Top PC games - The best PC games recently released

February 10, 5:38 PMGames ExaminerDaniel Nations

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Braid is a surprise hit from the world of indie games.

Anyone thinking the PC is dead as a gaming plaform hasn't played the games on this list.  While consoles have their perks, PC gaming has benefits that just can't be replicated on a console.  These top PC games show the best of the best including some great multi-platform games and the top PC games that you can't get on your next gen console.

The Top PC Games

• Empire: Total War
• Release Date: 3/3/09
• Metacritic Score: 90

The latest installment to the Total War series, Empire: Total War it a hybrid between turn-based and real-time strategy games taking the best aspects of both and getting the most out of them. In the turn-based campaign mode, players make strategic decisions like building armies, spying on enemies and creating a strong economy, while the battle mode takes place in real-time. In Empire: Total War both naval and land battles take place in real time. It's also quickly gained a spot on the top PC games of 2009.

• Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box
• Release Date: 2/3/09
• Metacritic Score: 87

This special edition includes Burnout Paradise, the Cagney and Bikes downloadable content updates and the new Burnout Paradise Party Pack. The Party Pack has a neat offline multiplayer mode where you compete in different events. If you love racing games, this is a great box set.

• Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II
• Release Date: 2/18/09
• Metacritic Score: 86

Set in a dark, futuristic world where armies of warriors and fighting machines are in constant war, this sequel to Dawn of War lets you play as the Space Marines, Orks, Eldar or Tyranids and will feature a non-linear campaign. A fast-paced RTS game, it's a must-buy for fans of Warhammer or real-time strategy enthusiasts craving the next big thing.

• Braid
• Release Date: 4/10/09
• Metacritic Score: 88

In a true testament that the great games don't have to be triple-A games made by big-time development studios, Braid is a critically-acclaimed indie that is quickly becoming one of the top PC games of the year. A 2D platformer, Braid turns the genre on its side with cool innovative features like the ability to slow or even reverse time, thus providing a new angle to strategy. Braid is available through digital download services like Steam and Impulse.

• Call of Duty: World at War
• Release Date: 11/10/08
• Metacritic Score: 84

The primary complaint about Call of Duty: World at War was that it was too much like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Considering just how good of a game Modern Warfare is, that's not altogether a bad thing. If you already own Modern Warfare, you can read my match up between the two. But if you don't own Modern Warfare and you like first-person shooters, then buying World at War should be a no-brainer. Read about World at War vs Modern Warfare.

• Grand Theft Auto IV
• Release Date: 12/2/08
• Metacritic Score: 89

It took half a year, but GTA4 finally made it to the PC. While some performance issues and some pretty high system requirements make the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions slightly more attractive, there's no doubt that GTAIV is one of the top PC games available.

• Left 4 Dead
• Release Date: 11/18/08
• Metacritic Score: 89

If you like zombie movies and co-op shooters, this one is a must buy. Taking place after an outbreak turns the world into an undead paradise, Left 4 Dead is like a cross between a reality television show and a good old-fashioned zombie flick. The TV-like survival missions, dark atmosphere, fast-paced action and a real need to work together makes this one of the best pc games of the year. Read about new Left 4 Dead content coming this spring.

• World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
• Release Date: 11/13/08
• Metacritic Score: 91

If you play World of Warcraft, chances are that you already own Wrath of the Lich King. But, if you are looking for an excuse to get the expansion, consider this article that excuse. While MMO expansions can be a dicey business, Wrath of the Lich King is a solid addition to the world's most popular MMO. Read about upcoming class changes in World of Warcraft.

• Prince of Persia
• Release Date: 12/9/08
• Metacritic Score: 82

This enchanting title features superb graphics and an impressive story that will easily carry you through the game. Heck, you might not even notice just how easy it will carry you, for if this game has a negative side, it's the ease at which you will progress through the game. Long time fans of the series may find that facet easy to swallow as Prince of Persia promises to open up a brand new chapter in the long-running series, but those who haven't played every other Prince of Persia game might come away feeling like it was a little too easy.

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