First-Person Games

Medal of Honor: European Assault

Medal of Honor: European Assault

Platform: GameCube
June 7, 2005
In Medal of Honor: European Assault, you'll join the effort to liberate Europe in 1942. As US Army Lieutenant William Holt, you must take command of a group of soldiers through battlefields based on actual WWII locations. In both single-player and multiplayer modes, your survival depends on your ability to master weapons, gather intelligence for future missions, and make smart choices.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.8
Medal of Honor: European Assault

Medal of Honor: European Assault

Platform: PlayStation 2
June 7, 2005
In Medal of Honor European Assault gamers play as US Army Lieutenant William Holt, hand-picked by William "Wild Bill" Donovan to be the first field agent of the newly formed Office of Strategic Services -- the OSS. As Lieutenant Holt, your classified missions take place in WWII Europe and are of critical importance to the Allies. You are tasked with gathering intelligence regarding the development and deployment of the deadly Nazi Tiger Tank and more significantly, stopping the Nazi plan to develop and harness atomic energy. In the pursuit of this goal you are thrust into action in all the pivotal battles of WWII Europe, including St. Nazaire, North Africa, Stalingrad, and the Battle of the Bulge. [Electronic Arts]
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.8
Boiling Point

Boiling Point

Platform: PC
June 6, 2005
Boiling Point: Road to Hell combines intense armed combat with exploration and interaction with a vast and seamless open-ended gaming world. In Boiling Point: Road to Hell, gamers travel to the present day jungles of South America and battle competing factions in a brutal guerrilla war. Developer Deep Shadows' innovative game engine streams the beautifully rendered environment, creating a non-linear gameplay experience, with no loading times or separate levels, creating a continuous world spanning hundreds of miles. To make the most of the environment, a massive range of vehicles are at the disposal of the player, as well as a vast array of weapons. The wide open game world features an array of different AI factions with which the player can interact, and hundreds of diverse missions to create an original experience each time the game is played. Combined with the vast seamless gaming world, the result is gameplay freedom and replayability on an unprecedented scale. [Atari]
Metascore:
61
User Score:
7.3
Postal 2: Apocalypse Weekend

Postal 2: Apocalypse Weekend

Platform: PC
May 31, 2005
In Postal 2: Apocalypse Weekend, gamers controlling the enigmatic Postal Dude will be sorely tempted to carry on his wicked ways in the weekend that follows on the bloody heels of the five insane, carnage-filled days experienced in POSTAL 2. This single-player expansion pack offers over 20 new areas of Paradise to decimate, 10 new missions to execute with extreme prejudice and an array of "cutting edge" weaponry that would make Lorena Bobbitt salivate. Gamers are no longer limited to merely blasting, burning and blowing up enemies ? they can hack them down to nuggets as well! There's the Scythe which definitely has some serious hands-on/heads-off appeal. Then there's the Sledgehammer ? pound for pound pure enjoyment. And the Boomerang Machete. It's exactly what it sounds like ? a machete that you can throw like a boomerang! Just line up some Mad Cow-infected Tourettes Zombies and cut right through and through and through! Other features allow users to determine NPC logic with dynamic, real-time AI; set up buildings, furniture and other visual elements to produce original game scenarios and create their own MOD for POSTAL 2. [Running With Scissors; Requires POSTAL 2 or POSTAL2: Share The Pain]
Metascore:
45
User Score:
6.7
Cold Winter

Cold Winter

Platform: PlayStation 2
May 11, 2005
There is nothing so cold as death. You are Andrew Sterling, a disavowed agent caught in the cat-and-mouse manipulations of a shadow intelligence agency. To facilitate its mission this agency now pervades all aspects of politics, national security, and the highest echelons of human society. You must fight through a complex web of intrigue, double cross, and sinister global interest. Cold Winter brings an intensive FPS experience to the PlayStation2 based in the clandestine world of spies and counter-spies, unique in its emphasis on gritty realism and attention to story detail including detailed weaponry and true-to-life spy gadgetry and realistic human combat interaction with visual representation of body damage in detail. [Vivendi Universal]
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.5
Pariah

Pariah

Platform: PC
May 3, 2005
The pathogen is unknown. Dr. Jack Mason en route to assess threat levels. Request cryogenic containment of infected subject "B": Karina J. All Prisoner rights are hereby revoked under Section-4 of the Transgenic Containment Act. Evacuate non-essential personnel in preparation got possible thermonuclear contanment protocol. FROM THE CREATORS OF "UNREAL" comes a spiraling plunge into destruction, despair and disease. Jack Mason is a burnt-out doctor and an outcast rejected by society. With no will to live, until he nearly dies in a transport crash, Jack and his infected patient are stranded deep within the most vicious prison sectors of a wasteland called "Earth." [Groove Games]
Metascore:
69
User Score:
5.7
Pariah

Pariah

Platform: Xbox
May 3, 2005
Jack Mason is a burned-out doctor with no will to live, that is, until he nearly dies in a transport crash. Now he and his infected patient are stranded deep within a dangerous prison on Earth. As Mason, you must use your various skills, including sight and sound awareness, to track and outsmart your adversaries. Build your own arsenal of weapons, and enhance them with Weapon Energy Cores. The game's vehicles and customizable weapons come together to create an intense multiplayer experience for both online and offline play.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.5
Area 51

Area 51

Platform: PlayStation 2
April 25, 2005
Featuring online play, Area 51 is set in the U.S. government's most top-secret and secure facility located in the Nevada desert. Players take on the role of Lt. Nick Cross, a hazardous biological waste specialist sent to investigate. During his investigation, Lt. Cross stumbles across alien creatures and becomes infected with a biological mutagen that eventually transforms him into something not quite human. To save the earth and himself, Lt. Cross must fight to solve the enigma of Area 51. Features extensive Single-Player Campaign: Battle through corridors of Area 51 and attempt to discover the secrets of the extraterrestrial menace before it is too late. Engage in an epic adventure through eight massive sections of a secretive complex. Equip yourself with more than 15 types of human and alien weapons and other equipment as you explore dark corridors. An infectious mutagen gives Lt. Nick Cross alien-enhanced physical abilities but is also slowly transforming him into an alien. Find the cure before it's too late and humanity is lost. Compete against your friends via a four-player split screen and system link through numerous multiplayer game modes including Death Match. Battle online where you can easily access the many systems allowing you to find your friends and set up your own matches. [Midway]
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.3
Area 51

Area 51

Platform: Xbox
April 25, 2005
A viral outbreak has shut down one of the US government's most secret and secure military facilities and all scientific and military personnel are locked inside. A small Special Forces unit, led by specialist Ethan Cole, is sent to investigate. As Cole, you'll delve into five expansive levels within the confines of Area 51, discovering a deadly mutagenic side effect of the virus as well as an ancient alien colony buried beneath the facility. With an array of human and alien weapons, you must explore conspiracies in order to solve the enigma of Area 51.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.8
Delta Force: Xtreme

Delta Force: Xtreme

Platform: PC
April 22, 2005
The game was developed to give gamers of all levels an easy pick-up-and-play FPS experience packed full of action. Delta Force: Xtreme includes a selection of the best single and multiplayer missions from the original PC game Delta Force, as well as new missions and a host of updated game features. Improvements include a complete graphics overhaul, new renders, particle and weather effects, as well as new content in the form of missions, controllable vehicles and new online features. Delta Force: Xtreme also includes 20 co-op missions, online stat tracking and improved anti-cheat measures.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
5.8
Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict

Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict

Platform: Xbox
April 18, 2005
Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict enhances both single and multiplayer gameplay, including all-new player acrobatics, third-person camera mode, vehicles, and intense melee abilities. In the single player campaign, you'll fight your way through new cities and arenas as Anubis, who attempts to retake his people's Nakhti Rite of Ascension Tournament from the machinations of the Liandri Corporation. The game also offer players the chance to fight head-to-head in eight-player tournaments over Xbox Live or System Link as any one of 14 characters--each with new adrenaline powers that enable offensive and defensive combos.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.2
Close Combat: First to Fight

Close Combat: First to Fight

Platform: PC
April 18, 2005
Close Combat: First to Fight is an authentic, team-based first-person shooter created under the direction of active-duty United States Marines fresh from the front lines of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Set in a modern mid-eastern urban battleground, players lead a four-man Marine fireteam through the perils of modern urban combat. According to Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Sharp of the United States Marine Corps, "Marines from the First Marine Expeditionary Force have been working closely with Destineer and Atomic throughout development to ensure as much realism as possible in these games." First to Fight is brought to life by a visually advanced 3D engine created from the ground up by Destineer. This engine, filled with next-generation features like volumetric shadows, normal maps, natural skin lighting and specularity, promises to give players a first-hand look at the chaos and terror of modern urban combat. [Gathering]
Metascore:
67
User Score:
4.6
Close Combat: First to Fight

Close Combat: First to Fight

Platform: Xbox
April 6, 2005
Created under the direction of the US Marine Corps, First to Fight puts you behind the barrel of an M16-A4 as a Marine fireteam leader. Now it's up to you to lead your four-man team through the dangerous streets of Beirut in modern urban combat. In this first-person shooter, you can use the Marine Air Ground Task Force to call for fire and support from Cobra helicopters, mortar teams, other fireteams, tanks, and AAVs. Develop true military tactics such as laying suppressing fire, flanking enemies, separating leaders from enemies, and more.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
6.5
SWAT 4

SWAT 4

Platform: PC
April 5, 2005
Show No Mercy In Defense of Life. Los Angeles: 2006. Gangs rule the city and crime's at an all-time high. As an elite SWAT officer, you must protect the lives of the innocent throughout 16 intense missions. There's no room for mistakes. Or mercy. What's it gonna be rookie? [Sierra]
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.6
DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil

DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil

Platform: PC
April 4, 2005
Following the events of "Doom 3" and featuring new locations, characters and weapons, including the return of the double-barreled shotgun, DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil expands the terrifying action that fans have been raving about. The expansion pack continues right where the original left off - with a terrifying atmosphere and a new story which delivers you deeper into the heart of the UAC to uncover new secrets and technology used to destroy the demon force that's Hell-bent on destroying you. The expansion continues the frightening and gripping single player experience of the blockbuster original. The title also features even more multiplayer action with support for up to eight players in all new maps. (The expansion requires the full retail version of Doom 3.) [Activision]
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.0
Doom 3

Doom 3

Platform: Xbox
April 3, 2005
A massive demonic invasion has overwhelmed the Union Aerospace Corporation's (UAC) Mars Research Facility, leaving only chaos and horror in its wake. As one of only a few survivors, you must fight your way to hell and back against a horde of evil monsters. The path is dark and dangerous, but you'll have an array of weapons--including a pistol, a chainsaw, grenades, and more--to use for protection.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.0
Myst IV: Revelation

Myst IV: Revelation

Platform: Xbox
March 29, 2005
In Myst IV: Revelation, you can finally learn the fate of Sirrus and Achenar--the two villains first introduced in the original Myst. The brothers have remained trapped in separate prison worlds, abandoned by their father for crimes they had committed. Now you must venture deep inside these worlds, while uncovering the mystery surrounding a little girl's disappearance. As you solve puzzles, take pictures, and interact with other characters, you'll soon understand the villains' motives.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.8
Combat: Task Force 121

Combat: Task Force 121

Platform: Xbox
March 27, 2005
Terrorist acts have prompted the US government to call for the help of stronger military forces. As part of Task Force 121, you must travel to a variety of locations--such as the jungle, an oil rig, and an exotic island--to stop the terrorists before they become even more powerful. To survive, you must master military techniques and weapons, including pistols, assault rifles, grenade launchers, shotguns, sniper rifles, and more.
Metascore:
44
User Score:
7.3
Elite Warriors: Vietnam

Elite Warriors: Vietnam

Platform: PC
March 25, 2005
The Vietnam War’s most highly classified special operations were performed by the Studies and Operations Group. Consisting primarily of U.S. Army Special Forces “Green Berets,” SOG warriors fought top secret missions deep behind enemy lines. Infiltrate deep into Laos with your Green Beret and Montagnard teammates, hunted by trackers and bloodhounds, outnumbered at times 100-to-1. Rescue downed pilots, ambush convoys, seize enemy prisoners, discover targets for air attacks, and direct air strikes. See why SOG veterans went on to found Delta Force and in the work of secret operations, remain stuff of legends. Operating in the most dangerous conditions imaginable SOG commandos matched wits with an unrelenting foe. Take part in the top secret world of "Black Ops" unconventional warfare. Engage in highly classified operations throughout Southeast Asia. Eight realistic campaigns that take place in multiple phases. Uses Combat Patrol techniques learned in Vietnam and still valid today. Team Building – Train and equip your team and then lead them on covert missions. [Bold Games]
Metascore:
46
User Score:
5.7
Combat: Task Force 121

Combat: Task Force 121

Platform: PC
March 24, 2005
After years of simmering unrest, Marxist Rebels have obtained a foothold within the Armed Services and found sympathetic comrades to lend both a voice and weapons. While a full blown coup d'état is not yet underway, a few early high profile rebel victories could quickly turn the tide. U.S. forces have been called in to put a halt to these terrorist acts. 10 exciting single player missions take you through a variety of locales including dense jungle, shaty town, oil rig, refinery plant and an exotic island. Day and night missions add to the challenge and realism. Use a variety of authentic military weapons such as USP Pistol, M4 Assault Rifle with M203 Grenade Launcher, MP5 SD, Mk43 7.62mm Machine Gun, M1 Combat Shotgun, .50 Cal Tactical Sniper Rifle, C4 charge, Grenade and Combat Knife. [Groove Games]
Metascore:
40
User Score:
5.5
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

Platform: Xbox
March 21, 2005
In TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, humanity is on the brink of destruction by the evil TimeSplitters. With the help of some familiar faces, Cortez--the tough hero from previous installments--must chase a mystery foe across different time periods to trace the origins of the TimeSplitters. As Cortez, you'll have access to weapons, gadgets, characters, and environments that are unique to each time period. You can also correct the mistakes made in the past or team up with past and future versions of yourself in battles.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.6
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

Platform: PlayStation 2
March 21, 2005
In TimeSplitters Future Perfect, victory is in the hands of the player's past, present, and future self in a battle that stretches throughout time where humanity is on the brink of destruction from the malevolent TimeSplitters. Cortez--the tough-as-nails hero from previous installments--finds himself in a frantic race against time in a desperate bid to trace the origin of the TimeSplitters and save mankind. This third installment of the best-selling franchise will feature hundreds of hours of gameplay and an improved Story mode that ties all the missions together, immersing gamers in an epic adventure between the years of 1914 and 2401. Innovative "meet yourself" time travel gameplay lets players be their own ally by teaming up with past and future versions of themselves. The game also will allow two players to fight through the Story in Co-op mode, and features extensive Challenge and Arcade modes, and a Multiplayer mode that allows gamers to battle in 16-player death match online on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. In addition, gamers will experience an improved Map Maker feature allowing them to easily create and play their own maps and share them online. TimeSplitters Future Perfect promises to be one of the deepest arcade shooters on the console with hundreds of unlockables, more realistic environments, spectacular special effects, high quality animated cut scenes, an improved physics engine, smarter enemy AI, and much more. [Electronic Arts]
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.9
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

Platform: GameCube
March 21, 2005
In TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, humanity is on the brink of destruction by the evil TimeSplitters. With the help of some familiar faces, Cortez--the tough hero from previous installments--must chase a mystery foe across different time periods to trace the origins of the TimeSplitters. As Cortez, you'll have access to weapons, gadgets, characters, and environments that are unique to each time period. You can also correct the mistakes made in the past or team up with past and future versions of yourself in battles.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.6
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Platform: GameCube
March 15, 2005
As an evil North Korean army slowly gains power, the new Chinese regime sends in the Ghosts, a multinational force, to safeguard the China-North Korean border. As the leader of this new team of special forces, you can control your squad through voice commands, hand signals, and a new interface. You and your team have access to high-tech weapons and gadgets that help you survive surrounding mortar, gunfire, and air strikes. Now, cripple the North Korean threat, and eliminate their rogue general.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
1.9
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Platform: PlayStation 2
March 15, 2005
Created by Texas-based Gearbox Software, Brothers in Arms is the most realistic and authentic WWII shooter ever. While other WWII games have sugarcoated the war experience, Brothers in Arms is based on a true story and will immerse gamers into the gritty, uncensored and emotionally-charged side of war. The game puts you in the shoes of Sgt. Matt Baker, a D-Day paratrooper squad leader, and asks you to lead the squad as you balance their lives with the success of the mission. The true stories and historical events you experience on your perilous journey take you through real battlefields meticulously recreated from aerial reconnaissance images, US Army Signal Corps photos and eye-witness accounts of war-torn Normandy. Players of allskill levels can battle their way through this intense experience because of Brothers in Arms innovative and accessible command and control system. [Ubisoft]
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.6
Project: Snowblind

Project: Snowblind

Platform: PC
March 15, 2005
Experience the dramatic intensity of the frontlines of a war through the eyes of the first of a new breed of super soldiers in this gritty and epic first-person action game. In the not so distant Future, Lt. Nathan Frost is challenged to stop a renegade regime from eradicating the civilized world. Hong Kong, 2065. 2nd Lt. Nathan Frost is just a regular grunt until he volunteers for a super-soldier transformation for an international army called the Liberty Coalition. A painful series of surgeries gives Frost extra-normal abilities via implanted enhancements, which place him on the frontlines of a war against a destructive regime. After a military coup leaves him stranded in hostile territory, cut off from command with only a handful of men, Frost must stop the militia?s secret weapon that threatens to plunge the world into darkness. [Eidos Interactive]
Metascore:
76
User Score:
6.3
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Platform: PC
March 8, 2005
Created by Texas-based Gearbox Software, Brothers in Arms is the most realistic and authentic WWII shooter ever. While other WWII games have sugarcoated the war experience, Brothers in Arms is based on a true story and will immerse gamers into the gritty, uncensored and emotionally-charged side of war. The game puts you in the shoes of Sgt. Matt Baker, a D-Day paratrooper squad leader, and asks you to lead the squad as you balance their lives with the success of the mission. The true stories and historical events you experience on your perilous journey take you through real battlefields meticulously recreated from aerial reconnaissance images, US Army Signal Corps photos and eye-witness accounts of war-torn Normandy. Players of allskill levels can battle their way through this intense experience because of Brothers in Arms innovative and accessible command and control system. [Ubisoft]
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.3
Mortyr 2

Mortyr 2

Platform: PC
March 4, 2005
The Nazis are on the verge of defeat. Unremitting assault by the Allied Forces continues to push back the Reich on nearly all fronts. Faced with impending doom, they have assembled covert teams of scientists and engineers tasked with designing and building new, experimental weaponry. Elite Allied strike teams remain ready for rapid deployment into regions infiltrated by ground agents. The safety of the world rests on the shoulders of these determined, well-trained soldiers. Less than a few short hours after being signaled by an agent entrenched in Norway, a strike team of four elite paratroopers land on Norwegian soil. One of these paratroopers is Sven Mortyr, a British Intelligence officer. Mortyr soon discovers his mission is to not only thwart the Reich's plans, but to rescue his own father who has been captured by the Nazi regime and put to work on a covert weapons project. [Hip Interactive]
Metascore:
56
User Score:
5.2
Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Platform: PC
March 3, 2005
It is the third decade of the 22nd century. Unemployment is endemic, boredom is universal and only the Judges can prevent total anarchy? Empowered to dispense instant justice, they are judge, jury and executioner all in one. The most feared and respected of all the Judges is Dredd ? he is the Law! In the darkest depths of Mega-City One a group calling themselves the Death Cult are devising a fiendish plan to free the evil Dark Judges from their holding chamber in a Justice Department penitentiary. Meanwhile the Judges of PSI Division have foreseen that the Big Meg will be blighted by a terrible plague. Soon enough, as predicted, there are outbreaks of vampirism across the city. Is this the return of some ancient, forgotten evil? [Vivendi Universal]
Metascore:
55
User Score:
7.0
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Platform: Xbox
March 1, 2005
Set during the famous airdrop before the invasion at Normandy, Brothers in Arms tells the story of Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad of 101st Airborne paratroopers, who were scattered over the French countryside. As Baker, you must use real military tactics to flank and kill your foes. During the game, you must choose between the success of your mission and the lives of your men. Brothers in Arms boasts authentic battlefields and equipment, multiplayer gameplay, and a cast of more than 20 distinct soldiers.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.9
Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Platform: GameCube
March 1, 2005
Judge Dredd: Dredd Versus Death combines weapon management, fast-paced combat, and intense multiplayer action. Based on the comic book, the game puts you in the shoes of Judge Dredd, a no-holds-barred judge who is determined to clean up the streets of the futuristic Mega-City One. Armed with an all-purpose LawGiver that features six types of ammo, you can shoot to wound, shoot to kill, or make an arrest--all while keeping an eye on your Lawmeter. Shoot an unarmed citizen, and your Lawmeter will drop; apprehend numerous criminals, and it will rise.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
7.3
Star Wars: Republic Commando

Star Wars: Republic Commando

Platform: PC
March 1, 2005
Enter the dark military side of the Star Wars universe as a squad leader of a Republic Special Operations unit. You are a Republic Commando. You must infiltrate deep behind enemy lines and lead your elite team on precision operations – lurking in the shadows, striking at will...Explore the military side of the Star Wars universe like never before.Explore eight diverse environments including the hostile surface and subterranean setting of the planet Geonosis, the massive machine-like interiors of a Separatist Core Ship, a disabled and overrun Republic Assault Ship and the lower jungles and tree cities of the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk, while you take on special operations that feature hostage rescue, infiltration/data retrieval, assassination, assault, sabotage and reconnaissance objectives. Access to more than twelve authentic weapons including the primary Republic Commando firearm, the DC-17m and secondary weapon the DC-15s Blaster Pistol, as well as enemy weapons such as the Trandoshan Slaver Shotgun and Geonosian Elite Beam Weapon. Innovative squad combat utilizing intuitive and accessible "smart squad" command system featuring squad markers and stances. Challenging combat with enemies that include Trade Federation Super Battle Droids and Droidekas, Geonosian Warriors and Elites, and Trandoshan Slavers and Mercenaries. Multi-player capabilities including deathmatch, team deathmatch and capture the flag. [LucasArts]
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Star Wars Republic Commando

Star Wars Republic Commando

Platform: Xbox
February 28, 2005
You can be part of an elite squad of soldiers in Star Wars Republic Commando. Play as one of a team of republic troops in the time between Star Wars episodes II and III. Your squad will be assigned a variety of missions ranging from hostage rescue to assassination on many recognizable worlds from the Star Wars universe. You can play multiplayer game modes such as capture the flag and deathmatch online.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
Psychotoxic

Psychotoxic

Platform: PC
February 25, 2005
PsychoToxic places gamers in the shoes of heroine Angie Prophet who, unbeknownst to her, must save mankind from impending nuclear Armageddon. The year is 2022, the place is New York City and as Angie's role as savior unfolds so too does her understanding of why she is the only one that stands in the way of the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse and the destruction of civilization. Throughout the game, Angie continues to discover a series of unique abilities, such as invisibility, the slowing of time and the infiltration of other's dreams, all of which aid her progress. [Whiptail Interactive]
Metascore:
40
User Score:
4.1
Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Platform: PlayStation 2
February 23, 2005
It is the third decade of the 22nd century. Unemployment is endemic, boredom is universal and only the Judges can prevent total anarchy? Empowered to dispense instant justice, they are judge, jury and executioner all in one. The most feared and respected of all the Judges is Dredd ? he is the Law! In the darkest depths of Mega-City One a group calling themselves the Death Cult are devising a fiendish plan to free the evil Dark Judges from their holding chamber in a Justice Department penitentiary. Meanwhile the Judges of PSI Division have foreseen that the Big Meg will be blighted by a terrible plague. Soon enough, as predicted, there are outbreaks of vampirism across the city. Is this the return of some ancient, forgotten evil? [Vivendi Universal]
Metascore:
52
User Score:
5.3
Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Judge Dredd: Dredd VS Death

Platform: Xbox
February 23, 2005
Judge Dredd: Dredd Versus Death combines weapon management, fast-paced combat, and intense multiplayer action. Based on the comic book, the game puts you in the shoes of Judge Dredd, a no-holds-barred judge who is determined to clean up the streets of the futuristic Mega-City One. Armed with an all-purpose LawGiver that features six types of ammo, you can shoot to wound, shoot to kill, or make an arrest--all while keeping an eye on your Lawmeter. Shoot an unarmed citizen, and your Lawmeter will drop; apprehend numerous criminals, and it will rise.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.1
Chicago Enforcer

Chicago Enforcer

Platform: Xbox
February 22, 2005
Take to the streets of Chicago as one of Al Capone's notorious enforcers. Choose from a variety of authentic gangster weapons and make your opposition an offer they can't refuse. You'll need these weapons, along with your character's special moves, to survive intense action scenarios such as bombing rival breweries or saving Capone himself. In addition to single-player missions, Chicago Enforcer features multiplayer modes that support up to eight players via Xbox Live.
Metascore:
33
User Score:
3.8
Project: Snowblind

Project: Snowblind

Platform: Xbox
February 22, 2005
In Project: Snowblind, you can experience war through the eyes of the first of a new breed of supersoldiers. As Lt. Nathan Frost, your mission is to stop a renegade regime from eradicating the civilized world. You must use your newly implanted enhancements, tools, weapons, and vehicles in your fight on the front lines. Discover your character's superhuman powers in the single-player missions, and then showcase your talents in the online multiplayer modes. The Xbox version of the game also features exclusive gameplay modes.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.0
Project: Snowblind

Project: Snowblind

Platform: PlayStation 2
February 22, 2005
Experience the dramatic intensity of the frontlines of a war through the eyes of the first of a new breed of super soldiers in this gritty and epic first-person action game. In the not so distant Future, Lt. Nathan Frost is challenged to stop a renegade regime from eradicating the civilized world. Hong Kong, 2065. 2nd Lt. Nathan Frost is just a regular grunt until he volunteers for a super-soldier transformation for an international army called the Liberty Coalition. A painful series of surgeries gives Frost extra-normal abilities via implanted enhancements, which place him on the frontlines of a war against a destructive regime. After a military coup leaves him stranded in hostile territory, cut off from command with only a handful of men, Frost must stop the militia?s secret weapon that threatens to plunge the world into darkness. [Eidos Interactive]
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.1
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Platform: Xbox
December 14, 2004
What do a murdered woman, a slain police officer, and a mysterious arson case have in common? Enter the gritty world of CSI and search for the answer with Grissom, Catherine, and the entire Crime Scene Investigation team. As a new recruit, you'll have to learn how to use all of the investigator tools, including cotton swabs, rubber gloves, and plaster molds. Armed with high-powered forensic equipment and razor-sharp wits, delve deep into the mysteries of five baffling crime scenes to reveal the truth.
Metascore:
45
User Score:
7.3
Sentinel: Descendants in Time

Sentinel: Descendants in Time

Platform: PC
December 14, 2004
The Tastan civilization succumbed to extinction many years ago; their only legacy being the mysterious Tastan Caverns. Some believe the caverns hold an invaluable treasure, while others say great wealth is attained through the knowledge and technology left behind by this advanced race. Take on the role of Beni and search for the truth as you enter the Caverns on a dangerous quest for riches. As you begin your strange and perilous journey, a female sentinel, a holographic image with advanced A.I., positioned there by the ancient Tastans to guard their sacred caverns, awakens.She appears throughout your quest with a sometimes benign purpose, but other times with calculated intentions. You will soon realize that behind the mask of illusions, the sentinel is much more than she appears to be - her dark purpose will threaten your very existence. [Adventure Company]
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.1
Sprung

Sprung

Platform: DS
December 8, 2004
Sprung creates an entirely new genre for portable gaming by putting players in the middle of an engaging, risqué and daring adventure with sexy singles at a hip ski resort. The dating simulation, or "stimulation," title features gender-specific adventures, entertaining dating missions and a hilarious script written by "North Shore" (FOX) writer Colleen McGuiness. [Ubisoft]
Metascore:
48
User Score:
5.8
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay - Developer's Cut

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay - Developer's Cut

Platform: PC
December 8, 2004
Set before the events of both Universal Pictures' "The Chronicles of Riddick," starring Vin Diesel, and the 2000 cult classic "Pitch Black," which first introduced Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick, the game tells the story of Riddick's dramatic escape from the previously inescapable triple max security slam Butcher Bay, home to the most violent prisoners in the galaxy. The Chronicles Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay will blend action and stealth elements, as players navigate Riddick through the harsh environments of the slam - dank tunnels, dimly lit corridors, and other hazardous areas filled with guards, savage inmates and deadly creatures that prowl the darkness. [Vivendi Universal]
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.6
Torrente

Torrente

Platform: PC
December 6, 2004
Torrente is a fascist, sexist, racist, drunk, and dirty former cop who soon finds himself caught in the crossfire between drug cartels and the Mafia. Now he must blast his way through street thugs and hit men battling for control over Madrid's seedy underworld. Torrente was dismissed from the force due to his questionable involvement in a sordid case. Now he scrapes out a living as a private dick with the objective of some day being reinstated in the glorious police force from which he believes he was wrongly dismissed. In missions ranging from Madrid to Marbella, Torrente must complete a variety of tasks such as escorting an important client, deactivating bombs, and protecting beauty queens, generally with chaotic and bloody results. [O~3 Entertainment]
Metascore:
36
User Score:
8.0
Painkiller: Battle out of Hell

Painkiller: Battle out of Hell

Platform: PC
December 1, 2004
Picking up right where the game's story left off, Battle out of Hell includes an additional single-player chapter 10 levels, as well as new multiplayer modes, maps and models. It offers an amplified arsenal of un-deadly weapons, bigger and badder bosses and the map editor Software Development Kit. [DreamCatcher Games]
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.6
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Platform: PlayStation 2
November 30, 2004
In the wake of one of North Korea's worst famines, an insidious North Korean general influences the government to secretly divert humanitarian aid to beef up its army, slowly gaining power in the process. Fearful that North Korea is amassing huge quantities of military weapons, the new Chinese regime eliminates arms sales to North Korea. In response, the North Korean government initiates secret overtures to Russia, who strikes a quiet alliance. In the midst of another North Korean famine, food riots begin rocking the countryside, and the rogue North Korean general assumes complete control of the army. Blaming China for the famine, he begins charging north to seize Chinese territory with tacit support from its new Russian ally. China moves to respond, but limits the level of escalation, fearing open conflict with Russia and a possible nuclear exchange. Instead, China officially agrees to a multinational force to safeguard the China-North Korean border. Unofficially, the Ghosts and other special forces go in. Their mission: cripple the North Korean threat and depose the rogue general. (*Note: Ghost Recon 2 for PS2 occurs four years before ? and acts as a prequel to ? the Xbox version. The game is built on the Unreal engine - as opposed to the proprietary Ghost Recon engine - and will also use Havok physics, a rarity in PS2 games.) [Ubisoft]
Metascore:
58
User Score:
5.4
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent

Platform: PlayStation 2
November 22, 2004
As an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality, the player is hired as an enforcer by Auric Goldfinger, the wealthy super-villain with a lust for all things gold. Goldfinger is locked in a ruthless war against his archenemy, the brilliant scientist Dr. No. The prize is control of the world's greatest criminal organization. A brutal encounter with Dr. No costs the player an eye, but Goldfinger's technicians replace it with a gold-hued, synthetic eye, earning the player the name 'GoldenEye'. Players have the ability to customize and upgrade their villain persona and wreak havoc as they make their unrelenting rise through the ranks. Players will cross paths with such legendary allies and enemies as Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, and, of course, Pussy Galore on globe-spanning missions of vengeance and demolition. Players will travel to famous and original Bond locations from the mountains of Switzerland to the streets of Hong Kong and from Fort Knox to Dr. No's Crab Key lair in the Caribbean. Enemies will react intelligently in combat situations and use the environment to their advantage for intense and unpredictable shootouts. [Electronic Arts]
Metascore:
60
User Score:
6.8
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent

Platform: Xbox
November 22, 2004
Why save the world when you can rule it? GoldenEye: Rogue Agent transports you to the dark side of the Bond universe as an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality. You can customize and upgrade your villain persona and wreak havoc as you make your unrelenting rise through the ranks. You'll cross paths with such legendary allies and enemies as Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, and Pussy Galore on worldwide missions of vengeance and demolition. GoldenEye: Rogue Agent integrates single-player and multiplayer split-screen across all game modes.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
7.0
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent

Platform: GameCube
November 22, 2004
Why save the world when you can rule it? GoldenEye: Rogue Agent transports you to the dark side of the Bond universe as an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality. You can customize and upgrade your villain persona and wreak havoc as you make your unrelenting rise through the ranks. You'll cross paths with such legendary allies and enemies as Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, and Pussy Galore on worldwide missions of vengeance and demolition. GoldenEye: Rogue Agent integrates single-player and multiplayer split-screen across all game modes.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
6.5
Legacy: Dark Shadows

Legacy: Dark Shadows

Platform: PC
November 19, 2004
In the year 1930 Japanese scientists discovered an unusual substance which when injected in human body starts to regenerate body cells stopping the process of aging. However, with the first few volunteers it became clear that something has gone wrong: after ten days the rejuvenation was so intense that a body couldn?t take that much of a shock. All of the subjects died of a stroke. In 1936 Japan and Germany sign the Anti-Comitern Pact. Hitler?s leading scientist Josef Mengele negotiated the terms of the cooperation with Japanese concerning the research of the regenerative substance. These negotiations lasted until 1941, when Germans realized that their soldiers aren?t able to bare the cold Russian climate. Japanese, concerned for their interests in Russia, decided to help them unconditionally. In December, 1941 the Institute for Hereditary Biology with its leading scientist dr. Mengele received a mysterious package from Japan. Only the chosen ones knew that it contained all records regarding the creation of the regenerative substance. To get to Germany as soon as possible, pilots of the cargo plane had to fly over the enraging Stalingrad front. [GMX Media]
Metascore:
41
User Score:
3.6
Joint Operations: Escalation

Joint Operations: Escalation

Platform: PC
November 19, 2004
The conflict in Indonesia has spilled over to other parts of Asia where rebel troops have gained support in the war against Joint Ops Forces. Set against the lush backdrop of South East Asia, enlist once more to take part in intense large scale modern FPS combat, in games of up to 150 players online. Use new weapons, vehicles, team tactics and strategic gameplay to dominate the battlefield. An expansion pack to "Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising." [NovaLogic]
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.5
Call of Duty: Finest Hour

Call of Duty: Finest Hour

Platform: GameCube
November 16, 2004
You've been called to defend your Allied country against the Axis foes. In Call of Duty: Finest Hour, you must fight as part of a squad through the chaos of battle. Whether you play as American, British, or Russian forces, you'll discover the hardships that every unsung hero had to face during World War II. The game also features authentic weapons, vehicles, environments, combat missions, and the real sounds of war. Finally, the cinematic battlefield conflicts come to life on your gaming console.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.2
CSI: Miami

CSI: Miami

Platform: PC
November 16, 2004
CSI: Miami follows the format of Ubisoft's successful "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" game series. Players will solve a number of complex cases working with the stars of the show. Investigation includes using high-tech forensic tools to find the evidence, as well as interrogation and puzzle solving. "CSI: Miami" is a fast-paced drama inspired by the top-rated series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation that follows a South Florida team of forensic investigators who use both cutting-edge scientific methods and old-fashioned police work to solve crimes. [Ubisoft]
Metascore:
54
User Score:
6.7
Half-Life 2

Half-Life 2

Platform: PC
November 16, 2004
[Metacritic's 2004 PC Game of the Year] By taking the suspense, challenge and visceral charge of the original, and adding startling new realism and responsiveness, Half-Life 2 opens the door to a world where the player's presence affects everything around him, from the physical environment to the behaviors -- even the emotions -- of both friends and enemies. The player again picks up the crowbar of research scientist Gordon Freeman, who finds himself on an alien-infested Earth being picked to the bone, its resources depleted, its populace dwindling. Freeman is thrust into the unenviable role of rescuing the world from the wrong he unleashed back at Black Mesa. And a lot of people -- people he cares about -- are counting on him. [Vivendi Universal]
Metascore:
96
User Score:
9.2
Call of Duty: Finest Hour

Call of Duty: Finest Hour

Platform: PlayStation 2
November 16, 2004
Developed by Spark Unlimited, a newly formed studio comprised of 27 of the individuals who developed titles in the "Medal of Honor" series, Call of Duty: Finest Hour is a separate and distinct game from the PC first-person shooter. It features a unique storyline, missions and battlefield environments; intense battlefield conflicts; unsung heroes fighting as part of a crack squad through the chaos of battle; playable perspectives from three different allied sides -- American, British, and Russian; authentic weapons, vehicles, environments, combat missions and the real sounds of war. [Activision]
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.0
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Platform: Xbox
November 16, 2004
The Xbox version of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 is a sequel to the PS2 version (which is set in 2007), and it features its own storyline, level design, and cinematic sequences. Once again, you must lead a team of Special Forces operatives (the "ghosts") on a variety of dangerous missions. Equip your team with advanced weapons and gadgets, and then fight alongside them in East Asia. The game also supports online multiplayer matches, in both competitive and cooperative modes.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
Call of Duty: Finest Hour

Call of Duty: Finest Hour

Platform: Xbox
November 16, 2004
You've been called to defend your Allied country against the Axis foes. In Call of Duty: Finest Hour, you must fight as part of a squad through the chaos of battle. Whether you play as American, British, or Russian forces, you'll discover the hardships that every unsung hero had to face during World War II. The game also features authentic weapons, vehicles, environments, combat missions, and the real sounds of war. Finally, the cinematic battlefield conflicts come to life on your gaming console.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
6.5
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Platform: GameCube
November 15, 2004
The sequel to Metroid Prime puts you in the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran once again. Your mission is to locate federation troopers who are missing on Aether--a planet torn into light and dark domains. To help you travel through the depths of light and dark, you'll have all-new beam weapons, a screw attack, and power-ups. Eliminate your enemies, solve puzzles, and open doors in an effort to restore peace to Aether. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes also features competitive multiplayer modes supporting up to four players.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.9
Terrorist Takedown

Terrorist Takedown

Platform: PC
November 11, 2004
Steeped in today's headlines with vivid 3D environments and powerful special effects, Terrorist Takedown is nonstop military action. Take control of AH-64 and UH-1 helicopters, operate High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), and fire heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, and more as you strike at known terrorists and their sponsors. In 16 heart-pounding missions, you must defeat the terrorists and protect our homeland. To honor those men and women fighting the real war, 5% of the profits from the sale of each copy of the game will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). This very special charity pays tribute to those fallen Special Operations personnel by providing college scholarship grants to their surviving children. [Merscom]
Metascore:
39
User Score:
3.9
Halo 2

Halo 2

Platform: Xbox
November 9, 2004
The Covenant alien race threatens to destroy all humankind, and the only thing standing in its way is Master Chief, a genetically enhanced supersoldier. Master Chief returns in Halo 2, which features new vehicles, weapons, environments, and more. This time, you can interact with your environment, wield two weapons at the same time, board opponents' vehicles, and even switch sides to play the role of a Covenant Elite. Halo 2 also supports broadband multiplayer action via Xbox Live.
Metascore:
95
User Score:
8.7
Tron 2.0: Killer App

Tron 2.0: Killer App

Platform: Xbox
November 4, 2004
Take on the role of digital warriors Tron and Mercury as you battle against The Corruptor, an evil computer program attempting to create the ultimate virus and take over the system. In more than 30 intense levels featuring multiple types of gameplay, you'll engage in third-person isometric action, first-person vehicle combat, and light cycle racing. You can battle against three of your friends in multiplayer Light Cycle, Tank, and Recognizer modes. Collect and trade 100 upgrade chips that allow you to customize your character, unlock secrets, and more.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
4.5
Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault

Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault

Platform: PC
November 4, 2004
Medal of Honor Pacific Assault gives players a sense of the courage it took to fight the Imperial Japanese Army from the shock of Pearl Harbor to triumph on the shores of the Tarawa Atoll. Set in the Pacific Theatre of Operations from 1941-1944, players will assume the role of Marine recruit Tom Conlin as he survives the attack on Pearl Harbor, leads the assault on Guadalcanal, and finally charges up the beaches for the climatic battle at Tarawa. Armed with their wits and a variety of authentic weapons, it's up to players to stop the Japanese war machine in its tracks. Medal of Honor Pacific Assault follows the tradition of previous Medal of Honor products with a brand new arsenal of weapons, new enemies, and new storyline. In addition, Pacific Assault features new multiplayer modes in which up to 32 players can choose soldiers from American, British, Japanese, and other armies. [Electronic Arts]
Metascore:
80
User Score:
7.1
Return to Mysterious Island

Return to Mysterious Island

Platform: PC
November 2, 2004
Return to Mysterious Island follows Mina, a strong young woman alone on a round-the-world sailing expedition. Caught in a tremendous storm, she becomes stranded on the shores of a wild and apparently uninhabited island. As she explores her new surroundings, she uncovers artifacts, living spaces and technologies left behind by the people who came before her to this uncharted island. Creating a new life, Mina builds a home from the remains of Granite Rock and uses her survival skills against the wilds of the jungle. She soon becomes aware of a figure in the shadows who, seemingly aware of her troubles, offers her assistance. She eventually identifies this figure as the unsettled ghost of Captain Nemo, whose body is located in the Nautilus deep below the island shore. Piecing together the hints and clues he provides, Mina must travel to the Nautilus, retrieve his body and give him a proper burial in order to free his tortured soul. Players will solve a variety of clever puzzles and use the various technologies found on the Nautilus to help on their return to civilization. [Adventure Company]
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.7
Killzone

Killzone

Platform: PlayStation 2
November 2, 2004
Years ago, the success of planetary colonization resulted in the human settlement of several planets. The majority of these colonies have aligned to form the ISA. However, a ruthless, militaristic separatist faction known as the Helghast has distanced itself while secretly planning to scale an all-out war. Killzone takes place during the initial Helghast blitzkrieg of the nearby colony of Vekta. When Vekta City's orbital defenses mysteriously fail, the Helghast land and deploy their troops rapidly and with ease. As the planetary defense forces are overrun and scattered into the city, your first objective as an ISA member is to escort a high-ranking official to an evacuation point. Drawing inspiration from classical military conflicts of the 20th century, Killzone captures the intense reality of warfare between the ISA and the Helghast. [Sony]
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.4
Men of Valor

Men of Valor

Platform: PC
October 29, 2004
From the creators of the award-winning "Medal of Honor: Allied Assault" comes Men of Valor: Vietnam, 2015?s historical first-person shooter that portrays infantry combat during the Vietnam War. Combining the latest Unreal technology with the gameplay expertise of 2015, Men of Valor immerses you in the humid jungles of Southeast Asia in the most controversial conflict of the modern era. Experience the intensity of the historical battlefield recreated with cunning AI, detailed graphics, and interactive scripted sequences that put you in the middle of scenes like those in the finest war films. Battle your way through the major actions in the conflict, from search and destroy missions around Danang airbase to the Tet offensive and the counterattack on Hue. Or experience the entire thrilling tour of duty with friends via various multiplayer modes, which allow you to view the war from the perspective of the Viet Cong guerillas as well as U.S. forces. [Vivendi Universal]
Metascore:
71
User Score:
5.9
Hidden & Dangerous 2: Sabre Squadron

Hidden & Dangerous 2: Sabre Squadron

Platform: PC
October 21, 2004
Sabre Squadron features nine new single-player campaign missions in four new locations plus the added ability to play all of these nine missions cooperatively over the Internet. In addition, Sabre Squadron features three new deathmatches, three new occupations and two new objective multiplayer missions for up to 32 players, enhanced, more realistic AI, and new weapons such as the German Panzershreck, SAS flare gun, German G43 rifle and the PAK40 cannon. [Gathering]
Metascore:
67
User Score:
6.7
Men of Valor

Men of Valor

Platform: Xbox
October 19, 2004
Men of Valor follows an American marine through the early stages of the conflict in Vietnam to the Tet Offensive. In historically accurate scenarios, you must play a variety of roles in which you'll man the door gun on a Huey helicopter, steer a riverboat along enemy-infested shores, battle your way through enemy tunnel complexes, and call down fire as a forward observer. Mission types include pilot rescues, recon patrols, POW rescue, and search-and-destroy ops.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.3
Tribes: Vengeance

Tribes: Vengeance

Platform: PC
October 12, 2004
A family in conflict. A galaxy at war. The endless war has begun. The Empire and the Tribes now fight as much over resources as they do for revenge. But when a war spans generations, it becomes a mother's quest to discover the truth about the conflict, and an heir's duty to break free from the cycle of vengeance. Play as multiple characters across two generations of a family at war in the first ever TRIBES single player experience. Physics system seamlessly integrates jet-packing, running, skiing and piloting into one dynamic experience. New weapons and vehicles add to the classic TRIBES arsenal and guarantee a fight like no other. Powered by an enhanced Unreal (tm) engine, stunning visuals take you into a never before seen chapter of TRIBES history. Battle in vast locations from underground caverns and forgotten cities to acid wastelands and mighty coliseums. Join the war online with extensive multiplayer action for up to 32 players. [Sierra]
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.7
Counter-Strike: Source

Counter-Strike: Source

Platform: PC
October 7, 2004
Valve has taken a large selection of the maps from Counter-Strike 1.6 - Office, Havana, Italy, Aztec, Chateau, Cobble, Piranesi and of course eternal favourites Dust and Dust 2, and recreated them for the source engine. This means all new textures and major aesthetic changes with more complex buildings and scenery. In addition, the levels are scattered with objects that react realistically with the Source engine's physics engine. [GamersEurope.com] The game is available through Valve's Steam downloading service and is distributed with "Half-Life 2."
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.9
Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackmoor Manor

Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackmoor Manor

Platform: PC
October 5, 2004
All is not well in Blackmoor Manor, a Fourteenth Century English mansion haunted by a tragic past. You, as Nancy Drew, embark on your first international adventure to visit Linda Penvellyn, your neighbor's daughter and newlywed wife of a British diplomat. A mysterious malady keeps Linda hidden behind thick bed curtains. Is she hiding from something or someone, or is a more menacing threat stalking her? Face your fears to find the truth! [Her Interactive]
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.1
Robotech: Invasion

Robotech: Invasion

Platform: PlayStation 2
October 5, 2004
In the 21st century, humankind was freed from the confines of the solar system through the discovery of an alien technology known as Robotech. Contact with the stars also brought war with the Invid, a race of parasitic aliens bent on conquering and transforming the Earth into their new home world. Now it is up to the battlehardened survivors of the Robotech Expedition to lead the way for one final attempt to liberate the Earth from the Invid Invaders! Play single player, two-player split-screen and online play: Up to 8 players via Xbox Live! or PlayStation 2 Online Pack. Freeform FPS action with expansive outdoor environments and clear objectives. Sophisticated enemy AI with different behavior patterns for each enemy type. 2 parallel scenarios: playing as the 2nd character reveals a new perspective and plot details. Control Cyclone vehicles with a realistic feeling of momentum, balance and traction. Hive raids, gang confrontations, protoculture searches and more. [Gathering]
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.8
Law & Order: Justice Is Served

Law & Order: Justice Is Served

Platform: PC
October 5, 2004
In Law & Order: Justice is Served, players are assigned to a murder case involving twenty-year-old tennis sensation, Elena Kusarova, whose body was discovered the day before the start of the U.S. Open. Players will need to search the crime scene, analyze evidence, solve puzzles, interrogate suspects and make arrests alongside Detectives Lennie Briscoe and Ed Green. After a suspect is in custody, the player will need to put a compelling case together with A.D.A. Serena Southerlyn in order to convince the jury to return a guilty verdict. New features for this third installment in the Law & Order game franchise include a new character from the TV show, Detective Ed Green; a re-designed, more intuitive interface; increased interactivity and flexibility with more characters and locations; improved performance; and unlockable bonus content from the actors on the show. With many more interviews and clever puzzles seamlessly integrated into the storyline, this third installment promises to be an even longer, more fulfilling gameplaying experience than the previous versions. [Legacy Interactive]
Metascore:
77
User Score:
6.3
Robotech: Invasion

Robotech: Invasion

Platform: Xbox
October 5, 2004
In the 21st century, humankind was freed from the confines of the solar system through the discovery of an alien technology known as Robotech. Now it's time to put that technology to good use as human survivors make one last attempt to liberate Earth from invaders. Jump into a mech suit or inside a Cyclone vehicle, and then maneuver your way through hive raids, gang confrontations, protoculture searches, and more. Complete various objectives in single-player mode, or showcase your skills in two-player split-screen or online modes.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
tbd
Myst IV: Revelation

Myst IV: Revelation

Platform: PC
September 30, 2004
Within the visually awe-inspiring world of Myst, a gripping family drama will slowly unfold. A little girl disappears, her two brothers are suspected, and it is clear that their story is far from over. Players will escape into the adventure as they attempt to solve the mystery and discover the fate of the two villainous brothers, Sirrus and Achenar. Understanding their motives is the key to the investigation which will lead to a true "revelation." Myst IV Revelation will take players into the twisted minds and worlds of two evil brothers, deep inside an intense family drama, and immerse them within a visually stunning environment. The storyline is very suspenseful, the puzzles are compelling, and the music, produced by Jack Wall in partnership with Peter Gabriel, will create an unparalleled experience. [Ubisoft]
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.4
Lifestream

Lifestream

Platform: PC
September 27, 2004
Lifestream is a haunting interactive story played in a first person perspective. Lifestream welcomes players into the lives of the Holton family, as they uncover the mysteries of the enigmatic Lifestream. John Holton's father, a priest named Randolph, disappeared three weeks ago. Unable to come forward to voice his concerns, in fear of destroying his father's reputation, John takes it upon himself to find out what happened by visiting his father's house and searching for him firsthand. What he finds is something that is so terrifying, yet so seductive, that it envelops his very soul. [Unimatrix]
Metascore:
74
User Score:
5.8
Shadow Ops: Red Mercury

Shadow Ops: Red Mercury

Platform: PC
September 21, 2004
Race against time and terrorism as a member of the elite Delta Force in this all-out first person shooter. From the hostile streets of the middle-east, where danger can come from any direction, to the landmarks of a major European city. Your duty is to hunt down a terrorist overlord carrying a nuclear device before untold disaster is unleashed. The most realistic, immersive, shell-shocked battlefield experience ever. Modes include: plant the bomb, VIP escort, capture the flag and more. Take a seat in military vehicles to speed your way to victory (also available in multiplayer mode). Mix all-out assault with stealth infiltration in your mission to prevent disaster. Incredible plot that sees YOU on the trail of lethal terrorists. Join forces with other elite fighting units from the USA and Europe. Makes use of enhanced Unreal engine technology for unparalleled graphical realism. Places and sounds modeled on real-world locations for total immersion. Hollywood production values ? music, sound and scanning technology as used by the biggest blockbusters. Motion capture moves provided by ex-Special Forces operatives. [Atari]
Metascore:
61
User Score:
5.4
Star Wars: Battlefront

Star Wars: Battlefront

Platform: Xbox
September 20, 2004
Star Wars Battlefront puts you in the heat of the action as you relive all of the intense battles from the classic and prequel eras of the Star Wars universe. You'll fight in more than 15 environments across 10 diverse planets, including Hoth, Geonosis, Yavin, Tatooine, and Naboo. You can play as one of more than 20 different soldier types from four factions, as well as take control of 15 diverse ground and air vehicles, such as the AT-ST, X-Wing, and speeder bike.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
Star Wars: Battlefront (2004)

Star Wars: Battlefront (2004)

Platform: PC
September 20, 2004
Star Wars Battlefront is an action/shooter game that gives fans and gamers the opportunity to re-live and participate in all of the classic Star Wars battles like never before. Players can select one of a number of different soldier types, jump into any vehicle, man any turret on the battlefront and conquer the galaxy planet-by-planet online with their friends or offline in a variety of single player modes. Single player modes include "Instant Action," "Galactic Conquest" and the story-based "Historical Campaigns" mode that lets gamers experience all of the epic Star Wars battles from Episodes I-VI, fighting from the perspective of each of the four factions within the game. [LucasArts]
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.2
Vietcong: Purple Haze

Vietcong: Purple Haze

Platform: Xbox
September 15, 2004
Vietcong: Purple Haze contains all missions and multiplayer modes from the original Vietcong and its expansion pack, Fist Alpha. Now you can penetrate deeper into the deadly jungles of Vietnam to fight Vietcong guerillas and the North Vietnamese Army as they work their ways into Cambodia. In addition to pushing back the VC charge, you must gather intelligence on secret weapons factories hidden deep below ancient temples, safely return downed US fighter pilots back to base, and avoid and disarm lethal booby traps. You can fight with all-new weapons, call in an air strike, and jump in a Huey to unload several thousand rounds behind a mounted M60.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
8.1
Vietcong: Purple Haze

Vietcong: Purple Haze

Platform: PlayStation 2
September 15, 2004
Vietcong: Purple Haze is a narrative-based First Person Shooter set during the Vietnam conflict. Players of Vietcong experience the war from the perspective of a soldier assigned to join a squad of U.S. Special Forces running reconnaissance missions deep into the jungles of Northern Vietnam. Utilizing any means necessary, players of Vietcong patrol various tactical regions – setting traps, gathering intelligence, calling in air strikes or ambushing enemy patrols. Over 18 dramatic missions featured in a cinematic single player campaign. Choose Quick Fight mode to fight as either a US or Vietcong soldier! Fight for honor and freedom in a 19 mission single player campaign, featuring 17 of the best from the PC version and 2 new missions unique to consoles! Start a quick fight and jump straight into the action! Play either as a US or Vietcong soldier, choose a weapon, map, number of enemies and difficulty then battle the clock for the best time. Strike from the shadows choosing from more than 30 unlockable weapons including an M16, M79 grenade launcher, Mosin-Nagent, Sten MKII and the M60. [Gathering]
Metascore:
48
User Score:
5.3
Call of Duty: United Offensive

Call of Duty: United Offensive

Platform: PC
September 14, 2004
Call of Duty: United Offensive's single player campaign allows gamers to experience more of WWII's most crucial and legendary conflicts, including The Battle of the Bulge, The Battle of Kursk and the invasion of Sicily, as they fight through more than ten intense all-new maps. The game features new weapons, character abilities, weather effects and explosions, adding even more realism to the chaotic battlefields. Additionally, Call of Duty: United Offensive expands on the popular multiplayer experience of Call of Duty, offering new multiplayer maps that set the stage for tank combat, as well as tank-and-foot-soldier combined arms action, providing the ultimate battle of Axis vs. Allies. Fans will also enjoy three new multiplayer gameplay modes, including Tank Battle, Capture the Flag and Domination - where squads must take control of key locations while preventing enemy troops from advancing. [Activision]
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.2
Dark Fall: Lights Out

Dark Fall: Lights Out

Platform: PC
August 31, 2004
A young cartographer, Parker, is sent to the Cornish harbour town of Trewarthan, where he is to map the lethal rocks that have claimed lives through the centuries. A thick fog rolls in from the English Channel as the faithful light of Fetch Rock Lighthouse is plunged into darkness, putting the lives of those at sea in peril. Parker may be their only hope. Armed with his compass, charts and wits he sets off to uncover the mystery. Along the way he discovers that Fetch Rock and its lighthouse have a very sinister history? Is time running out? Or does it have an agenda of its own...More than 50 realistic locations to uncover and explore. Spectral activity to observe and interact with. A virtual cast of actors with voice acting by the original Dark Fall cast (the Dark Fall Players). Explore the lighthouse in three different historical time settings. [Adventure Company]
Metascore:
66
User Score:
6.4
Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam

Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam

Platform: PC
August 22, 2004
Vietnam, 1967. You are Specialist Heavy Gunner Grant of the 6th Platoon US Marine Corps. Weeks earlier on a routine search and clear mission, members of your platoon were ambushed and taken prisoner by the Black Skulls, an elite North Vietnamese unit under the command of Colonel Trung also known as the ?butcher of Bac Ninh?. Your mission is to find the hidden POW camp and rescue your buddies?and perhaps exact a little revenge along the way. [Brainbox Games]
Metascore:
50
User Score:
tbd
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow

Platform: Xbox
August 4, 2004
A series of attempts to kidnap telemetry and rocket scientists pulls Team Rainbow into a spider web of international intrigue. Team Rainbow must stop terrorists from developing weapons of mass destruction and prevent them from starting a devastating war. Guide Team Rainbow through a new campaign set in Mediterranean and Eastern European level environments, while gathering new weapons and other equipment. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow also features new multiplayer game modes for both online and offline play.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.1
DOOM 3

DOOM 3

Platform: PC
August 3, 2004
id Software's terrifying battle with the forces of Hell. A massive demonic invasion has overwhelmed the Union Aerospace Corporations’ (UAC) Mars Research Facility leaving only chaos and horror in its wake. As one of only a few survivors, you struggle with shock and fear as you fight your way to Hell and back, in an epic clash against pure evil. Built on id’s revolutionary new 3D graphics engine, DOOM 3 draws you into the most frightening and gripping 3D gaming experience ever created.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.7
Nancy Drew: The Secret of Shadow Ranch

Nancy Drew: The Secret of Shadow Ranch

Platform: PC
July 20, 2004
Ropin?, ridin? and revenge. A ranch vacation takes a terrifying turn when a ghostly horse appears. Is it driven by the vengeful commands of its long-dead master, Dirk Valentine? Or is a living villain behind the ranch?s string of bad luck? It?s up to you, as Nancy Drew, to figure out who?s wearing the black hat before your investigation is ambushed! [Her Interactive]
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.4
KumaWar

KumaWar

Platform: PC
July 16, 2004
Kuma Reality Games builds re-creations of real-world events using advanced gaming tools. KumaWar, the first Kuma Reality Game, is a first and third-person tactical squad-based game that provides multiple updates monthly to the consumer's computer to reflect unfolding events in the real world including Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan and one based on the hunt for Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay. Each month KumaWar subscribers will receive playable missions, video news shows, extensive intelligence gathered from news sources around the world, and insight from a decorated team of military veterans. Kuma Reality Games, headquartered in New York, New York is a privately held company. [Kuma Reality Games]
Metascore:
50
User Score:
6.6
Uru: The Path of the Shell

Uru: The Path of the Shell

Platform: PC
July 7, 2004
Uru: The Path of the Shell is the third piece of Myst's Uru adventure. This adventure's complete boxed set, Uru: Complete Chronicles, includes the content in Uru: Ages Beyond Myst, Myst Uru: To D?ni (the free downloadable expansion released in February) and Uru: The Path of the Shell. The Path of the Shell challenges and rewards players with many new puzzles, new clothing options (including reward clothing), new player journals, technical features (including swimming), and five all-new Relto customization options. [Ubisoft]
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.0
Kreed

Kreed

Platform: PC
July 1, 2004
The great war has started... The futuristic world of Kreed is an alternative scenario for the human race's future in the coming 30th century. By that time, human civilization is waging a war against one of the most powerful nations known in Galaxy ? Tiglaary. Tiglaary forces once had almost conquered the Earth and established their power in most of earth colonies. After successful riot that took place in XXIII century, Legion has been formed and managed to push Tiglaary back from Solar system. As nearly the whole Galaxy had become the battlefield, a space anomaly was found, where a lot of spaceships had been lost. Outposts were built around that area named Kreed in order to prevent ships from getting inside. One of the three Legion's Great Masters, Teofrast Rumi, supervised the researches of the anomaly. Suddenly, Rumi fled without any reason, taking all the researchers and troops loyal to him. The secret investigation initiated by the other two Great Masters revealed the facts that he could have been a follower of a religious sect worshipping the Kreed. Afterwards, the evident proofs of his fleeing to Kreed were found. The Great Masters have secretly sent a mission inside the Kreed to locate and punish the betrayer. A spaceship 'Aspero', pretending to be a supply ship for the Allied patrolling forces, should get into the 'Red sector' near the anomaly and then infiltrate the barrier. There will be no way back. [Russobit-M]
Metascore:
49
User Score:
5.9
Aura: Fate of the Ages

Aura: Fate of the Ages

Platform: PC
June 29, 2004
Aura's powerful story is based on an ancient legend that decrees that four sacred rings will bring great strength, power and immortality to he/she who collects them. Players must embark on a journey across four magical worlds as they search for the elusive rings. As they find each ring, another world opens up en route to completing this mystical quest. Aura is a challenging first person puzzle exploration game that uses an easy to navigate mouse driven, point and click interface. Players will need to solve a variety of ingenious fully-animated puzzles using logic, reasoning and common sense. [Adventure Company]
Metascore:
63
User Score:
5.7
Marine Sharpshooter II: Jungle Warfare

Marine Sharpshooter II: Jungle Warfare

Platform: PC
June 24, 2004
Deployed into one of Africa's most dangerous countries, your mission is to find the President of Burundi and rescue him from heavily armed rebels and the ruthless mercenaries who back them. If the rebels are not stopped and the President dies, they will plunge the region into a brutal civil war. Use your elite military training and advanced weaponry to fight against the odds and restore Democracy! [Groove Games]
Metascore:
52
User Score:
3.9
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3

Platform: GameCube
June 17, 2004
As terrorist attacks against the United States and Venezuela escalate, you are in charge of leading the last line of defense: Rainbow. In Rainbow Six 3, you will lead this top-secret task force dedicated to combating terrorism in all its forms. Your team consists of the best field operatives--equipped with an arsenal of no fewer than 30 weapons--that the United Nations has to offer. You may be the last hope in the war against terror.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
6.8
The Arrangement

The Arrangement

Platform: PC
June 15, 2004
You thought you had it all: A wonderful wife, a challenging and rewarding career, and a bright future. Everything you could ask for. That is until a diabolical man steps in, steals your wife, and turns your world upside down. Is it simply a horrific twist of fate? Or has your life been pre-arranged? The Arrangement is a first person point and click adventure game brimming with challenging puzzles, compelling story, loads of exploration, and hours of fun and rewarding gameplay. [Got Game]
Metascore:
53
User Score:
tbd
Shadow Ops: Red Mercury

Shadow Ops: Red Mercury

Platform: Xbox
June 15, 2004
It's a race against time as a member of the elite Delta Force. A terrorist overlord threatens the world with a nuclear device, and you, along with other elite fighting units, must hunt him down. From the hostile streets of the Middle East to the landmarks of a major European city, your missions require a mix of all-out assault with stealth infiltration. Prevent disaster in single-player mode or wreak havoc online in multiplayer modes.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
6.1
Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising

Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising

Platform: PC
June 15, 2004
Set in Indonesia in the near future, Joint Operations takes the player to a country on the verge of disintegration. Regional independence movements have acquired advanced weaponry as the nation's military splits into competing factions. Escalating violence threatens innocent civilians and Western economic interests. [NovaLogic]
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.5
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay

Platform: Xbox
June 1, 2004
The most wanted man in the universe comes to your neighborhood in The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay. Set before the events of two movies, The Chronicles of Riddick and Pitch Black, the game tells the story of Riddick's escape from the previously inescapable maximum security prison Butcher Bay, which is home to the most violent prisoners in the galaxy. Battle your enemies in first-person or third-person views using shooting, stealth, or hand-to-hand combat. With Riddick's eye-shine, you can easily see through the dark to take out your foes.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.9
Nitro Family

Nitro Family

Platform: PC
May 1, 2004
In Nitro Family, players take on the role of Victor Chopski, with Maria, his piggy-backing wife, watching his back with her turtle-neck whip. Through progressive cut scenes, the full 15 level storyline unfolds and players must avenge the kidnapping of the Chopski's son against a shady underground of drugs and corruption. Armed with a unique dual-hand weapon system, players rack up kills against advancing hordes of 50 enemies and bosses suspending them in mid-air with a remorseless stream of bullets. For ultimate single player destruction, or via internet multiplayer game play through GameSpy, gamers can unleash a joyful barrage of gunfire in Euphoria mode, where the action moves in slow motion, but the revenge killin' intensifies. [ValuSoft]
Metascore:
62
User Score:
6.5
Serious Sam: Next Encounter

Serious Sam: Next Encounter

Platform: PlayStation 2
April 22, 2004
Serious Sam: Next Encounter finds Sam gearing up once again to defend the Earth from Mental and his limitless extra-terrestrial hordes. Sam is launched back in time to rid the alien scum from more than 40 levels spread throughout three beautifully rendered, massive new time periods Ancient Rome, Feudal China and legendary Atlantis. For the first time ever, Sam will have access to vehicles to help him mow down the enemies, and of course he¹ll be armed to the teeth with an arsenal that contains old favorites and some high-powered new additions. Throughout it all, Serious Sam: Next Encounter maintains the same hilarious and high speed shoot-em-up action that fans have come to love, while introducing loads of new gameplay to keep old hands and newcomers alike coming back for more. [Take 2 Interactive]
Metascore:
65
User Score:
7.9
Painkiller (2004)

Painkiller (2004)

Platform: PC
April 12, 2004
You play as Daniel Garner, a seemingly regular guy who as just been killed in a horrific car accident. Trapped in a dark and unwelcoming world between heaven and hell, you struggling to uncover the reasons why you've been denied entry into heaven. Awaiting your purification, you must fight through a seemingly endless number of demon soldiers as you to attempt to stop an imminent unholy war. [DreamCatcher Interactive]
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.1
Serious Sam: Next Encounter

Serious Sam: Next Encounter

Platform: GameCube
April 12, 2004
An abandoned mothership of Sirian origin is sending strange signals from the past, and there's only one man with the guns big enough to investigate: Sam "Serious" Stone. If Mental's forces beat Sam to this powerful time-traveling artifact, it's last call for humanity! This is serious.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.7
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