Games of the Year Plus 10 Games for 2010

1. First, let me be the last person to wish everyone a Happy New Year, hope everyone's been safe and enjoying their time with family. With a New Year it gives us a chance to reflect on the year that was and the things we enjoyed. In my case, I've got a little housekeeping to take care of from '08 and then '09.

Typically when I blog, I'm writing with first hand accounts of everything. Today's gonna be different. For most topics it'll be my Mr. Kennedy persona. For topics that are tough, I'm bring two of my other online aliases 36PSWii from Gametrailers and EHeroClayman from Youtube to settle some debates once and for all. Think of it as the multiple personalities of one guy. Here's a couple of topics from '08 that must be taken care of.

2008 Game of the Year

*To separate my different handles, I'll be typing with the standard font, 36PSWii has italic font, and EHeroClayman has bold font.* There was only two games that could be classified as '08 GotY. In April 08, GTA4 was released. A few months later MGS4 was released. Both games got tons of 10/10's, tons of hype and fanfare, and many awards. Today will 'unofficially' settle the debate of '08: GTA4 vs. MGS4.

36PSWii: MGS4 was by far the best game of '08. It was the SOLE reason why I bought a PS3. Originally it was supposed to be out in '07 but something called Halo 3 pushed the release back a few months. Needless to say, if you weren't a MGS fan, then you wanted to play GTA4. I loved GTA:San Andreas, but by that point what more could you do in a sandbox game. GTA4 had great graphics but they didn't push the limits of the PS3. MGS4 pushed the limits of the PS3 (at the time) and it looked magnificent. Add to the fact, this was the 'last' MGS title with Solid Snake as the main character, memorable boss battles, and the 'conclusion' of the loose ends the other MGS' created and there's my GotY.

EHeroClayman: Let the record show that I'm a big fan of MGS (obviously), however GTA4 was something fresh that the gaming industry needed. Rockstar games always pushes the medium of video games to spark controversy (whether intended of unintended). The thing that surprised me about GTA4 was playing as a non-American. Typically most video game lead characters are white American males. The exceptions to the rule were Carl Johnson and Niko Bellic both from GTA games. GTA had something MGS was missing and that was realism. Add to it multiplayer (which MGS also has) and characters that you genuinely cared about (everyone except Michelle/Karen and Dmitri) and you've got my game of the year. Too bad PS3 doesn't have the Xbox exclusive DLC, because I want to find out some major plot points.

Kennedy: Since I'm the deciding vote, I'm giving it to MGS4. Simply put, if you own a PS3 and you haven't play this game, you're missing out on what video games do to a person. Everything in MGS4 is memorable even the mandatory installs during the missions. The only thing GTA4 has on MGS is trophies, but you didn't play MGS for the trophies. You played to see how in the world Hideo Kojima was going the bring the series to an end with all those loose ends. Some were clarified, others could have been explained better. Whatever the case MGS4 is the 2008 GotY.

Guitar Hero Vs Rock Band

This debate has been going on for the past 2 years, with no 'clear' winner in sight. Again here's my take on it from 2 differing points of view.

EHeroClayman: I loved the Guitar Hero franchise, but when Rock Band was released I knew that it was a potential great franchise. GH oversaturated itself over the span of 2 years. In those same 2 years, RB has released 1 main game, two spinoffs, and of course the 'optional' track packs for those who don't have internet. This model I can support, GH's model is destined to fail and I'm glad I jumped ship as fast as I could.

36PSWii: GH's franchise will not die. As long as there's DLC GH will still exist. People will still flock to GH because it's the 'established' brand. Playing as the Beatles is cool and having Lego versions of yourself is fine, but I like seeing an exaggerated version of me on stage playing some Ozzy, Sting, and Zakk Wylde. GH for the win!!!

As you can tell PSWii's argument falls flat on all merits. Rock Band wins by default because of two things. One, Harmonix, the original creators of Guitar Hero, know about music and their charts are similar to actual guitar. Two, as long as music exist RB's model will continue to be supported by people such as myself. The one thing GH has over RB is superior instruments.

Now here's the 2009 Awards. Some categories will have nominees, some won't. I'll be taking over the duties for the majority of the awards until the '09 GotY. No pictures of the game covers, because I'm lazy.

Best BETA

• Battlefield: Bad Company 2
• ModNation Racers
• MAG

The winner by no one's surprise is BFBC2. That was the primary beta that I was playing. MAG was okay (256 players is nothing to scoff at), and ModNation still has some work to do before it becomes a Mario Kart killer. The beta of BFBC2 is probably better than MW2 and the full game is coming in March, so get your copies reserved at Amazon and Gamestop so you can have an advantage.

Best Sports Game

• Fifa 10
• UFC Undisputed
• Fight Night Round 4
• MLB 09 : The Show

The winner is Fifa 10. If you don't like soccer, this game will make you appreciate the skill that it takes to play it. Past Fifa's were good, but this one is quite possibly the best one. I played the Show on PS2 and I can say the PS3 version is miles better than it. Fight Night and UFC have brought back some much needed competition in the sport of competitive fighting. If you're to get one sports game this year (before baseball season starts,) get Fifa 10. Plus it helps that the demo is awesome and you can save replays to EA's server.

Best Rhythm Game

• DJ Hero
• Guitar Hero: Metallica
• The Beatles: Rock Band
• Lego Rock Band

Two band centered games a cool and plus it never gets old playing Lego games, well until they release a Lego game on a franchise I know nothing about. But DJ Hero is the clear winner. Here's a sample of the mash-ups in game.



The only thing that's stopping me from getting DJ Hero (outside of a job) is the $120 price tag. Other than that, DJ Hero wins Rhythm GotY.

Surprisingly Good Game

• Batman: Arkham Asylum
• Guitar Hero: Metallica
• Assassin's Creed 2
• X-Men Origins: Wolverine

GH:M was definitely a contender to win this award. I heard good things about AC2, but I've still got the terrible taste of AC1 in my brain. I will eventually get to playing AC2 in '10. Same with Wolverine. But the winner is Batman: Arkham Asylum. AA did something that hasn't been done since the NES days, make a great Batman game. Hats off to Rocksteady games for doing the impossible.

Disappointment of the Year

• Resident Evil 5
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

I was pissed off at MW2, frankly I don't even care to play the game with BFBC2 around the corner. Instead, my rage is on RE5. All the team at Capcom had to do was make RE4 in high-def, add Chris, and make it 10 times darker and creepier. Instead RE5 wants you to play co-op and buy stuff that should have been free on disc. RE5 is collecting dust in game shelves and I won't buy it. If RE5: Alternate Edition is rated better than RE5, then I'll pick it up. If not I'll avoid it.

PS3 Game That Should Be on Hard Drive

Flower. The best way to describe Flower, is a free flowing version of Pac-Man. Instead of controlling the flower petal with a joystick, it uses Sixaxis Motion Control. It's a carefree type of game and it has trophies to boot. I bought it at $5 during the Thanksgiving sale and it's absolutely worth every penny (now Flower is back at its normal price of $10).

Best RPG

Demon Souls. One word to describe it, HARD. You will die and die a lot. It's an old-school RPG and I'm an old-school gamer. I need to get to a store and buy it. Plus, I've heard nothing but good things about it (way back in February).

Developer of the Year

If this was done before Christmas, it was Naughty Dog hands down. Instead, Rocksteady games gets the nod for *AGAIN* doing the impossible: Making a GREAT Batman game. This game company gets a ton of kudos from me.

PSN GotY

• Shatter
• Peggle
• Flower
• Pixel Junk: Shooter

You can play Peggle for free on your PC, and it's addictive. Shatter is Arkanoid with a modern day facelift. Any Pixel Junk game becomes addictive. However, the winner is Flower. It's so simple even a caveman can play it. All four gain my seal of approval of must buy games on PSN, along with Super Stardust HD.

Best Graphics

• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
• Batman : Arkham Asylum
• Madden NFL 10

What?! Madden is the best graphics category?!! Madden despite its flaws in gameplay is a gorgeous game in HD. B:AA is pretty impressive, but UC2 is the winner. Two Words: Train Sequence. That plus some crazy snow textures and faces that get damaged over time (something B:AA has as well) gives UC2 my best graphics. Playing UC2 in standard def (something I don't recommend if you can avoid it), doesn't put into words how much Naughty Dog has improved their game engine in a span of 2 years.

Retro Game Collection of the Year

It has to go to Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection. 40 games for $20, it's a steal of a deal. This game was on my radar when my PS3 was broke and I wanted it pretty bad. Sure you could pirate these games (some you won't be able to get because of DMCA), but that takes the fun out of some game. SUGC is a glorified emulated Genesis (or Mega Drive) with a handful of games missing (Gunstar Heroes and Outrun), but for the most part if you grew up playing Genesis games it should be in your collection.

And finally the Big Daddy, the Game of the Year.

Game of the Year

• Batman: Arkham Asylum
• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
• Assassin's Creed 2
• Killzone 2
• Modern Warfare 2

Out of the nominees, only two did I think highly of. In a rare case of me changing my mind at the last moment, I award my Game of the Year to both Batman: Arkham Asylum and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

Uncharted gives you the best value for your gameplay. It's 50 bucks as I type and it's rare to see a single player driven game have a pretty good multiplayer. What I mean is, UC is a single player game, the MP is a bonus feature and a good bonus feature to boot.

Batman's game is exactly how you want a Superhero game to be. Get to face (hear and see) some of the rogues gallery. Using his gadgets to get across areas and use them in combat scenarios. Most importantly, the developers were fans of Batman and anytime a fan gets a hold to something they hold dear, chances are it's going to be good. I wish I could drive the Batmobile or fly the Batwing, but that's what sequels are for.

That's what I think of 2009's games hopefully 2010 and beyond will be equally as impressive. Speaking of 2010 games, here's that list of 10 games (on PS3) and little description on why you should keep an eye on them.

• Heavy Rain: I was a fan of Quantic Dream's Indigo Prophecy (one of my underrated PS2 titles). The moment they announced it, I knew it was going to be good. If you want to know how Heavy Rain's going to be, I suggest picking up a copy of Indigo Prophecy and playing it on your PS2, because BC PS3's can't emulated it right.

• God of War 3: Huge fan of the first 2 God of War games. Gonna get 3 because of the first two and plus I want to know how the story ends. Similar to the reason why I wanted MGS4.

• Gran Turismo 5: Die-Hard GT fan. People are waiting for Polyphony Digital to release the game. The release says March of this year, wouldn't be surprised if it's pushed back to the summer. Polyphony is notorious for game delays because they want their games to be perfect (i.e. no patches needed).

• Battlefield: Bad Company 2 : Two words: Destructible Environments.

• MLB 10: The Show : I'm a die-hard baseball fan. Missed Sony San Diego's 09 The Show on PS3. I did buy it on PS2, so they did get my hard earned cash. One of the best exclusive games on PS3, even if you don't like baseball.

• Dante's Inferno : Normally, I wouldn't recommend a game similar to God of War, but this clone seems pretty good. I've got a sneaky suspicion that some of the dev team on DI have worked on GoW or may have been fans of it. Either way, PS3 is gonna have some brutal games.

• ModNation Racers : I mentioned in the blog MNR, needs a lot of work. I'm beta testing it, not as much as BFBC2, but I believe MNR has a ton of potential. If framerate issues can be fixed and course editing is even easier, watch out Mario Kart.

• 3D Dot Heroes : It's an Atlus RPG, it's quirky, and it's $40 when it's released in May. Plus Link from Legend of Zelda makes an appearance, so it's full of win.

• White Knight Chronicles International : WKC was supposed to be out right around the release of Uncharted 1, instead the Japanese have it and we're getting that version plus a few things extra. The game's made by Level-5, a team who's used to making great RPG's. Some of their works include Dark Cloud 1 & 2, Rouge Galaxy (another sleeper PS2 title), and Dragon Quest VIII (the best RPG released on PS2).

• Final Fantasy 13 : The king of RPG's is finally coming after numerous delays, a multi-platform announcement, a death of my PS3. The only reason why it's on my list is because of it's weight in the industry.

These are my 10 for '10. Out of the blue, another title may come up and replace one of these on the list (like Mass Effect 2). Have a safe week and remember: '10 maybe the third year in a row that PS3 is the top dog.