Games my computer can actually run

Thanks to an actually GOOD episode of X-play on G4 TV this week, I've been introduced to a site called GOG.COM. GOG stands for Good Old Games and it's basically the modern day version of those bargain software bins at CompUsa (may it rest in peace) or BestBuy (may it rest in peace... oh. what? BestBuy is still in business? Really? Huh. Who knew? I haven't been to one this decade I'm pretty sure...) You know the bins I'm talking about, filled with games that flopped and the compilation CDs of games with sequels. However, once in a while you find a Good Old Game in that bin that you used to play, but it's no longer the cutting edge experience you look for. So you fish this game out, pay the $10 for it and take it home only to find out that XP SP3 or Vista or the version of Direct X you are running is not supported and the game doesn't run.

Behold! There is an answer and GOG.COM is it. GOG.COM has a pretty good library of old(er) games and has legally removed all the DRM and apparently done some compatibility testing with current versions of Windows XP and some with Vista. Most games are $10 or less and you can pay with PayPal or with a CC which is nice too. It looks like most games are very late 90's to early 2000 vintage, nothing crazy old like Wolfenstien 3D, Rise of the Triad or Doom but they do have Duke Nukem 3D, Beneath a Steel Sky and Fall Out. I downloaded a game called Flat Out, it worked great! $5. It's a pretty weak game but it's fun to race and smash up old cars.

Personally I think they should have named this site "Games my Computer an Actually Run". For people like me that have computers that are pushing 3 years old and haven't spent $500 on the latest video card each year since, you'll appreciate being able to play some good games again.

Brian