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Shenmue

An action-adventure game set in 1980s Japan that follows one young man's journey to avenge his father's murder. It was praised for its ambitious scope and pioneered several gameplay features such as realistic open-world environments and Quick Time Events.

  • Released: 1999-12-29
  • Genres: Adventure, RPG, Simulation
  • Developers: SEGA
  • Publishers: SEGA
  • Platforms: Dreamcast, PC
  • Game-Modes: Info unavailable
  • Review: REVOLUTIONARY!
  • Rating: 10.0
  • By: dreamcastogfan
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Guitar Hero: Van Halen

Guitar Hero: Van Halen is an arcade game developed by Activision, Neversoft Entertainment and Budcat Creations. It came out on 22-12-2009. Activision Blizzard published the game. The game is rated as "Recommended" on RAWG. You can play Guitar Hero: Van Halen on PlayStation 2, Wii and PlayStation 3. The game is sold via PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop.

  • Released: 2009-12-22
  • Genres: Arcade
  • Developers: Activision, Neversoft Entertainment, Budcat Creations, Underground Development
  • Publishers: Activision Blizzard
  • Platforms: PlayStation 2, Wii, PlayStation 3
  • Game-Modes: Info unavailable
  • Review: Can't beat the real thing but fun for a couple of hours!
  • Rating: 7.0
  • By: diamonddave78
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Virtua Tennis (1999)

Virtua Tennis (Power Smash in Japan) is a 1999 tennis arcade game created by Sega-AM3. The player competes through tennis tournaments in an arcade mode. For the home console market the game was expanded with the introduction of the campaign mode. It was later ported to Dreamcast in 2000, and for Microsoft Windows in 2002. A Game Boy Advance version was also released in 2002. A sequel, Virtua Tennis 2, was released in 2002 and was later updated and ported for the PlayStation Portable, under the name Virtua Tennis: World Tour. 2006 saw the release of Virtua Tennis 3 in the arcades (using the Sega Lindbergh hardware). Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable and PC versions were released in 2007. Virtua Tennis 2009, was released on June 9, 2009 on PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii platforms. The latest addition to the franchise, Virtua Tennis 4, was released on May 10, 2011.

  • Released: 1999-11-15
  • Genres: Sports
  • Developers: Hitmaker, Altron, Sega-AM3, Strangelite Studio
  • Publishers: SEGA, THQ, Atari, Activision Value Publishing, Empire Interactive, Nokia
  • Platforms: PC, Game Boy Advance, Dreamcast
  • Game-Modes: Info unavailable
  • Review: THE GREATEST TENNIS GAME OF ALL TIME!
  • Rating: 9.0
  • By: dreamcastogfan
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Half-Life

Half-Life is the original game in the series. Being a revolutionary at the time, we follow the story of Gordon Freeman - a silent scientist at the facility called Black Mesa. Arriving late at work and hastily doing his routine he runs into the experiment field. However, the experiment goes completely wrong and opens a portal to a completely different dimension called Xen. The laboratory is destroyed as well as the facility itself, as unknown creatures like Vortigaunts are now everywhere in the facility. Gordon must battle his way to the surface and find a way to close the portal. One of the main features of Half-Life was story-telling through scripted sequences within the actual gameplay. Without having cutscenes, the game was able to tell the full story of the game by showing scripted deaths, dialogues, character appearance while the gameplay was moving one. By not ripping off the player from the process, the game feels much more smooth as it continues. Despite his science nature, Gordon is masterfully using his weapons and destroys any enemy at his path with rifles, grenades, shotguns and much more.

  • Released: 1998-11-08
  • Genres: Action, Shooter
  • Developers: Valve Software, Gearbox Software
  • Publishers: Valve, Sierra On-Line, Sierra Entertainment, Sierra Online
  • Platforms: Dreamcast, Linux, macOS, PC, PlayStation 2
  • Game-Modes: Info unavailable
  • Review: As a teenager when Half-Life burst onto the gaming scene in 1998, it was a seismic event that forever altered my perception of what a video game could be. From the moment I assumed the role of Gordon Freeman, stepping into the shoes of a silent protagonist thrust into a catastrophic scientific experiment gone awry, I was hooked. What struck me most about Half-Life was its unparalleled ability to blend storytelling with gameplay seamlessly. Instead of bombarding me with cutscenes or lengthy exposition, the game immersed me in its world through subtle environmental cues, scripted events, and dynamic NPC interactions. It felt like I was part of a living, breathing universe where every action I took had consequences. The game's innovative gameplay mechanics were equally mesmerizing. From the realistic weapon physics to the intelligent enemy AI, every aspect of Half-Life felt meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. I found myself constantly on edge, never knowing what new challenge awaited me around the next corner. But perhaps what left the most indelible impression on me was Half-Life's narrative ambiguity. As the credits rolled and I was left pondering the game's enigmatic ending, I realized that video games could be more than just mindless entertainment—they could be thought-provoking works of art that challenged players to engage with complex themes and ideas. In the years since its release, Half-Life has remained a touchstone in my gaming journey, serving as a constant reminder of the boundless potential of interactive storytelling. Its impact on the industry cannot be overstated, and I am grateful to have been a part of its revolutionary journey from the very beginning.
  • Rating: 10.0
  • By: mikeycal80
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Mass Effect

Mass Effect was the very start of the trilogy about Commander Shepard in his journey to save the universe from Reapers - an old civilisation that wants to kill every possible rational being in order to prevail any wars. You play as Shepard. With flexible backstory and different classes you travel to Eden Prime with Captain Anderson and Nihlus Kryik, you and your team must discover the mystery behind the attack on the human colony. In the process, it is revealed that another Spectre, Saron, has become rogue and escapes the planet to awoke Reapers and start a full-scale war with the galaxy. For BioWare, third-person shooters with tactical elements is a very common genre. Four different weapons - automatic rifle, shotgun, pistol and sniper rifle can be obtained through the game with better characteristics. Also, you can level up your protagonist and his squad to gain better stats and new skills. Dialogue panel is simple yet efficient - you choose the style of your approach and build a reputation of a hero or a renegade. With this options in hand, you can build your own story as Commander Shepard in saving the Milky Way Galaxy.

  • Released: 2007-11-16
  • Genres: Action, RPG
  • Developers: BioWare, Edge of Reality, Demiurge Studios
  • Publishers: Electronic Arts, Microsoft Studios
  • Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
  • Game-Modes: Info unavailable
  • Review: Mass Effect stands as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of video games, and it holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorites. From the moment I embarked on Commander Shepard's journey across the stars, I was utterly captivated by the sheer grandeur of its universe. First and foremost, the game's aesthetic is nothing short of breathtaking. The attention to detail in every alien landscape, spaceship interior, and futuristic cityscape is truly remarkable. The graphics, even by today's standards, remain impressive, immersing players in a visually stunning universe that feels alive and vibrant. However, it's not just the visuals that left me in awe; it's the richly crafted story that truly sets Mass Effect apart. From the moment I stepped into Shepard's shoes, I was swept up in a gripping narrative filled with intrigue, betrayal, and epic space opera. Every decision I made felt weighty, with far-reaching consequences that shaped the fate of the galaxy. But what truly elevated Mass Effect to legendary status for me was its seamless blend of action-packed gameplay and deep RPG elements. Whether I was engaging in intense firefights, delving into character-driven conversations, or customizing my squad's abilities, every moment felt engaging and meaningful. Moreover, the universe of Mass Effect is a marvel in itself. The lore is rich and expansive, with a plethora of alien species, planets to explore, and mysteries to uncover. It sparked within me a newfound fascination with space exploration, driving me to learn more about the wonders of the cosmos. In conclusion, Mass Effect is more than just a game; it's an unforgettable journey that left an indelible mark on me as a gamer. Its unparalleled blend of stunning visuals, gripping storytelling, immersive gameplay, and boundless universe has solidified its place as a timeless classic that I will cherish for years to come.
  • Rating: 10.0
  • By: mikeycal80