Older bargain-bin games still pack a thrill
By Marc Saltzman
Shopping for new computer games can be a frustrating experience if you're low on cash or don't have a PC powerful enough to run the latest titles.
Don't give up. Many software retailers devote a section of their floor space to "bargain bin" games — older, overstocked or undersold titles — that can provide hours of fun.
Here are good ones to look for — and they usually sell for less than $10.
"Diablo": Blizzard Entertainment; $8.99; rated "M" for mature; www.blizzard.com/Worlds-Diablo.shtml.
Regarded by critics as one of the most influential fantasy role-playing games (RPGs), Blizzard's "Diablo" combines fast-paced, hack-and-slash game play with a flawless user interface and multiplayer matches over the Internet that can be launched with one mouse-click.
To find and destroy the powerful demon, Diablo, gamers navigate subterranean dungeons and a war-torn town.
Despite its 640-by-480-pixel resolution graphics, "Diablo" still looks great in 2003, and its stunning cinematic cut-scene movies are first rate.
Once you have the game, download the official patch available from Blizzard, the game's creator, at www.blizzard.com. There's also a free, downloadable 167-page "Diablo" guide at the Lurker Lounge (www.lurkerlounge.com/jarulf).
"Myst Masterpiece Edition": Ubi Soft; $6.99; rated E for everyone; www.riven.com.
Consider this game to be a "Director's Cut" edition of the classic Macintosh and Windows adventure from the mid-'90s.
The original "Myst" — which was one of the very first CD-ROM games — places gamers alone on a mysterious island. By solving puzzles, reading clues and journeying to various "ages," players unravel an enlightening tale of injustice.
The "Masterpiece Edition" features a graphical overhaul that displays scenes in millions rather than hundreds of colors. It also sports higher-quality movies and animations, digitally remastered music and an integrated help guide for players who are stuck on tough puzzles.
"Myth II: Worlds — The Definitive Myth II Collection": Take-Two Interactive; $5.99; rated M for mature; www.take2games.com/myth2worlds.
"Myth II" is a tactical war game with a fantasy twist.
This 3-D sequel to the first "Myth" continues where its best-selling predecessor left off i with players controlling powerful armies in a bloody battle between good and evil, human and inhuman. Battles take place on huge indoor and outdoor maps.
This three-CD set contains the complete "Myth II: Soulblighter" game, more than 50 new solo levels and dozens of multiplayer maps, loads of new characters, the official "Myth II" strategy guide in electronic format, and a map editor so gamers can create their own levels (or swap them with others online). Gamers can also opt to play "Myth II" and the bonus features cooperatively or head-to-head with up to 16 players over the Internet at www.bungie.net.
Other great "bargain bin" picks include Strategy First's "Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns — Game of the Year Edition" ($9.99; www.strategyfirst.com), Take-Two Interactive's "KISS Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child" ($4.99; www.take2games.com), Ubi Soft's "Rainbow Six Covert Ops Essentials" ($9.99; www.ubi.com), Infogrames' "Alone in the Dark 4: A New Nightmare" ($9.99; www.infogrames.com) and Take-Two Interactive's "Serious Sam" ($8.99; www.take2games.com).
