Top 5 PC games to play this summer

May 28th, 2010

Looking for something new to play on your PC this summer? Unlike most June through August gaming calendars, 2010 is brimming with high-profile awesomeness, including StarCraft II, Alpha Protocol, and Need for Speed World to name a few. Don't get a life just yet.


StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Release date: July 27, Strategy

Summertime is supposed to be enjoyed outside. Try telling that to the millions upon millions of gamers anticipating StarCraft II -- and as a result -- The Great Indoors. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, the PC's favorite gaming company, StarCraft II promises more storylines, more distinct soldier classes, and even more on-screen characters than the original. StarCraft fans have been waiting 12 years for this. The time is now.


Alpha Protocol
Release date: July 1, Action RPG


Borne Identity in role-playing form. That's the best way to describe Alpha Protocol. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, sequel contributors to Knights of the Old Republic and Neverwinter Nights, Alpha Protocol lets players manage their CIA awesomeness via Advancement Points, take down baddies like one would expect in a third-person action game, and interact with non-playable characters a la real-time Mass Effect dialog trees. The "Espionage RPG"? That's what Sega's calling it.


Mafia II
Release date: August 24, Action

Calling all sand-box lovers! Arriving eight years after the critically-acclaimed original, Mafia II promises the following, in addition to the more realistic Grand Theft Auto-like gameplay fans have come to expect: The game plays out across a fictional 10 square mile city dubbed Empire Bay, based on 1950s' San Francisco and New York; From the start of the game, you are free to go wherever you want (no level unlocking); and there's even a freakin' violent button. Forgetaboutit.


APB
Release date: June 29, Action



Do you enjoy playing massively multiplayer online games? Are you tired of playing as a Night Elf Mohawk? Do you like playing open-ended action games? If you answered "yes," to all of the above, then do I have a game for you. Designed by David Jones, co-creator of Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown, APB lets players represent one of two factions: Enforcers or Criminals. From there, it's a never ending version of online cops and robbers for big boys. Should be fun.


Need for Speed: World
Release date: July 20, Racing



The Need for Speed series has been around for more than 16 years. So why should you care about the latest installment in the long-running series? For one, Need for Speed: World plays out entirely online, similar to APB, with lots of other gamers. But more than that, the racer is free to play forever. There is a catch, of course. After a certain level, the player ceases to earn experience points and will be unable to progress further in the game without buying a "Starter Pack." Still, it's a novel approach to racing games and definitely worth a look.

BONUS: Singularity. Release date: June 29, Shooter (I'd wait for the reviews, however.)

Did I miss any?

See also: Top 5 PC games to play this spring

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