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STAR WARS™ Dark Forces (1995) is a classic first-person shooter that introduced gamers to an entirely new side of the Star Wars universe. Developed by LucasArts, the game set the stage for Jedi Knight sequels and introduced us to the character of Kyle Katarn, a mercenary turned Rebel operative who became a fan favorite.

Story and Setting

The game takes place during the early conflicts between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Kyle Katarn is hired to uncover a top-secret Imperial project called the Dark Trooper Project, a dangerous initiative involving advanced battle droids and power armor. The story adds depth to the Star Wars universe by diving into military operations and covert missions, giving a gritty, boots-on-the-ground perspective not often seen in the movies.

The locations are a standout feature. You’ll explore iconic Star Wars environments, such as secret Imperial bases, starships, and mining facilities, as well as original settings created just for the game. Each level has its own distinct look and atmosphere, drawing from the rich visual language of the films.

Gameplay

At its core, Dark Forces is a first-person shooter, but it goes beyond the basics of its time. It features:

Exploration: Levels are sprawling and maze-like, often requiring you to find keys, unlock doors, or solve environmental puzzles. There’s a lot of backtracking, so map awareness is crucial.
Combat: You’ll use a variety of weapons, from standard blasters to thermal detonators and the iconic Imperial Repeater. Enemies range from stormtroopers to officers and various alien mercenaries, with challenging AI for its time.
Platforming: Unlike simpler shooters like Doom, Dark Forces includes jumping, crouching, and vertical levels that add complexity to navigating environments.

There’s no multiplayer, but the single-player experience is well-rounded, with mission-based objectives that feel purposeful rather than repetitive.

Characters

Kyle Katarn is a compelling protagonist. He’s not a Jedi in this game, so the focus is on his sharp wit, military skills, and resourcefulness rather than Force powers. Other characters, like Rebel informants and Imperial officers, help flesh out the narrative, though the story remains tightly focused on Kyle’s missions.

Graphics and Sound

For a 1995 game, the visuals are impressive, with 3D environments and dynamic lighting effects that were groundbreaking for the time. Of course, they feel dated today, but the art direction captures the Star Wars vibe perfectly, from detailed stormtrooper models to towering Imperial architecture.

The sound design is another highlight. You’ll hear familiar music from John Williams’ score, alongside satisfying blaster sound effects and voice clips. These details tie the game closely to the films, adding authenticity.

Enhanced Modern Options

While the original game runs well on DOSBox, there are fan-made mods and ports that modernize the experience, offering higher resolutions, better controls, and smoother performance on modern PCs.

Final Thoughts

Dark Forces is a must-play for retro FPS fans and Star Wars enthusiasts alike. It introduced new characters and a darker, more grounded side of the galaxy far, far away. Sure, the mechanics and visuals show their age, but the game remains enjoyable thanks to its engaging story, atmospheric settings, and solid gameplay. If you’ve never experienced the origins of Kyle Katarn—or if you’re ready for a nostalgic trip back to the mid-’90s—this game is worth your time.

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is a standout in the series and a must-play for action-adventure fans. It masterfully continues the story of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who remains the most beloved protagonist in the franchise. His charisma, complexity, and growth as a character—now as a seasoned leader of the Assassin Brotherhood—set him apart from other protagonists.

Set in Renaissance Rome, the game’s sprawling open-world is breathtaking. Rome feels alive, from its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican to its bustling streets filled with NPCs. This isn’t just a setting; it’s a living, breathing world that immerses you completely. The attention to historical detail is staggering, making Rome as much of a character as Ezio himself.

Gameplay

The gameplay builds on the foundation of its predecessor, improving mechanics and introducing new systems. The standout feature is the Brotherhood system, where Ezio recruits, trains, and commands assassins. You can send your recruits on missions or call them into action during combat. Watching them grow and become skilled assassins adds a strategic layer to the game.

Combat is fluid and satisfying, with the introduction of the kill-chain mechanic allowing for smooth and brutal takedowns. Stealth remains central to the experience, and the game rewards creativity in how you approach missions. Whether it’s blending into a crowd, using the iconic hidden blade, or calling in your Brotherhood for assistance, the freedom to choose your style is fantastic.

The platforming and parkour are seamless, as Ezio scales towering structures and leaps across rooftops with ease. Side missions, collectibles, and investments in the city’s economy add variety and depth, making Rome truly feel like your playground. Optional missions, like those involving Leonardo da Vinci’s war machines, provide unique challenges and some explosive action.

Graphics

For a 2010 game, Brotherhood still holds up surprisingly well. The visuals capture the grandeur of Renaissance Rome with remarkable detail. From the sprawling vistas to the intricately designed architecture, the game does justice to its historical setting. Character animations, especially Ezio’s fluid parkour movements, are smooth and natural, while lighting effects help bring the city to life with dynamic shadows and warm sunlight.

Of course, compared to modern standards, textures and character models might look dated, but for its time, Brotherhood was visually stunning. Playing it on modern systems enhances the experience even further, as higher resolutions and smoother frame rates make the world even more immersive.

Multiplayer: A Loss for Modern Players

Brotherhood was the first Assassin’s Creed game to include multiplayer, and it was genuinely innovative. Players engaged in stealth-based matches, hunting each other while blending into crowds. Unfortunately, Ubisoft has since shut down the servers, meaning this unique and enjoyable mode is no longer accessible—a loss for anyone revisiting the game today.

Final Thoughts

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood takes everything great about AC II and makes it better. The story, setting, gameplay, and Ezio’s development are all top-notch. While it’s disappointing that multiplayer is no longer available, the single-player experience is more than enough to make this game an essential part of the series.

Ezio Auditore isn’t just a character; he’s an icon, and Brotherhood is his finest chapter. If you haven’t played it yet, it’s time to visit Renaissance Rome and join the Brotherhood.

Game of The Life Edition.

This game has an amazing atmosphere. The artistic graphic style with amazing lighting, the music, the ambient sounds, the voice actors are just outstanding. Max's inner thoughts and dialogues. Emotional outbursts. Heart-wrenching story.

You feel more involved in the story and connected to Max's character than in any film or book. Simply because YOUR choices matter.

A masterpiece.

Loved it.

At Home Alone Final really surprised me in the best way possible. At first glance, it looks like a cute little pixel art game where you’re just a kid playing alone at home. But as you start exploring, the game takes some really dark and unexpected turns. The contrast between the innocent art style and the unsettling story is super effective.

What I loved most is how the game loops and changes depending on your actions. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, something new happens to throw you off. The multiple endings kept me hooked, trying to see what else I could uncover. Sure, some of the repetition can get a bit slow, but the story's creepy twists and turns make it worth sticking around. If you’re into weird, atmospheric games with hidden depths, this one’s definitely worth a play!

Lovely little gem.

First I've played browser version and only recently I've noticed that's on Steam. Highly addicting.

I find really surprising that such a magnificent game is for free.

Total utter crashing garbage.

Lovely music.

Lovely little game. And for free.