With the rise of independent developers, the saturation of digital content, and the normalization of computers that can play high-end games, there have been few better times to be a PC gamer than now. While sometimes you just might want to sit down with a mobile device, more often you will probably want to sink your teeth into something more immersive. This year in particular is looking to be an excellent year with some amazing releases, some of them having already come out. It is great to see innovation on the rise, and the evolution of previous innovation. We are starting to see that this year.
Here are five games for your computer that you should consider getting while they’re hot:
The Witcher 3
Having only just been released, it still looks as though The Witcher 3 has lived up the ridiculous expectations that have been thrust upon it and that it may well sweep some of the awards it will obviously be nominated for.
The Witcher 3 continues Geralts story (although the reader should note that you won’t get lost if this is your first Witcher game, even if the other two are excellent) and takes a much more open world approach to the game, allowing you to just simply explore the world around them and fend off the monsters or other enemies that come out to fight.
In addition to having some of the smoothest fighting mechanics I’ve seen in a video game, the level of choice and consequence in this game will astound you. Everything has a consequence, and the game allows you to live with that consequence. You’ll probably not even get to everything within one-hundred hours, and that is only one play-through.
Convoy
When you think of Convoy, try to imagine something like FTL and mixing it up with Mad Max or another post-apocalyptic universe. What results is a really fun strategic rogue-like game that keeps beating you up and bringing you back in.
After you find yourself in a wasteland with nothing else but a few vehicles and some supplies, you are tasked with finding parts for your broken spaceship so you can get off the planet. You have to deal with varying factions and a generally mistrusting populous (if not openly hostile). You have to fend off raiders. What more could you want in a rogue-like game?
Convoy was recently released and you can find it for a rather inexpensive price compared to a lot of new games that are released.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you play a relatively average person in a fantasy world just trying to get by. They need to make sure to eat, take care of their needs, and just survive. Nothing special, no magic, no dragons to really speak of. Just getting by and interacting in a fantasy world. Then again, maybe you could try to take part in some battles, rise in the ranks and become famous throughout the land. But it’s a bit more realistic.
Your food goes bad, combat has a great first-person perspective, and it looks as though the world is fully realized and there has a certain charm to it. It might not be for everyone, but there are certainly some enthusiast or experimenters out there who will want to take a look at this title. There is currently a technology alpha available, but most will want to wait until the game is more complete.
Nuclear Throne
Best described as a rogue like twin-stick shooter, Nuclear Throne uses simple graphics to create an immensely satisfying experience. You play as a mutant trying to get by in a nuclear wasteland, with an emphasis on heavy shooting and mutations. At times bordering on the wonderfully absurd, Nuclear Throne has more variety to its weapons and therefore its gameplay than a lot of other similar games put together. This is great for a casual sit-down session where you don’t want to think too much.
To be fair, there are a lot of these types of games out there, but this one is one of the best and most fun to play. It is currently in early access and constantly in development, so check it out also if you’re interesting in seeing the growth of a game over time.
Killing Floor 2
Possibly the ultimate culmination of the type of game where you hold off waves of enemies (in this case infected zombie-like creatures of many types) in a horror-like environment, Killing Floor 2 makes you feel like you have real power. And then it makes things difficult for you and the others in your online party.
A great game to just start up and play a few rounds of, especially if you want to play multiplayer with your friends. The game has a tight pacing to it and you rarely if-ever feel bored. Every game you’ll be making strategic decisions about your character, and you will feel and appreciate them. Absolutely recommended for fans of first-person shooters.
The game is currently released via early access (so don’t go expecting a fully polished game if you get it right away) with an expected full release later this year, and you can find it on Steam.
When you check out these games, you may want to check out if your computer can handle them first, some of them being incredibly graphics intensive. Also, you may want to make sure that you have a nice pc gaming controller or an updated mouse and keyboard so you can play your games to the best of your ability. Finally, if you are going to be using some of the online options or taking these games on the go with your laptop, you may want to consider using a VPN to keep yourself safe.
I hope that you’ve found these suggestions informative. Thank you for reading, and have fun with your new options for your entertainment this year.
