While Sacrifice was undeniably the most visually impressive strategy title released this year, Homeworld: Cataclysm had more of what counts – gameplay. As Brett Todd stated in his review: "The basic foundation and overall game balance and execution are so solid that other developers should be ringing up Barking Dog to find out how sequels are supposed to be designed. Don't miss this one."
Reluctant hero Max, clearly mad Doctor Fluke Hawkins and Max the robotic Dog. An unlikely trio to save the world but they're the only ones who can do it anyway. MDK simply had it all – action, wonderfully silly humour, puzzles, sneaking, sniping and so much polish you could practically see your face in it. Oh, and above all, farting aliens. Top stuff.
After a not-so-impressive third outing for the Mechwarrior series, it's back with a bang – lots of them in fact. The voice acting in Mechwarrior 4 is pretty pitiful but you can't fault the game for much else. Fans of the series will be well pleased and anyone else should give it a go since it's still remarkably accessible.
I can see the headlines now - “Monolith in great game shocker!” Yes, after the bad Blood 2 and the rather average Shogo, Monolith decided to show the world what they were REALLY made of and released No One Lives Forever, a title that's quite easily one of the best FTP games in recent years. Excellent and varied level design, top notch voice acting, piles of weapons to use and the refreshingly different setting of the funky 60's all gelled together into a fine gaming experience indeed and one of this year's surprise hits.