If I were to list the top five most influential PC games between 1990 and 2000, Fallout would definitely be in the mix, alongside classics like Civilization and Doom. The fourth spot is up for debate with contenders such as Command and Conquer, Half-Life, Counter-Strike, The Sims, and StarCraft. However, the game that truly takes the crown is Deus Ex. It’s a game that’s not only visionary and original but also builds a perfect bridge between the player and developer’s intentions. Honestly, Deus Ex should be a staple for every PC owner. If you haven’t tried it yet, Prime Gaming has got you covered—Deus Ex is currently free to keep through their service.
In the past, I’ve delved into what makes Deus Ex a standout title in the realm of PC gaming. It’s one of those rare gems that manages to excel where many others fall short. In most games, especially sprawling RPGs, there’s often a disconnect between the narrative intended by the developers and the experience sought by players. Take Fallout 4, for instance—while the main story revolves around finding a missing son, players often get sidetracked, spending countless hours building a dog kennel. This conflict between game story and player action, what Far Cry 2 director Clint Hocking refers to as ‘ludonarrative dissonance,’ remains a pervasive issue in gaming.
Deus Ex, on the other hand, masterfully bridges this gap. Its levels offer a wealth of exploratory freedom and story-shaping choices, yet the core themes always stay focused. The more you immerse yourself in Deus Ex, the more compelling its narrative and characters become, drawing you deeper into its world.
If you haven’t experienced Deus Ex yet, now’s your chance. It’s available for free on Prime Gaming for Amazon Prime members, and even if you cancel your subscription, you’ll still own the game. Plus, there’s another must-play title available this month.
While BioShock gets heaps of praise and BioShock Infinite often sparks discussions due to its imperfections, BioShock 2 stands out as the best of the series. It outshines the others in terms of shooting mechanics and delves more deeply and thoughtfully into its core themes. While the original BioShock tackles Ayn Rand’s Objectivist philosophy, the sequel explores Karl Jung’s theories in a delightfully twisted manner. Interested in trying it for yourself? Just click the button below to sign up for Prime Gaming.
Otherwise, you might want to check out some of the top classic games or explore the best FPS games ever created.
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