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[Stumpokapow]

So twice a year I'll try to run through and update the list of games which are exclusive to GOG's store. If nothing else, for my own interest. Here's what used to be exclusive to GOG at the time of release, and has appeared elsewhere (bolded titles are just ones that have been recommended, like always):

This is neat and I have some interest in it. For me, my purchasing hierarchy would be Steam > GOG > Buying retail copy on eBay and ripping > GamersGate > Impulse > shady euro backalley

I wrote a price comparison script a while ago that worked pretty well for this purpose but never expanded it to deal with exclusives versus non-exclusives.

 

[Minsc]

After playing through them, a few of those Tex Murphy games should probably be bolded. Under a Killing Moon and Pandora Directive are both first-rate adventure games, in spite of the FMV focus.

Thanks for re-visiting and recommending them, I was starting to think this was just my personal list! Actually, quite a few people strongly suggest titles from time to time or when they get released, which helps since I've yet to play a large number of GOG's library.

This is neat and I have some interest in it. For me, my purchasing hierarchy would be Steam > GOG > Buying retail copy on eBay and ripping > GamersGate > Impulse > shady euro backalley

I wrote a price comparison script a while ago that worked pretty well for this purpose but never expanded it to deal with exclusives versus non-exclusives.

Glad someone else finds it interesting, I've added a link in the OP now so it doesn't get lost down the road. A script sure would make things faster, but hand-searching the remaining exclusives is manageable and there's a few cases where a script might miss, like how Ishar is in a pack on GOG titled Ishar Compilation, but in a Silmarils pack on Gamersgate with no mention of Ishar in the title, unless the script searched item descriptions, which may cause a lot of false-positives then I think. Then again, there's a few cases where I might miss too, like how I generally check only against Steam, Impulse, Gamersgate, and D2D. DotEmu has some cross-over with GOG and in the past has had titles I thought were exclusive to GOG. I'm sure that's true of a few other publishers as well too, but for a quick glance over, it serves the small inquisitive purpose it is intended for.

 

[kswiston]

Might and Magic 8 is a pretty good game, but it is not on the same level as MM6 or MM7. Starting with a single character and allowing a player to recruit both traditional classes and monster classes (vampires, trolls, dragons, etc) was a neat idea, but the classes are not balanced properly. Also, it's been awhile since I played it, but I remember the game being a lot easier than the previous two entries in the series.

Still, the game is worth playing, especially of you liked Might and Magic 6 or 7. The stories from Might and Magic 6, 7, 8 and Heroes of Might and Magic 3 all tie into eachother, so if you like that sort of thing, make sure to go through all 4 games.

Originally the game was criticized for being buggy. Not sure how many of those bugs remain now after patches/fan patches, but I didn't encounter any major issues on my last play-through maybe 5 years back.

 

[Dead Man]

So twice a year I'll try to run through and update the list of games which are exclusive to GOG's store. If nothing else, for my own interest. Here's what used to be exclusive to GOG at the time of release, and has appeared elsewhere (bolded titles are just ones that have been recommended, like always):



And here's what's left at GOG and nowhere else afaik (their complete catalog is listed here):





Thanks for the suggestion, it's always nice to get pointers for the mods, when I update the mod section again (hopefully I can do it twice a year as well), I'll be sure to include it.

What a great idea. Thanks. I normally prefer to buy my older games on GOG since it is a smaller service and they rarely have any meaningful MP, but it's always good to know when you have options.

 

[Of All Trades]

Might and Magic 8 is a pretty good game, but it is not on the same level as MM6 or MM7. Starting with a single character and allowing a player to recruit both traditional classes and monster classes (vampires, trolls, dragons, etc) was a neat idea, but the classes are not balanced properly. Also, it's been awhile since I played it, but I remember the game being a lot easier than the previous two entries in the series.

Still, the game is worth playing, especially of you liked Might and Magic 6 or 7. The stories from Might and Magic 6, 7, 8 and Heroes of Might and Magic 3 all tie into eachother, so if you like that sort of thing, make sure to go through all 4 games.

Originally the game was criticized for being buggy. Not sure how many of those bugs remain now after patches/fan patches, but I didn't encounter any major issues on my last play-through maybe 5 years back.

My memories of M&M8 were mostly of it coming across as really dated by the time it came out. Not sure what it was being compared to but on the plus side since GoG is all about old and outdated it doesn't really matter. Mostly what I remember was the view increase and the starting area having something like a scripted event with the fire rain and being impressed by that (for some reason).

 

[LocoMrPollock]

Picked up Planescape and tried out the widescreen patch for it, but it doesn't stretch or scale the inventory screens or anything else, so it's kind of jarring to try and play it like this. Is there a way to scale or stretch the map and inventory screens?

 

[Sinatar]

Picked up Planescape and tried out the widescreen patch for it, but it doesn't stretch or scale the inventory screens or anything else, so it's kind of jarring to try and play it like this. Is there a way to scale or stretch the map and inventory screens?

I think there is a seperate UI mod you need to install with widescreen for pst.

 

[LocoMrPollock]

I think there is a seperate UI mod you need to install with widescreen for pst.

Found it, thanks.

 

[Catshade]

Today's new release is Rayman Forever. Quite surprising for me, really; Never heard of a PC release before...

 

[mclem]

I actually own this, although if it's any consolation I wasn't aware of a PC release until I saw it in a store at the time either.

 

[Minsc]

Picked up Planescape and tried out the widescreen patch for it, but it doesn't stretch or scale the inventory screens or anything else, so it's kind of jarring to try and play it like this. Is there a way to scale or stretch the map and inventory screens?

You should probably use a few more of the mods found here too (actually just follow the entire guide). There's some really great stuff, and unless you're unlucky and they don't work, I wouldn't play without them.

 

[tomasdk]

I'm very happy with todays release, the first Rayman is my favorite, all the sequels pale in comparison imo. But that may be because i prefer 2D to everything else.

 

[Link Man]

Wonder how this bodes for the second Rayman, given its recent re-release on the 3DS.

 

[Catshade]

Today's new release is XIII, a very underrated cel-shaded FPS based on an European comic book series.

 

[Minsc]

Today's new release is XIII, a very underrated cel-shaded FPS based on an European comic book series.

Missed out on this one, but it's already avaliable on Gamersgate, for a tad cheaper, doesn't seem too well received there, but it does look a little interesting.

Being a spy-type game, it of course makes me wish it were NOLF instead, but I guess we have to just accept that'll probably never see a digital re-release, even though something like that would probably be big enough to merit its own thread, and that series is probably strong enough to carry a modern day console sequel with sales in the millions.

 

[MomoPufflet]

OMG I've been hoping for a digital release of XIII! Such a cool surprise-- bought.

 

[graywolf323]

XIII was a good game that got overhyped

 

[MomoPufflet]

Just played it for 30 minutes. Still holds up-- good rhythm and pacing . Art direction is (still) great. If you dig the art and vibe from the game it's totally worth 6 bucks.

And yeah, it's a shame it flopped. It's not like anything else out there as far as 1st-person shooters go.

 

[LocoMrPollock]

Does XIII run pretty good? Last time I put my disc in, it was unplayable at like 500fps and v-sync didn't help.

 

[MomoPufflet]

Unplayable like how? Framerate was 60fps always with everything maxed (not many options) if that's what you mean. It was very smooth and playable to me.

 

[LocoMrPollock]

Unplayable like how? Framerate was 60fps always with everything maxed (not many options) if that's what you mean. It was very smooth and playable to me.

Unplayable because it was running between 500fps and 1000fps and no way to slow it down. So I guess they fixed it then. Just wanted to make sure before I buy it.

 

[SturokBGD]

XIII is pretty good, y'all should give it a try.

Widescreen and Hor+ too!

 

[MomoPufflet]

Unplayable because it was running between 500fps and 1000fps and no way to slow it down. So I guess they fixed it then. Just wanted to make sure before I buy it.

Oh my bad, I didn't understand that you meant it was sped up ridiculously when you said 500fps. Yeah, it runs totally normally at 60fps (Windows 7 Ultimate x64). I mean, aside from jaggies since you can't crank the res up that high (1200ish).

 

[19Kilo]

Weekend Promo: Rebellion games up to 60% off.

Some decent stuff in there:

EMPIRE EARTH 2 GOLD EDITION
EMPIRE EARTH 3
EMPIRE EARTH: GOLD EDITION
EVIL GENIUS
GROUND CONTROL + EXPANSION
GROUND CONTROL 2: OPERATION EXODUS SE
JUDGE DREDD: DREDD VS DEATH
LORDS OF MAGIC: SPECIAL EDITION
LORDS OF THE REALM 3
LORDS OF THE REALM: ROYAL EDITION
PINBALL GOLD PACK

 

[Catshade]

New release: Realms of the Haunting

Coming soon: Guilty Gear X2 #Reload

 

[vazel]

Fatlus will be happy.

 

[Minsc]

I might pick up GGX2, though I don't know how it ranks in the series at all. I'm sure all the comments from GOG's release thread will get me to get it anyway.

Realms of the Haunting sure does have that classic PC look, I must say.

 

[mclem]

I believe it was a followup of sorts (absolutely no plot relationship, but same engine and... maybe... same team on it?) to Normality Inc., if you recall that. I do also recall it getting rather good reviews at the time.

I wonder if that means Normality is on the way.

Edit: I knew I'd mentioned the game on here somewhere before! It cropped up in the Games you remember, names you don't thread way back when. I'll PM the person who asked about it back then if he's still around, he might be interested.

Edit2: Also, from way back on GoG's 'shutdown':

And there went any chance of a Win 7-compatible version of Realms of the Haunting. Goodnight, sweet prince ;_;

Someone should be happy

 

[Danne-Danger]

I might pick up GGX2, though I don't know how it ranks in the series at all. I'm sure all the comments from GOG's release thread will get me to get it anyway.

There are like two or three later revisions but GGX2:Reload is the only one available for PC without an emulator, it was considered top dog there for a while and is very, very enjoyable if you enjoy fighting games (but even if you don't!). The revisions are the go to games nowadays but you won't miss anything in Reload I don't think.

 

[MomoPufflet]

I'm not that into fighting games anymore, but I might pick up GGX2 anyway because I love the idea of games like this being on GOG. Realms looks pretty sweet too.

 

[Ledsen]

So is there any game on GOG where all the reviews aren't glowing five-star, nostalgia-fueled gushing?

 

[Lafazar]

Yeah, Realms of the Haunting!

I know I'm happy about today's release. Not because I can get the game (I have it and know how to set it up on modern machines), but because more people can get to know it now and experience its brilliance.

I consider Realms of the Haunting one of the best games of all time. Mainly for its writing, story/world, storytelling, atmosphere and the brilliant mix of FPS, adventure and FMV elements. That is not to say its a particularly strong FPS, so don't go expecting something like Undying or Blood.

 

[Danne-Danger]

So is there any game on GOG where all the reviews aren't glowing five-star, nostalgia-fueled gushing?

Enjoy!

 

[MoxManiac]

I'm not the biggest GG fan but will get GGX2#reload to support this genre on gog.

 

[Of All Trades]

Ok I'm trying not to go bonkers but Realms of the Haunting getting on GoG is HUGE.

HUUUUUUUUGE.

If you haven't played it you NEED TO PLAY IT.

 

[SturokBGD]

Enjoy!

I own this game but I can't for the life of me remember why. Must have been part of a weekly sale when they were doing 50% each/75% bundle sales.

 

[Lafazar]

I had forgotten how awesome the sound design in Realms of the Haunting is. It's amazing how atmospheric and creepy they managed to make the game with the limited technical resources available at the time.

 

[Sinatar]

Oh sweet, I've always wanted to play Realms of the Haunting. Bought.

 

[Animator]

I really wish thief 1 and 2 were on this site.

 

[Lafazar]

Oh sweet, I've always wanted to play Realms of the Haunting. Bought.

I'm curious how scary this game will be to modern audiences. The game has both jump scares as well as the more psychological horror of feeling that something is very very wrong, but of course technically it is very dated now.

I really wish thief 1 and 2 were on this site.

GOG have hinted at a soon-to-be announced deal with a big publisher. I doubt it is EA, so it might very well be EIDOS/Square-Enix...

 

[theinfinityissue]

Oh my god. Realms of the Haunting. That is freaking awesome. I remember I played a demo of that game from the pc gamer demo disc a long time ago, was totally ready to buy the full version, but could never find it in a store. This has been a long time coming for me.

 

[SabinFigaro]

Holy hell.

I've been waiting to play this game for a long, long time now. Bravo GOG, bravo.

 

[Joseph Merrick]

woah. realms of the haunting. awesome!

So is there any game on GOG where all the reviews aren't glowing five-star, nostalgia-fueled gushing?

http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/empire_earth_3

most games on gog have at least a small really dedicated fan following, so it shouldn't be surprising there are a lot of high ratings. people who haven't heard of a game aren't going to rate it anyway (hopefully). also 90% or more of the games on gog are actually fucking awesome, so there.

 

[Lafazar]

Has anyone else noted the numerous similarities between "Realms of the Haunting" and "The Wheel of Time" fantasy novels by Robert Jordan?

Spoilers for both, I guess:

• Spoiler

  Main Character: Adam Randall (ROTH), Rand al'Thor (WOT)
• Spoiler

  Adam gets a symbol burned into the palms of both his hands, just like Rand
• Spoiler

  both stories have seven seals in the form of flat stone disks that are supposed prevent the end of the world
• Spoiler

  "The Tower" in ROTH has a remarkable similarity to how "The Ways" are described in WOT, both are passages through another dimension accessed by portals, described as stone pathways and arches floating in the nothingness and in a state of decay
• Spoiler

  there even is something like the "Machin Shin" (that hunts the Ways for anything that is alive) in ROTH: the Eire (the evil force that roams the Tower in search of victims to consume)

This can't be a coincidence, even though the tone of the stories is otherwise completely different.

 

[Joseph Merrick]

This can't be a coincidence, even though the tone of the stories is otherwise completely different.

of course it can. pretty much all of those are bland fantasy/religio tropes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stigmata
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_seals

 

[Lafazar]

Well, that's true of course, but it's the combination of all these and especially the way "the Tower" and "the Ways" are depicted that makes me think the designers of ROTH were inspired by "the Wheel of Time". Also the seals are depicted as stone discs in both which is most definitely not an idea from the Book of Revelation.

 

[MomoPufflet]

So is there any game on GOG where all the reviews aren't glowing five-star, nostalgia-fueled gushing?

I think the reviews are in general really well-written and informed; leagues moreso than user reviews for games on sites like Amazon, et al. What is a game you don't think is deserving of its score?

 

[Sinatar]

Man it's so refreshing to find a real awesome classic game that you haven't played before. Realms of the Haunting is incredible so far, such a breath of fresh air from these stagnant corridor crawls that games have become. It's nice to just dive in and explore this crazy place, digging for clues, solving puzzles, all without some half-wit in my ear explaining every thing I need to do step by step or giant glowing arrows pointing the way as if to say "Hey fuckstick, you are too dumb to play our completely linear shit game, so in case you can't figure out which direction is forward I will point to it for you. Dumbshit."

Thank you GOG. You are kings among men.

EDIT: Oh and a quick FYI I was having some performance issues with GOG's default settings so I went into the conf file and changed the renderer to OpenGL and upped the CPU cycles to 200,000. Now it runs smooth as buttah.

 

[DiscoJer]

So is there any game on GOG where all the reviews aren't glowing five-star, nostalgia-fueled gushing?

Master of Orion III?

It's got an average user rating of 2...which admittedly is about 1 star too high, but still...

 

[HK-47]

There are like two or three later revisions but GGX2:Reload is the only one available for PC without an emulator, it was considered top dog there for a while and is very, very enjoyable if you enjoy fighting games (but even if you don't!). The revisions are the go to games nowadays but you won't miss anything in Reload I don't think.

No ABA or Order Sol.