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27Mar 10
As promised, here are my Top 6 films of 2009. 2009 on the whole was a pretty good year but to me, it didn't compare as much to the years before it. Here is hoping for a wonderful 2010 though and beyond. Without further delay, here are my Top 6 films of 2009. This is in order.
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6. Black Dynamite
Black Dyanmite is a shining example of a spoof film done right. Anyone who's ever seen a Blaxploitation film automatically will understand this film. From Dolemite to Blackbelt Jones, no film is safe and this film is just utterly hilarious. The writing is sharp, the campiness is intact, and the laughs just never end. I can't remember seeing a film this funny actually.
Bullhorn & Black Dynamite = Two of the funniest characters this year.
It's just a total good time and I think of all the movies of this year, I had the most fun watching it with a group of friends. Black Dynamite didn't do well business wise but to anyone who's seen it, the film is a cultural success in that it lampooned a genre which for the most part, is relatively lighthearted to begin with.I encourage anyone who enjoys good comedy to see this film.
5. Inglourious Basterds
I can't say I had high hopes for Basterds. The movie was rife with delays and in it's early stages, the casting and concept of the film seemed awful, cliche, and done. Fortunately though, Tarantino lived up to the decade of hype by giving us what perhaps amounts to his best film since Pulp Fiction some sixteen years ago. Basterds is a sharp film rife with intelligent dialogue, humor, brutality, and entertainment. It is is a pulp World War 2 film which is by no means meant to be serious. It is a great time and there are few films this year that are as entertaining and as unapologetic as Basterds. The performances were all spart on with Christoph Waltz being the clear showstealer as the cold and somewhat likeable Hans Landa. All in all, you'd be hard pressed to find a better action movie from this year and Basterds represents the best of the summer blockbusters (if it can be called that) of 2009.
4. Sin Nombre
Sin Nombre is a hybrid; part gangster narrative, part love story, and part migratory tale. It tells the story of Sayra, a poor Honduran girl who embarks on a journey to illegally emigrate to America with her father and uncle. Some films have tried this before, but few have shown such a horrifying and detailed representation of it. This truly is the trip from hell and it is made no easier with the introduction of Casper, a conflicted member of the brutal and terrifying MS-13 gang. As their journeys intertwine with one another, the film just keeps going and keeps gaining momentum as time goes on. By the end, it is a wholly fulfilling experience and it represents one of the finest debuts of 2009 up with the ranks of films like Moon. Paulina Gaitan, the girl who plays Sayra, delivers one of the best performances of the year and the entire supporting cast is able to play their parts extremely well. Sin Nombre is one of my favorite films of the year for many reasons, but above all, it rises to number four for the very fact that it tells a story which is important to tell. People can be against illegal immigration, but when you see what some of these people have to go through, you can only feel all but sympathetic to their disposition in society.
3. Up In The Air
Jason Reitman has proven himself to be one of the most consistent and most talented directors in the business today. Up In The Air continues his streak of quality as he crafts a story of realization and quasi-romance. Ryan Bingham, played by the always excellent George Clooney, has a life of flying around the country continuously and firing people. His addiction to never settling ultimately shatters when he finds his company is grounding all workers due to the poor economy. He suddenly finds himself confused but all looks up when he meets two women, Alex Goran and Natalie Keener. Pound for pound, this movie is pure quality. With sharp writing, a manifestation of our own poor economy, and great performances from all actors, this film should resonate with anyone who sees it. The beautiful Anna Kendrick actually represents one of the best actors in the film as though almost all her scenes include George Clooney, she is able to act on an equal level with him, impressive for someone who is only 23 some odd years old. Up In The Air is a film for anyone and I encourage you to all see it.
2. Up!
Up is charming, funny, sentimental, and beautiful. With some of the finest animators in the world, Pixar has been a powerhouse churning out critical and box office smashes every year on a consistent basis. Up represents the best of these, the best film Pixar has done and one of the best animation films of the last decade. The film has a beautiful way of appealing to both kids and adults alike with Carl's sentimatal moments concerning his wife and dreams of adventure to Russel's longing to be accepted by somebody. There is a ton of stuff here to appeal to adults and to kids, it's a lot of fun. Up! was one of my favorites of the year because it was hilarious and I loved watching it. I can't see why anyone would want to see it, you'd be a fool to pass it off as just another kid's movie.
1. The Hurt Locker
The Hurt Locker really came out of left field to me. I did not hype it nor know about it until around December when the Oscar buzz came about. To be fair too, it was also on the bottom of my list of Oscar contenders to see. It should have been on top. The Hurt Locker is a masterfully told tale riddled with suspense. It is perhaps the most haunting war film in recent memory and the hardest hitting despite its absence of gore and extreme action sequences. In fact, one notorious sniper sequence is surpsingly very lite on violence yet it stands as one of the greatest battles within any war film made. The film is riddled with excellent characterization and Jermey Renner delivers a wonderful performance. His character is perhaps one of the most interesting of last year and his actions and the disdain he receives from those around him lifts the movie up in both it's suspense and it's poignancy. The Hurt Locker is the best picture of last year, there is no going around that. It is a must see.
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19Mar 10
Sorry for the long gaps in between blog posts but I really can't help it these days. I just do so much more now than I used to, generally enjoying life and all it's fruits and just having fun. I managed to pick up Bad Company 2 though and I've had the time to play about 20-30 hours or so, can't really pin point an exact estimate.
I've also played Modern Warfare 2 for around 50 hours, with that granted, here's a head to head of the two games weighing the benefits of both. I know this is a hot topic since I see it all the time and to be honest, most of the time it's just fanboy rage against the evil Activision empire.
I'll break down the positives of each game, then say which one I like better overall. I could talk about negatives but I imagine you'll find those out when I describe the positive of the other game, you'll see.
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Bad Company 2
1. Unmatched Scale
It is no secret that Battlefield is a series known for it's grand scale stemming from it's inception with the first Battlefield game, Battfield 1942. It has remained as a staple for the series and Bad Company 2 is no different. Every map is absolutely huge and with 32 players causing mayhem in a variety of vehicles, you really do feel like a small part of a very big war; a feeling all but lost with the latest entries in the Modern Warfare franchise. The scale is one of the stand out features of Bad Company 2 because really, there is no other console game that offers a similar scale with the exception of a few titles which don't even have close to this game's mainstream appeal. Bad Company 2 is leading the way for huge warfare and it is made all the better with the inclusion of...
2. Massive Destructability and Fallout
There's this little saying in the Bad Company 2 which goes a little something like, 'No two maps look the same at the end of a Bad Company 2 match'. This is true, hella true. I mean anyone who's played the game knows the sheer amount of explosiveness that permeates the screen. Every moment has an earth shattering explosion causing your ears to ring, your character to shake, and dust to explode into your face blinding your vision. This is all happening in real time, and it adds so much depth to the game where explosions actually mean something. Grenades are practically useless compared to the assault of a rocket or a rocket propelled grenade and unlike Modern Warfare 2's piddily explosions, Bad Company 2's maps can be levelled by the end of the map with craters decimating the ground below. The map is changed totally by the end of the game and each game is played differently for this reason.
3. Squad Play
I have long argued that Bad Company 2 has a truly rich multiplayer experience, richer than any other game on the market. This is not just due to my long fanboy love affair with the Battlefield series, but it's because of squad play, a tenant I firmly believe in. Modern Warfare 2, with the exception of some select modes, is a very independant affair in which you rarely ask for backup from your team let alone depend on them for your survival and success. Battlefield Bad Company 2 however frequently forces you to both communicate and work with your team to accomplish a goal. There is no singular force in this game and anyone who attempts to do so will be put down really fast, like real fast. The team work in this game is immense and daunting to someone who is used to Halo or Call of Duty but when executed well, it is an amazing feeling.
4. Better Online Balance
I don't need to tell y'all that Modern Warfare 2 was poorly balanced and was chock full of glitches from launch. Hell it probobly still is even though I haven't played in a good month. Still though, Bad Company 2 should stand as a fine example of a game which still had progression without being unfair. Let's be honest, some of Modern Warfare 2's perks were balls. Balls in the form of balls to the face in terms of how annoying they were. Bad Company 2 retains the same idea of perks but keeps it fair, and for the most part balanced. You never feel gimped compared to someone of a higher level than you but you still know that there are good things around the corner if you keep playing. Modern Wafare 2 however, you're gonna be destroyed until you unlock some good perks and weapons.
5. Better Community
Modern Warfare 2 is full of annoying ignorant folks of all ages who spew racist and insulting crap at any moment. Bad Company 2's does not for the most part. 'Nuff said.
Modern Warfare 2
1. Infantry Only Warfare
I know, I know, there's helicopters and such but not to the extent of what is offered in Bad Company 2. For the most part, Modenr Warfare 2 is pure infantry vs. infantry combat and you know what, sometimes this is what I want. Sometimes I just wanna stab people in the face as opposed to having to pull out an RPG before a tank blasts my ass across the map. If Battlefield on the PC is any indication, people do crave this in the Battlefield games given the amount of Infantry Only servers. It's a real shame Bad Company 2 didn't allow for this option especially in the Squad Modes. I would have relished in the idea of an infantry only setting as opposed to a hardcore setting.
2. Spec Ops!
Spec-Ops is one of the dopest things of any game last year, don't even lie. Snowmobile races, blowing up vehicles on a bridge, juggernauts, don't lie you loved it...And Bad Company 2 totally lacks any sort of co-op. We all know Modern Warfare 2 was a badass value and Spec-Ops and it's infinite addictiveness was a huge factor in this. Spec-Ops with my friends still stands as one of my favorite gaming moments of last year and it suffices to say that Bad Company 2 fails hard on co-op compared to Modern Warfare 2.
3. Far Superior in the Single Player Department
Bad Company 2's single player was good, Modern Warfare 2's was heart pulsing blockbuster movie testosterone laden balls to the wall actions. It was like a Michael Bay movie on speed and while not maybe of the highest quality, it was really fun to play. I don't play games like this for Metal Gear Solid-esque stimulation, I want to see blood spill and explosions rattle my screen. Modern Warfare 2 kept me engaged and gave me incentive to go through again just to do it one more time. Bad Company 2 really didn't.
4. Constant Sense of Reward
Some people might look down upon this but I see it as being a positive. To be honest, I love to be rewarded for doing diddly ish but some people think that's just 'nubbish'. Bad Company 2, even though I might be killing it in terms of my score, really doesn't make me feel as if I'm doing really well especially given how damn hard it is to level up. Seeing my experience clearly accumulate however in Modern Warfare 2 along with constant levelling just makes it a lot more addictive in that you just gotta love that sound when you accomplish something no matter how small.
5. There's Just More To Do
Bad Company 2 Modes:
CampaignConquest
Rush
Squad Rush
Squad DeathmatchModern Warfare 2 Modes:
Campaign
Spec-OpsTeam Deathmatch
Mercenary Team Deathmatch
Free-for-All
Ground War
Domination
Sabotage
Headquarters Pro
Search and Destroy
Demolition
Hardcore Team Deathmatch
Search and Destroy Hardcore
3rd Person Cagematch Harcore
3rd Person Team Deathmatch
3rd person Team Tactical
Hardcore Ricochet: HQ ProI rest my case
The Bottom Line:
Y'all are gonna hate me for this
The better value overall goes to Modern Warfare 2. With a huge community destined to never die and a ton of content to go through, you're getting way more for your money here
The better single player experience goes to Modern Warfare 2. With a fantastically entertaining single player and a great spec-ops mode to play by yourself if so your choose, this is the better game for the gamer with Xbox Live Silver.
The better online experience goes to Bad Company 2. Less is more with this game. Like I said, no game plays the same and there is just better balance, a better community, and it is very apparent DICE but all their time in this mode. It's very good and far superior to Modern Warfare 2's online.
The best overall game: Modern Warfare 2 but this all depends on what you like. Online is where the heart is in both these games after all.
My suggestion?
If you want pure online chaos with a nice chunk of team work, go for Bad Company 2.
If you want to stab faces and just charge in shooting, go for Modern Warfare 2.
If you want to be a smart gamer, save up, buy both, and decide for yourself...
Look out for my next blog, my top 6 movies of 2009 (About Time).
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23Jan 10
The Wire was a five season television show on HBO which basically detailed the Baltimore drug trade from the perspective of the police and their criminal targets. The show brought in various other arcs though like the school system, the port, the politics of the city, and other gangs. Ultimately, it became one of the most ambitious and complex shows on television and this is a show you must watch from the beggining. This is the only way to appreciate it's brilliance, it's sharp writing, and it's unmatched sense of drama which we will never see again.
While most police-oriented shows take a somewhat unrealistic approach, The Wire did something different by offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the streets of Baltimore and amazingly, despite it's realism, it was able to create something far more shocking and dramatic then anything we had yet seen on TV. David Simon truly made something that was a product of the reality, a reality which is shocking and something we rarely see. For this, The Wire stands as a landmark television series which sadly barely got any acclaim in it's original run.
My favorite seasons and why run in this order. Bare in mind I love all of these seasons and all of them should stand as a standard for TV drama:
5. Season 5
Season 5 suffered from some odd new storylines and a mundane aspect with the media but otherwise, it was the same show which I came to love. The writing was on point and the character arcs were fantastic. The development of McNulty, Marlow, Michael, and other characters stand out and as a whole, this series was a great ending to the series. Without awkwardness, they managed to round up the series well and not leave out any loose ends. There are no questions to ask, we know what has happened, this is how TV series should end and I thank God that they ended it like this.
4. Season 1
With Season 1 it was clear they were trying to get their footing and took a lot of time to get the season rolling as they had to properly introduce each character. In the end though, they did just that and it had easily one the most gripping second halves of all of the seasons. This one was plain great and it did an excellent job of setting up the rest of the series. A great start to the greatest series of all time is the best way to explain it. Just so many cIassic moments in this and also it had some of my favorite characters like Omar, D'Angelo, Stringer, and Avon.
3. Season 3
Oh this season is good, really good. With a fitting end to the arc started by Season 1 and just in general great new ideas, this one stands as the middle of the 'peak'. The concept of Hamsterdam was perhaps one of the most interesting ideas explored in the series and with politics being thrown into the mix, the complexity factor was ramped up. It worked though, perfectly, and for that I love this season. It was just fantastic.
2. Season 2
I came in with the impression that I was going to hate this Season, obviously that wasn't the case. A lot of people don't like it due to the shift on focus but this Season is just perfect in every way. For one, it was a well done bridge between the first and third season as it managed to introduce both characters that would effect the course of the series and it also made the third seasons existence plausable. On another hand, it also introduced some of the most interesting characters of the series. The Sobatkas in paricular represent the pinnacle of the story's writing. The drama was amazing and the writing in this season blew my mind. The acting as well was just so on point and honestly, this season had me on the edge often. David Simon intended this season to show the plight of America's working cIass and I must admit, it succeeded. This stands as one of the finest examples of television only paled in comparison by...
1. Season 4
This is the most perfect thing I've ever seen; movie, television, painting, etcetera. In the end nothing beats this season of Television. With the plight of Baltimore's schools brought into the picture of the Stanfield organization, the police department, and the politics of the city, this season stands as the most complex yet and it still managed to be more well written, acted, and coherent then every single television series active at it's time of conception. There were many moments where I was in tears and I rarely tear up, let alone to a television show. This season had the most drama, the best acting, the most tragic consequences, and it was the most realistic at the same time. This is when I realized that this was the greatest show of all time.
In the end, I could spend all day talking about this show; the characters and all. It's just a fantastic show and you all should watch it. Everything is perfection and I leave you with the theme song (one of the most fitting themes of all time) and a montage of my favorite characters.
"When you walk through the garden
You gotta watch your back
Well I beg your pardon
Walk the straight and narrow track
If you walk with Jesus
He's gonna save your soul
You gotta keep the devil
Way down in the hole
He's got the fire and the fury
At his command
Well you don't have to worry
If you hold on to Jesus hand
We'll all be safe from Satan
When the thunder rolls
Just gotta help me keep the devil
Way down in the hole
All the angels sing about Jesus' mighty sword
And they'll shield you with their wings
And keep you close to the lord
Don't pay heed to temptation
For his hands are so cold
You gotta help me keep the devil
Way down in the hole"
Just go watch it
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2Jan 10
As promised here are ten games which I must play. Unlike my previous list though, there is no order to this one as I'd basically be ordering them based on hype and not playability which defies logic to me. Here are the ten games without further delay
I am not counting Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Yakuza 3 on this list since I have already played them, a lot just to let ya know
On we go:
1. Final Fantasy XIII (360, PS3)
The complaints about linearity and other items are really not bugging me a lot since I know that the Japanese and North American game markets react totally differently to different things. The fact is though that Final Fantasy XIII looks to be one of the finest JRPGs of this generation and given it's massive amount of development, I can't believe we're almost there. I am expecting a great game and since I'll have all the time in the world to play this game (As I will be accepted into some university by that point), I can't wait to sink my teeth into this beast.
2. Bayonetta (360, PS3)
Kamiya you beast, I knew you'd be the first to make my first most anticipated title of the year. This game comes out in like two days and even though I won't get it right away, my excitement to play this one is huge. The demo blew me away and given Kamiya's penchant of awesome-sauce action, this is gonna make me a happy man. I anticipate this one to blow away audiences and I certainly hope it becomes an unexpected hit because it looks to deserve it.
3. Mass Effect 2 (360, PC)
You're crazy if you don't think this game looks good. I can pretty much guarantee this game will blow every other WRPG outta the water. It looks brilliant and really, it only needs to improve on a few nitpicks in Mass Effect in order for it to be a fantastic game. With what looks like smoother gameplay and sick new innovations, I can safely place my hopes in this game being one of the best games of the year. Bioware blew me away with Dragon Age, I hope they do it again.
4. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)
Peace Walker is Kojima's next masterpiece and you'd be a fool to sleep on this one, I mean for real. It's gonna be sick and it's basically the equivalent to Metal Gear Solid 5. The only reason I didn't pick Rising over this is because I doubt we'll see Rising till 2011 when Kojima can put more time into that project. Peace Walker is looking fine as hell anyways and I doubt anyone with a PSP will miss this one coming out in 2010.
5. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (360, PC, PS3)
Bad Company was easily one of the finest shooters of this generation with unmatched destructability and an engaging online component. Bad Company 2 looks to improve, expand, and explode onto the FPS scene yet again with this new title and holy crap, everytime I see this game...
That's all that can be said.
6. God of War 3 (PS3)
Garbage box art always did bug me (Thank God it's not final) but really, it's all about what's on the disc. God of War 3 is looking great and though not my most wanted game of the year, it's one I can see myself enjoying. With two predecessors to back it up, I expect nothing but quality from this title.
7. Starcraft 2 (PC)
Do I need to say anything about this game? I really shouldn't. RTS of the year confirmed (If the damned thing even comes out).
8. Halo: Reach (360)
Bungie has never let me down and with the Halo franchise I have the upmost faith in them. Though ODST was slightly disappointing, this game is looking to be great as it is a true sequel; a full game. I think it can be great and I know Bungie will take it in a superb direction. I got faith in this one.
9. Splinter Cell: Conviction (360, PC)
I can't see how this game goes wrong. It already looks amazing and it's the first truly next generation Splinter Cell title (Does Double Agent really count?). Having not even seen the online component yet, I'm set to buy this one day one most likely. I love the changes they made and I think it'll make the game all the more fun. Where the series felt tedious before, I hope it can improve and I think this is what has been done by the folks at Ubisoft. Can't wait to get my hands on this.
10. Dead Rising 2 (360, PC, PS3)
It's about time we got a sequel. The first game kicked so much ass, so much that I can't wait to get my hands on this one. New ways to kill zombies? Straight up killin' modes? Revamped gameplay? I can't wait. I hope they can make this into the titan Zombie game, like the magnum opus of them all. Left 4 Dead is nice but Dead Rising is where the heart is.
Comment
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30Dec 09
Rather then do an awards like I did last year, I prefer to just list off my 10 favorite games of the year in order of favorites. This is all my opinion, you can slay me for it in my comments.
Oh and I know I have been absent from blogs and reviews and it's been due to a lot of business. I wouldn't expect much from me but once I get into University, expect to see more regular updates!
Onto my list:
10. inFamous (PS3)
inFamous doesn't win awards for it's high end graphics or it's high end presentation; in fact the game isn't visually impressive at all. Where it wins points if in it's satisfying, quick, and electrifying gameplay which is some of the finest of this year. It's really an impressive game and with a story worth caring about and action to keep your connected to the events on screen. inFamous is one of the years finest open world games. It also had a great moral system and a city that was easy and fun to move around in. It was a fast paced game which was a ride I'm glad I took. It stands to me as one of the finest games of the year despite some very minor issues.
9. Street Fighter IV (PS3, 360, PC)
Street Fighter IV was this years finest fighter and arguably this generations greatest. Challenging, retro, and satisfying, the game may have been a bit light in modes but it was a fine fighter which was well balanced. It featured a great fighting system which was familiar to Street Fighting masters. Though very tough to pick up and play for a newcomer, hardcore fans would have it no other way. Street Fighter IV is a perfect example of if something works, don't change it...Too much.
8. Resident Evil 5 (360, PS3, PC)
Though it did not come close to matching the legacy of it's predecessor, Resident Evil 5 was still a fantastic action game from beginning to end. The action was on point and it was an enjoyable ride. Not to be taken seriously, it was just fun and I enjoyed it. Given it's great co-op mode and it's excellent replayability, Resident Evil 5 was a great game. Despite some lowlights like a tacked on versus mode and a poor AI partner in some circumstances, Resident Evil 5 stands as one of the better games of 2009.
7. Dragon Age: Origins (PC, PS3, 360)
Brilliant, that's all I can say. Great story, great combat, amazing game. Despite many technical issues on the PC, I am really loving this game and though not finished yet, I understand that Dragon Age is a game to be held as one of the greatest of 2009. It's game you should all play especially if you love RPGs, it is by far the best one of 2009.
6. Left 4 Dead 2 (360, PC)
Left 4 Dead 2 was very much a sequel, not an expansion. With a brand spanking new gore system, a new scavenge mode, five new campaigns, survival, versus, and four great new survivors, Left 4 Dead 2 was a game which outshone and made obselete of it's predecessor in every way possible. It's a great game and it is by far the best thing Valve has done in a while. I am shamed that I had doubts about this actually, game is fantastic...Y'all should try it.
5. Uncharted 2 (PS3)
Though not an original game by any means, Naughty Dog was able to take the best of many games and mold it into one epic adventure we call Uncharted 2. The PS3's flagship title now, Uncharted 2 stands as one of the years greatest achievements. Though the online play was kind of weak, the co-op objective based modes were fantastic and the single player was epic, truly epic. With huge set pieces and great action, Uncharted 2 is a game I really enjoyed. Games like this makes me wish I had the money to buy a PS3 for reals instead of having to bum one off of a friend
4. Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed II not only fulfilled what Assassin's Creed should have been but it also took it one step further. This game is amazing. From the platforming which is still fun to the combat which is intuitive and satisfying, Assassin's Creed II was just plain sick. With a story worth noting now and an emphasis on staying in the character of Ezio as opposed to Desmond, Assassin's Creed II was a game that was well worth a second chance. Even if you didn't like the first, I'd highly recommend checking this game out as it remedies the faults of the old while keeping the joys of it intact. This is done in tandem with bringing in many, many new features all of which make the game far superior to any other action adventure title on the market.
3. The Sims 3 (PC)
The Sims 3 held me by a vice-grip for much of my summer keeping me up both late at night and indoors when I was hoping to go the beach. This game is bloody brilliant and with the open world gameplay free of loads and holds up, it was just so much more addictive. I felt isolated in The Sims 2 but the Sims 3 made me feel like I was in another world. This game was also the most open ended entry yet with the ability to craft your own tale made far easier then ever before. This game charmed me and I still love it. It easily sucked up the most time of any game this year and I recommend it to all of you since I know a lot of people on Gamespot slept on this.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (360, PS3, PC, DS)
Modern Warfare 2 is a game that gets far too much hate. It is a visceral exciting adventure which is the equivalent to an action movie on steroids, is there something wrong with that? It's just fun and it has one of the more memorable campaign of this year. It treaded new territory and it had a lot of great ideas which I felt were done well. The spec-ops mode was by far the most enjoyable co-op experience of this year and the online mode is this years finest. It is a game to die for and I understand why many of you hate it. I could care less though, I love it.
1. Batman: Arkham Asylum (360, PS3, PC)
Arkham Asylum was a fantastic game for many reasons.
- It was nearly flawless with a perfectly paced campaign and a superb mix of detective work, stealth, and action
- It had a great story which wove in many villains in the Batman universe
- It had fantastic action, a great fighting system, and just generally had awesome ways to make you feel like Batman
- It had amazing fan service to fans of the Comic Book
- It was NOT a lame ass comic book / movie video game
- It had FREE DLC within a month of it's release
- It was just plain fun
Despite a weak ending and final boss, Arkham Asylum stands as one of the finest achievements of the year and given that was pegged as almost doomed to fail, I am glad this game met my anticipated hype. Arkham Asylum is by far, the best game of 2009.
Look out for my most anticipated games of 2010 list coming soon, there's a lot on it
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30Sep 09
They said that the next generation would start a revolution, afterall wasn't the Wii originally called the Nintendo Revolution?
I know we're most likely only halfway through the current generation but it's funny how I can still find many many last generation games which destroy current generation games. I can safely say that five years into last generation, I wasn't thinking like that. Here are some games that still beat out most games coming out right now...
1. Max Payne 2
I dare you to find a shoot 'em up these days which has the story, character development, and detail of this game. For a game with such simple mechanics, it just did so much. This game came out in 2003 and it still plays like it came out last year. It has one of the best stories of it's kind and the atmosphere is mind blowing, few games can even tread on it this generation. The characters are likeable and the bleak story is only accentuated by the well done graphic novel sequences which have been only replicated to little success. Remedy went all out with this one and I think Max Payne 3 embodies everything that's wrong with this generation. With the disregard for ****and movement towards what I hear is going to be MP shooting, I am disappointed in you Rockstar! Here's hoping Remedy brings the beauty of Max Payne to the current generation with Alan Wake...
2. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
This game is so good that freeroam games still aspire to live up to it; Saints Row anyone? It's funny though how no game can even come close to this one. I mean, after all, despite the attempts to say they have a huge world with many things to do, Rockstar really is the only company to do it right. No world is as large as San Andreas and this game is one that is still one of the most played games on xfire, single player and online included. Yes, online, on PC. I find it funny how the best mods all came from last generation games, the SAMP mod has given me literally 250 hours of enjoyment and it's a sad thing when games become harder and harder to make mods for. San Andreas is a game that will never die and live long after GTA IV; no doubt.
Oh and hey, Rockstar made this one too!
3. World of Warcraft
What do you call a game that transcends time and manages to captivate an audience of around ten million...for about 5 years? World of Warcraft, love it or hate it, is the most popular video game in the world and there is no doubt that it dominates the MMO genre that, despite working with next generation tech, has still been unable to beat this game. This game is just a perfect blend of everything and though it took from many MMOs to unite them into one game, there is no doubt that MMO developers can onyl take influence and hope to at least take a chunk out of WoW. Domination is out of the question, WoW will always be around for the near future but here's hoping that an MMO can be made that is at least is better then WoW. I hope Aion is and I'm hoping The Old Republic is but we'll see.
4. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Hideo Kojima has yet to top this masterpiece. The most emotional and for me the best MGS game without a doubt. It was amazing and there is no game this generation that is yet to top it in my opinion storywise. Gameplay wise, of course, but the story of this one is up there and even Metal Gear Solid 4 couldn't beat this one. I really don't have much to say about this one, but story peaked last generation. Look no further then this game and Shadow of the Collosus to know that one, it's a fact.
5. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4, in my opinion, is the best game in the series next to Code Veronica and the original. It's without a doubt the perfect blend of action, survival horror, and exploration. It was really a game that took the best of the series and elevated it with new gameplay mechanics. There are few games to do that this generation and even then Resident Evil 5, while still enjoyable, managed to take out things that made Resident Evil, 'Resident Evil', and this worked to the games detriment sadly. Resident Evil 4 is the pinnacle of the series at the moment and I don't think we'll see another game of this quality in this genre for a while.
6. Warcraft 3
There is really no RTS that touches this game besides Starcraft. The sheer customization of this game has kept it alive and it's a real damn shame that other RTS games this generation don't offer the limitless options that Warcraft 3's map editor did. I mean look at DOTA, that game within a game has spawned a new genre and it undoubtedly has started a revolution in what custom gaming means. Throw in TD games, RPGs within an RTS, and other limitless custom games and you have an enduring cIassic yet to be matched in the current generation of gaming.
Oh, and the story and core gameplay aren't too shabby either...
7. Battlefield 2
Calling this one of the best online team based games ever would be an underestimation cause in my opinion, it is the best one. 64 players, voice co-operation, squad system, teamwork, and customized combat made this one a must play and it has a community which endures to this day, on the base game. Yeah, no DLC, no mods, no custom maps, just the base game is still one of the most played. That just doesn't happen very often this generation to be honest but Battlefield 2 was really the peak of the great(est) multiplayer warfare game series. Too bad Battlefield 2 has yet to net a true sequel on the PC...
What games do you feel this way about? List 'em off and comment
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24Sep 09
420 dollars not including tax in just 3 months, how? I'll list em off. All 7 reasons...
1. Bayonetta (PS3, X360)What a way to kick off 2010 with one of the best action titles of the year. Kamiya is all I need to hear and I'm first in line. Good lord the gameplay for this game is off the chain and I mean, I've been waiting for a game like this since Ninja Gaiden 2. It didn't take much to convince me I need this game, I hope it doesn't take much at all to get you on this. Don't sleep on it, count on AAA
2. Mass Effect 2 (PC, X360)
Bigger, better, and more badass? Did you honestly think that mantra was only reserved for Gears of War. Shepard's kicking ass and taking names so hard that he's overheating Xbox's with only a demo! That must mean it's epic right. I mean if this game really does improve on Mass Effect to the degree it's saying it will, we just might have a AAA RPG not made by Bethesda this generation!
3. Dante's Inferno (X360, PS3)
2010 return of the action adventure am confirmed? I think so. It really only took this much to convince me to buy this game...
- Dead Space developers
- Dante's Inferno = Badass Poetry
- Naked Cleopatra
I'm serious, I wanna slash through this beast.
4. Alan Wake (X360)
Funny how for a game coming so soon there's not even a gameplay screenshot on GS. Either way though I think we can count on it finally coming and I think it's about time we shone a light on Alan Wake (lol pun).
5. God of War III (PS3)
Must.Buy.PS3.For.Epic.Game
Seriously, this game just caps off the fact that 2010 is the total return of hack and slash. I mean just look at it. I will admit Bayonetta and Dante's Inferno have me more excited since they are fresh ideas but God of War is a well planted series...
6. Final Fantasy XIII (X360, PS3)
If God granted me a wish to play one game right now, it'd be Final Fantasy XIII...I mean seriously, you all know I'm a JRPG fan and this is kind of the king of JRPGs and it kind of looking frackin' awesome. I'm just constantly going crazy for this game everytime I catch a glimpse. I can't bloody wait.
7. Splinter Cell: Conviction (360, PC)
Whoo smash that head Sam, I can't wait to break a toilet with this guy's head in February. This game is the return of Sam, he's hoping it's a worthy one after such a long wait for a true next generation Splinter Cell. Looks to be amazing at the moment and each new glimpse is another reason for me to get excited.
Other things to get excited for:
Beta coming sometime in early 2010...
And what else? Oh yeah...Fall 2010, the prime season of gaming. As if this wasn't prime enough.
So what are you gonna ask for Christmas, money damnit. Save up those dollaz. You're gonna need it -
12Sep 09
First note, I should have a Batman: Arkham Asylum Review up soon. I'll post it when it's ready. It'll most likely come with a review for the movie Three Kings starring Ice Cube, Georgy Clooney, and Mark Whalberg. Can't wait to watch it. I've wanted to for a while now!
Onto my Beatles Rock Band Impressions:
I'll be quite blunt, I'm very biased towards Harmonix. I pretty much stopped playing Guitar Hero once Neversoft took over and I've bought every Rock Band game this generation. The Beatles Rockband was a no-brainer for me even though I wouldn't even consider myself the biggest Beatle's fan but I attribute that to pretty much just being ignorant and not because I had a distaste for their music.
Thank goodness for this game because I must say it's steller from what I've played. I gotta say vocals and drums are the best parts and if that's your thing you'll be in heaven. Guitar is fun but simple and I found no issue in picking up right away on expert. In fact, the songs in this game as a whole are simpler then that of RB2, RB1 and the Guitar Hero games. This is no issue though since there is still a good balance of simple and difficult. It's clear though that this game is meant more for parties rather then painful and excruciating single player sessions.
One thing that struck me right away was at how decadently Beatle's this is. Harmonix went all out in giving the ultimate tribute and I love the psychadellic stage shows, the menu music, the cutscenes, the sets, everything. Its just an amazing tribute and it's proof that Harmonix really cares about music and their games in general. They have an attention to detail that you don't find in other music games and they just put a lot of work into making every detail work.
I also like the campiang structure thus far. The game is broken up into chapters which is very nice but a lot more linear then the World Tour mode you're used to. The campaign is stll great fun though and very replayable with challenges and achievements in the mix. You can also take it online which is sweet and go back at any time to any chapter to replay a song to unlock photos, videos, etc. This is nice for sure.
Quickplay has 44/45 songs unlocked right off the bat which is also great because unlocking the best songs to play in any music game is a real pain. You can also take this online along with the two battle modes from RB2 but still these aren't as popular as just playing together. Speaking of playing together, the band experience is really focused in this game. Let me say this right now, I love harmonies and I hope other games take note of this, namely Guitar Hero but really I know Harmonix will most likely put this in their next game again as they should because Harmonies are sick. There's nothing better if you're a vocallist and they beat the hell out of lame tamborine / cowbell bits.
There's also cool banter in all the Beatles songs which you can optionally say for no punishment or no reward if you do them. That's pretty neat and I enjoy the random banter in their songs like the 'Shoot Me' in Come Together that permeates the first minute of the song.
The load times in this game are also amazing. I got it installed of course but you can have a song cache. With this cache it lets you start the song before it finishes loading allowing for the game to load as you play the first part. Each song takes maybe 4 seconds to load and this is absolutley fantastic and they really succeeding in making the whole experience a lot more fluent.
I hope you pick this game up if you're interested in music games it's the ultimate tribute game and though it may only have 45 tracks, let me say that almost all of them are good. After all, even though other games may have 83 or so songs, maybe 10-20 are good if that. This game is about 35 awesome songs with 10 or so 'so-so' songs. That's great and makes it more then worth the deal. I can't comment on the instruments since I use my RB2 instruments.
Consider this game, it's fantastic thus far.
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7Sep 09
Before I get to my review of District 9, just had to say I'm level 30 again! Praise the lord. Took a while though...
Onto my review
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My first reaction after watching District 9 was awe, I couldn't speak and my knees trembled at what I had just seen. I was literally speechless and my friend had to knock at my shoulder to get me out of my seat. The 15 year old kid outside the theater summed it up for me best, 'That movie was, I dunno man, gripping? I can't believe what I just saw'. I'll go with that. District 9 was gripping and it's a film that grabs you from the first moment we meet Wikus Van De Merwe to the last shot of the film. District 9 is easily the best film of the year thus far and it's an example of substance over flair. It's a true testament to director Neill Blomkamp's talent that he was able to make this movie off of a 30,000,000 budget because despite the modesty of the budget, the action, suspense, and thrills within this movie are superior to that of any other action movie this year despite their astronomical budgets (ahem Transformers 2). District 9 is a well acted, thrilling intelligent work with a great message and it's a film that is told so originally that it comes off as a completely fresh experience which is welcome in this day and age of the template summer blockbuster.
District 9 takes place in the year 2010 so esentially it is a science fiction film set in a modern setting which is all too realistic to the world we see everyday. The gist of the plot is that in 1990, an Alien mothership stopped over the city of Johannesburg in South Africa. Anticipating an attack, the humans chose to fly into the mothership and within it 1.8 million aliens were found starving and wasting away on this ship. They were immediately brought down and placed into a slum known as 'District 9' which is loosely based on District 6 in South Africa. In 2010, after years of crime and violence in the area, the corporation MNU sends out a team to evict and move all the aliens offensively known as 'Prawns'. The goal is to move them into a setting which is equal to a refugee camp but now they will be far out of human eyes. The MNU corporation chooses to send in Wikus Van De Merwe, an awkward but distinguished officer in the company and the plot takes off from there. He begins serving the eviction notices and the plot takes off. I don't want to spoil anything that I don't have to but I did enjoy this plot a lot. It's filled with suspense, thrills, action, and social commentary on the apartheid in South Africa and racial segregation in general. It's a well told tale and it has a good length to it allowing for a satisfactory climax, conclusion and a generally well paced story.
The acting is also superb. The film is generally made up of unknown actors but I must say all of them impress. Sharlto Copley does an excellent job as Wickus Van De Merwe and he ran with the character's development extremely well. Wickus shows a wide range of emotion in this film and Sharlto handled it extremely well. The supporting cast is just as great and they make the film all the better. I must also say that the CGI in this film is excellent. The aliens look great and I have to say they did a lot of cool things with the CGI. Excellent animations and great dialogue for them made their characters almost believeable and the emotion displayed within them was hard hitting. It was difficult to watch them be abused, assaulted, and hurt and I was surprised at how I felt for them. It was a unique experience and this is part of what makes District 9 so great.
The film is presented in what appears at first to be a mock documentary picture. We see Wickus and other members of MNU being interviewed on the 'Prawn' situation and we observe the serving of eviction notices with Wickus as well in a documentary styIe presentation. The last half of the film though is mostly told in traditional film styIe and most of the films action is shot with shaky cameras. It comes off as very rugged and it works well for this type of film. Think Children of Men if you want to picture how the action is shot. The action in this film though is exhilirating and because of the connection you feel with the characters, it comes off as even stronger and there's definitely some cheering that goes on when your favorite character does something markedly badass. I really enjoyed this films action and it's a blessing that the film is rife with just enough to keep you entertained but not too much for it to simply be a mundane action flick.
In the end, what succeeds with District 9 is that it brings into the lives of the characters on the screen. It genuinly makes you connect with the characters and this is something many action films miss out on. Bare in mind though that this is far more then an action film. It is an intelligent film on a subject that is far too real in our society namely ghettoization, racial segregration, and oppression. The film manages to present these topics with a dash of action and this is welcome. We love entertainment and many of us will find these meaning regardless. To say the least though, I love this film and there is nothing better then a well made summer blockbuster worthy of our money and time. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the summers best movie.
9.5/10
The Pros: Great acting, superb CGI, brings you into the world of the characters, excellent action sequences shot in a very shaky handicam styIe which happens to work well for this film, great message and theme, decadently thrilling and suspenseful, shot in a unique styIe allowing for a one of a kind experience at this point of time
The Cons: The beginning is a bit shaky but it's clear Blomkamp got his footing near the end of the filmOverall: Destined to be one of the best of 09
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1Sep 09
Time flies by I guess, seems like only last month when I first signed up for this site and now I got massive amounts of blog posts, 50+ reviews, almost 19,000 posts, and an emblem as a top 100 reviewer (I just got it!)
Before we get to the party, check out the Ballad of Gay Tony trailer. I can't wait to go back to GTA IV to play this epicness
Onto the party:
The Drinks:
The Food:
The Women:
Word up players, let's party
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1Aug 09
Rather then go on a rant, I'll post a picture of my history and let you decide for yourself. I have permission to repost these, I asked in the 'Ask a Mod Forum' here.
If you want to see pictures, go here
Link 1
Link 2
For those who don't want to click,
The person I responded to said, 'There i said it Yes we are superior. i am tired of being afraid of being called a rascist. I just dont care anymore.'
I reponded, 'You are a racist though...'I get modded, I lost a level, I get destroyed for that?
Now I was told there's two things I can say when I blog about this, I'll say those now.
I disagree with this moderation and I don't deserve it.
That is all.Thanks for those of you who sent me support PMs and to the mod (who's identity will remain a mystery for his/her own sake) who supports me in this.
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21Jul 09
Just a plug, todays my birthday
That's a picture of the actual cake I got from the same bakery, Chocolate Marble Cheesecake, yum
That means more money to blow on games! Namely the ones I'm gonna name below that are coming out within a year. They're in no particular order, I just want them bad. Here are the 8 games that are going to decimate my wallet in the coming months.Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty
I know it's not been confirmed but Blizzard has to say something soon right? I'm expecting an announcement at Blizzcon for this game and I am expecting an early 2010 release which seems to look more and more like a late Christmas everyday. I don't think I need to say much about this game other then the fact that it's a sequel to...Starcraft
Given Blizzard's penchant for quality, I'm not worried.
Aion: Tower of Eternity
Given how addicted I was to Guild Wars, the prospect of this game is very threatening indeed. It looks fantastic though and I'm quite sure I'll be checking this game out in it's beta phase. It really seems like a game seeking to refine rather then innovate and it has some great ideas which worked well in games before it. I think it looks excellent and given the fact that my friends are picking this up, I'll have no choice to seek it out.
Mafia II
Boy does this game look good, especially after seeing that E3 demo I have nothing but faith in this game. It looks like it has improved on the faults of the first game immensely and the attention to detail is amazing. I anticipate this being one of 2010's most lauded games, it reaks of fun.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
I've never been so excited for a Batman game, even when I was a child. The demo for this game was a lot of fun and it just looks like the first game to capture the Dark Knight perfect. I love how it's looking.
Bayonetta
Finally, an action game I can get behind. I've been following this since it's announcement and all I can say it, damn I can't wait. Just watch any video to be amazed.
Final Fantasy XIII
If I could have one JRPG for this generation, here it is. Everytime I see it all I can do is express shock at how awesome it looks. Good lawd.
Splinter Cell: Convictions
If you had asked me a while ago what games I was looking forward to, this would not be on it. After E3 though, I became amazed, so amazed I ran out to pre-order my copy. This game is shaping up to be the best one yet and I am excited for what Ubisoft has in store. It has amicable goals for the series and I can't wait to see how they flesh out.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
I lied, this is my most anticipated game by a huge marigin. I can't wait for November and I ordered the hardened edition so I get Call of Duty XBLA with it. I love Infinity Ward, I love COD, and I love Modern Warfare, what more could I ask for?
Thanks for reading, please comment
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6Jul 09
So I finally got around to picking up Assassin's Creed and I have to say it's a great game. Altair's story isn't bad, it has great gameplay for the most part, and the game has a sense of innovation which few games try. Not everything works, there's a lot of cleaning up needed, but all in all I enjoyed it. Check out my review and reccomend it if you want to
.
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As I said I would do, these are my honorable mentions for my favorite games. All 10 of these games are games I loved but unfortunately, I was unable to throw these into my top 10 of all time list. These are in no specific order at all, they are merely just random games I like...a lot.Mario Party 2
Why do I like this game? When I was a kid this was the best thing ever. It was my favorite multiplayer game, it was a game I rented ten times without buying (late fees everytime) and I played this for hours. It was the first game to give me a gaming related injury after all. I got a massive kink in my neck from playing it all day and as a result, I couldn't leave my bed without icing and some medicine
All in all, I have such fond memories of this game, I can't withhold it from this list. I loved the N64 Mario Party games and though I hated them after that point, they have a special place in my gaming memory.
Conker's Bad Fur Day
I'm not even 17 yet
. I liked this game a lot. It was the first game to bring the lulz and I just thought it was fun. It had a sick local multiplayer game, an awesome single player component, and so many hilarious moments. It was one of my favorite N64 games and it's my favorite RARE game, sucks that they won't make a true sequel to the game. I crave it. Such a underrated game.
It's also funny to remember how Conker started out
Guild Wars
This was the first game I wasted my life with, that was one dismal summer in my basement. It was a great run though and my first experience with an MMO ****of game. I loved this game and it was something totally new to me which made it all the more addictive. The PVP in this game is stellar and I had a great time with the structure. I wasn't fully ready for an MMO environment so I enjoyed the integration of SP and MMO in here. The story lacked oomph but the gameplay had me hooked. Can't wait for GW2.
Max Payne 2
What an amazing game, even the box art reeks of epicness. The action and story of this game for me defined what a action game should strive to be. It was intelligent, uncluttered, and it didn't distract itself with silly things like co-op and online (I'm lookin' at you Max Payne 3...please be good). Everyone should play this game, mandatory. It's real good.
Team Fortress 2
Hands down the best game to come in the Orange Box. I hadn't experienced online team-based shooter like this since Battlefield. Team Fortress 2 is the paragon of team based gameplay and anyone who says otherwise is a fool. Game is sick, I love it. It also reeks of undeniable charm and humor.
The Movies + Stunts and Effects
Underneath this decent movie simulator is a game which satisfied my perrenial itch to make movies for a good two hundred hours. I loved this game and sharing movies, watching movies, and making movies made me feel good. The game is one of those massive time drains as you can spend hours perfecting and making movies. I have to say, it's the only game Molyneux delivered on, it's also his biggest flop
.
Battlefield: Vietnam
As a huge Battlefield fan, I never understood why this game was treated as the series black sheep. It's excellent both wholly deserving of the name and more praise. Back in 2004 this game ruled my life and it was amazing. 64 player battles, massive maps which defined epic, and amazing set piece battles with your friends made it awesome. It also had the best atmosphere of any Battlefield game and I really enjoyed it. It's a game I would go back to if I could, I can't though because only Swedes and the English play it now.
Metal Gear Solid 4
Kojima is one of my favorite developers and Metal Gear Solid is the greatest testament to his talent apart from Metal Gear Solid 1. It's a great end to a great story and I absolutely loved what he did with this game. MGO isn't too bad either. Metal Gear Solid 4 will go down as one of this generations best and it defines what a good game should be. Though many may call it out, it's still one of my favorites.
Grand Theft Auto IV
This game gets so much undeserved hate it's unreal. Of course though, the hype also was unreal. It was as close to AAAA hype as you can get and I admit I put it there and to the surprise of everyone, it achieved it. I loved this game to say the least and it stands as my second favorite saga in the series (a very close second mind you). The game had the best story in the series, the most refined gameplay, and it had a great atmosphere. Though it lacked staple features of the predecessors, it was still a fantastic game worth a lot on it's on merits.
Rock Band 2
Dun laff. This is my most played console game this generation. It was worth every damn penny and the soundtrack is huge and amazing. The DLC is top notch and the ability to take most of Rock Band 1 into the game made this one to keep. Guitar Hero should take notes on making DLC compatible. Rock Band 2 is the peak of the rhythm game genre and I don't think it can be topped. While Guitar Hero focuses on putting out three games a year, Harmonix puts care into their games by supporting it with weekly DLC. It also makes sure to make a full retail product worth all your money. That is why it's gonna go down as one of my favorites.
Please remember, there is no order to this, I am just listing off 10 games.
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27Jun 09
First I just want to start off by saying R.I.P Michael Jackson. He's an amazing artist who opened doors for many after him. He'll be greatly missed and I feel it's very important to note that.
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On to my list. This is a list of my favorite games. They are no one else's, reviews are not taken into my view, these are just my favorite games of all time. I've always had trouble making a list and this time was no exception which is why I have a few honorable mentions.
10. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is not only the best Gamecube game, but it's also one of the best horror games ever. I always loved the Resident Evil series and I first experienced it on the Gamecube which really made the whole console worthwhile to me. Resident Evil 4 took everything I loved about the series, added in a very fancy gloss of paint, and no doubt it refined the gameplay into something accessible and engaging. I loved this game and I still do, it's still a game I can go back to and play regardless.
9. Halo 3
Ahhh sue me. Halo is a great series and Halo 3 was the best in the series because it expanded on everything great about the first two while refining and innovating within it. Custom games on the consoles, great developer support, forge, epic campaign, epic online, epic game. Simple right? I love this game and it really is the whole package. It's one of this generations best games and for this reason I salute it. Bungie made a fine effort on this one and it's evident in the fact that it's still the most played game this generation on the consoles even after two years.
8. Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes
I could say Metal Gear Solid but I think this is a superior version of the game anyways. Metal Gear Solid defined cinematic story telling and it's a really fun game. The stealth is excellent and despite it's epic shortness, the game was a blast to play through and I really enjoyed it. It's one of the most influential games.ever and it has good reason to be. The other games did improve on the formula but for me, Metal Gear Solid was the best because it was the first time I experienced something so refined and amazing.
7. Warcraft 3 & Frozen Throne
Warcraft 3 is amazing because of so many things. It has one of the best campaigns in a strategy game, it's got great balance, and it has one of the best online communities out there. The custom games in it are practically as fun as the original game and I think I've spent a total of four hundred hours with this game. Blizzard knows how to make something addictive and fun and Warcraft III is a perfect showcase of this. It's a must play game in my opinion.
6. Age of Empires II: Age of Kings
In my opinion, this is the best strategy game of all time. With the expansion included, the campaign is just massive and I love it's attention to actual history. I also really enjoyed the online component which blew me away because it really was my first experience online. I played this game when I was about six years old and it's one of the reasons I became a huge gamer. This game destroys puppies, it's the best, it's the
. They don't make empire builders like this anymore.
5. The Sims
Overflowing with charm and fun, this was the first game I ever played. I was so addicted to it and I think it still holds some of my favorite moments in gaming. This game is ridiculous and I still play The Sims today most notably with The Sims 3 (Which I love thanks for asking
). The Sims will go down as one of the best games of all time and it has good reason to be. Who would think such a simple concept would be so fantastic.
4. Battlefield 2
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Battlefield is one of my favorite series and Battlefield 2 really brought it to the next level. Sixty four player warfare was never so amazing and I loved the emphasis on squad play. Being a commander was appropriately epic and for a game which might as well have been online only, it was amazing. I've had so many great moments in this game and I have to say it's held up well with the test of time. Battlefield to me is yet to be beaten in delivering the best online experience in a shooter.
3. Call of Duty
The first time playing this game's single player was simply amazing. It was intense, riveting, and mind numbingly awesome. The online to me was even better and it lasted me hundreds of hours. I can't say much about Call of Duty besides that it's my favorite series (As long as IW is behind it). Call of Duty 4 was really close to clinching this instead but I would never have bothered with Call of Duty 4 if not for this gem so I simply had to give it to the original. It's a game everyone should play at least once. Some have tried to imitate it, but this is the original and it sure is the best.
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto is bar none my favorite series, I'm a huge GTA fanboy and Rockstar could put anything out with the name and I'd eat it up.San Andreas though is the peak of the series which drew the perfect balance between story, gameplay, and over the top fun. You could do anything in this game and the sandbox was massive. I played it on PC and with all the mods this became one of the best games ever. Hundreds of hours later and I still find myself going back to it, I love this game and it truly is going to go down as one of the best games ever made.
1. World of Warcraft
At it's peak, World of Warcraft is what I would describe as a 'perfect game'. I've spent over a thousand hours with it and it still never gets old. Though I've long since quit, the times I've had in this game were some of the best I've had in gaming and with my good friends I had so much fun with this game. It consumed me but it was worth it because this game really made those two years some of the most fun of my life. It was worth it and thanks to the great support Blizzard gives it, it lasts seemingle forever. I've never been so immersed in a game in my life and for these reasons World of Warcraft is my favorite game of all time.
Thanks for reading, please comment -
20Jun 09
In 2009...
Of all the games I've played this year, Street Fighter IV and Resident Evil 5 being the highlights, The Sims 3 has really been the first to have me compelled, addicted, and drawn in for many many hours. I can't stop playing and I'm only on my second family really, the sense of accomplishment in this game is just unparalleled.
The best part of it is that it doesn't feel short on content. Unlike The Sims 2, it didn't feel like a downgrade for the series. The game feels really strong and it feels a lot more like a life simulator with the seamless loading of the town. I love that. The game also takes everything you could have wanted from The Sims 2 and it's expansions and it brings it into the package but it still is missing a few things I'd have liked (IE. Apartments). The only other negative I have is the lack of a town creator this time around but other then that it's a blast and I highly recommend you picking it up.
I could talk a lot but I'll let my review do that. Expect it to come in a few days. At this point I can only advise you to get it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I would have never thought the Sims 3 to be the best game of 2009 (Thus far!)
I'm also looking into some new games for the 360, I am going to renew my Xbox Live Gold but my birthday is coming up next month! (17)
What should I look into?
I was thinking of one of the following:
Assassin's Creed
Saints Row 2
(Anything you suggest)
I already own all the big 360 games but I am looking for a good RPG or Action Adventure game. Thanks for the suggestions. It's time to kick off summer gaming. -
6Jun 09
It's been a while since I last blogged, I think the last time I did so was in March? In truth I've been hella busy but I'm nearly on summer break right now and I only have exams at the moment (only...). Well, might as well tell you what I think since I finally have something to talk about. I'm gonna count down the best of E3, not the crap, just the cream of the crop.
Let's kick it off. Feel free to share your own top ten, five, three, whatever in my comments.
10. Project Natal
Stare into it's eyes
I'm not a fan of motion controllers, at all. Anyone who knows me on this forum knows that but I have to say both Microsoft and Sony showed cool new devices which really put my faith back in the idea. It's kind of like rumble. Remember when it was called a gimmick? Then it got a makeover, it got revamped, and now it's the standard. That's kind of how I see motion control. Like rumble though, developers will have to take advantage of motion to control to elevate gameplay. If it stands as a gimmick, it'll disappear. I have a lot of faith in this device but it'll take a lot of work and support to get it off the ground. That's why this ambitious project sits at number 10 on my list.
9. Agent
This was actually all that was shown
I'm curious as hell, I love Rockstar but I hate exclusivity when it comes to their games. That's why it's not any higher. Of course though knowing Rockstar this will become a PS3/PC game but I can't wait to see how this turns out. It has a ton of potential but it's a huge downer for me that they're making this instead of GTA V (potentially).
8. Assassin's Creed II
How come he didn't die, oh wait this is II not I
The demo for this game looked great and if the developers can improve on the first, we'll finally have a title in this series worthy of AAA. The game looked steller and it looks like a lot of fun. I can't wait to take this sequel for a spin in my 360. It's looking really good.
7. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Aim that gun Justin...Is that guy flying over there?
This game looks like a great sequel. The first one had a lot of faults but it was still an alright game. This game looks like a great improvement and I can't wait to see the final product. Me buying a PS3 is still lying on how well this game does so in that sense I hope it fails. Spending 400 dollars would suck (Damn Sony for a price drop-less E3).
6. Halo: Reach
Sure says a lot about the game...eh?
What's so intriguing about Halo: Reach is how we know basically nothing about it besides Bungie is making it and that it's most likely a shooter. What type of shooter? We don't know. We also know that it's a prequel I guess but Bungie confirmed nothing. What's even more odd is how an online beta is coming in September, that means they could have shown gameplay but they elected not to. I can't wait to sink my teeth into that beta when I pick up Halo: ODST. This game has potential to be a 2010 killer for Microsoft.
5. Final Fantasy XIIILook at that massive damage
Anyone who remotely follows what I like knows this game has been on my radar for a very, very, very long time. I can't wait for this title to come out in March of 2010 (which is shaping up to be one of the best in a while). The gameplay looked outstanding and it ran silky smooth. It also looked gorgeous to boot. The trailer also satisfied my itch to try this game out. I simply can not wait.
4. Alan Wake
I wonder how many enemies he just kept at bay with that flashlight
I love survival horror and I have to say this game looked like an awesome game. Psychological thriller? Amazing. I can't wait for this game and Remedy have yet to disappoint me. The gameplay looked awesome, spooky, and entertaining. I can't wait to finally see this game 'Wake' to the light of day. Good joke right? No? Alright.
3. Splinter Cell: Conviction
Just let him be Sam...
Going into E3, I expected nothing from this game. I didn't even care about it since I figured Sam Fisher was done and his time was over. I was so wrong. I've never been so hyped for a game and this is on my must buy list for the year. It looks awesome and the gameplay was silky smooth. It looks to be the magnum opus of the series and I want it really badly. Fall 2009 can't come soon enough.
2. Halo: ODST
What does that grunt want, a curbstomp?
I love the Halo series and Halo: ODST looks like a great expansion to a superb game. With a 'special forces' mode and a completely new type of Halo campaign, I can't wait to pick this game up in a few months. All the Halo 3 DLC along with a Halo: Reach beta make this a deal I can't resist. The gameplay looked really neat and the concept of an 'openworld Halo' has appealed to me since I first heard of the concept. Bungie has done it again for me and the reviews haven't even come out yet.
1. Metal Gear Solid: Rising
Aren't these little captions just hilarious?
I love Metal Gear Solid and one of my irks of this generation is how they the final chapter isn't on every platform. It's one of the best of this generation and everyone should play it. I was very glad to see the new game, Metal Gear Solid Rising, go multiplatform. This game is going to make 2010 the best year ever in gaming for me. Hell 2010 at the moment is looking like the next 2008, and that was only two years ago
.
Thanks for reading, please comment. I promise I'll blog more. -
28Mar 09
So to start things off I'm finally done my Resident Evil 5 professional run, this would mark the fourth time I beat the game which is about on par with how many times I beat Resident Evil 4. Resident Evil 5 to say the least doesn't deserve the hate it gets and I see it as a solid AAA title but in no way does it surpass Resident EVil 4.
With that said, here is my review for Resident Evil 5
It's long I know but I don't feel it's worth reviewing it if I don't talk about every aspect of the game.
Now onto my movie review...
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Let The Right One In is not necessarily a romance or a horror movie, it is a movie that manages to fuse both together successfully. It's a daring move as many films have failed in this feat; like for example Twilight. To say the least though Let The Right One In is an intriguing mixture of genres that provides you with a interesting and diverse cast of characters to complement its rich and interesting story. There is a perfect blend of dark horror and light romance between two innocent twelve year olds which makes for a unique experience unlike any other I have ever seen. What many will take from this movie though is an appreciation for Let The Right One In's ability to break the molds of most romance and horror movies which makes it both a unique and fresh experience for the viewer.
The plot of the film is taken from the novel 'Låt den rätte komma in' written by John Ajvide Lindqvist who interestingly enough also wrote the film's screenplay. Though I have not read the book yet, I'd imagine this to be a good thing since the writer of the novel would obviously try his best to keep in moments of the book he felt were necessary hence creating the best and most faithful experience possible. This is mere speculation of course but judging from the strength of the movie's plot I see this as being the case. Let The Right One In's story follows Oskar who is a twelve year old who is both shy and bullied by peers of his at school. The leader of this gang is Conny and he is the source of Oscar's troubles. Oscar dreams of one day being able to exact his revenge on his bullies and this dream is only helped when another twelve year old girl named Eli moves next door with her caretaker Hakan. One thing leads to another and I'll let you take the story from there when you see the movie. Let The Right One In has a fantastic plot though which is unique and often surprising. Though I felt it may have ended a bit predictably, I did not feel ripped off in any way because I was still glowing from what I had seen previously. I feel the story is the film's strongest point and this is only accentuated by it's cast of characters who are both compelling and integral to the plot.
Oscar hoping to contact Eli
The characters of course though would be nothing without great acting and Let The Right One In delivers on this front too. Kåre Hedebrant who plays Oskar is great and he was perfectly cast in the film as the timid Oskar. The actress who makes the film though is Lina Leandersson who steals the show everytime she is on screen. I had trouble believing that she was only twelve when she filmed this. She was excellent as Eli and I don't think they could have cast a better actress. She was both creepy and innocent and she brought life into a role which could have easily beenmisconceived as only brutal and horrific. The supporting cast also does a great job especially Per Ragnar who plays Eli's caretaker. He is so mysterious and his appearance is one that is inherently creepy. He is fascinating to watch and you want to find out more about him. I really enjoyed it when I saw his character on screen though I felt he was slightly underdeveloped. There is the element of mystery, I can understand that, but I wanted to learn more. I can't fault the film for this but I can feel slightly angry
Let The Right One In is director Tomas Alfredson's first movie to break into the North American market. He is a great talent though and I hope to see more from him. His work in this movie is great and it's clear what his vision was. He has a knack for this kind of work and it really is quite amazing how he turned such dark subject matter into a hauntingly romantic experience which never comes off as neither corny or fake. Sometimes though I did wonder what he did with the film's budget. Some of the effects do look a bit corny but I know it was a modest budget so I'll forgive the film for it but it was semi-distracting. He really did do a great job though and I can't do anything but commend him for his efforts.
The mysterious Eli played by Lina Leandersson
Let The Right One In has great presentation as well. The film has very steady and straight forward cinematography which is clearly meant to give the viewer a neutral presentation of the film. This allows for us to gather our own opinions for what is happening on screen in order to better understand the story. To complement this neutral camera work, the film also has a very neutral colour scheme which helps to raise the atmosphere in terms of the horror. It also gives a more human feeling to the movie as Sweeden in the winter is in actuality kind of cold and snowy. One thing I didn't understand though was how at night, the forest could be lighted so well but eh, I didn't mind it. For the most part this film has great lighting and camera work though which is obviously important in a vampire-romance movie trying to incorporate real horror.
In the end, I feel that Let The Right One In is a movie I have to recommend. It's fresh and it's like nothing I've ever seen. It manages to take the two most cliched genres in film and shatter the molds of them which helps to bring the viewer into the innocent romance of Eli and Oskar with ease. It's a wonderfully structured tale which will stun you with it's horror and dazzle you with it's light romance. Keep in mind, this is not a 'run into eachother's arms and make love' romance spiel; it is something else entirely which I hope you will find out yourself. It comes with my hearty recommendation.
9.0 / 10
The Good: Well told plot is only made better by a strong cast of characters, great acting, breaks the cliches of the genres the film fuses together, better then the sum of it's parts, great cinematography, interesting from start to finish
The Bad: Gripes with corny effects, some underdevelopment hampered my enjoyment, slightly predictable ending, all are minor gripes.
The Ugly: An excellent film well worth your time. One of the best of 2008. -
24Mar 09
In an end to my series I present the top 10 games of this generation in my opinion.
Keep in mind this list is in no way associated with my other lists. Rankings on those lists are rated on their quality in terms of that genre. Of course though this is the quality of the game as a whole and rankings on those lists may not stand, for instance even though I rated Tales of Vesperia ahead of Persona, Persona could appear ahead of Tales of Vesperia on this list.- This list is entirely my opinion
- It is not based off of anyones rankings
- Making this list took a lot of thought, it was like picking my favorite child
10. Little Big Planet
Little Big Planet was not a game I hyped, in fact it never even interested me. I was proved to be wrong though when I finally had the chance to play the game for an extended period of time. Little Big Planet is a truly unique experience that can not really be found in any other game and for that I salute it. It encourages user creation which is something I really commend Media Molecule for doing. It's just a great game to play and for endlessly creative minds it'll prove to be a never ending game. The game is just technically pleasing and it's a easygoing 'light' game to play. It comfortably earns number ten for being both a rewarding and unique experience.
9. Dead Rising
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Dead Rising is the definition of fun. The whole vibe to this game is amazing and it's presented quite well. Capcom really outdid themselves with this game as it's just one of those sandbox games you can keep coming back to. The game has a compelling narrative, it has easy but satisfying gameplay, and it's a game that rewards exploration with more ways to kill zombies. It's never boring, and it's one of the best experiences I've had all generation. I have to give Dead Rising number nine on this list.
8. Persona 4
I've been so engrossed in an RPG. Persona 4 is just a superb RPG that is both unique and addictive. It without a doubt proves that you can have a next generation experience on 'last generation' hardware which is something I think many gamers tend to forget. The music in this game is fantastic, it looks great, but it plays deeper then all the other Personas. I love this series and it's strength is undeniable, I can't wait to see what they can do with it on next generation hardware.
7. Super Mario Galaxy
The Mario games have never been known for story and Nintendo knows this hence why they didn't make 'Metal Gear Mario'. Instead they gave the gameplay an overhaul and created a one of a kind, almost perfect, experience. Super Mario Galaxy plays fluidly and it's just a blast to go through from beginning to end. The level design is literally mind blowing and I'm glad Nintendo took the series in this direction since I found Super Mario Sunshine underwhelming to say the least. The game also pushes the Wii to it's boundaries and it looks great. Like Persona 4, Super Mario Galaxy shows that not all next generation experiences have to be on the best hardware, they just have to play like one.
6. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 4 proved that not all shooters have to follow the typical story mold. In fact this game has a great story which is both surprising and a blessing. It's refreshing to see a shooter that's not clearcut and for this I commend Infinity Ward. The legacy of this game though will be it's online which was really a revamped version of the old Call of Duty formula. It's finally shown it's strength though and the sheer variety here has kept gamers coming back for more and more everyday. I can't get enough of this game and it has shown it's strength as one of the best shooters this generation.
5. Rock Band 2
Rock Band changed the way we looked at music games and Rock Band 2 just perfected what Rock Band built itself on. Rock Band really pushed the music genre into something new and I have to commend Harmonix for this. Guitar Hero was finally showing it's age as a game so Rock Band decided to one up the music genre by adding in two more instruments to a guitar game. The rest is history. With daily battle of the bands updates and weekly DLC, Rock Band has shown the power of developer support and it's truly a 'unique to this generation' experience. Rock Band has proven that the rhythm genre of gaming is going nowhere and thank god for that, the game is amazingly addictive and fun.
4. Tales of Vesperia
Yes, it is that good. If you don't know already; I love this game a lot. Tales of Vesperia is the pinnacle of it's genre and it is one of the best Japanese role playing games I've played since well, God knows when. Fluid and addictive combat make the majority of this game a lot of fun. The story though is actually well done and it's both engrossing and addictive. It's never too much and the game strikes a perfect balance between story and gameplay. The cast of characters is top notch and this game has some of the best cell shaded graphics since Wind Waker. It deserves number four not because it managed to remind us that Japanese role playing games are going nowhere and because quite frankly I think it's one of the most well put together games in ages.
3. Halo 3
What kind of monster buys a 360 without playing Halo 3? No one. Halo is a series I used to despise especially as a former hermit who was rather pessimistic of consoles. Once I finally decided to play it though I was welcomed by one of the best shooting experiences...ever. Not only did Halo 3 manage to innovate in the genre but it did so in an entertaining package which has so much to offer. The single player not only ties up the Halo universe well but it's also varied enough to keep things fresh. Four player co-op makes things even more fun especially with the unlockable skulls. Forge is also a blast and has made custom games a huge part of Halo. The online is where it shines though. You can be as competitive or as 'newb' as you want and Bungie really has made a perfect online component. There is so much variety here you can't get bored. Halo also has some of the best split screen which keeps Halo 3 fun both online and on the couch with some friends. Halo 3 is stellar, and that is that.
I gave Halo 3 higher then Call of Duty 4 because I looked at it's contribution to gaming as a whole. It's done a lot of both gaming and it's genre. Call of Duty 4 won the 'Shooter' list though because of how it perfected what a shooter should be but it didn't innovate much nor did it light anything on fire. Halo 3 though has been in the top three for XBL since release and that is commendable among other things like its introductions to the genre.
2. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4 is the paragon of cinematic story telling. Not only does it appropriately finish a series which is one of the most revered in gaming but it also manages to evolve the game in such a way that it makes it not only more fun, but it also retains the signature 'Metal Gear Solid feeling'. Kojima has made his masterpiece and it's truly a testament to him and his teams talent. This game is engaging and it's pretty much perfect from beginning to end. Metal Gear Solid 4 is a definite clas sic of this generation and it will be remembered for years to come.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV
It's understandable why Grand Theft Auto IV failed to meet people's hype. They expected a game like San Andreas which was sort of immature with a bunch of useless sandbox features and a decent storyline to keep it all together. It was still a superb game and I loved it but Grand Theft Auto IV pushed the series ahead. The Houser brothers outdid themselves here. They trimmed the fat of the series, they made the gameplay more fluid, and they added in an engaging storyline which was of the highest caliber. Grand Theft Auto IV is amazing and there is just so much in this game I can't get my mind around it. I did not miss 'Rampages' or 'Planes' one bit. Grand Theft Auto IV is a living breathing world which you can explore and it's rare that games manage to immerse players so well. As a technical feat it's amazing but it suceeds in bringing you into the world of Niko through excellent social development and mission structure. I doubt a better game will come out this generation.
That is all, I just watched Let The Right One In so expect a review for that soon along with another movie, Killer of Sheep (Two Reviews in One) -
22Mar 09
Action Adventure in my opinion has been kind of neglected this generation. We've seen a ton of great role playing games, shooters, and platformers but as far as action adventure goes there is a select handful of premium titles. These are my top 10 action adventure games of this generation thus far. To qualify for this list...
- The game must be categorized as an action-adventure title under Gamespot
- Must be released after November 2005
- All selections are based on my opinions, not review scores
So, let's kick it off. This is the final countdown before my Top 10 Overall of this Generation (Thus Far) List.
10. Crackdown
The running joke around Crackdown is that this game was the 'free game' that came with the Halo 3 Beta. We were all surprised when we found out that Crackdown was actually a decent game. I found it to be much more then decent though. What Crackdown lacked in narrative, it made up for with an extremely open and entertaining sandbox world. Crackdown is a game that really just lets you wreak havoc and it's a ton of fun throughout. This game didn't make massive waves in gaming but it sure kept me entertained. It safely earns number ten on this list.
9. Dead Space
Dead Space proved many things. For one it proved that EA was capable of making their own game that was actually, well, decent. It also proved that there is still room in the market for genuinly scary and atmospheric games. Dead Space wasn't terrifying but it set an atmosphere throughout that was grim and unsettling. The game had a great combat system as well with it's strategic dismemberment idea. This game is a great start to a new series which I hope to see more from in the future though I found it a bit too repetitive to make it higher on this list.
8. The Godfather
The Godfather, did anyone think it'd be good? I hoped it would be but it kind of left my radar. When it finally came out in 2006 though I was to say the least pleasantly surprised. The Godfather was not only relatively faithful to the movie but it also had a great sandbox approach to the movie. With extortion, a vicious combat system, an addictive 'control New York' goal, and just a well varied mission structure, The Godfather proved that not all movie adaptations are bad. I really enjoyed this game and I can't wait for The Godfather II.
7. Ninja Gaiden II & Ninja Gaiden Sigma
The Ninja Gaiden series has long been my favorite action series right ahead of God of War. I just love the fluidity of the combat and the fast moving yet difficult gameplay. Ninja Gaiden Sigma is not a game I would consider 'original' but I consider it equal to Ninja Gaiden II. Hence I placed both together at the same place on this list. Ninja Gaiden is just a blast to play through from beginning to end and with the extreme level of the difficulty the game coaxes you to master it. It may be cheap at times but it sure was a lot of fun and I enjoyed both of these games a lot. I consider both of these games to be two of the best 'slash 'em ups' this generation.
6. Condemned: Criminal Origins
I can't honestly say I expected much from this game. It looked to be a good budget game to pick up (I bought it for only 4.99). I was surprised to say the least when I found out that Condemned: Criminal Origins was indeed a great game. This game is terrifying to say the least and it stands as one of the only games to send chills up my spine this generation. The combat system was also easy and satisfying and I loved the ability to pick up *almost* anything and use it as a weapon. This game was outstanding to play from start to finish and I highly recommend it. For me it'll go down as one of the best 'genuine' horror experiences this generation.
5. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Uncharted is one of those PS3 games I can't resist, it infact is one of the reasons I plan to purchase one. Not only is this game gorgeous but it plays remarkably well. The shootouts, exploration, and vehicle sequences are just a blast to play through and I believe Uncharted 2 will finally gain the recognition this series deserves (From Gamespot).
4. Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5 is still a relatively new game but it's a stellar one none the less. It looks great, plays great, and it presents itself like an action packed movie. Though this is somewhat 'bad' for old Resident Evil fans like myself, it's still fine because this game does action very well. So well I don't even miss the older gameplay in the series. Resident Evil 5 has great story that helps to wrap up Chris Redfield's plot. It also has great set piece battles, excellent boss encounters, and it's just a well structured game. Mercenaries is also amazing and the replayability of this game is second to none. I adore this game.
3. Dead Rising
If I had to write the definition of fun, the two words, 'Dead Rising' would be under there somewhere. Dead Rising is sandbox done right. The area to explore is not 'huge' but it's deep enough to allow for hours of entertainment. The fact that I can also hack away at thousands of shambling zombies with...anything is also very appealing. The story in this game is actually very good and I enjoyed it's satire of American consumerism. It's just a refreshing game that builds a base around pure fun. It's never pretentious, it's just good ol' fun and it's a game I truly loved this generation.
For the next two games, I just couldn't choose between them. I feel both are equal in terms of their impact on gaming this generation and I also feel they are just so blisteringly far ahead of their competition they deserve to be seperate.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (Tied)
If I had to define the perfect sandbox experience I'd write Grand Theft Auto IV. Grand Theft Auto IV did what any good sequel should do. It trimmed the fat of the series which I felt only made previous installments feel 'childish'. It also added in just enough for it to feel still like Grand Theft Auto. To say the least I was blown away by this game and I feel that it's one of the best games ever made. It tells an excellent story, it's presented perfectly, and it just does everything it tries to do so well. It's flawlessly put together and Rockstar's attention to detail is really evident this time around. I've never been more engrossed in an action adventure game in my life until I played....
1. Metal Gear Solid 4 (Tied)
Amazing series need amazing endings and Metal Gear Solid 4 sure lived up to this. With unsurpassed cinematic excellence, a fantastic story, a steller cast of characters, and top notch gameplay Metal Gear Solid 4 delivered one of the strongest experiences since Grand Theft Auto IV. Though I may have preferred Grand Theft Auto IV a little bit Metal Gear Solid 4 is just such a masterpiece I can't ignore it. Both Metal Gear Solid 4 and Grand Theft Auto IV are well deserving of number 1 on my list.
Come back later when I post my final list, top 10 games of this generation (thus far)! -
20Mar 09
To continue my countdown 'series' I'll now posting what are in my opinion the top 10 role-playing games of this generation. Understand this is totally my opinion and no one elses. To qualify for the list the game must be made after November 2005 and it must be officially classified by Gamespot as a 'role-playing game'.
It does not have to be on a next generation console, it merely has to surpass the November 2005 cut off point.
10. Star Ocean: The Last Hope
Being almost finished with the game, my opinion on it is pretty much complete. Star Ocean 4 is a very good game. It not only lives up to the Star Ocean name but it has transcended well to a next generation console. Without a doubt it's another game that'll be swept under the radar but I believe any fan of a well crafted Japanese Role-Playing game should check out Star Ocean 4. The combat is not only quick and addictive but it's also satisfying; something many games miss out on. The game is full of things to do and it's well worth number 10 on my list.
9. Eternal Sonata
Eternal Sonata is one of those unique games that comes around not too often. This game is gorgeous, it has undeniable charm, and it plays exceedingly well. It carries a great cast of characters and the story is one of the more creative ones I've seen this generation. Eternal Sonata is as nieche as it gets but I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a game well worth the time and money.
8. Lost Odyssey
Lost Odyssey was the first Xbox 360 game I ever played. I played in fact before I even owned one for myself. It easily pushed me towards my purchase though of a next generation console because up until that point I had been a die-hard hermit. I was so sucked into the story it was amazing and I love how Sakaguchi stuck to traditional JRPG mechanics. Though it may not be the best of this generation there is no doubt that Lost Odyssey is both an excellent and engaging role playing game.
7. Fable 2
I love games that give players the chance to make choices. Even though Fable 2 is really 'choice-lite' in terms of the moral rebounds you receive it's still well implemented. Fable 2 was a huge improvement over Fable and even though the co-op was downright shameful, the core gameplay was stellar. The combat was smooth and addictive which made battles an absolute blast. The story was fairly good and there was a good amount of character development. I really enjoyed this game and you know you have a great role playing game when you can spend hours immersed in a world without even doing any of the main story.
6. The Witcher
I love mature role playing games, I don't mean mature just by rating (Ahem Fable). I mean mature in it's content, story, and characters. Like Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines, The Witcher arrived this generation to fill this previously empty realm. The Witcher is without a doubt one of the better role playing games I've played. It has an excellent story, it looks fantastic, and there is tons of content to go through. I enjoyed this game and it is a damn shame many won't play it. I hope the console version of the game can change this.
5. Fallout 3
Where Fable 2 failed in offering deep and difficult choices, Fallout 3 succeeded. Fallout 3 is an all around steller game and there is so much to explore. I never knew a nuclear wasteland could be so...deep? The characters in this game are awesome and the dialogue is slick. Fallout 3 really immerses you well and it's a great continuation of an old ****c. The combat is well done albiet slightly clumsy in first person but it is competent enough to get the job done. Fallout 3 was one of the better RPGs of 2008 and it is without a doubt one of Bethesda's finest.
4. Valkyria Chronicles
Like Lost Odyssey, Valkyria Chronicles is the game pushing me to buy a Playstation 3. This game is first of all gorgeous and it is one of the best looking games this generation in terms of art. I really enjoyed this game and it is quite different from other RPGs. It uses strategy in it's combat with great effect and the game has a great flow to it. Though the story isn't all it could have been Valkyria Chronicles stands as an excellent game and I advise you to pick up this game. Support these developers, they did a fantastic job.
3. Mass Effect
Again, I played Mass Effect long before I ever owned a 360. I even rebought the game just to experience it again. Mass Effect is another Bioware 'hit' to say the least. The storyline is one of the best I've seen and this game is well presented. The dialogue as usual with Bioware is some of the best and the character development within this game is superb. The game also to top it all off looks fantastic. The combat is also well done and it is a great mix of many elements. I really really love this game and Bioware did such a commendable job with it. It's absolutely superb and well deserving of number 3 on my list.
2. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
A PS2 game beating out all these next-gen titles? No wei...Yes way. Persona 4 is an excellent game and it's well deserving of the Persona name. The story, one of the most important parts of an RPG, is excellent and the game has one of the best casts of characters I've seen since well, my number one RPG game. Persona 4 is also deeper as a game when compared to Persona 3 and this made the experience that much better for me. I really enjoyed this game and I feel it's very deserving of number 2 on my list.
1. Tales of Vesperia
Tales of Vesperia is everything I could ever want in a role playing game. First of all, this games story is immense, interesting, and the perfect length. It's about fourty hours and it gets going really fast so you're never bored of it. The characters are also steller. Each character has something to like from Raven to Estelle. They are all well developed and they keep the story afloat. The game also has excellent combat, and I mean some of the best. It's familar to Tales fans but it's a hell of a lot of fun. It's quick and flashy but it's also difficult to master though it is easy to pick up. The game also looks amazing, it's one of the best looking games this generation in my opinion. Tales of Vesperia also has an excellent soundtrack with a title track by Bonnie Pink which is strangely infectious... I really could not get enough of this game and for all these reasons I rank it as the best role playing game of this generation.
