Gaming
Games
The most impressive games based on mods
These are the best games that exist due to modifications of other games.
I have given a huge amount of credit to companies with the sole focus of creating new gaming titles, but this time we get to enjoy something perhaps a little more personal. All the games we will appreciate today were created, not as AAA titles, but have the same success.
Counter Strike
The original Dust 2 - Counter Strike
© Valve
Counter strike is one of the most beloved esports titles in the world and is arguably the single best competitive FPS game of all time… Sorry COD fans. What makes Counter Strike even more special is that it has its roots in one of the most iconic franchises in gaming, Half Life.
Garrys Mod
What is even going on here - Garry's Mod
© EnviousHost
This is certainly a special game on this list as it embodies everything about the modding community. Much like Counter Strike, Garrys Mod was created out of the Half Life franchise, although this time Half Life 2. It is particularly interesting as in this case, the game is all about modding again. Described a sandbox physics game, it has been used to created countless different gaming experiences.
Team Fortress
The gangs all here - Team Fortress 2
© Games Mechanics Wiki
Easily the inspiration for new popular titles like Overwatch. Team Fortress is another unique example of how sometimes gamers know best. Like many games on this list, Team Fortress has its origins in a beloved title. In this case, Quake 2. The game pits players against one another in an FPS arena with multiple classes that differentiated itself to the more common FPS of its era.
The Stanley Parable
Glados is that you - The Stanley Parable
© Valve
If you have not heard of The Stanley Parable, you are in for a treat. Unlike many others on this list, it is a single player game. It was, surprise surprise, made as a mod for Half Life 2. It is a game that makes a hero of its storytelling and focuses on ambiance rather than combat. Coming to a console near you, this one is not just for the PC gamers out there.
PUBG
This is battle royale - PUBG
© PUGBG
Although Fortnite may currently be king, it owes its success to the phenomenon that is Player Unknowns Battlegrounds. PUBG was created out of the same game that brought us noteworthy titles such as DayZ and many others, Arma. Regardless of your personal preference in this genre – never mess with the original.
Killing Floor
Oh no - Killing Floor
© Fanbolt
Killing Floor added yet another new experience for gamers and has had enough success to even warrant a sequel. A criminally underappreciated title, Killing Floor was born in Unreal Tournament 2004. It pits gamers against hordes of zombie like enemies that spawn in waves. It truly shines when playing with friends and is often found on a steam sale to make it even more appealing.
Dear Ester
A world to explore - Dear Esther
© DualShockers
I am cheating a little with this one, as technically this was a mod for the Source Engine and not for a particular title, but I couldn’t help but include it as it a truly memorable gaming experience. Dear Ester is a true blue walking simulator. It simply leaves you on an island to walk around to discover. There are similar around these days, but It really was one of the first to make waves.
Natural Selection
Shadow Fade huh - Natural Selection
© Valve
Oh look another fine gaming experience generated by Half Life. Natural Selection is a fine concept, combining the fast gunning action of first person shooters and the intellectual chess of real time strategy. Although the game could be compared to ancient titles like Savage, this one definitely had a more successful sequel.
Defense of the Ancients
Lina the Slayer - Dota 2
© Valve
Warcraft 3 had a challenging custom map creator, yet creators everywhere found the Hero mechanics perfect for creating games that mirrored the experience of Aion of Strife from Starcrafts own custom editor. One could write an entire article exploring the history of this beloved title, but let’s leave that for another time. This time around let’s just all appreciate the King of MOBAs and its beloved creator, Icefrog.
That wraps up the top games that share this history, but it should be mentioned that many more fantastic mods exist for many of our favourite titles and although they may not appear here, they deserve a tip of the hat. Thanks for all the memories!
