Course Quick Impressions: We give our first impressions on the new (and free for PC owners) mini-campaign for Valve's zombie shooter.
Second Skin Review: We review the recent MMO-themed documentary.
Mac Monday: We check out two more games for the Mac: Zuma's Revenge and Creeper World
Boot Disk: Our weekly look at retro games checks out the original Majesty.
Big Ideas: Our weekly thoughts on game ideas examines if having-game specific features actually takes you out of the game.
All You Need To Know: Our regular look at upcoming games gives you all the info we know about Modern Warfare 2.
Playing For Free: Our weekly look at online free-to-play games checks out the browser based MMO Ikariam.
Freeware Friday: Our always popular look at free PC games checks out the newly free indie title Strange Adventures in Infinite Space

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: September 28-October 4

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The Week In PC Games: September 28-October 4

Posted Sep 28th 2009 8:00AM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

After a very busy past few weeks for new PC game releases, things calm down a bit this week with just one major retail game, a downloadable title and a free major update to a popular shooter:

Risen: Developer Piranha Bytes, best known as the creators and developers of the first three games in the Gothic series, launch a new fantasy RPG franchise with this new title from developer Deep Silver. The game takes place on an volcanic island teaming with creatures in an open world environment. Risen has the dubious distinction of being part of a select group of games this year to be banned for sale in Australia.

Gallery: Risen

Continue reading The Week In PC Games: September 28-October 4

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The Best of Big Download: September 21-27

Posted Sep 27th 2009 5:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

We had a very busy week for original features on Big Download in the past seven days. Let's take a look at our output for the past week:
Exclusive features

Reviews: As the fall season hits, we give our final verdicts to a ton of new PC games, including Batman: Arkham Asylum, Majesty 2, Resident Evil 5, Red Faction Guerrilla and Section 8.
Alienware's new look and features: We go over the four new desktops and the new laptop from Alienware that was announced this week.
Mac Monday: Our weekly Mac gaming column looks at two games this time, BOH and Cuba Letra
Boot Disk: Our weekly retro game feature has two entries this week as we look at the Planet Moon Studios action game Giants: Citizen Kabuto and the original Red Faction.
Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes and ideas examines if playing games is actually good for you.
All You Need To Know: Our regular look at upcoming games gives you an idea of what to expect from Borderlands.
Playing For Free: Our weekly look at free-to-play online games checks out Nexon's first person shooter Combat Arms.
Freeware Friday: Our weekly look at free PC games checks out the sandbox-themed game Clonk Endeavour

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: September 21-27

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This Week In PC Games: September 21-27

Posted Sep 21st 2009 8:00AM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD, Aion

There's not one but two retail MMOs being released this week along with not one but two WWII themed games. Who would have thought that?

Aion: NCsoft's fantasy MMO is already a huge hit in its native Korea and even before its US release the game has generated nearly 400,000 pre-orders. The game, which uses the first generation Cryengine for its graphics, is noted for its combat which can take place in the air as well as on the ground.

Gallery: Aion

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The Best of Big Download: September 14-20

Posted Sep 20th 2009 7:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

It was an especially busy week for demos at Big Download but we also had our usual allotment of features and news as well. As we always do during this time we look back at the past week with fondness and delight (or something like that):
Exclusive Features:

Nvidia 3D Vision Discover: Want a way to experience 3D gaming without spending a lot of money? Nvidia has a solution that works.
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity Review: We give our verdict on this indie action game with a super-long title.
Mac Monday: Our weekly look at Mac games takes a look at two titles: Crystal Cave Classic by Rake In Grass, and Awem Studio's Romance of Rome.
Boot Disk: Our regular look at classic games checks out the Shiny Entertainment RTS title Sacrifice.
Big Ideas: Our regular column that looks at game themes examines how a good game sequel is made.
All You Need To Know: Our new regular feature on one particular recent games give you the 411 on Section 8.
Playing For Free: Our column on online free-to-play games examines the NCsoft mech action title Exteel.
Freeware Friday: Our popular column on free PC games looks at BaboViolent2, the free predecessor to the recent downloadable commercial game Madballs in Babo: Invasion.

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: September 14-20

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This Week In PC Games: September 14-20

Posted Sep 14th 2009 8:00AM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

After a fairly slow first couple of weeks in September, there's a ton of major PC games making their debut on store shelves and/or via download this week:

Batman: Arkham Asylum: Already highly acclaimed for consoles, this super hero action game from Rocksteady Studios and Eidos is released for the PC this week as the Caped Crusader has to deal with the Joker and a ton of other Arkham inmates. Look for PhysX and 3D monitor support if you have Nvidia graphics cards in your PC.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham Asylum

Continue reading This Week In PC Games: September 14-20

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The Best of Big Download: September 7-13

Posted Sep 13th 2009 7:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

Another seven days has gone by and Big Download had yet another busy week of features, news and download. Let's look and see all we did, shall we?
Exclusive features

PAX 2009: We still have some Penny Arcade Expo 2009 features including impressions of Borderlands, Elemental, Supreme Commander 2, Global Agenda, All Points Bulletin, Mass Effect 2, and The Secret World.
Champions Online review: We give our final verdict to Cryptic Studios' latest super hero MMO. Also we examine what you need to know about the game.
Looking back: Prepare for the release of Red Faction Guerrilla with a retrospective of the first two Red Faction games. Also we look back at the Dark Forces/Jedi Knight series on the eve of their digital download re-release.
Mac Monday: Our Macintosh gaming column this weeks looks at two games: Mad Skills Motocross and Monopoly Build-a-lot Edition.
Boot Disk: Our retro games feature looks at the historical strategy title Conquest of the New World.
Big Ideas: Our weekly game theme column looks at making games for different age groups
Playing for Free: Our weekly look at free-to-play online games looks at the recently released MMO Runes of Magic.
Freeware Friday: Our always popular column on free PC games looks at the action-puzzle game Solar Plexus.

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: September 7-13

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This Week In PC Games: September 7-13

Posted Sep 7th 2009 8:00AM by John Callaham
Filed under: Action, FPS, Meta BD

This week in PC games Eidos releases their family friendly acton game (delayed from last week) while Phantom EFX releases their first hardcore game.

Mini Ninjas: Can Io Interactive, who previously made the Hitman games and Kane and Lynch, make a more family friendly game? We are about to find out as publisher Eidos releases this title where players control cute and cuddly looking ninjas who are trying to defeat an evil samurai. Hilarity ensues.

Gallery: Mini Ninjas

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The Best of Big Download: August 31-September 6

Posted Sep 6th 2009 9:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Meta BD

First QuakeCon, then BlizzCon and now PAX 2009 - It's been a packed month for Big Download. Let's look at the past seven days before things calm down . . . a little:
Exclusive Features

PAX 2009: We've been all over this year's Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle. Check out our primer for the show, a chat with show organizer Mike Fehlauer, pictures from the show floor and pictures of the cosplayers and booth models. Plus hands-on and eyes-on PAX 2009 impressions of games like Star Trek Online, Left 4 Dead 2, James Cameron's Avatar The Game, Serious Sam HD The First Encounter, InstantAction Tribes, Split/Second, Torchlight, Divinity 2 and Deathspank.
F.E.A.R 2 Reborn Review: We give our final word on this week's new single player expansion to Monolith's first person shooter.
Hearts of Iron 3 Review: We let you know what we think of Paradox's latest historical strategy game.
The Top 10 PC Game News Stories for August 2009: We look back at the big PC game news events for last month
Steam's new hardware survey before Windows 7: What does Steam's hardware survey show we have in our rigs before next month's launch of Microsoft's next OS? We have the info.
Other PC Games Due In Fall 2009: We look at a lot of upcoming downloadable PC game titles due out in fall 2009.
Quick Hit Football: We chat with the head of a PC game developer planning to launch a web browser based pro foootball game with current and former NFL players and coaches.
Mac Monday: Our weekly Mac game column looks at two more games: Heileen and Burgertime Deluxe
Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes looks at villains in games.
Boot Disk: Our weekly retro games column looks at the classic strategy Heroes of Might and Magic 3.
All You Need To Know: A new feature at Big Download, we look at what you need to know about the upcoming PC port of Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Playing For Free: Our new column on free-to-play online games continues with a look at Battlefield Heroes.
Freeware Friday: Our weekly look at free PC games checks out the open-source shooter OpenLieroX.