Back in the game-ish.

Soarer · 18-10-2023 5:50pm #1

Afternoon all.

Recently picked up a decently spec'd machine, so should be able to get back into some sort of gaming. Unfortunately it's been so long since I've done any sort of PC gaming (Unreal Tournament anyone?!), I've no idea where to start.

Decent controller, or mouse/keypad?

Nice curved monitor (without breaking the bank).

Where to purchase games (new rig doesn't have a CD/DVD Drive)?

All suggestions welcomed.

RobertFoster · 18-10-2023 7:46pm

Other than UT, what games were you into?

Decent controller, or mouse/keypad?

Both. Depends on the game and what you're comfortable with. If the game is on console also then chances are either will work seamlessly.

PC and controllers work really well together now compared to UT days. They've been pretty much plug and play since the Xbox 360 era, so if you've a console controller from then onwards you're all set. 8bitdo also have a good range of controllers if you don't want Xbox or PlayStation ones.

Nice curved monitor (without breaking the bank).

The PC Building & Upgrading forum might help you there if you list your specs and budget.

Where to purchase games (new rig doesn't have a CD/DVD Drive)?

I don't think you can get PC games on disc any more anyway.

Steam is the main player, especially if you wait for a sale. You can also get Steam keys from other sites (Humble Bundle and Fanatical for example) which can be cheaper. Bundles will bulk out your library fairly quickly.

GOG is a popular DRM-free store. Not as wide a selection as Steam but still worth a look.

Epic Games are trying to take on Steam by give away a free game or two every Thursday at 4 PM. Some of them are even good. Signing up and downloading their client is free too so you may as well. It's the home of Fortnite and Rocket League too (among other free-to-play games) if you think you'd be interested in online play.

There's other developer or publisher specific shops/clients too (Rockstar, Ubisoft, EA, etc.), indie specific stores like itch.io, and subscription services (Game Pass, GeForce Now) to also try.

Soarer · 19-10-2023 10:36am

Well @RobertFoster , I couldn't have asked for a better reply. It's exactly what I was looking for, and an excellent starting point for me.

As for games, I used play all sorts of everything. Doom II, Unreal Tournament on the PC. On the consoles, platform games (Sonic, Toejam & Earl, Mario), driving games (Colin McRae, Gran Turismo, Forza), sporty games (Sensible Soccer, Pro Evo, FIFA, Tiger Woods), shooting games (GOW, Splinter Cell, COD), and sneaky games (Ninja, Sniper). Only things that never really grabbed my attention were/are the open world games (Red Dead Redemption, GTA). Don't know why, but I like a set beginning and end.

I'll check out that other forum and see what's what.

Thanks again.