A lot of people act like it’s against the law to stay indoors in the summertime, like it’s a sin not to be outside when the weather’s nice. Of course, maybe those people have never used their computer for anything other than work. If they knew about the great games available for the PC – especially some of the new ones arriving this summer – they’d see there are many good reasons to stay away from the sunshine.
This column, the third of four focusing on games soon to be released, looks at PC games; with console, handheld, and downloadable games covered separately.
Keep in mind that ratings and release dates can change before the product hits the retail shelves, and that PC game launch dates are notorious for being pushed back.
Check out our list then tell us what PC games you’re eager to play.
Tell us: What are the Top 5 PC games you can't wait to play this summer?
-- Ken Smith";
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'Two Worlds'
SouthPeak Interactive’s “Two Worlds” (rated M) takes place in a medieval fantasy land where dragons fly and humans battle non-human Orcs for world dominance.
What we like about role-playing games like “Two Worlds” is the way gamers don't have to follow a linear story. Instead, they have complete control over their destiny. If players want to help the Orcs burn the world, they can do so, or they can help the humans defeat the evil hordes. Or, they can simply ignore the battle and explore the game’s open-world environment.
What choice will you make when “Two Worlds” gets released August 14th? "; games_top5_070711[i++] = new Array("","'ENEMY TERRITORY: QUAKE WARS'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070711/quake1.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Activision", "", "273", "364", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070711[i-1].body = "'Enemy Territory: Quake Wars'
Activision’s “Enemy Territory: Quake Wars” is the latest game in the “Quake” lineage. While it’s not a true “Quake” sequel – it doesn’t share a direct storyline with the original – it does feature a familiar alien life form called the Strogg. And the Strogg are at it again, trying to destroy mankind while an army of humans does its best to stop them.
In this first-person shooter, gamers decide whether they want to play as human or alien, with either choice supplying them with a sweet selection of weapons and vehicles to use as they overtake or defend the various checkpoints in the game. And being that this is a “Quake” title, the action should be brutal and non-stop.
The T-rated “Enemy Territory: Quake Wars” for the PC is due out this summer, with PS3, Xbox 360 and Mac versions to be released sometime in the near future."; games_top5_070711[i++] = new Array("","'MEDAL OF HONOR: AIRBORNE'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070711/MedalOfHonorAirborne1.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Electronic Arts", "", "273", "366", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070711[i-1].body = "'Medal of Honor: Airborne'
World War II has been waged many times over in the video game universe, so why would we want to play yet another historically-based first-person shooter that has us fighting the Nazis? Because this time we get to be paratroopers dropping in on the Nazis from above.
The T-rated “Medal of Honor: Airborne,” the latest in Electronic Arts’ “Medal of Honor” franchise, lets you survey the battlefield from the sky before you airdrop in, and game play changes depending on where, and how softly, you land. Things are easy if you gently land in an area your comrades have secured, but things get hairy fast if you crash land in the middle of a squad of Germans.
But it’s not just the parachuting that gets us excited about “Airborne” (also available for the Xbox 360 and PS3). We like that this open-world environment offers a lot of vertical space to explore and play around in. For example, you can climb up a bell tower and sniper off the enemy if you want to. And, oh boy, we want to.
Yes, it looks like we'll be re-enlisting when this game gets released for the PC, as well as the Xbox 360 and PS3, on August 28th."; games_top5_070711[i++] = new Array("","'CIVILIZATION IV: BEYOND THE SWORD'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070711/beyondthesword2.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "2K Games", "", "273", "364", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070711[i-1].body = "'Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword'
\"Sid Meier's Civilization IV\" – a turn-based strategy title from 2K Games – has players trying their hand at leading a nation, running an empire that starts in 4000 B.C. and continues until 2050 A.D. Gamers need solid multi-tasking skills as they attempt to advance their societies both scientifically and culturally, and at the same time go to war with neighboring populations. Conquer the world and you win.
On July 23, 2K will release another expansion pack for the game titled \"Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword,\" rated E10\+. “Beyond the Sword\" will allow players to get deeper into the original game by letting them play out new scenarios, and by supplying them with new leaders to control and lands to conquer.
Any expansion pack that can give new life to an old favorite is okay by us."; games_top5_070711[i++] = new Array("","'SAM & MAX: SEASON 1'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070711/samandmax1.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Adventure Company", "", "273", "366", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070711[i-1].body = "'Sam and Max: Season 1'
While shooter games make up a good chunk of the titles released for the PC, they’re not all that’s available. Dig around and you’ll find some interesting fare, like the Adventure Company’s “Sam and Max: Season 1.”
This fun detective game will have you playing as Sam, the six-foot tall dog in a grey suit who solves crime with a little help from his sidekick, Max, a rabbit-esque creature half Sam’s size. Together they’re on a mission to catch criminals and crack a mind control conspiracy, as well as crack a few jokes.
This game is not really new; it’s a collection of the six previously available episodic games that together make up “Season 1.” But we look forward to this box set being released August 7th not just because we’ll have all the games in one place, but for all the extras that come with the game, like previously unreleased character biographies and a behind-the-scenes video.
(This game is not yet rated.)
Tell us: What Top 5 PC games are you looking forward to this summer?
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