Let’s get down to brass tax: A lot of you out there may not be into real-time strategy games, and that’s fine. The genre had its day in the sun, and with the exception of a few major franchises that appeal to a dedicated fan base, there isn’t nearly as much mainstream appeal as there once was. If you are among those that has lost their taste for the RTS style, you should consider getting over that for XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
Firaxis Games did something remarkable with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, it took a classic game and reimagined it for a new generation. You hear that word a lot these days, “reimagined,” but usually those using it mean they took an existing property and made their own thing under the name of the old. That is not the case here.
Firaxis identified what it was about the last game that worked, then it built a game with modern technology that carried over those key ideals. It was a long process, but a fruitful one. The result is a game we liked so much we gave it a 9.5. For more details on the development, check out our recent interview with Garth DeAngelis, one of the lead producers for the game.
So if you have been on the fence about this game, or maybe it is on your list but you just haven’t had the chance to pick it up yet, put your money away and enter for your shot at winning a copy on us.
We have five copies to give away to five winners: two PS3 copies, two Xbox 360 copies, and one PC copy that we have a Steam code for.
To be entered to win, all you have to do is post a comment below telling us what your favorite old school PC game was. Just post a comment, and you will be entered to win. Be sure to include what system you are hoping to win a copy on (multiple systems if fine, but each winner will only receive one copy).
The contest will run until Wednesday, October 24 at noon PST.
Good luck to all!
(Update: Thank you all for your comments! We will be notifying the winners presently!)
Congratulations to our winners:
Michele Rogers
Christian Vergori
The user “SeveredOblivion”
The user “EDG”
And one other, who wished to remain anonymous
Thanks to everyone for entering, and check back with us for more giveaways int he future!
I am a huge fan of the original game, UFO: Enemy Unknown. I started to play it on Amiga 1200. The game stole many hours from me during my high school times. For a half of year it was number ONE. I loved the idea of saving the world from aliens and how serious the game was. Victory was never easy and you had to struggle with many problems: politicians cutting your funds, tough decision you made during combat, costing life of your soldiers and civilians, important decision concernig improvement of the base.
It would be great to have a chance to play this great remake.
PC version please.
My favourite game was Warcraft II. I’d love to win it on Steam.
Best game for me was X-COM Apocalypse and Cesar 3, they were just the best in their time!
I would like to be in the PC contest thanks!
My favorite old school PC game would have to be Quake. Although I was probably to young to be playing such games, it was so much fun. I loved using the Nail gun so much.
I would love a copy for the PC
My favorite old-school PC game from around the time the first X-COM came out was SimLife. (If I’m lucky enough to have my name drawn in the contest, I’d like either an Xbox 360 or PS3 version (PS3 preferred, but not too picky), please)
A word on my weird love of SimLife… I know, it’s kind of an obscure entry in Maxis’ Sim game canon, but something about it just grabbed me. The way I saw it there were two main ways to play. First, make a huge detailed world full of bizarre plants and animals, mess around for a couple hours, then start smiting it with asteroids and STDs once you got bored. Second, try to make the most balanced ecosystem you could, then let it run over night and see how it looked in the morning. I once woke up to an eerie, silent world where every square inch of land was covered by fir trees, and all other plant and animal life had been choked out hundreds of years ago. (=
UGH! Where did my comment go?
Master of Orion and Magic, Starflight I and II, Temple of Apshai, Universe Series and Wasteland.
How could I forget Civ I?
My favorite old school PC game, aside from the original X-COM: UFO Defense, would have to be Starflight. It was fairly revolutionary for the time and inspired many other games in the genre to be created.
I would prefer an XBOX or PS3 version, but winning any version would be great.
Alpha Centauri was crack. Actually, I should re-install that, because it probably still is.
Xbox or PC would be good.
My favorite old school PC game would have to be the original warcraft of Orcs and humans such a simple concept became such an evolved success the entire way up till now and still a fun gameplay.
My favorite old school game would have to be Tonka. I know that sounds a little stupid but me and my brothers would play that game for hours at a time. and if you pick my comment as the winner i would like it on Xbox 360,
Is Dungeon Keeper 2 “old school” by now? I say yes because they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore! PC Steam copy please. Thank you.
Modern Warfare
I have to say Star Control 2. It was an awesome game. They got so many things right. Tons to explore and different routes to play through the game. With only a few bottlenecks in the story that you have to do there is ton of replayability.
If I’m selected I would like the Steam copy.
I tried entering from my phone a couple days ago and it did not look like it posted anything. Not trying to double post. I have a PS3 and my favorite old school pc game is a tie between Pool of Radiance and Eye of the Beholder.
One of my favorite games was Dungeon siege, i had alot of fun playing it back when i was younger.
My favorite “Old School” game would either be Homeworld or Ultima VIII. I would really like to own X-Com for the PC (Steam). Also Grim Fandango deserves a modern remake… just wanted to put that out there.
There were many, many long hours playing X-Com: Terror From the Deep (I didn’t learn about the first one until after I’d completed tftd), Ultima IV, and Civ II. I probably logged the most hours on x-com though.
I prefer PC, since that’s how I started, but I have both consoles too. Thanks!
doom 1 my frist love then duke nukem then started playing warcraft 2 ,commandos 1, age of empire 2, command and conquer all versions
I only have ps2 but would love to have the game!
Civilization 2, the original X-Com and X-Wing series were all major favourites of mine. But probably the games I spent most time on were Grand Prix Legends and Falcon 4. Too bad I don’t have time for sims anymore.
(I prefer a PC copy, but I have a 360 and a PS3 too)
It would have to be between Fallout 2 and Half Life. I’m leaning Half Life on account of how buggy FO2 was, though.
(Xbox 360, by the way.)
I’m not picky. I’ll take any copy
So many fond memories of “Hero’s Quest” aka “Quest for Glory” by Sierra, such a great RPG from back in the day.
I would prefer a PC copy but have access to an Xbox as well.
My fave PC game was Moria… I remember spending too many hours playing that game during the weekend, hoping to find more rations(and cool items) to survive. lol
I hope I win a copy of XCOM: EU for PC. Thanks for giving us the chances. :)
When I was two years old, my grandmother introduced me to a game named Civilization II: Multiplayer (Gold Edition). By five years old, I was playing this game by myself. I’ve been a Microprose/Firaxis fan ever since. Did I forget to mention that Civ II had an XCOM scenario in it?
If I win, I would like either the PS3 or PC version. I haven’t decided which system I want this game on, so I’m going to let you guys decide. Thanks, and have a nice day!
My favorite old school PC game was Rise of the Triad, some of the weapons that game had were unbelievable. I would like to win the Xbox 360 version. Thanks!
my favorite is “Front Mission 3″ on PS1, i am hoping to win the PC version. thank you so much for the chance to win an amazing game
I still remember this moment today. I was over at my neighbors house when their dad came in and rattled of something like this: “So I was reading about this new game where you are a defense force fighting aliens, shooting down alien ships, mopping crash sites, and how it has been rated game of the year.” At this point he reaches into a shopping bag and pulls out XCOM while excitedly saying, “So I went out and bought it!” We were all very excited. I spent way too many hours at their house playing it on their computer. Good times. I’ll be hoping for the PC version. =)
Age of 32, crew up into gaming with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, but that was just a small drip in a sea of gaming. Would love to give a shot with this new version, to fresh up those childhood memories. 360 version would be a BLAST!
hi guyz =) wow, so many of them…
Heroes of might and Magic 3 Restoration of Erathia/Armageddons Blade/Shadow of Death
i’d like a pc version ;p but ps3 is ok as well ;p
Captanin Comic!
Or X-Wing. Definitely X-Wing, actually.
PC or Xbox version would be superb!
My favorite old school pc game would have to be Dungeon Keeper 2. The Pc copy would be pretty boss!
favorite oldschool game would definitely be warcraft orcs vs humans, such a great strategy game, xcom for pc or xbox would be awesome
My favorite old school PC game was COMMAND AND CONQUER: RED ALERT! The story was cool and it was still at a time when the Russians were very scary. This is a strategy game to, so I am sure I’ll love it! If I am lucky enough to win please send me a copy for PS3!
ufo enemy unknown PC please
My favorite oldschool game was Tie Fighter! Such fun blowing up rebel scum and just in case I’m lucky enough to be selected, PC version please!
My favorite old school PC game is Theme Hospital! Great simulation/strategy game. The funny diseases and treatments are very entertaining.
I would love to win the PS3 version :)
My favourite game was System Shock 2, it rocked!
PC Version :)
My favorite was the “Call of Duty” series.
I want to win the PC version of the game.
My fav old school PC games were Age of Mythology,Warcraft 3 and Warcraft 3:The Frozen Throne,those were actually my first pc games but I don’t think they are THAT old.In case I win I would like the Steam code.
My favorite PC games are the many variations of Tetris and Bejeweled. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
System Shock 2. Could it get any better? This game has it all. As for XCOM, 360 is preferred, but I own a PS3 and gaming rig, so whatever works best for you ;)
My favorite PC games are all the variations of Bejeweled and Tetris. Please accept my entry. Thank you..
z was an awesome old school game… first strategy game of its type i ever played… and it was dos. lol. xbox 360!!
DOOM 1 and i would like xbox 360
-jagged alliance
-syndicate wars
-warcraft 2
-fallout tactis
-commandos 1 and 2
-age of empire 2
-command and conquer red alert
-half life counter strike
-warcraft 2
-doom 1
-duke nukem
ARG!!! I CAN’T TAKE IT!
It says “classic PC game,” not just classic game! Does no one actually read the article!!!!
This is insane how many console exclusive games are being listed here!!!!
I’m irritated by how many games I wouldn’t consider classics, more based on age than anything else, but that is a subjective area that wasn’t stipulated by the author.
I keep coming back to reminisce on classic PC games, but I keep being reminded that half of these people didn’t actually read!
Oops, I forgot it was strictly older PC games. I guess I’d go with Nox from Westwood studios. Game was pretty awesome. If I win a copy I would prefer steam, then Xbox after.
I’d have to say Lords of Might and Magic. That’s a fun old school game from my childhood. As for XCOM, I’d prefer the steam copy for PC, but if nothing else, an Xbox version would be all right.
Old school? FF6 perhaps… There are a ton of amazing classics so it’s hard to pick just one.
I have to go with Ultima VII Part 2, the pinnacle of the greatest CRPG series of all time. And in regards to contest entry, I would prefer the PC version.
Star Control 2 was incredible. These days, I primarily use the PS3.
Crash Bandicoot is my favourite old school game. Playstation3.
Mine is Planescape: Torment. There’s no better game if we talking about the depth :) Fallout 1 comes very close also. (PS3) Thanks!
My fal old game is half-life.
It have action, puzzles, a very long story and most importa, now it have a mod from fans that enhanced the game to lastest graphics.
Please, pc version of xcom. Thanks!
My nod goes to Phantasmagoria. Truly the first creepy game I played. So creepy, my younger brother still can not even look at it without getting chills. (PC or 360)
fav Old school game is duke nukem ……PS3
warcraft, orcs and humans was totally my favorite game. I remember sitting there for hours and hours just playing it, not stopping for a drink or something to eat. this game was so awesome. (if i do win i would love a xbox 360 version please)
Favorite old school game?? Best RPG ever! Ultima 7 The Black Gate.
PC gaming is not dead.
Original Choplifter on Apple ][. Xbox 360
my favorite old school pc game is warcraft3, i loved it story line and i stay up all night during school days to play it
pc please
My favorite old school PC game is Age of Empire 2: Age of Kings. I’ve put so much time into that game and played it with my cousin so much.
PC or XBOX
but preferably PC because I live in Germany and I dont think you guys would ship it here :D plus I play on my PC more
I’m not sure if it can be considered super old school, but I loved the Monkey Island series. It always seemed to have a great amount of humor and an interesting storyline that was challenging enough for little me to scratch my head at.
PC or Xbox.
Warcraft 3! pulled my first all nighter playing Dota on the custom games
Xbox 360
Half-Life. PC copy.
X-wing and Tie fighter for sure, logged a lot of hours on those. Xbox or PC.
UFO Defense and Terror from the deep all the way. I only own a PC btw.
Betrayal at Krondor! First PC game I ever played. amazing rpg with first person open world and a 3rd person turn based combat system. should totally be remade like xcom…
:-( no Mac version? Not sure if the old Dell can handle it, but Steam please.
My favorite classic PC game was the original Duke Nukem Trilogy. Before 3D, before he got abducted by aliens while being interviewed by Opera. The original one where he had to shoot his way past robots to fight off a twisted mad scientist from the Ruins of LA, to the Moon, and finally to the future. Classic platforming crossed with gunning action. With multiple paths and hidden areas, it just begged to be played. It’s no wonder that it spawned a sequel which spawned a 13 year-old’s wet dream/3D sequel which then spawned the longest game in development history. Too bad like many great games, they just keep getting worse with each itineration.
heh, you’re probably going to laugh but I used to love playing Oregon Trail and old school Metroid lol
Xbox 360 pretty please!
Metroid was on the NES, not the PC.
Oregon Trail was awesome though. I did prefer the 90′s remake that added another 12 job classes.
I’ll take either the PC or xbox copy off your hands, only one please, I’m not greedy
The original Fallout and all its bugs. I remember leaving my PC on overnight and the theme driving my wife absolutely nuts. I would like the PC version from Steam
For me, I loved played MUDs (Multi User Dungeons) and in particular, one called dizzymud, which I believe is still being maintained actually. Thanks to MUDs, I learned how to type, and rather quickly. If you are looking for favorite PC game that had graphics, I absolutely loved Master of Orion 2, but I liked using my imagination within the MUD world. I would absolutely love a Steam version of the game, although I do own an XBox 360
Fallout 2 is mine. I still keep a spare pc with xp to play it. XBox 360.
My favorite old PC game was The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. It was definitely one of the most innovative Elder Scrolls games, and while Oblivion may have done it to perfection, I think Morrowind really hit home with a solid 3D RPG mechanics system and well, I loved it! So there! :D
PS3 is my preferred version, but Steam would also be fine.
Thanks for doing this!
My favorite old school PC game was, Kings quest 5. when kings quest 5 came out it was a huge step up in graphical power for the series and was the first to have voice acting, the story was very solid compared to what we have today. I would like to win the Xbox version pleas.
My favorite game was Master of Orion. What a great strategy game. Wasted quite some time on it. In case I win, I would prefer the PC version. Thanks.
The original C&C it actually featured the MLRS vehicles. (Army guy here!) A copy on the 360 would be nice. Thanks DT!
My favorite old school game is Zeliard. (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
Age of empires 1….(xbox 360 please and thank u)
Wolfenstein for sure! Killing Nazis is always fun. Prefer Xbox 360 version but also have a PS3.
Diablo. First PC game I really every played and fell in love with it and Blizzard, Ill still get on a play it again just for old times sake. Prefer the Steam code for PC but I have a PS3 and 360 so those will make me equally happy.
Elite II Frontiers on the Amiga A600, proper first attempt at decent graphics and a really immersive game that i ltierally spent DAYS playing at a time, just wandering around the galaxy trading slaves and spices, and that heart stopping moment you got hijacked by pirates and had to fight for your life and cargo. brilliant, nothing has come close since.
Xbox 360 if i win please :)
TIE Fighter. One of, if not, the best old-school sci-fi games. Used to play the campaign over and over. Would love a copy of XCOM for PS3.
Definitely Command and Conquer: Red Alert/2/Yuri’s Revenge. Love that franchise — I’d be happy with either an Xbox 360 or PC version; thanks so much for your consideration.
Actually, my laptop is too old to run it; so if I win I would like Xbox 360 please :)
The original Syndicate game. Sad you might consider a 1993 game old school.
Definitely Command and Conquer: Red Alert/2/Yuri’s Revenge. Love that franchise. – I’d be happy with either Xbox or PC version, thanks so much for your consideration.
Loved playing XCOM when I was young. Might and Magic is also up there on the list. Would love to win the PC copy. Thanks.
Age of Empires, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, Scorched Earth to name a few. Xbox 360
Carmen Sandiego was so hard! I don’t know how they expected kids to play it!
I recently found a copy of the original online (shhh), and my wife and I struggle to guess where they keep going. I think we are Gumshoe’s now.
Tip: A World Almanac helps tremendously…
Command & Conquer: Red Alert!! PS3 copy please.
Pool of Radiance tied with Eye of the Beholder and PS3 version please.
Pool of Radiance tied with Eye of the Beholder
XCOM: Enemy Unknown!!! Im in, PS3 copy please!!
Duke Nukem 3D….. PS3 copy please!
The original 2 games were far better and with more substance than Duke 3D.
I actualy went back recently to play Planescape Torment. Still one of the classics of its Generation. I also was a great fan of some of the first person RPGS on the Amiga.
ID like a PC copy if possible.
Tristan Pinball!
PS3 copy please.
I would love one, I was fond of Pipe Dream from Win95
I would love a copy of XCOM for the Xbox360.
XCOM:UFO Defense! I’ve played all the XCOM games and remakes, thrilled about this game! PC por favor!
Yes, Dune 2000! XBOX pls.
XCOM: Terror from the Deep.
Duke Nukem 3D
Super Mario World (with Yoshi)
Xbox360 (pref) or PC..
Super Mario World was not a PC game, it was on SNES.
Duke Nukem was a far better game before his 3D incarnation started running around strip clubs.
Dune 2000. One of the classic’s. PC Please.
Baldur’s Gate 1&2 (PC or XBOX) Thanks
WH40K Chaos Gate the game had some elements from the original XCOM – PS3 here
Mech Warrior 2, PC
duke nukem on windows 3.1, i have 360 copy please
Star Wars: Dark Forces
Baldur’s Gate 1&2 have always been my favorites
I did enjoy Fallout 1 even though I played it many years after it came out, but it’s still oldschool. I play on PC first, or Xbox 360 second.
I want pc
Some of my favorites were Hexxen, MDK, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Duke Nukem! PC version please
I’m really going to show my age – Maniac Mansion, then the original Sim City. Xbox 360 is my preferred console.
Old school is rather relative.. to me its 25-30 years ago.. I’d have to say Utopia was my favorite game on my old Aquarius Z80.. Those were the days… 1mhz CPU, 2k of ram.. spending all weekend typing in the latest program in the back of Family Computing magazine just to watch some stupid stick figure run across the screen…Miss those days actually.. lol
and PC of course..
im torn, also i love smash TV. and my system is ps3
Favorite old school game has to be Space Spartans from matel electronics. intelivision 2
Hells yea . i wanna play.!!!!!!!!
I loved Baldur’s Gate and its expansions. The X-Wing/Tie Fighter games also chewed up a lot of my younger days.
I’d be thrilled for either a 360 or PS3 copy!
Old school PC game? Of course it has to be Fallout 1 and 2. Not only where they great games but also had a great following.
I would like the XBox 360 copy.
How old we talking? I was a big fan of Age of Empires II Black and White way back when.
and* Black and White.
My favorite older game? That is difficult. I’d probably go with the original Tie Fighter (1994). Warcraft 2 Tides of Darkness (1995) would be a close second.
I would prefer a PS3 copy if I win.
My favorite old school PC game (as painful as it was) is the Hugo Adventure trilogy. Xbox 360 is my console of choice.
My favorite old school PC game was Tie Fighter. My 386dx 40 chewed it up! Any of the 3 systems work for me!
My favorite old school game was Tie Fighter. My 386dx 40 chewed it up! Any of the 3 systems work for me.
Sorry for double post – I got a log in error on the first.
My favorite old school pc game would have to be Neverwinter Nights. PS3 or Xbox 360 works for me.
Personally Mario 64 Is my Favorite Older game.
I haven’t played much of the older XCOM games But this one looks pretty good.
PS3 Is My console :D
Mario 64 was on N64 not the PC.
Well when I read The article, It said what was your Favorite Retro Game I think…
Any way Mario64 can be played on the PC :P