Wirehead Studios

PC First Person Shooters to look forward to in 2004

----------The Big Ones----------
Half-Life 2 - April/2004 (or not?)
Developer: Valve Software (Notable previous title(s): "Half-life")
----
Pros: Have you watched the videos? :P
Cons: Delays, and overly-high expectations.
----
-Movie (Gameplay: Traptown, great clip.)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3372 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3372)
-Screenshots-
http://www.halflife2.net/image_files/04.jpg (http://www.halflife2.net/image_files/04.jpg)
http://www.halflife2.net/image_files/06.jpg (http://www.halflife2.net/image_files/06.jpg)

Doom 3 - (2004?)
Developer: id Software (Notable previous title(s): "Wolfenstein 3D", "Doom", "Quake", etc.)
----
Pros: Graphics, atmosphere, physics.
Cons: An id game with a story, will it pan out? System requirments.
----
-Movie (Gameplay: E3 trailer.)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4201 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4201)
-Screenshots-
http://www.shacknews.com/screens.x/doom3/D...303_doom3_1.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screens.x/doom3/DOOM+3/1/thumbs/092303_doom3_1.jpg)
http://www.shacknews.com/screens.x/doom3/D...303_doom3_2.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screens.x/doom3/DOOM+3/1/thumbs/092303_doom3_2.jpg)

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - 9/14/2004
Developer: GSC (Notable previous title(s): "Codename: Outbreak")
----
Pros: Huge open ended world, non-linear gameplay, FPS/RPG meld, awesomely powerful engine, vehicals.
Cons: Certain realism aspects may not appeal to some.
----
-Movie (Night/Day cycles)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4072 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4072)
-Screenshots-
http://www.stalker-game.com/download/galle.../sb_xray_41.jpg (http://www.stalker-game.com/download/gallery/screenshots/middle/sb_xray_41.jpg)
http://www.stalker-game.com/download/galle.../sb_xray_49.jpg (http://www.stalker-game.com/download/gallery/screenshots/middle/sb_xray_49.jpg)
More info --> http://www.stalker-game.com/index_eng.html (http://www.stalker-game.com/index_eng.html)

----------Should be Great----------
Far Cry - 3/23/2004
Developer: Crytek (No previously released titles at all)
----
Pros: Great Engine, Solid AI (needs some ironing out, but fun to play against), Physics, Vehicals, Really cool editor
Cons: Will there be enough diversity between levels? Performance problems for some.
----
-Demo-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4439 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4439)
-Movie (Gameplay)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4256 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4256)
-Screenshots-
http://www.gengamers.com/assets/images/aut...a_farcry-81.jpg (http://www.gengamers.com/assets/images/autogen/a_farcry-81.jpg)
http://www.homelanfed.com/images/jcal/farcrys10.jpg (http://www.homelanfed.com/images/jcal/farcrys10.jpg)
More info --> http://www.farcry-thegame.com/uk/index.php...hangesite=flash (http://www.farcry-thegame.com/uk/index.php?changesite=flash)

Battlefield Vietnam - 3/22/2004
Developer: Digital Illusions Canada (Not Battlefield 1942 :P)
----
Pros: Helicopters, Jets, Airlifting vehicals, mobile spawn points, updated graphics engine
Cons: Will it different enough from the mods (DC, EOD) to be worth it?
----
-Movie (Gameplay, 24megs, not currently on Fileshack)-
http://www.gamershell.com/download_4969.shtml (http://www.gamershell.com/download_4969.shtml)
-Screenshots-
http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/galle...tnam/newbv3.jpg (http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/gallery/Action/Battlefield_Vietnam/newbv3.jpg)
http://www.gamer.nl/images/content/CosmicF...074639505_2.jpg (http://www.gamer.nl/images/content/CosmicFire/200401/1074639505_2.jpg)
More info --> http://www.eagames.com/official/battlefiel...nam/us/home.jsp (http://www.eagames.com/official/battlefield/vietnam/us/home.jsp)

Thief: Deadly Shadows (aka Thief 3) - (2004?)
Developer: Ion Storm Austin (Notable previous title(s): "Deus Ex")
----
Pros: Thief gameplay updated with next-gen engine.
Cons: Consoleitis? We shall see.
----
-Movie (Gameplay: 3 mins long shakey cam, not currently on Fileshack)-
http://www.4gamer.net/store/movie/thief_h.mpg (http://www.4gamer.net/store/movie/thief_h.mpg)
-Screenshots-
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/...3_screen004.jpg (http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/e3/0514/eidos/thief3_screen004.jpg)
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/...2_screen003.jpg (http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/screen0/914779_20040122_screen003.jpg)

UT 2004 - 3/16/2004
Developer: Epic Games / Digital Extremes (Notable previous title(s): "Unreal", UT, UT 2003)
----
Pros: Everything that UT 2003 had (literally) plus the kitchen sink (vehicals, new gametypes, the return of assault). Mods should port easily.
Cons: Even with a discount, will owners of UT 2003 bother with it?
----
-Movie (Gameplay: Shows off a lot of the vehicular combat)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4092 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4092)
-Screenshots-
http://www.planetunreal.com/ut2004/screens.../ut2004lan2.jpg (http://www.planetunreal.com/ut2004/screenshots/ut2004lan2.jpg)
http://www.planetunreal.com/ut2004/screens...ts/atari/17.jpg (http://www.planetunreal.com/ut2004/screenshots/atari/17.jpg)
More info --> http://www.unrealtournament.com/ut2004/features.php (http://www.unrealtournament.com/ut2004/features.php)

----------Could be Good, Can't Wait for a Demo----------
Soldner: Secret Wars - Feb/2004
Developer: Wings Simulations (No previous FPS games, made the sim "Panzer Elite")
----
Pros: Huge maps, anything can be destroyed, looks like Operation Flashpoint with a near-future twist.
Cons: Early reports have been very critical about framerate, this is the developer's first FPS.
----
-Movie (Gameplay, not that great a movie, fastforward a couple mins to see anything.)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4301 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4301)
-Screenshots-
http://soldner.jowood.com/images/screenshots/72.jpg (http://soldner.jowood.com/images/screenshots/72.jpg)
http://soldner.jowood.com/images/screenshots/49.jpg (http://soldner.jowood.com/images/screenshots/49.jpg)
More info --> http://soldner.jowood.com/ (http://soldner.jowood.com/)

Painkiller - 3/23/2004
Developer: People Can Fly (No previous games at all)
----
Pros: Crazy over-the-top Serious Sam style gameplay with a great looking engine, solid physics, dual purpose weapons.
Cons: No developer track record.
----
-Movie (Gameplay)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4080 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4080)
-Screenshots-
http://www.painkillergame.com/images/scree...Catacombs09.jpg (http://www.painkillergame.com/images/screenshots/fullsized/Catacombs09.jpg)
http://www.painkillergame.com/images/scree...inStation17.jpg (http://www.painkillergame.com/images/screenshots/fullsized/TrainStation17.jpg)
More info --> http://www.painkillergame.com/loader_content.html (http://www.painkillergame.com/loader_content.html)

Call of Cthulhu - 4th Qtr. 2004
Developer: Headfirst Productions (No previous FPS games, just adventure games i.e. "Simon the Sorcerer")
----
Pros: More of an adventure/FPS hybrid, no HUD, realism oriented, sanity effects, physics interaction, atmposhere.
Cons: It's been delayed so much, most of its unique features won't be so unique anymore.
----
-Movie (in-engine I think)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=1742 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=1742)
-Screenshots-
http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/galle...ofCthulhu07.jpg (http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/gallery/Action-Adventure/Call_of_Cthulhu/CallofCthulhu07.jpg)
http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/galle...ofCthulhu05.jpg (http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/gallery/Action-Adventure/Call_of_Cthulhu/CallofCthulhu05.jpg)
More info --> http://www.callofcthulhu.co.uk/ (http://www.callofcthulhu.co.uk/)

Xenus - (2004?)
Developer: Deep Shadows (The company founders are two of the main people who worked on "Codename: Outbreak" at GSC)
----
Pros: FPS/RPG hybrid, huge world, non-linear gameplay, vehicals (including helicopters).
Cons: Might be overshadowed by big-name titles.
----
-Movie (Gameplay: Driving, Flying, Shooting, Talking to NPCs)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=2947 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=2947)
-Screenshots-
http://actionvault.ign.com/features/media/...xenus062503.jpg (http://actionvault.ign.com/features/media/xenus/xenus062503.jpg)
http://actionvault.ign.com/features/media/...xenus070203.jpg (http://actionvault.ign.com/features/media/xenus/xenus070203.jpg)
More info --> http://www.deep-shadows.com/en/index.php (http://www.deep-shadows.com/en/index.php)

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines - 6/14/2004
Developer: Troika (Made the RPG "Arcanum")
----
Pros: FPS/RPG hybrid, uses the Source engine, Vampires are great to play as or against.
Cons: Sequel to a not-that-great game.
----
-E3 Trailer-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3002 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3002)
-Screenshots-
http://www.vampirebloodlines.com/screens/BS2.jpg (http://www.vampirebloodlines.com/screens/BS2.jpg)
http://www.vampirebloodlines.com/screens/BS7.jpg (http://www.vampirebloodlines.com/screens/BS7.jpg)
More info --> http://www.vampirebloodlines.com/ (http://www.vampirebloodlines.com/)

----------Might not be bad----------
Tribes: Vengeance
-Movie (Gameplay)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3927 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3927)
-Screenshots-
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/...0_screen003.jpg (http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/reviews/914677_20040130_screen003.jpg)
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/...3_screen006.jpg (http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/screen0/914677_20030113_screen006.jpg)

Firestarter - 3/2/2004
Demo+Patch -
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4189 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4189)
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4202 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4202)
-Screenshots-
http://www.firestarter-game.com/img_glob/g...reen/025/02.jpg (http://www.firestarter-game.com/img_glob/galery/screen/025/02.jpg)
http://www.firestarter-game.com/img_glob/g...reen/031/01.jpg (http://www.firestarter-game.com/img_glob/galery/screen/031/01.jpg)

Vivisector - 1st Qtr. 2004
-Movie (Gameplay)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=2996 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=2996)
-Screenshots-
http://www.vivisector.com/visuals/3shot0001.jpg (http://www.vivisector.com/visuals/3shot0001.jpg)
http://www.vivisector.com/visuals/shot0001.jpg (http://www.vivisector.com/visuals/shot0001.jpg)

Psychotoxic - (2004?)
-Movie (Gameplay)- http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4360 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=4360)
-Screenshots-
http://www.nuclearvision.de/_download/shots/01.jpg (http://www.nuclearvision.de/_download/shots/01.jpg)
http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/galle...c/screen016.jpg (http://img.gamershell.com/imagefolio/gallery/FPS/Psychotoxic/screen016.jpg)

Men of Valor: Vietnam - 6/14/2004
-Movie (Gameplay)-
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3010 (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x?fid=3010)
-Screenshots-
http://www.2015.com/games/images/mov/ss/full/3.jpg (http://www.2015.com/games/images/mov/ss/full/3.jpg)
http://www.2015.com/games/images/mov/ss/full/18.jpg (http://www.2015.com/games/images/mov/ss/full/18.jpg)

--------------------
Oh, and if Fileshack is still being hammered (and you are sans lightning), you can find most of the same movies at http://www.gamershell.com/download_movie.shtml (http://www.gamershell.com/download_movie.shtml) or http://www.3dgamers.com/ (http://www.3dgamers.com/)

Did I forget anything that deserves mentioning? (keeping in mind that this is for PC FPS only, no 3rd person games like Hitman: Contracts, and no console games, like Halo 2)
It seems like it'll be a good year for the FPS (not to mention all the other great stuff coming out in other genres).
So, what are you all most looking forward to?

Special thanks to hellspit (http://www.shacknews.com/ja.zz?person=hellspit) from the Shacknews forum (http://www.shacknews.com) for posting this originally.

Man I love this genre. So many I can't wait for. D3, HL2, Thief 3...

Yes, you forgot a very important one.  Although it might be TPS, not sure.  Still deserves mention.

Guild Wars, being made by Arena.net, is a MMORPG.  Before y'all start groaning, listen.  It has NO monthly fee.  When on a quest, your party gets it's own unique map, meaning no loot- or boss-stealing.  New game files are live downloaded while you play, which means no DLing updates.  Also, this means 'temporary' updates can be made, such as making it snow in the winter.  There's many more cool things, but I'm to lazy to put them up here right now...

All in all, it's looking to be a very good game.  Oh, and, in case you are wondering about the credentials of the people at Arena.net, most of them came from Blizzard.  Yes, THE Blizzard.  :)  Anyway, it's supposed to come out late 2004.

Arena.net (http://www.arena.net)

Guild Wars (http://www.guildwars.com)

P.S.: Does anyone have any word on Quake 4?

officially, raven isn't allowed to say anything about quake iv, except that they're working on it, until doom3 is released.

Pros:  Lots of good looking games coming out.
Cons:  Not enough time to play them all, not enough money to BUY them all.

lol Here, here.  :thumb:

I have about 30 games (maybe more?) yet that I have to beat and about 10 that I haven't even played yet.  Hell, I have the sequel to a game that I haven't played yet, and I haven't played the sequel either. :lol:  If I bought Dues Ex 2, that would make two instances of the afforementioned scenario. :P  Gaming is a love/hate relationship with me.  It's wonderful in that it brings me a happiness that is usually unmatched save persuing and actually accomplishing my dreams.  It's bad in that I make myself run out of funds very quickly. ^_^

Word.


I've been waiting for that Cthulu game, but I figured it was vapor ware by now.

That was fond under Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines, and it's dead wrong. First of all, Bloodlines is not a sequel to Redemption, I repeat, not a sequel to Redemption. And secondly, I thought Redemption was a pretty good damn play anyway, so saying it's "not-that-great" is a complete matter of opinion, and great exercise in poor taste, that should be kept to one's self in such situations!

Personally, I'd really like to see Hexen III. Raven should get up off of their lame asses, stop fooling around with worthless shit like Star Wars and Soldier of Fortune, and get back to making fun products.

Hexen 3 would be welcome.

To be a little off-topic for a moment...
I thought Hexen II or Heretic II completed the story-line.  Hexen III would kind of feel like a rehash to me.

Sort of on-topic...
The UT2004 demo is coming out soon baby!
/me does the happy panda dance.

Heretic 2 ended the storyline.

I don't think anyone with the word "masochist" in their status has any cause to judge good taste :P.

Yeah, it was Heretic 2, but I'd still like a Hexen 3.  Doesn't have to rehash the same old same old - sequals can deliver something new, too.  It just usually doesn't happen :(

UT2K4 demo!  Yes!

it will never happen but id like to see Blood 3.

I was waiting for SIN 2 .
the story is ready  the game would use an even better engine then quake 3 .
but the makers cant find anyone to publish the game . :(

It's not as if I'm really a masochist though, not all of the time at least. I was simply following dna's lead, because we're like twins... Or something

 We can always dream though right Woodsman?  ;)

I'm looking forward to Transfusion being completed just as much as Generations Arena.

>Cons: Even with a discount, will owners of UT 2003 bother with it?

I know I will be. The special edition with metal casing and bonus dvd, infact  :D

I've been playing UT2k3 like mad lately, it was the reason I missed last weeks forum game  : :unsure:

I know I'll be purchasing Unreal Tournament 2004. Of course, I never got around to getting 2003, despite my fondness for it. Looking over the list again, one must wonder how Battlefield Vietnam will be great. Unless I have the option to play as a Deserter, I see little fun coming out of the title, as I doubt the proper amount of entertainment will be put into the Vietcong's terrific style of guerilla warfare  :thumb:

On a side note, it might be worth putting Serious Sam 2 on that list, though I'm not sure when it's projected to be released.

Im looking forward to
DUKE NUKEM 4 ever .
not because its good , just because it would be a miracle seeying it released after such a long period .

I know this may be kindling in the fire, but I absolutely can not resist.

/Sarcasm
Duke Nukem 4 Ever will no doubt be released at the same time Half-Life 2 is finally released.
/End Sarcasm

:hail: Gomenasai.

It's been on preorder for quite some time.  I'm a sucker for the metal box :(  But at least you get the headphone/mike thing with it - that helps with the sticker shock a little bit.
Oh, and you get a sticker !!!  :thumb:

I've just read that doom 3 is due dec 2004 and Quake 4 is due 31 dec 2004! found this on amazon uk. just in case anyone wants to pre-order.

Place give arbitrary release dates. Those aren't official.

In fact, it's been possible to pre-order Duke Nuken Forever for quite some years now.

Now that everyone's played the Painkiller and UT2k4 demos, what's your thoughts?

Stake-gun + Zombies == Fun

Manta + Opponents == Gibs

On the whole, I seem to like the UTK4 demo.  Glad I will be getting it.

By the way, gogamers seems to have both regular and special edition for preorder for $35 ea, best price I've seen anywhere.  I dropped my first preorder and placed one with them instead.

Pain Killer?  When it reaches the bargin bin.

Pancaking people and pissing them off because they can't get a Goliath to spawn for their team in a Mantra? I love it.

Assault kicks ass too  :thumb:

As for Painkiller... it's just Serious Sam with the undead and tarot cards to me. Actually less than - SS (1st and 2nd) was awesome!

I found painkiller to be quite entertaining...until my box rebooted...lol
something about slinging stakes through people and pinning them to a wall...

>Pain Killer? When it reaches the bargin bin.

PK will be sold for $5 in Poland :)

I think it'll be a great SP game. Multiplayer is fun... but  it gets boring after some time. Steak gun is the base weapon in mp and it takes some time to get used to it.

hellbendersniping , daredavelling and fenderbending all the way .

if I cant get a hellbender ,

hot shotting , roadkilling ,and pancaking with the raptor .
( mining the enemy snipertower is very funny  )