master-of-magic posts

One of the true classics of PC gaming is now available for (legal) download and purchase. GoG.com's latest addition to its DRM-free PC games library is Master of Magic, the 1994 fantasy turn-based strategy game from the now defunct developer SimTek, the same folks behind the first two games in the Master of Orion series.

You can get more info on the game, now owned by publisher Atari, in our gallery feature-based Boot Disk feature. The GoG.com version is priced at $5.99 and comes with some free extras like a manual, wallpapers, the game's spellbook and its in-game soundtrack.

Today the DRM-free PC game download site GoG.com announced not one but two new publishing deals. The first will bring the games in the classic Syberia adventure series to the site. The first Syberia game, designed by Benoît Sokal and released in 2002, is already available to purchase and download for $9.99 with Syberia 2 and its prequel Amerzone coming in the near future.

Today GoG,com also announced plans to add games from publisher Atari's library to its game line-up. Those games will start showing up in April and will include classic titles such as Outcast, Master of Magic and Master of Orion.

While Ken Levine is still working on his top secret next project at 2K Boston following the release of the original BioShock over two years ago, he's apparently got some time to reveal his top 10 favorite games of all time to IndustryGamers. As one might expect, Levine's picks include several PC exclusives.

Among the games picked are Master of Magic ("It's Civilization with dragons. And spell making. And giant armies of Dwarves and stuff. Why is there no sequel? Is there no God?"), Baldur's Gate 2 ("I play it for the combats") and Company of Heroes ("The RTS that reminded me I could still love RTS."). And his number one pick is not much of a shock but still funny to read. You can check out the entire list at IndustryGamers right now.

Sometimes you just need to sit down, slide a floppy into your A: drive, and enjoy gaming retro style. We know this all too well! That's why we have a list of the best and brightest from days long gone. These are some of our favorite games of all time, and we're sure that you'll love them as much as we do, if not more. Welcome to Boot Disk, and enjoy the retro ride!

The company Simtek is probably best known for their amazing space strategy game Master of Orion. One of the first turn-based strategy games, it helped create the template for the 4X genre, along with other classics such as Civilization. However, Master of Orion is for another Boot Disk. This one is about their second, and only other, "Master of" game. Naturally, it's about Master of Magic, one of the best strategy games, fantasy or otherwise. Combining aspects of tactical squad-based gameplay, strategic overland management, and robust spell systems, it's a must play for any strategy fan, and both the gameplay and graphics hold up after a decade and a half.