Post-apocalyptic games

One of the best things about videogames is the depth of the story and the background can be as big as you want. That's why I belive they are the best medium for post-apocalyptic universes. However, not many games in these style come to my mind. We have the obvious case of Fallout 1 and 2, that considering RPG's alone, whether post-apocalyptic or not, are already at the top of the genre. Fallout 3 is also interesting, even though most of the roleplay is missing. It is still a decent game though, and walking around the Wasteland it is a good experience on its own. Following with the RPG's, Gorky 17 is also a very good game (and it is tactical, like Fallout Tactics).


Now, this IS post-apocalyptic

I guess the definition of "apocalypsis" is quite wide, so by that definition we have some recent games like Gears of War, Resistance, or Metro 2033, all shooters that feature dark scenarios. Regarding some first person games it is really advisable to play the Half Life series and Mirror's Edge, but that would be more of a dystopic universe, wouldn't it? I guess whatever happened in the universe of Mirror's Edge should be considered an apocalypse, because freedom is basically non-existant in that Orwellian society. Finally, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is based on Chernobyl after the nuclear disaster, and will really test our survival skills as well as our fear of the dark and the supernatural. Honestly, even though I love the setting of the game, I'm just too afraid to play it. If you like tense gameplay, you should definitely play it as the developers did a great work.

Well, after all it seems there are a bunch of post-apocalyptic games out there. I probably forgot a lot of them, but the ones I mentioned should satisfy even the more demanding gamer. Do you know of any post-apocalpytic games? I'm eager for recommendations, so don't hesitate to comment!

Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire. A great adventure in Silmaria

I was very surprised by this game even at the time it was released. Created by the mighty Sierra, it is a mix of RPG and adventure, but without a lot of depth on either part. What made the game unique in my opinion, was the quantity of random details.

We start the game in Silmaria, based in ancient Greece (probably Crete). I wouldn't say the story is breathtaking but is fair enough, and pretty original by today's standards. The setting is credible, with ancient Greece well represented in names and buildings, and everything is seasoned with wonderful music (especially at night). The combat animations are weak, but in general the graphics are solid with nice backgrounds.

However as I said before, some details are pretty impressive. The most interesting role perhaps to have in the game is that one of the thief. While still able in combat, it gives you the opportunity to join the thieves guild, located under a bridge where you can buy ropes and knives. You could even steal the bank of Silmaria so you would have enough money for the rest of the game. Another interesting details are the possibility of a romance (with even a proposal option) or sleeping in an inn every day and having breakfast there, talking each morning to the inn keeper. Also, you had to eat from time to time (kind of like in Ultima Online, I never knew if it was strictly necessary...ahhh, one of those video game mysteries!)

I'll just finish with a piece of music from the game: