Michael's Computer Action Games Blog

While it's true that many of the best platformers never seem to make it over to the PC, there are plenty of original homebrew and classic remakes that show the genre does have a life on the PC. The list of top platformers for the PC details just a few of my favorites.

 • Top Freeware Platformers

The Witcher has been one of the best role playing games released for the PC over the past few years, but it was marred with technical bugs, long load times and terrible voice overs and acting. With the release of The Witcher Enhanced Edition most of these issues have been fixed or tweaked. Also included are new missions, a making of DVD, audio soundtrack and much more. If you missed out on the original enhanced edition offers a great opportunity to pick up one of the best computer RPGs.

 • The Witcher Enhanced Edition Review (PC)

The Mercenaries 2 World in Flames PC demo allows you to play an objective from one of the missions from the full version of the game. Mercenaries 2 World in Flames is a non-linear sandbox third person action shooter that allows players to build a private military and recruit mercenaries. More information on the demo including download links can be found on the Mercenaries 2 Demo page.

 • Mercenaries 2 Demo

The Zone is a bleak and barren wasteland left in the aftermath of a fictionalized catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and is the setting for the first person action role playing game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky. Much like last year's S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl, players are immersed in a massive and beautifully detailed world littered with small outposts of humanity and warring factions.

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky Review (PC)

Crysis was raved by critics everywhere when it was released last year. The non-stop action, excellent game play and ground breaking graphics helped it garner multiple game of the year awards. However the high system requirements made it out of reach for many PCs and kept it from being a top seller. Crysis Warhead picks up with the same heart pounding action and stunning visuals while keeping the system requirements in check.

 • Crysis Warhead Review (PC)
 • Crysis Warhead Screenshots

Variety Magazine is reporting that Mass Effect has taken the first step to becoming a major motion picture. Avi Arad, the former head of Marvel's movie business has purchased the rights to create a film based on the best selling and award winning video game from BioWare. You can read the full article here.

The demo for EA Sports annual release of it's international soccer game, FIFA 09 includes six teams to choose from, playable in exhibition matches with 2 minute halves. The full version of the game allows for full season management of the more than 500 teams from 30 international leagues.

 • FIFA 09 Demo

UbiSoft Montreal has officially announced October 24, 2008 as the release date for Farcry 2. The first person shooter is set in a fictional central African country in the midst of civil war. Players will be able be able to select from eight different characters to play each with their own backstory, skills and abilities. None of the eight will be Jack Carver, the hero from the first FarCry. Be sure to check back for screenshots, info and other goodies in the coming weeks.
 • Official Far Cry 2 Website

Mercenaries 2 World in Flames released just last week, no word on whether a demo for the modern military shooter will be released but I've posted some great looking screenshots from the game.
 • Mercenaries 2 World in Flames Screenshots

At the recent Penny Arcade Expo (PAX 2008), Bethesda Softworks released some gameplay trailers for Fallout 3. There are five gameplay trailers in all, with each giving you a sneak peek into the upcoming action role-playing game. In addition to the five gameplay trailers new screenshots have been added to the Fallout 3 Screenshots Gallery

 • Part 1: Escape
 • Part 2: Megaton
 • Part 3: The Wasteland
 • Part 4: Super-Duper Mart
 • Part 5: Tenpenny Tower