Hi everyone, and long time no post!
As I do every year, I have compiled a list of my top games of the year--though this time, I did it in a slightly different format. Rather than list my top 10, as I did last year, I am presenting individual awards to the games I think are most deserving. Mind you, these are based on my own personal preferences; they should necessarily be construed as reflecting the winners in any official GameSpot Best-Of category.
This was an impressive year. I played a lot of games in 2009, and while some were immediately forgettable, others lingered, either because they were awesome, or because they were lousy. I enjoy this time of year, for what it's worth, and enjoy being part of the official GameSpot discussions. But the best part is getting to recognize games that would have otherwise been forgotten, had they not done one or two things exceedingly well. For example, Velvet Assassin will not blow anyone away, but its atmosphere was incredible--so incredible it was what made the game worth playing. Cryostasis was somewhat buggy and little-played, but its sound design and story were amazing, and we get to recognize it for those things.
It's also a time of surprises. Some readers believe that we buy into "hype," while others suggest that we should only include games they've heard of. (Obviously, those two things can't coexist, but that's lost on many.) But it comes down to this: What did we play, and love? We're in a unique position. We played a lot of games, the popular and the undersold both, and so we're not concerned with whether a lot of people played a game and are in a position to agree with us--we're simply concerned with whether it was good. In games, as in every other form of entertainment, what's good isn't necessarily what's popular, though sometimes it is. That's why you see categories that include The Sims 3 and Comet Crash living in harmony. (You may never have heard of Comet Crash, but you should damn well play it.) It's because we want to recognize what's good, not what's popular. If there's one hope I have this year, it's that you consider playing a game on our list you hadn't payed attention to before now. Never heard of Deadly Creatures or Bit.Trip Void? Now's the time to see what you were missing!
And so on to the Cubbies!
The Paris Hilton Award for Style Over Substance
Ninja Blade
I read occasional complaints from folks that see Ninja Blade as a sort of poor-man's Ninja Gaiden or God of War. And all I can say is: So? Gleefully silly, knowingly derivative, and brilliantly over the top, Ninja Blade is pure fun, and doesn't need excuses made for being exactly that.
The I Don't Get It Award
Borderlands
Borderlands gets a lot of love from various corners, but I haven't quite grasped what it is that people seem to love about it. It doesn't draw me in, because it doesn't do enough to hook me. There's no story worth mentioning, the world seems very bare-bones, and I can't shake the feeling that the art style is trying to compensate for a general lack of personality. Borderlands is a great tech demo, but it is a mere shell of what it could have been.
(Runner-Up: Shadow Complex)
The We've Seen This Before So Why Is It So Damn Good? Award
Dragon Age
There's nary an original bone in Dragon Age's fleshy, scaly body (which is what makes Bioware's recent comments about JRPGs' recycled elements seem hypocritcal), nor does that really surprise me. It's part Lord of the Rings and part D&D, and features enemy designs ripped right from the Tolkien playbook. Yet it works. Not because the plot is going to set the world (or Middle-Earth) on fire, but because the world is well thought out and filled with memorable characters that bring it to life. We've seen it all, but great writing and dialogue make us care in spite of the familiarity.
The Nicholas Cage "I Know You're Better Than This" Trophy
Creative Assembly
Empire: Total War is a great game, but a buggy, flawed beast as well; I have high hopes that Napoleon: Total War improves on this shaky foundation. But it's Stormrise that earns CA this nod. Tellingly, publisher Sega released Stormrise at the very end of its fiscal year, just as it did with Universe at War the year prior. It's a sign that the publisher had essentially given up and needed to get a product on shelves that would continue use up resources without any benefit to revenue. In other words: Sega likely had no faith that the game would get any better. And that's because Stormrise is flawed to its very core--and as we all know, you can't polish a... well... you've hear the saying.
(Runner-Up: Rebellion and Bethesda, for the shameful Rogue Warrior. What were they thinking?)
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Prize For Brilliance Over Bugs
Cryostasis
Had Cryostasis not been so buggy, it could have been 2009's PC game of the year. But in spite of its technical issues, its story, its ambience, and its originality stood out in a year of endless sequels. This is an awesome and flawed game that deserves its day in the sun. In this cases, an Arctic sun.
The John Cougar Mellencamp "Hurts So Good" Award
Demon's Souls
It's hard. It's unforgiving. And it's the most brilliant and innovative game of 2009, taking old-school dungeon crawling and infusing it with an incredible online component that's built into the very soul of the experience. And everything is implemented so well, never removing you from the world itself with "gamey" elements that intrude in other games. No "co-op" mode menu, no "player hint" menu, no "invite" menu... it's all built into the Demon's Souls' fabric. This is a game that will be played and loved by its fans long after 2009's sales juggernauts have been shelved and forgotten.
The Barry Manilow "I Can't Live Without You" Award
Moxie
"What the hell are you talking about, Kevin?" You thought this to yourself just now, didn't you? Well, fear not, for I am not insane. Moxie is an excellent word game for the iPhone that has kept me busy on my commute to work almost every day for months, when most iPhone games have gotten boring, even popular favorites like Bejeweled and Bookworm. You should check it out.
The Stripped Tease Award
Tie: Demigod and League of Legends
It seems like a great idea: Take the Defense of the Ancients mod for Warcraft III and turn it into a full-fledged product. The problem is, we're still waiting for a full-fledged product. Demigod could have been good had it worked at launch, and we garnered a lot of flak for criticizing this competitive online strategy game for barely working online. Fans felt it deserved the benefit of the doubt, but as it came to pass, we see that games shouldn't require that kind of benefit. Demigod still doesn't function properly (though it has improved), and it serves as proof that you can't trust patches to make it all better.
As for League of Legends, it's a great free game, but a lacking retail product. Again, it's a game built around future promises and expectations that delivers very little up front. If this sub-genre is going to take off in the retail market, we need a full-bodied game, a complete product. Until that time comes, there's simply no reason for DotA players to convert; not when it costs money.
The Unsung Hero Award
Killzone 2
It was easy to look at Killzone 2 as that "incredibly good-looking shooter." But when I wrote the review, I didn't write about the visuals until the second page for a reason: They weren't the defining feature of this fantastic first-person shooter. Killzone 2 is moody, intense, and the most fun I had with a shooter this year, including the super-anticipatedModern Warfare 2. Its multiplayer is an overlooked and amazing haven for 2009's best firefights, thanks to its multi-mode matches and lots of little features (spawn point cameras, for example) that kept me coming back. When other shooters delivered more of the same, Killzone 2 felt unique, and was more exciting than any multiplayer experience I had this year.
The "You Can't Go Home Again" Needlepoint Plaque
Tie: F.E.A.R. 2 and The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Athena
Some games exist as perfect points of light. They were the right game at the right time, and yet hold up years later as well. But some games are best left shining in the darkness. F.E.A.R. had already suffered from a couple of disappointing expansions, but with Monolith at the reigns of its sequel, I expected more, or at least, something on par with the original. F.E.A.R. 2 is a good shooter, but it isn't a special one. Dark Athena suffers in a similar way, which makes me wonder: Do developers sometimes forget what made their games so wonderful in the first place? It's not always about checking off all the right boxes; the best games grab you by the heart or the bollocks and don't let go.
The "It Isn't Just More Of The Same" Award
The Spore and Sims 3 teams at Electronic Arts
We've come to expect expansion packs that just give us more of the same. Rather than lazily crap out mundane and expected expansions, EA gave us delectable delights with Spore: Galactic Adventures and The Sims 3: World Adventures. In the Spore expansion, you got to create and experience little adventures, and in the process, be a bit of a game designer. In World Adventures, you took your sims on holiday to explore tombs, where all sorts of surprises were waiting. In both cases, we got something unexpected. And for that, I am thankful.
The Dan Brown Award
Assassin's Creed II's ending
You know what? It's nutty, maybe even a little cheesy. And you know what? I loved it. But one thing I am sure of: Whether you liked it or hated it, I bet you'll remember it. I'm already formulating ideas for what I think Assassin's Creed III could be (like I did with the first game), but this time, I didn't feel cheated. An awesome game with a memorable conclusion that had me eager for more. What more could I have wanted?
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Dissidia Final Fantasy
Along with The Sims 3, this is the game that I had a hard time pulling myself away from late at night, bleary-eyed, desperately needing some rest. The action is great, but what makes Dissidia so difficult to put down is how it keeps doling out the rewards, never running out of wonderful things to give you. More importantly, it doesn't feel like you start with half a game to start with. Instead, the joys just pile on.
The Gift That Could Have Given More
Scribblenauts
I don't know a single person in our office that wasn't psyched about Scribblenauts. That is, until we finally played the full game. It's a fantastic toy if you're the creative type, but as a game, it lacks. It's exploitable and controls poorly, and after playing through a few levels, I have absolutely no desire to return; the controls killed it for me.
The "On A Roll" Award
Relic Entertainment
Relic has yet to release a bad game. From Homeworld to Impossible Creatures, each of these game delighted and sometimes astounded me, and with Dawn of War II, they have another winner. It wasn't a home run, mind you. Dawn of War II's identity crisis is an issue, and the single-player campaign is nothing compared to Homeworld II's astounding story. Yet online, Dawn of War II is a thrilling and dynamic experience that reminds me that even when it takes chances that don't work out, Relic is a developer you can rely on, when so many others can't consistently deliver.
The "It's Better Than You Think" Award
Tie: Comet Crash and Dirt 2
Forza 3 is brilliant in its own way, but Dirt 2 is a beautiful and thrilling game in its own right. Justin Calvert and I had a conversation not too long ago in which I mentioned that it is very difficult to find anything wrong with it. The cars drive so well, and the game looks and sound so good, that it's hard to find anything to criticize. You may argue that it could have done more, but it's hard to see how it could have done what it does any better, from it's cool menus to the pure fun of kicking up dirt on the tracks. It got overshadowed by Forza 3 (which is a different kind of experience), but I would argue that it's every bit as worthy of your time and money.
Comet Crash is this year's "huh?" game that showed up in multiple categories, including strategy game of the year. And it totally belongs there, though it's easy to see why someone who hasn't played it might be vexed. 2009 was the year of the tower defense games. Yeah, I am getting sick of them too. But Comet Crash does it much differently by keeping you constantly active, and its multiplayer is a total hoot because it lets you create unit paths using the turrets you place. It's an extra layer of strategy that keeps every game different from the last. Don't let its unassuming looks fool you: This is a game that everyone should play, and is deserving in every category in which it appeared.
The "I Will Remember You" Award
Tie: Red Faction and Infamous
Don't worry, Red Faction and Infamous. You're still awesome, and I will send you Christmas Cards every year so you remember how much I love you.
So that's it for this year's Cubby Awards! Don't forget to vote in GameSpot's Reader's Choice awards, and feel free to let me know what your favorites and least favorites were. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter, where you'll get a lot more from me on a daily basis than you will here. Until later: Ciao!
Left 4 Dead 2 - the first few hours
After a sudden switch in decison from Dragon Age Online to Left 4 Dead 2 for my next game purchase, I am happy to say it was a good choice (though I plan on getting Dragon Age at some point still). My first play on the game involved playing through the first chapter/campaign on single player. This was an interesting affair as I found on normal I was running out of health packs quickly and also the AI seemed shocking. At times it will help you and other times it drags behind taking out every single enemie. Now thats pretty good but when you are having to rush due to low health and respawning enemies and your team mates do nothing it starts to get frustrating.
I managed to get to the rollercoaster with the AI for those who have played the game. Overall I was left with mixed feelings, whilst it felt an improvment on the first game, I felt the AI was not up to scratch and lack of checkpoints and health packs made the game more challenging but rewarding at the same time. The next day I finally got online (not due to lack of players, due to lack of internet connection where I was playing on the xbox). When putting this online the game felt alive all of a sudden, having other people who know what to do is great but having people who wont help you is a pain in the backside. I managed to get online with a friend though by pure chance as I was not aware he had the game until it came up friend playing game at loading. We had a blast doing achievments and even managed to rescue a certain gnome so I am happily sporting a pink t-shirt award (which the game gives for avatar awards, such as X ammount of zombies killed, story completion to more challenging things like carrying a gnome through 3 chapters). Versus also was an interesting experience, the game rotates which type of zombie you are each time you die to keep you on your toes. Again with this mode you need to have good planning and communication with your team.
So far this has been a great game with a few problems such as checkpoint issues and health packs being too spread out. However if you have friends with this and can play online, its a blast, but if you only want to do single player, you will have to really consider the AI issues before choosing. If you have any questions let me know, this is purely a first impressions blog and not a review.
Also for those interested, the "Hey Ash What are you playing- Left 4 Dead" video got me interested in Left 4 Dead 2, man the music was catchy on it.
Acitivity note:
I have decided to not post for a while at the unions and main boards. I am getting fed up of the silly arguments and random flame comments that are intended to make people upset and what not. I am not sure if I will return to any of the unions as really I just want to game more. However I am planning to do blogs more frequently on the games I have been playing and what I think of them. I may post from time to time but chances are its going to be much less frequent. I am sorry to those who are at the unions who did a good effort and were friendly but there is a trend of the anamosity of the internet turning peoples comments more and more extreme and silly which just stops me wanting to post due to just not caring anymore.
Been spending my Microsoft spacebucks lately. I bought The Ballad of Gay Tony for GTA IV when it came out and have completed it since. It's pretty good. I love the new cars, the crazy dancing and the new missions. If you liked The Lost and Damned, you'll probably like this as well. The achievements are a bit more painful this time though, I think I'll struggle to get 100% in every mission, but since it adds replayability I won't complain.
I also bought the second episode of Wallace & Gromit Episodes today. Didn't have points for the third and fourth episodes, but I will eventually. I usually don't play these kinds of point and click games, but I find Wallace and Gromit to be extremely charming. Cheese!
It's October and it's not supposed to be that cold. It was well into the 40's last night for the Auburn/Kentucky game and it was a terrible one at that. The first 3 quarters were OK, but the 4th quarter turned into a nightmare. Flags were being thrown like they were hot potatoes, plays were being called that shouldn't have a place in a SEC game, let alone the fourth quarter of one. Missed tackles continue to be the story, as it looks like Auburn's depth is being shown. I only expect them to beat Furman to pick up their sixth win and "bowl" eligibility. I put that in quotes because if they do get invited it will most likely be the Independence Bowl, and that doesn't really count.
In other news, the Saints dominated the Giants today and proves to me they are the #2 team in the NFL being Peyton Manning.
It's 00:37 and I am bored, I should renew my XBL subscription. I am going to do it soon enough, but with well over two months worth of XBL cards I think I am covered.
Since I can't play online and I am playing lot of GHWT, and Halo ODST.
BYES!!!
Hope it feels like the good ol' days. Enjoy. 
Well my 17th birthday was May 5 (cindo de mayo) i guess i can get carded at the movies now without looking like an idiot and making up some excuse how i forgot my id. I just got a bunch of money some sunglasses and some small stuff. Ill probably buy a new game with the money but i dont really know what it will be yet.
Also im obsessed with this mybrute thing. Its weird cause its so simple and you log on like once a day then just wait for next time. But if you dont have one please click the link below to create a brute and be my pupil, you will prob enjoy it. trust me...
This is what's up. School has just started, and i have soo many things going on in my life right now, plus loads of homework, so i have decided to take a break from Gamespot. But if you wanna contact me, you can always hit me up with a PM (GS is my startpage, so i see if i get new msgs)
and perhaps i'll drop by in the boards if i get time.
~Mads
Merry Christmas Everyone
Enjoy the day, be safe and Game On
In July Infinity Ward announced at E3 that they were having a beta for Call of Duty 4 on the Xbox 360 sometime in August. I was pumped for that after being a member of their site since day one. This past Wednesday they open up a lotto where you could send in an e-mail answering three questions and hope to get selected. While it wasn't a small choosing of people, it wasn't large. Days went by and I wasn't in, but finally today I got in. Checked my e-mail and their was my code and the congratulations from Infinity Ward. So I am glad to play it before the big rush of people come in on Monday once it becomes more available to the public of those who live in the U.S.
Tonight I played a little with Earthking and I must say the beta is amazing. There are three maps and each one is designed well and offers a great experience. The classes you can choose to be and the ranking system is cool too. I am normally a Heavy Gunner and have liked the weapons the class offers. Infinity Ward really has produced a game that will be great on the day it releases, this just from the beta. I haven't experienced much lag, so it has been good.
If you got in we need to play and start a Party Group. I love games that have a Party system built-in. The matchmaking has been excellent too.
Anyways, I start back up on school on Wednesday. So comes the end of my summer and here I go back to school to have loads of fun.
I'll be glad to see my friends I didn't see in the summer, but by the third week I'll be wanting Christmas to come. Luckily Halo 3 comes out on September 25th! Less than a month now!
This week I get to go back to football to at least help out at practice. I am glad because I have been getting bored being at home since I had my tonsils removed. Then the following week I should get to practice again. I am excited for that to happen.
Anyways, Call of Duty 4 is something you need to sign-up for if you have a Xbox 360. Go to CharlieOscarDelta.com and on Monday those who live in the U.S. have a good chance to get. It'll be at 12:00 P.M. EST.
this is the second game ive played for the ps3 and after going through most of resistance i was thinking the ps3 so far is a bit dissapointing....
well that was until i started playing motorstorm!!
what can i say this game is one of the best looking games ive ever played.i mean the view from out side of the car is good but when you switch to the in-car view things go to a totaly new level...
i cant beleive how real it looks from inside the car the way things move around you is just breath taking and very realistic and the pace of the game is also very fast from inside that view so thats always good for a racing game......
so far ive done a few different race groups and everyone of them has been edge of the seat stuff so i can't wait to play through the rest of this amazing game....
im playing the game on a pretty large screen so im sure that is adding to the effect also of actualy being inside the cab..a 43" pioneer plasma hdtv................all i can say is,,, if you've got a ps3 get this game!!
well that's all for now ...peace out
Written By - S3-Solid_Snake - Luke De'ath
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NNU is My News update it stands for:
Neo786 News Updates
In this i supply the latest news of the gaming world for every games console. I try to post atleast 10 different news stories in every NNU topic.
NNU is currently with ISU where it began its been running for about about four months now.
To contact me further about NNU PM me also do not ask for NNU if your union is under level 10.
