[PC] I really need some recommendations for PC games

Today's your lucky day Hush and Cool, because not only is the PC my favourite gaming platform, and not only do I enjoy making lists of my favourite things, but I also have no idea how to spend my time productively and can quite easily waste an afternoon searching google for screenshots instead of, say, doing work.

So here, a tribute to my favourite games on my favourite platform in no particular order, part 1 of 2.

Aquaria - Action Adventure - 2007
gorgeous music and visuals in an atmospheric aqua based metroid-athon. This was made by 2 guys, and they should have your money.



Deus Ex - FPS/RPG - 2000
immersive, interactive world, free-form gameplay, excellent story, great music. Play it at night.



Wizardry 8 - RPG - 2001
Wizardry 8 is the last of its kind; that breed of old school RPG that is about being constantly challenging and pushing you to your limits. Just reaching a new location is exciting and feels like a reward in itself. Play it, and prove you're not a pansy.



VVVVVV - Platformer - 2010
An homage to retro platformers, right down to the soundtrack. Has a fairly simple game mechanic but it's explored in inventive ways. The learning curve is perfect.



Unreal Tournament - FPS - 1999
A massive appeal of the original UT was the simple aesthetic that often resulted in amazing scenarios like the picture below; sadly forgotten in the series' move towards a grittier realism with 'better' graphics. If, like me, you like headshotting people to a backdrop of outstanding beauty, and electronic music rather than orchestrated, then you will go for UT99.



Guild Wars - MMORPG - 2005
Not really a MMORPG because all of the action is played with small teams in private instances. Guild Wars is the prettiest game I've ever played, and every now and then I get nostalgic for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful environments that beg to be explored.



Sam and Max Hit the Road - Adventure - 1993
Sam and Max are a great double act wherever they turn up, and this is wonderfully scripted. My pick for the funniest game ever.



Within a Deep Forest - Platformer - 2006
One of the best freeware games available. Crisp, minimalist graphics and tight gameplay. Some people prefer the more laid back and adventure oriented Knytt Stories by the same author.



Braid - Puzzle - 2009
Braid is actually a challenging puzzle game dressed up like a platformer. Like VVVVVV it plays with one central gimmick, and it explores it in ingenious ways without ever getting old.



Half-Life series - FPS - 1998/2004
The Half-Life games are like well designed theme park rides, shuttling you from one thrilling set-piece to another. You can't really step off the track, but the ride is so incredible you don't even want to.


Jam it back in, in the dark.

Planescape: Torment - RPG - 1999
the Planescape universe is the most unique of RPG settings and captures the imagination like no other. Set an intriguing mystery of amnesia and immortality here and you have the most compelling story ever committed to game.



Subspace - Action - 1997
imagine the game Asteroids taking place in a huge arena. Now replace the Asteroids with other player driven ships. That's just to give you an impression - it has a lot more depth than that. Subspace has a steep learning curve but once you get into it you'll find the gameplay addictive and well balanced.



S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl - FPS - 2007
The most atmospheric game I've played, and maybe also the scariest. Set in a fictional version of The Zone which surrounds Chernobyl. Above ground The Zone feels like it's living and breathing, and below ground is where it gets beyond eerie.


The Monkey Island Series - Adventure - 1990-2009
Very funny and crammed with a whole cast of memorable characters. Should be the starting point for anyone remotely interested in the genre, really.



Another World - Platformer - 1991
I've seen this labeled a 'cinematic platformer' which is pretty apt. Teleported to a hostile, alien world, you have to survive a series of scripted events, while in control of a slow, awkward human body.



Cave Story - Platformer - 2004
Cave Story is either a massive inspiration to solitary bedroom coders everywhere, or it caused hearts to sink, because they knew the bar had just been set impossibly high.



Nox - RPG - 2000
Nox is a Diablo alike. Nox is superior in that dungeons aren't randomly generated, so you get some cool Indiana Jones-esque sequences, and better overall use of the surroundings.



System Shock 2 - FPS/RPG - 1999
Can be called a true horror game. Whereas other FPSs have scary moments, the fear in System Shock 2 is all-pervading.



Portal - Puzzle - 2007
Clever puzzles, humour, personality and charm in spades.



Machinarium - Adventure - 2009
Machinarium showed us there's still a place for original point and click adventure games, and did so with the greatest of style and art direction.


There's nowhere I can't reach.