Even in an era where video games are looking better and more realistic by the year, I find myself going back to my previous generation’s game libraries all too often. While there are still dozens of great games coming out every year, the ones that truly capture my imagination like the classics of the past are few and far between. Sure, you can chalk it up to nostalgia, but I feel that most of today’s games simply do not have the same heart that was found in so many titles released back in the day. Games may have gotten larger in scope, but their focus seems to be shifted from creating a wholly engrossing experience to making a flashier end product.
BY JAMES BELL: Gaming in 2003 was the best. I won’t hear anyone say otherwise, it just was. Gorging on a gaming diet of Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Halo 2, Fable, and Devil May Cry 2 on my consoles, and “Hey Ya” by OutKast playing on my hi-fi. Bliss.
Whether you were gaming back then or not, you may have missed one of the most underrated games of 2003: Freedom Fighters. Developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind Hitman, Freedom Fighters deserves a lot more recognition for its interesting setting and fun gameplay that holds up to this day.
Oh man, I remember playing this on Gamecube. I picked it up at random used from Gamestop and I couldn't put it down, from start to finish. I'm sure if I went back to it now, the nostalgia wouldn't hold up. I'd like to see it reimagined for sure!
I loved this game on gamecube. It actually got a steam release and boy did it....not age well lol.
Changing the controls using an emulator make this just about playable, if I remember correctly aiming properly requires you to hold the stick down which is awful.
I tried the game about 2 years ago on Xbox, and yeah, the controls were un-playable for me. I can't remember why the controls were so bad, but I stopped after about 15 minutes, it was just terrible. Also the intro story was so darned goofy and contrived, we go from calm NYC to full scale invasion within 60 seconds.
An emulator may fix that, perhaps I'll try it on PCSX2 or Dolphin.
Yeah very weak story. I enjoyed the game as a kid but going back to it a few years ago was quite the eye opener. However there is fun to be had in the split screen multiplayer. 2-4 player hold the flag objective where you can recruit up to 8 NPCs each. Unique in that way. Got a few fun plays out of that and laughing at the jank is part of it.
Freedom Fighters is a timeless classic that needs to be updated. Since its release nearly twenty years ago, “Freedom Fighters” has been able to win over the affections of gamers.
Weird how a side project ps2 game had some of the most capable orderable companion ai ever made. Like their behavior is nothing groundbreaking, but if you tell them to cover an area, or attack an area, they do a damn fine job of being about as capable as you in shooting and cover
Universal Entertainment recently filed a trademark for its well-known critically-acclaimed PlayStation 2 series, Shadow Hearts, in Japan.
I have a foggy memory of this one. Do remember that it was pretty fun back in the day. That thumbnail reminds me of the upcoming Wukong game. Excited for that one.
omg yes please!!
i loved this freaking game! and the way your character transforms is so cool.
Hell yes to Freedom Fighters, not only was that game a blast to play, but the soundtrack is so damn good.
Shadow hearts yes, yes, YES!
I don't think Shenmue needs a hd rerelease, I think SEGA needs to get on it and make Shenmue 3!
Totally agree with Shadow Hearts!