Retro Replay Review

The Eidos Everything Pack is a sprawling Steam-exclusive compilation that gathers 20 of Eidos’s most celebrated titles into one convenient bundle. Covering everything from tactical stealth operations to globe-trotting adventures and cyberpunk conspiracies, this pack offers a remarkable breadth of gameplay styles. Although the compilation went out of print in June 2009, it remains a fascinating time capsule of early-2000s game design and innovation.

Gameplay

The gameplay in the Eidos Everything Pack is as varied as its roster. Strategy aficionados will feel right at home with the Commandos series—Behind Enemy Lines, Beyond the Call of Duty, Men of Courage, and Destination Berlin—where precise teamwork and careful planning are paramount. Each mission demands stealthy infiltration, distraction tactics, and flawless timing, rewarding players who relish cerebral challenges.

On the action front, titles like Just Cause and Project: Snowblind deliver high-octane thrills. Just Cause encourages daredevil stunts with its open-world sandbox, grappling hook shenanigans, and explosive set-pieces. Project: Snowblind shifts the pace to a more futuristic shooter, blending intense firefights with a dash of sci-fi flair. These games provide instant gratification for players hungry for over-the-top mayhem.

Stealth and infiltration take another form in the Hitman trilogy—Codename 47, Silent Assassin, and Blood Money. Agent 47’s sandbox missions challenge players to blend into crowds, improvise disguises, and execute targets with surgical precision. For a more narrative-heavy first-person experience, the Deus Ex entries (Game of the Year Edition and Invisible War) allow multiple approaches—combat, stealth, hacking, and social engineering—ushering in an RPG-shooter hybrid that still influences modern design.

Graphics

Given that many of these titles debuted in the early to mid-2000s, graphical fidelity varies considerably. The Commandos games employ modest 2D isometric visuals that still clearly convey mission objectives, enemy sightlines, and interactive props—functional, if not breathtaking. Their cartoon-ish artistry has aged gracefully, retaining charm even on modern displays.

The early 3D engine of Hitman: Codename 47 feels blocky by today’s standards, but subsequent entries polish character models, lighting, and environments. By Blood Money, richer shadows and more detailed crowds add to the immersion. Likewise, Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition showcases crisp textures and atmospheric lighting that underscore its cyberpunk setting, though you may notice low-resolution character faces or draw-in at distances.

Open-world titles like Just Cause and narrative adventures such as Tomb Raider: Legend and Anniversary push the pack’s visual variety. Just Cause features sprawling islands, dynamic weather, and explosive particle effects that still impress. The modernized engine behind Legend delivers vibrant landscapes and fluid animations, reminding players why Lara Croft remains an icon.

Story

Storytelling in this compilation ranges from tightly focused stealth narratives to sprawling conspiracies. The Commandos series offers minimal plot—mere context for your tactical exploits—yet each mission’s premise is clear and urgent, pulling you into covert operations behind enemy lines. It’s lean, efficient storytelling designed to keep the action moving.

Deus Ex stands out as the anthology’s most ambitious narrative. Its blend of corporate intrigue, philosophical debates about free will, and hidden societies unfolds through environmental clues, NPC dialogue, and player choice. Invisible War attempts to continue those themes, though it simplified some mechanics and plot threads, yet it still offers thought-provoking sci-fi drama.

The Hitman titles engage players in episodic assassination stories, each level a miniature thriller. While the overarching plot about clones and conspiracies takes backstage, the moral ambiguity of your missions—contract killing disguised as accidents—provokes reflection. Meanwhile, Just Cause and Tomb Raider entries provide more traditional hero’s-journey arcs, complete with exotic locales, ancient mysteries, and charismatic protagonists.

Overall Experience

As a package, the Eidos Everything Pack is an impressive time capsule showcasing two decades of genre-defining titles. Its greatest strength lies in the sheer variety: you can plan an all-nighter of stealth micromanagement one evening, then switch to explosive open-world chaos the next. This breadth ensures there’s something to suit almost any mood or playstyle.

On the downside, the compilation’s age shows in occasional compatibility hiccups, outdated control schemes, and varied quality of porting to modern hardware. Players may need to tweak settings or hunt for community patches to achieve the smoothest experience. Despite these minor hurdles, the nostalgic value and depth of content often outweigh technical frustrations.

Ultimately, the Eidos Everything Pack remains a must-consider for collectors and fans of classic PC gaming. Even though it’s no longer available for purchase as of June 2009, those who secured it can revel in its diverse offerings—20 different adventures under one roof. For new players lucky enough to find it, this compilation is a treasure trove of pioneering gameplay, memorable characters, and enduring design philosophies that still resonate today.