GOG, formerly known as Good Old Games has been around for a full decade now, starting from their humble beginnings as a small local retailer to becoming one of gaming’s most prevalent digital distribution sites. What separates them from many other of its competitors is their firm stance about not including DRM on the games they sell and their focus on preserving the past by not only selling titles from ages long gone, but also making sure they actually work on modern systems. They go the extra mile and provide extra goodies for many of their titles ranging from artwork, wallpapers, and soundtracks to name a few of the perks you’ll receive by buying from them.
For that and many other reasons, it has held & maintained a loyal base of customers, as well as attracting more as time passes. With that being said and to avoid me gushing over the service for paragraphs on end, let’s talk about just how exactly they are celebrating and why it may be worth a look for even somebody that has never bought from GOG.
First off as you can see from that picture, you can vote on one of three titles and claim whichever wins into your library for free. Your first option is Shadow Warrior 2, a fast-paced FPS shooter that blends old school gameplay with the love of loot that Borderlands popularized into the genre. Second, you have Superhot, another FPS yet one quite unlike anything else. Time only moves when you do, allowing you to think strategically and pull off some pretty insane moves to survive its levels. Last but not least is Firewatch. It is a narrative focused ‘walking simulator’ with quite the interesting tale to keep you glued to your screen.
Then you have three separate bundles of games to get your collection started or add to the ever-growing backlog. They range in price, but in particular, it is the most expensive 25 US dollar option that catches the eye. Not only is that the lowest Kingdom Come Deliverance has ever been, but you also get Battle Chares and Shadow Tactics to go along. Much like the other bundles, the games in them are not of the same genre so some may not appeal to you, though it is definitely worth a quick Google search to see if they do and if it is worth it to you.
Not surprisingly, they have put a decent chunk of their games on sale. It is not the biggest sale they have ever had, their recent summer event was a far grander event, though there are still many titles with a deep discount to look out for. My personal recommendations are SWAT 4, Planescape Torment, and Dungeon Keeper 2. Three very different and old games that hopefully at least one of catches your eye. Another recommended game which I have never played, though everybody I know says is the best thing since sliced bread. The Witcher 3
The final thing was the surprise release of the Soldier of Fortune series, widely known for its gruesome dismemberment of limbs during combat. In my opinion, only the first and second games are must play for fans of the FPS genre. Nonetheless, it is incredible that we finally have access to these titles and that is yet another game off my personal wishlist of things I wanted to see being sold again. Now we just need No One Lives Forever and Wolfenstein (2009).
All told, not a shabby way to start off another decade of awesome games and as good a time as any to join the DRM-free party. Happy 10th anniversary to everyone over at GOG!
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