Experience the power of PC gaming
Play to win with Games for Windows
When it comes to enjoying groundbreaking interactive adventures, Microsoft Windows provides a platform that can satisfy even the most serious software enthusiast. And thanks to internal studios and third-party manufacturers such as Electronic Arts, Activision, and UbiSoft, the Games for Windows brand has never enjoyed more success, or widespread attention.
Even passing admirers now have the option of quickly getting up to speed and enjoying the best electronic outings PCs have to offer. The launch of Windows Vista, fully compatible with these titles and designed to enhance their usability and audio-visual performance, merely continues to raise public awareness. With each passing day bringing dozens of new, cutting-edge forms of entertainment and high-profile digital diversions, there's nothing stopping you from getting in on the game as well.
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Common features
Unlike the typical fast and furious outings designed for videogame consoles, Games for Windows commonly sport several universal traits:
| • | Intelligent play: With strategy games (Age of Empires III), story-driven epics (Dungeon Siege II), and detailed simulations (Zoo Tycoon 2) among the platform's most popular genres, Games for Windows generally require considerable brainpower. In short, they're a great way to build your IQ while killing time. |
| • | Responsive controls: Nothing rivals the precision you'll get from a mouse and keyboard interface, especially in 3-D shooters or strategic challenges, today's best-selling software categories. Unless, that is, you're using an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows. Or, for that matter, one of the hundreds of additional accessories such as joysticks and steering wheels available at Windows Marketplace. |
| • | Tremendous replay value: Through the use of mods, downloadable patches, level editors, and official updates, Games for Windows constantly change and evolve, giving you more for the money. |
| • | Unrivaled selection: Unlike console amusements—which must be approved by system manufacturers prior to launch—home enthusiasts and bedroom coders are fully authorized to program new software for PCs. Meaning that in addition to the many traditional puzzlers, arcade outings, and racers you'll enjoy with Games for Windows, independent studios are free to offer brilliant adventures, stunning battle simulators, and entertaining hybrids as well. |
Hot trends
Forget complex sci-fi tales and convoluted fantasy quests that cost U.S.$50 a shot and are strictly targeted at teenage males.
New technologies have enabled original types of electronic entertainment in recent months that aren't just instantly familiar and gratifying. They're also cheap and fun for the whole family.
Games for Windows remain the clear-cut category leader in the following areas:
| • | Casual gaming: Casual games (available online or at retail) aren't just enjoyable in short- or long-term sessions and suitable for all ages. They're also immediately playable and based on everyday themes like food, fashion, and geography, so you can jump right in and start having fun, even if you're don't consider yourself a gamer. See providers like MSN Games, PopCap, and Big Fish for more information. |
| • | Massively multiplayer online entertainment: Virtual universes that exist all day, every day, and allow you—through a custom-created 2-D/3-D digital double—to simultaneously interact with and quest alongside thousands of fellow hobbyists. Here's a handy guide to getting started. |
| • | Episodic gaming: Instead of being sold in a single box, episodic games are divided into bite-size, value-priced installments. New episodes that further an overall storyline debut every few weeks, similar to your favorite television shows. Developers such as Telltale Games and Ritual Entertainment are leading the way. |
| • | Digital distribution: Download complete versions of retail products right to your hard drive at steep discounts, or access hundreds of older selections for a subscription fee, using services like Steam or GameTap. |
Recent and upcoming hits
Ready to see what's got everyone raving? Here are a few recent and upcoming blockbuster Games for Windows that are already wowing critics and consumers alike:
Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania
From: Microsoft
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Construct a thriving aquarium and care for over 20 adorable animals including otters, penguins, dolphins, and sharks in the best-selling theme park simulator's official expansion.
Spore
From: Electronic Arts
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending
Attempts to recreate reality itself: Starting at the cellular level, evolve living organisms until they form cities and civilizations, then rocket off into the cosmos.
Create creatures in Spore.
Company of Heroes
From: THQ
ESRB Rating: Mature
Experience World War II as never before: Right in the trenches alongside screaming soldiers and exploding tanks. This real-time strategic saga's production values are unmatched.
Age of Empires III: The Warchiefs
From: Microsoft
ESRB Rating: Teen
Indian nations the Aztecs, Iroqouis, and Sioux join the struggle for control of the New World in this expansive add-on to the critically acclaimed tactical challenge.
LEGO Star Wars II
From: LucasArts
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Wielding lightsaber or X-Wing, guide legendary heroes Luke, Leia, Han Solo, and co. through the original trilogy's biggest battles. Expect frantic action for all ages.
Arcade action dominates in LEGO Star Wars II.
Crysis
From: Electronic Arts
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending
Hunt aliens in one of the most gorgeous first-person 3-D firefights ever experienced, courtesy of Crytek, makers of the award-winning Far Cry.
Crysis delivers a great visual experience.
Flight Simulator X
From: Microsoft
ESRB Rating: Everyone
The world's most stunning and intricately modeled civilian and commercial aircraft simulator once again raises the visual bar, just in time for the series' 25th anniversary.
Take a ride and fly to different places with Flight Simulator.
BioShock
From: 2K Games
ESRB Rating: Mature
An undersea paradise lies in ruin. Wandering sinking corridors, improve your abilities with DNA-enhancing matter, duel hostile mutants, or turn intelligent enemies against one another.
Also see:
The Sims 2: Pets, ESRB Rating: Everyone
Shadowrun, ESRB Rating: Pending
Insaniquarium Deluxe, ESRB Rating: Everyone
Luxor 2, ESRB Rating: Everyone
Sam & Max: Season 1, ESRB Rating: Pending
 | Scott Steinberg
Scott Steinberg is managing director of Embassy Multimedia Consultants. A freelance author and radio/TV host, he's covered gaming/technology for 275+ outlets from CNN to the LA/NY Times, Playboy, Rolling Stone, and TV Guide. Other ventures include software publisher Overload Entertainment and Games Press, the ultimate resource for game journalists.
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