Top PC Picks

GameCore is CBSNews.com's video game column written by William Vitka, Chad Chamberlain, Lyndsey Hahn, and Alejandro K. Brown.

These are the PC games we like the most.

City Of Villains
Rated T for Teen

When NCsoft announced the official launch of City of Heroes, CBSNews.com's Chad Chamberlain practically cried for joy. For the first time ever, a (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) MMORPG was created based on the generic principles of modern day comic books. Now we have City of Villains. It's the stand-alone sequel to the critically acclaimed MMORPG City of Heroes. Using a staggering assortment of new powers, abilities, and customization options, players can now experience sinister game play from the other side of the mask. As villains your goal is to cause havoc, discord, disarray and most importantly domination over Paragon City. Become infamous villains, design and build infinitely customizable fortresses of evil, collide with the "Heroes" and partake of a huge variety of missions.

Civilization IV
Rated E10+ for Everyone Age 10 and Up

Ever think that you could run your town, city, or even country better than the people doing it now? Put your money where your mouse is in Civilization IV. Build your civilization from simple hunters and gatherers to modern and futuristic empires based around a new religion and leadership system. New 3-D modeling, cultures and multiplayer capabilities add to the incredible set of features this games holds for novice and advanced strategy players.

The Dead Awaken
This might be considered a coup of some sort, but William's top PC pick is free. Yes, that's right, there's no buying whatsoever. It's a totally free massively multiplayer online role-playing game about zombies and humans. Lunacy? It's possible, but it's more fun than most of the games we're all shelling out fifty or sixty dollars a pop for. Give it a shot. There's nothing to lose except time with a great community and a smart design built from scratch.

Falcon 4.0: Allied Force
Rated T for Teen

Falcon 4.0: Allied Force (PC) Extremely detailed F-16 cockpit, and smooth game play make this a nearly flawless game. An extensive training mode puts you right into the action. Full combat missions, such as bombing campaigns, simulate exactly what it takes to be a fighter pilot. A wide array of campaigns that take place on the Korean peninsula and the Balkans are featured and should keep you busy for a while. Amazing sound featuring all bells and whistles that real flight controls make, and even air traffic controllers direct you on take offs and landings. When playing this game you basically have to learn how to operate an actual F-16 fighter jet. To assist you along the way there is a 716 page pdf manual which describes various weapons and radar settings. For those that wonder what its like to pilot a modern day fighter, give this title a shot. I can't say enough about this game, it is as real as it gets. Also, to fully enjoy the game further a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) joystick is highly recommended but not required.

F.E.A.R.
Rated M for Mature

Alright, so the name of the game isn't so hot. What is? Everything else about it. Amazing firefights, amazing graphics and atmosphere. Intense doesn't do the game justice. It's spooky, it's relentless and it's fun. It does have that weird, creepy ghost girl from 'The Ring,' but that's ok. Not for kids.

Indigo Prophecy
Rated M for Mature

You are Lucas Kane. Lucas has just committed a ritualistic murder in the restroom of a diner. When you come to, you have no idea why you have done this terrible act; now you must piece the clues together through contacts and extraordinary powers. In this sleek game, you have the ability to change the story based on your chosen actions. Indigo Prophecy encompasses a variety of gameplay strategies that will lead you to the truth.
By William Vitka, Chad Chamberlain, Lyndsey Hahn, and Alejandro K. Brown
By William Vitka, Chad Chamberlain, Lyndsey Hahn, and Alejandro K. Brown