Play the Games Vol. 2

Play the Games Vol. 2 is a compilation of 15 games released in 1999, featuring titles from three major publishers: Electronic Arts, Infogrames, and Eidos. The collection spans various genres, including strategy, action, and simulation, with notable games like Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Tomb Raider II, and Warhammer: Dark Omen. Packaged in an oversized box with four quad CD jewel cases (one holding six CDs), the compilation includes complete manuals in PDF format and offers a mix of classic and newer titles for Windows and DOS.

Play the Games Vol. 2: A Monument to Late-’90s PC Gaming

Introduction: The Golden Age of Compilations

In the annals of video game history, few artifacts capture the spirit of an era as vividly as Play the Games Vol. 2. Released in October 1999, this sprawling compilation is more than a mere collection of titles—it is a time capsule of late-’90s PC gaming, a period when the industry was transitioning from 2D sprites to 3D polygons, from floppy disks to CD-ROMs, and from niche hobbyism to mainstream dominance. This review will dissect Play the Games Vol. 2 in exhaustive detail, exploring its development, gameplay, cultural impact, and enduring legacy.

At its core, Play the Games Vol. 2 is a joint venture between three of the era’s most influential publishers: Electronic Arts (EA), Infogrames, and Eidos Interactive. Each contributed five games, resulting in a 15-title anthology spread across 18 CDs, housed in an oversized collector’s box. The sheer ambition of this project—both in scope and presentation—reflects the confidence of an industry at its peak. But beyond its physical grandeur, Play the Games Vol. 2 is a testament to the diversity of late-’90s gaming, offering everything from real-time strategy (RTS) to flight simulation, from puzzle-platformers to sports management.

This review will argue that Play the Games Vol. 2 is not just a compilation but a curated museum of late-’90s PC gaming, one that highlights the strengths, quirks, and limitations of the era. While not every title has aged gracefully, the compilation’s value lies in its historical significance, its variety, and its role in preserving gaming’s past.

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Development History & Context: The Birth of a Behemoth

The Publishers: Titans of the Late ’90s

The late 1990s were a pivotal time for PC gaming. The industry was expanding rapidly, with publishers vying for dominance in an increasingly competitive market. Play the Games Vol. 2 emerged from a collaboration between three giants:

1. Electronic Arts (EA): Already a powerhouse by the late ’90s, EA was synonymous with blockbuster franchises like Command & Conquer, The Sims, and FIFA. Their contributions to Vol. 2—Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Warhammer: Dark Omen, Sid Meier’s Gettysburg!, Superbike World Championship, and Future Cop: L.A.P.D.—reflect their strength in strategy, simulation, and action genres.

2. Infogrames: A European publisher with a knack for eclectic titles, Infogrames brought a mix of adventure, racing, and simulation games to the table. Their lineup included Heart of Darkness, V-Rally: Multiplayer Championship Edition, Herrscher der Meere, Airline Tycoon, and The Smurfs: The Teletransportsmurf—a blend of high-art platforming and lighthearted family fare.

3. Eidos Interactive: The newcomer to the Play the Games series (replacing Virgin Interactive from Vol. 1), Eidos was riding high on the success of Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain. Their contributions—Gangsters: Organized Crime, Tomb Raider II, Ian Livingstone’s Deathtrap Dungeon, Flight Unlimited II, and World League Soccer ’98—showcase their prowess in adventure, simulation, and sports.

This collaboration was not just a marketing stunt; it was a strategic alliance designed to leverage the strengths of each publisher while mitigating risks. By pooling resources, EA, Infogrames, and Eidos could offer consumers a high-value product at a competitive price point (69 Deutsche Marks, or roughly $40 USD at the time).

Technological Constraints and Innovations

The late ’90s were a time of rapid technological advancement, but also of fragmentation. PC gaming was plagued by hardware inconsistencies, with games often requiring specific sound cards, graphics accelerators, or CPU speeds. Play the Games Vol. 2 had to navigate these challenges while ensuring compatibility across a wide range of systems.

Key technological considerations included:
– CD-ROM Storage: With 18 CDs, the compilation pushed the limits of physical media. Each game was spread across multiple discs, requiring players to swap CDs frequently—a common but often frustrating practice of the era.
– DRM and Installation: Unlike modern digital distributions, Vol. 2 relied on physical DRM (e.g., CD checks) and manual installations. The inclusion of a custom launcher streamlined the process, but players still had to contend with potential driver conflicts and DOS/Windows compatibility issues.
– Multiplayer Support: The compilation included games with LAN, modem, and null-modem cable support, reflecting the era’s emphasis on local multiplayer. Online gaming was still in its infancy, with titles like V-Rally and Command & Conquer relying on direct IP connections or services like Kali (a precursor to modern matchmaking).

The Gaming Landscape of 1999

1999 was a transitional year for gaming. The PlayStation had already cemented Sony’s dominance in the console market, while PC gaming was enjoying a renaissance thanks to titles like Half-Life, StarCraft, and The Sims. However, the industry was also grappling with piracy, rising development costs, and the shift to 3D graphics.

Play the Games Vol. 2 arrived at a time when:
– Compilations were a major sales driver: Budget-priced anthologies like Play the Games allowed publishers to monetize older titles while introducing new audiences to classic games.
– The RTS genre was at its peak: Command & Conquer: Red Alert (1996) was already a classic by 1999, and its inclusion in Vol. 2 underscored the genre’s popularity.
– 3D acceleration was becoming standard: Games like Tomb Raider II and Future Cop: L.A.P.D. showcased the potential of 3D graphics, even if their polygon counts and textures appear rudimentary by modern standards.

In this context, Play the Games Vol. 2 was both a retrospective and a showcase—a way to celebrate the past while hinting at the future of gaming.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: A Tapestry of Stories

Unlike modern narrative-driven compilations (e.g., The Orange Box), Play the Games Vol. 2 does not attempt to weave a unified story. Instead, it offers 15 distinct narratives, each reflecting the themes and trends of late-’90s gaming.

Themes Across the Compilation

1. War and Strategy:

   • Command & Conquer: Red Alert: An alternate-history Cold War thriller where Stalin’s Soviet Union invades Europe. The game’s campy FMV cutscenes and over-the-top action embody the era’s love of B-movie aesthetics.
   • Warhammer: Dark Omen: A dark fantasy RTS set in Games Workshop’s Warhammer universe. The game’s grim tone and tactical depth contrast sharply with Red Alert’s bombast.
   • Sid Meier’s Gettysburg!: A historical wargame that simulates the famous Civil War battle. Its focus on realism and strategy reflects the era’s growing interest in historical simulations.

2. Adventure and Exploration:

   • Tomb Raider II: Lara Croft’s globe-trotting adventure in The Dagger of Xian is a masterclass in environmental storytelling, with puzzles and platforming that define the era’s action-adventure genre.
   • Heart of Darkness: A cinematic platformer with hand-drawn animations and a surreal, Dark Crystal-esque aesthetic. Its emphasis on atmosphere and artistry stands out in a compilation dominated by 3D titles.
   • Ian Livingstone’s Deathtrap Dungeon: A first-person dungeon crawler based on the Fighting Fantasy book series. Its text-driven narrative and grid-based combat harken back to the CRPG roots of the ’80s.

3. Simulation and Management:

   • Airline Tycoon: A business simulation where players manage an airline empire. Its humor and accessibility make it a standout in the compilation.
   • Flight Unlimited II: A flight simulator with meticulous physics and open-ended gameplay. Its attention to detail reflects the era’s obsession with realism.
   • Gangsters: Organized Crime: A crime management sim where players build a mob empire. Its blend of strategy and storytelling anticipates later games like Grand Theft Auto.

4. Racing and Sports:

   • V-Rally: Multiplayer Championship Edition: A rally racing game with a focus on multiplayer competition. Its arcade-style handling contrasts with the simulation-heavy Flight Unlimited II.
   • Superbike World Championship: A motorcycle racing sim with licensed bikes and tracks. Its realistic physics cater to hardcore racing fans.
   • World League Soccer ’98: A soccer management game with a tactical focus, reflecting Europe’s love of the sport.

5. Family and Nostalgia:

   • The Smurfs: The Teletransportsmurf: A lighthearted platformer based on the beloved cartoon. Its inclusion is a nod to the era’s family-friendly gaming market.
   • Herrscher der Meere: A naval combat sim set in the Age of Sail. Its historical setting and tactical depth appeal to strategy fans.

Dialogue and Presentation

The compilation’s narratives are delivered through a variety of methods:
– FMV Cutscenes: Command & Conquer: Red Alert and Tomb Raider II use live-action sequences to advance their plots, a hallmark of ’90s gaming.
– Text and Voiceovers: Games like Deathtrap Dungeon and Gangsters rely on written dialogue and occasional voice acting, reflecting the era’s technical limitations.
– Environmental Storytelling: Heart of Darkness and Tomb Raider II use visuals and level design to convey their stories, a technique that would become standard in later generations.

Thematic Significance

Play the Games Vol. 2 is a microcosm of late-’90s gaming themes:
– The rise of 3D: Titles like Tomb Raider II and Future Cop showcase the industry’s shift from 2D to 3D.
– The golden age of RTS: Command & Conquer and Warhammer represent the genre’s dominance.
– The birth of cinematic gaming: FMV and voice acting were becoming standard, even if the results were often cheesy by modern standards.
– The diversity of PC gaming: From flight sims to crime management, the compilation highlights the breadth of experiences available on PC.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: A Masterclass in Variety

Play the Games Vol. 2 is a smorgasbord of gameplay styles, each title offering a unique mechanics and systems. Below, we deconstruct the compilation’s core gameplay loops, combat systems, and UI designs.

Real-Time Strategy (RTS)

1. Command & Conquer: Red Alert

   • Core Loop: Base-building, resource gathering (Tiberium), and unit production. The game’s asymmetrical factions (Allies vs. Soviets) encourage different playstyles.
   • Combat: Rock-paper-scissors mechanics (e.g., tanks beat infantry, infantry beat buildings). The fog of war adds tactical depth.
   • UI: The iconic sidebar interface allows for quick unit production and base management. The game’s hotkeys are intuitive but require memorization.
   • Multiplayer: Supports LAN and modem play, with skirmish modes that remain fun today.

2. Warhammer: Dark Omen

   • Core Loop: Similar to Red Alert but with a fantasy twist. Units include orcs, knights, and dragons.
   • Combat: Moral system affects unit performance. Terrain and flanking play a bigger role than in C&C.
   • UI: More complex than Red Alert, with unit formations and special abilities.
   • Multiplayer: LAN support, but the game’s steep learning curve makes it less accessible.

Action-Adventure

1. Tomb Raider II

   • Core Loop: Exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Lara’s acrobatic movements (jumps, climbs, swims) define the gameplay.
   • Combat: Dual-pistol shooting and environmental hazards (e.g., traps, wild animals).
   • UI: The inventory system is clunky by modern standards, but the 3D environments were groundbreaking in 1997.
   • Controls: The tank controls (fixed camera angles) are the game’s biggest flaw, often leading to frustrating platforming sections.

2. Heart of Darkness

   • Core Loop: A cinematic platformer with a focus on puzzle-solving and atmosphere.
   • Combat: Minimal, with most challenges revolving around environmental hazards and timing-based jumps.
   • UI: Simple and intuitive, with a focus on visual storytelling.
   • Art Style: The hand-drawn animations are a standout feature, offering a stark contrast to the compilation’s 3D titles.

Simulation

1. Flight Unlimited II

   • Core Loop: Realistic flight physics, with missions ranging from aerobatic stunts to combat dogfights.
   • Controls: Requires a joystick for optimal play. The learning curve is steep, but the payoff is immersive.
   • UI: The cockpit view is detailed, with functional gauges and instruments.
   • Multiplayer: Supports LAN play, but the lack of online matchmaking limits its modern appeal.

2. Airline Tycoon

   • Core Loop: Business management, including route planning, aircraft purchases, and competitor sabotage.
   • UI: Cartoony and accessible, with a humorous tone that sets it apart from dry simulations.
   • Gameplay Depth: Surprisingly deep, with economic simulations that reward long-term planning.

Racing

1. V-Rally: Multiplayer Championship Edition

   • Core Loop: Rally racing with a focus on time trials and multiplayer competition.
   • Physics: Arcade-style handling, with a emphasis on speed over realism.
   • Multiplayer: LAN and modem support, making it a great choice for local competitions.

2. Superbike World Championship

   • Core Loop: Motorcycle racing with licensed bikes and tracks.
   • Physics: More realistic than V-Rally, with a focus on leaning and braking.
   • UI: The HUD is clean, with speed, lap times, and opponent positions clearly displayed.

Crime and Management

1. Gangsters: Organized Crime
   • Core Loop: Mob management, including racketeering, bribery, and turf wars.
   • UI: Isometric view with a grid-based city map. The menu system is complex but functional.
   • Gameplay Depth: A deep economic simulator, with political influence playing a key role.

Sports

1. World League Soccer ’98
   • Core Loop: Soccer management, with a focus on tactics and player development.
   • UI: Text-heavy, with statistics and match reports dominating the screen.
   • Gameplay: More strategic than action-oriented, appealing to hardcore soccer fans.

Puzzle and Dungeon Crawling

1. Ian Livingstone’s Deathtrap Dungeon
   • Core Loop: Grid-based dungeon crawling, with turn-based combat and puzzle-solving.
   • UI: First-person view with a text-based interface for interactions.
   • Narrative: Text-driven, with multiple endings based on player choices.

Family-Friendly

1. The Smurfs: The Teletransportsmurf
   • Core Loop: Simple platforming with puzzle-solving elements.
   • UI: Bright and colorful, designed for younger players.
   • Gameplay: Easy to pick up, with minimal challenge.

Flawed but Innovative Systems

While most of the games in Vol. 2 hold up well, some mechanics feel dated or flawed by modern standards:
– Tank Controls in Tomb Raider II: The fixed camera angles and imprecise jumping can lead to frustration.
– Clunky UI in Gangsters: The menu-heavy interface can be overwhelming for new players.
– Lack of Online Multiplayer: Most multiplayer modes rely on LAN or modem, which are impractical in the modern era.

Despite these flaws, the compilation’s variety ensures that there’s something for every type of player. Whether you’re a strategy buff, a racing fan, or an adventure enthusiast, Vol. 2 delivers.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: The Aesthetics of an Era

Visual Design: From 2D to 3D

Play the Games Vol. 2 is a visual time capsule, showcasing the transition from 2D to 3D graphics in late-’90s gaming.

1. 2D and Hand-Drawn Aesthetics

   • Heart of Darkness: The game’s hand-drawn animations are a masterpiece of 2D artistry, with lush backgrounds and fluid character movements. The surreal, dreamlike visuals evoke The Dark Crystal and Pan’s Labyrinth.
   • Command & Conquer: Red Alert: The isometric sprites and pre-rendered cutscenes are iconic, blending cartoonish charm with military realism.

2. Early 3D Graphics

   • Tomb Raider II: The blocky polygons and low-resolution textures are a far cry from modern standards, but the level design and atmospheric lighting remain impressive.
   • Future Cop: L.A.P.D.: The game’s cel-shaded robots and futuristic cityscapes showcase the era’s experimentation with stylized 3D.
   • Flight Unlimited II: The detailed cockpits and open skies demonstrate the potential of 3D simulation, even if the draw distance is limited.

3. Racing and Sports Visuals

   • V-Rally: The bright, arcade-style tracks and car models are simple but effective, conveying a sense of speed.
   • Superbike World Championship: The realistic bike models and track designs reflect the era’s push for authenticity in sports games.

Sound Design and Music

The compilation’s audio design is equally diverse, ranging from orchestral scores to chiptune melodies.

1. Orchestral and Cinematic Scores

   • Tomb Raider II: The haunting, atmospheric soundtrack enhances the game’s exploration and puzzle-solving.
   • Warhammer: Dark Omen: The epic, fantasy-inspired music complements the game’s dark tone.

2. Synth and Electronic Beats

   • Command & Conquer: Red Alert: The pulsing electronic score (composed by Frank Klepacki) is iconic, blending techno and rock to create a high-energy soundtrack.
   • Future Cop: L.A.P.D.: The futuristic synth beats match the game’s cyberpunk aesthetic.

3. Ambient and Environmental Sounds

   • Heart of Darkness: The eerie, ambient soundscape enhances the game’s surreal atmosphere.
   • Flight Unlimited II: The realistic engine noises and wind effects immerse players in the flight experience.

4. Voice Acting and FMV

   • Command & Conquer: Red Alert: The campy, over-the-top voice acting (e.g., “Yes, sir!”) is a hallmark of ’90s gaming.
   • Tomb Raider II: Lara Croft’s British accent and dry wit define her character.

Packaging and Presentation

The physical presentation of Play the Games Vol. 2 is as impressive as its digital content:
– Oversized Box: The collector’s edition packaging includes four quad-CD jewel cases and one hexa-CD case, ensuring that the 18 discs are well-organized and protected.
– Reference Card: A compact manual provides installation instructions and hardware requirements.
– PDF Manuals: The inclusion of digital manuals on each CD was a forward-thinking move, reducing clutter while preserving original artwork and lore.

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Reception & Legacy: A Critical and Commercial Triumph

Critical Reception

Play the Games Vol. 2 was warmly received by critics, earning an average score of 92% based on four reviews (MobyGames). German publications like PC Games and PC Player awarded it perfect scores (100%), praising its value, variety, and presentation.

Key points from reviews:
– PC Games (Germany): “The comparatively high price of 69 Marks is justified by the large number of high-quality titles and the excellent packaging.”
– PC Player (Germany): “A true budget powerhouse… Some titles are almost brand new, while others are complex and rewarding.”
– GameStar (Germany): “A great compilation, especially for those who don’t own the top titles… The careful presentation (jewel cases, manuals) is a highlight.”

Commercial Success

While exact sales figures are unavailable, the compilation’s critical acclaim and high-profile publishers suggest strong commercial performance. The German market (where it was primarily released) was particularly receptive to budget compilations, making Vol. 2 a financial success.

Legacy and Influence

Play the Games Vol. 2 is more than a commercial product—it is a historical artifact that reflects the late-’90s gaming zeitgeist. Its influence can be seen in:
1. The Rise of Compilations: Vol. 2 helped popularize the budget compilation model, paving the way for later anthologies like The Orange Box and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
2. Preservation of Classic Games: By bundling 15 iconic titles, the compilation played a role in preserving gaming history, ensuring that classics like Tomb Raider II and Red Alert remained accessible.
3. Multi-Publisher Collaborations: The EA-Infogrames-Eidos alliance demonstrated the power of publisher collaborations, a trend that continues today (e.g., Call of Duty’s multi-studio development).

Modern Relevance

While Play the Games Vol. 2 is not widely remembered outside of retro gaming circles, its cultural significance endures:
– Retro Gaming Communities: The compilation is a prized collectible, with physical copies fetching high prices on eBay.
– Emulation and Preservation: Thanks to abandonware sites and emulation, many of the included games remain playable today.
– Nostalgia Factor: For those who grew up in the ’90s, Vol. 2 is a nostalgic treasure trove, offering a glimpse into gaming’s past.

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Conclusion: A Definitive Verdict

Play the Games Vol. 2 is not just a compilation—it is a monument to late-’90s PC gaming, a time capsule that captures the diversity, innovation, and quirks of an era. While not every title has aged gracefully, the compilation’s historical value, variety, and presentation make it a must-own for retro enthusiasts.

Strengths:

✅ Unmatched Variety: 15 games spanning RTS, adventure, simulation, racing, and more.
✅ Historical Significance: A snapshot of late-’90s gaming, featuring iconic titles like Tomb Raider II and Red Alert.
✅ Premium Presentation: Oversized box, jewel cases, and PDF manuals ensure a collector-friendly experience.
✅ Multiplayer Options: LAN and modem support for competitive play.

Weaknesses:

❌ Aged Mechanics: Some games suffer from clunky controls (Tomb Raider II) or dated UI (Gangsters).
❌ No Online Multiplayer: LAN-only multiplayer limits modern appeal.
❌ Region-Locked: Primarily released in Germany, making it hard to find in other regions.

Final Verdict: 9/10 – A Masterpiece of Its Era

Play the Games Vol. 2 is a landmark compilation that deserves a place in gaming history. While it may not be perfect, its breadth, ambition, and historical importance make it an essential artifact for anyone interested in the evolution of PC gaming. Whether you’re a retro collector, a strategy fan, or a nostalgia seeker, this compilation is a treasure trove worth exploring.

For modern players, Vol. 2 offers a unique opportunity to experience 15 classics in their original form, warts and all. It’s a reminder of how far gaming has come—and how much fun the late ’90s truly were.

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Final Score: 9/10 | A Must-Own for Retro Enthusiasts