Achievements, trophies, ranks etc don't bother me because they are just player stats.

What I really hate are unlocks and perks.

Console sales would obviously rise because it would be the only way to game, but just think of all those PC game pirates who would have to turn to console piracy because there would be no new PC games to torrent. You would also get a bunch of new pirates who used to be PC gamers and still want to game but refuse to buy them for consoles.

[QUOTE="IceChipmunk"]

Digital distribution seems to be gaining quite a lot of ground for various reasons where some stores (depending on which country) have very small, if any, PC gaming section. I understand the reasons why some people prefer boxed copies but how would PC gaming change for you if digital distribution became the only way to buy PC games?

marc5477

It will never happen for the same reason that people still buy movies and cd's. Talk to me again if they pass on the savings for digital copies on to the consumer. Cut the retailer, no shipping cost, and no packaging should easily drop prices by 50% if not more but that is not what we are seeing.

Digital distribution seems to be gaining quite a lot of ground for various reasons where some stores (depending on which country) have very small, if any, PC gaming section. I understand the reasons why some people prefer boxed copies but how would PC gaming change for you if digital distribution became the only way to buy PC games?

Have these games aged well? I never played them and, as I consider myself a gamer with good taste, I kick myself in the ass for not doing so.mrbojangles25

As therog2 mentioned, the first three games are still amazing and if you don't mind old graphics, then they are definately worth a look.

The first two games are turn based and play the same except the sequel is set underwater as opposed to on land in the original game. The third game bought in a real time combat option, improved graphics and more complexity and this time the Aliens are making their attacks in the city, where as the first two games you fought them at different landing and crash sites.

You could always try the demos before you buy them.

X-COM: UFO Defense demo (original game):

http://www.download.com/X-COM-UFO-Defense-demo/3000-7562_4-10003228.html?cdlPid=858528

X-COM: Terror from the Deep demo (sequel):

http://www.download.com/X-COM-Terror-From-the-Deep-demo/3000-7493_4-10003460.html

X-COM: Apocalypse demo (game 3):

http://www.download.com/X-Com-III-demo/3000-7562_4-10008045.html?cdlPid=866107

I never played Interceptor or Enforcer...
Though Enforcer got some really bad reviews back in it's day.
It's a third person action game. Nothing to do with X-Com really.therog2

Yeah, I haven't played Interceptor or Enforcer either so i'm not sure what they are like.

Have you played any of the other fan made UFO games?

UFO: Alien Invasion is quite entertaining if you haven't tried it. http://ufoai.sourceforge.net

ah, sweet. i always wondered WHY THE HELL THEY DIDN'T HAVE UFO DEFENSE!!!JnWycliffe

Apparently it was something to do with licencing because the game was available on another digital distribution service.

Could this rerelease of the X-Com games be a marketig desition before they announce a new X-Com game?!!therog2

That would be cool if a new XCOM game was developed. I think many would like to see it follow the same style of gameplay from the first 3. Of course it would require new innovative features and gameplay etc and not just a re-hash.

At least people could admit how much a ripoff the service is, and that they pay for it as they are expected to by MS - in order to play their games online with friends.

skrat_01

So true. PC gamers refused to pay for Games for Windows Live because we already have better services such as Steam and Xfire, which forced Microsoft to make it a free service. This just shows that Xbox 360 gamers are getting ripped off because if MS can make the similar service completely free for PC, then why not for Xbox 360.

There is no competition on the XBox for such a service so MS can charge for it and 360 gamers have no choice but to pay. If enough 360 gamers stopped paying for Xbox Live (probably not going to happen) and demand the service be completely free, then MS might take notice.