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Gaming gems lurking at bottom of bargain bin
By Marc Saltzman
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Marc Saltzman, a freelance technology journalist whose reviews also appear on the Gannett News Service. (CNN) -- Shopping for new computer games can be a frustrating experience if you're low on cash or don't have a PC powerful enough to run the latest titles. Don't give up. Many software retailers devote a section of their floor space to "bargain bin" games -- older, overstocked or undersold titles -- that can provide hours of fun. Here are good ones to look for -- and they usually sell for less than $10. Diablo(Blizzard Entertainment; $8.99; rated "M" for mature; www.blizzard.com/Worlds-Diablo.shtml) Regarded by critics as one of the most influential fantasy role-playing games, Blizzard's Diablo combines fast-paced, hack-and-slash gameplay with a flawless user interface and multiplayer matches over the Internet that can be launched with one mouse-click. To find and destroy the powerful demon, Diablo, gamers choose to play as one of three character classes -- the warrior, the rogue or the sorcerer -- before traversing through subterranean dungeons and a war-torn town. Despite its 640-by-480-pixel resolution graphics, Diablo still looks great in 2003, and its stunning cinematic cut-scene movies are first rate. Once you have the game, download the official patch available from Blizzard, the game's creator, at www.blizzard.com. There's also a free, downloadable 167-page Diablo guide at the Lurker Lounge (www.lurkerlounge.com/jarulf). Myst Masterpiece Edition(Ubi Soft; $6.99; rated "E" for everyone; www.riven.com) Consider this game to be a "director's cut" edition of the classic Macintosh and Windows adventure from the mid-'90s. The original Myst -- which was one of the very first CD-ROM games -- places gamers alone on a mysterious island. By solving puzzles, reading clues and journeying to various "ages," players slowly unravel an enlightening tale of injustice. Myst is played from a first-person perspective, and as a refreshing change from most titles, it is nearly impossible to "die" in this game. The "Masterpiece Edition" features a graphical overhaul that displays scenes in millions rather than hundreds of colors. It also sports higher-quality movies and animations, digitally remastered music and an integrated help guide for players who are stuck on tough puzzles. Myth II: Worlds -- The Definitive Myth II Collection(Take-Two Interactive; $5.99; rated "M" for mature; www.take2games.com/myth2worlds) Myth II is a tactical war game with a fantasy twist. This 3-D sequel to the original Myth continues where its best-selling predecessor left off -- with players controlling powerful armies in a bloody battle between good and evil, human and inhuman. Battles take place on huge indoor and outdoor maps. This three-CD set contains the complete Myth II: Soulblighter game, more than 50 new solo levels and dozens of multiplayer maps, loads of new characters (including dragons, droids and even soldiers from World War II), the official Myth II strategy guide in electronic form, and a map editor so gamers can create their own levels (or swap them with others online). Gamers can also opt to play Myth II and the bonus features cooperatively or head-to-head with up to 16 players over the Internet at www.bungie.net. Other picksOther great "bargain bin" picks include Strategy First's Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns -- Game of the Year Edition ($9.99; www.strategyfirst.com), Take-Two Interactive's KISS Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child ($4.99; www.take2games.com), Ubi Soft's Rainbow Six Covert Ops Essentials ($9.99; www.ubi.com), Infogrames' Alone in the Dark 4: A New Nightmare ($9.99; www.infogrames.com) and Take-Two Interactive's Serious Sam ($8.99).
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