There are over 1,000 downloadable games at pcgameworld.com, one of the major sources of PC Game Demos. My goal for this column is to provide the reader with a guide to these demos. Specifically, I will tell you which ones are worth your time and your hard drive space and which ones are not.

All demos will be rated on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. Five different points will be considered in the evaluation process:

Playability
Graphics and Sound
Computer Specs
Fun Factor
Overall

Testing system: PII 350, 128 RAM, Voodoo 3000 PCI, 256K DSL Internet

No One Lives Forever

From publisher Fox Interactive and developer Monolith comes a stylish, colorful, first-person shooter with loads intrigue, espionage and superb playability. Monolith has created a 3D engine (Lithtech 2.5) that is, from first look, pretty damned sweet. This engine is on the market for other game developers to purchase, so we will probably see some good wares in the near future utilizing this beauty.

One of the highlights is the fact that you can go from tight-quarters indoor scenes to expansive outdoor scenes without having to wait for the game to load. This engine is breaking ground in the realm of gaming, for sure.

The lowlight? This game has fairly high standards for playability. If you're still gaming with a PI or even a low-end PII, and if you don't have at least an 8MB video card, you won't be able to play this baby. Too bad for you. Look for the full version of this game to win some awards this year, along with Deus Ex, as they are both pioneers in the new FPS category, engineering interesting storylines and outstanding gameplay.

Here's the skinny:

You are operative extraordinaire Cate Archer decked out in a mini skirt and go-go boots, kicking ass in the 60's with a pistol or two and a few other goodies, including a snipe rifle (duh - you can't have a FPS without the magnificent snipe rifle). Starting out in Morocco, your mission is to find your contact somewhere in the hotel in front of you. Even on the "easy level" you will encounter your fair share of trouble. The AI in this game is pretty good, and you can test it quite easily once you let loose with a couple rounds from an un-silenced weapon. The enemy will check out dead bodies and go on immediate alert. You can get by most of them by acting with stealth, but you may prefer the "hard charge" method for more fun.

Miss Archer is modeled after hottie model Mitzi Martin which makes me wonder where the future of gaming is going. Half naked hotties roaming the world in search of spies, treasure and peace is a pleasant thought, and one that I'm willing to embrace and put my stamp of approval on, but it's all fantasy, right?

In an effort to try to convince teenage boys (well, all boys, actually) that these chicks do exist in real life (various Lara Croft models wandering around from the Tomb Raider series; Julie Strain, aka Penthouse Pet 1993, from Heavy Metal FAKK2, etc.), the bigshot game publishers and developers are just short of hiring hookers to "entice" the fans at the game shows and software outlets!

Anyway, I didn't let my hard-earned morals and ethics get in the way of the game review, of course.

This game is fun, hands down. Cool weapons, amusing movies between scenes, and best of all, a decent storyline. The music should be mentioned as well, because it really makes the scenes - you feel as if you're in an old spy movie when the music starts.

It's sort of like Austin Powers meets James Bond. This first person shooter / storyline game is loads of fun to play. Once you finish the 3 levels on the large demo, you'll probably play it once more, but that will be it. If you download the small demo, you'll might go through it again too, but if you have the means, pick the larger demo - it's got more to offer. Nonetheless, it's worth the download.

Playability: Fairly easy to figure out. FPS games usually are. This game offers a "turn around instantly" button that kind of bothers me. While it seems and sounds cool, I don't know if I'm ready to be turning around real quick and stuff. It takes away from the traditional feeling of a FPS game. Maybe I should be more open minded. You might find that to be a nice feature.

Graphics / Sound: Monolith is making waves. This game is a definite highlight for them, but probably nothing more than a mere suggestion to what is coming in the future. This game whips - and it whips well. In fact, while writing this review about the DEMO, I hopped online and ordered the full version. Got it for $30.

Computer Specs: Getting tight here. The game specs call specifically for a minimum of PII300 running 64MB of RAM and an 8 MB 3D hardware accelerator card with Direct 3D™ support, High color graphics (16-bit), a 4x CD-ROM, plus a Direct X compatible 16-bit sound card. Man, I can barely play this game. I need to upgrade, and I'm learning that now.

Fun Factor: This game is entertaining for sure. The AI is incredible, in that you'll take a pot-shot at some guy and he'll start running around like an actual human! If you make a noise with your lithe and graceful - and oh so succulent - feet enemies might be alerted to you and you're suddenly stricken with the need to start ripping off some rounds.

Overall: An outstanding work of 3D imagery. The BIG demo is worth the download. The small demo is good for a few minutes. I didn't lose any sleep or miss any important engagements due to this puppy, but it is worth your time if you have the time. I'm looking forward to the full version that I ordered.

TOTAL SCORE: 8.5

NO ONE LIVES FOREVER
Demo Size: 45MB or 108MB (pick the biggie if you have the means)
System Requirements [P300/64MB/Win95/98/ME + 3D Accelerator/DirectX]
Download Time: Small Demo: 56K: 2hrs, 5 mins, 128K: 1 hr, 15 mins, DSL/Cable: 10-25 mins.
Download Time Big Demo: 56K: 4 hrs, 30 mins, 128K: 2 hr, 48 mins, DSL/Cable: 30 - 40 mins. Download Here: SMALL VERSION (45MB) from Monolith or the BIG VERSION (108MB - recommended)

Greg A. Bruns is a freelance writer residing in Phoenix, Arizona. His monthly column "Straight Up with a Twist" appears in the Arcadia News. His first book, Tales from the Scenic Route, is currently unpublished. Greg also pens "Ask the Faceless Assassin" - an "advice" column.
Note: Featured author in October
E-mail: greg@gregbruns.com
Writing interests: Humor, Strange News, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Memoirs
I.D. Theory articles: Your Guide to College, Instant Gratification, Survive This!, Letter to the new President, The Things We Do For Love, Seattle: Emerging Character
PC Demo Game Reviews: HITMAN: Codename 47, Project IGI (I'm Going In), Diablo II, No One Lives Forever, Deus Ex, Delta Force Land Warrior, Motocross Madness, HEAVY METAL F.A.K.K. 2
Links: GregBruns.com, Tales from the Scenic Route, Ask the Faceless Assassin, More alphabet zen

Screenshots
from
No One Lives Forever
(click to enlarge)
All images are
courtesy of
Fox Interactive.

Cate Archer wears miniskirts, even in the Alps.

Kill the guy wearing the fez but don't touch the monkey.

A machine gun would be helpful here.

The 'ol Snipe Rifle.