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Thinking Games...
I love a good game that stretches the mind and makes you really think. That's why Thinking Games is one of my favorite awards, it encompasses 2 major genres: Puzzlers and Strategy games. And I've played quite a few this year so without further ado let's get to it. (Note: Just for the record, strategy RPGs do not count towards this genre. They will be included with the RPG/Adventure awards)
Honorable Mention:
Chu Chu Rocket (Android version) - I played this great game on the Android and then got it for the Dreamcast. Although originally for the Dreamcast, I felt the touch controls were really great and it just worked. Not to say the original wasn't fun... but after playing the Android version there was little reason to play the Dreamcast version too much. Great game overall, by Sonic Team.
Honorable Mention:
Animatch (GP2X Wiz) - This game is basically a knock-off of Bejeweled (or did it come first?? Who knows). But it does everything very well. Great colorful graphics, great sounds, great touch screen controls. Most readers probably don't even know what a GP2X Wiz is and for that I say to you... Shame!!1!
#5 - Lode Runner (NES & Atari XE versions)
I couldn't decide on the best version so they're both here. The Atari XE version is more complete, you can create your own levels and save them to a sweet floppy that you can get an attachment for the Atari XE for. Also you have the ability to use the keyboard or the joystick, whereas NES you simply have your controller. Also, on the Atari XE version you can see the whole screen so you're never surprised to see the bad guys all of the sudden. Now, all that would make it seem like the Atari XE version is better, and truthfully it probably is, but the NES one has a certain Nintendo charm and contains Bomberman as the opposing robots.
#4 - Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (Game Gear)
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is truly a wonderful game, and had I not already played the Genesis version this version would probably be pretty high on this list. I have however, and the Game Gear omitted certain things that the Genesis version had. With that said, the sound in this game is superb and it's still as fun as on the Genesis.
#3 - Picross 3D (Nintendo DS)
If you've played any of the other Picross games, such as Mario's Picross or the other Picross for the Nintendo DS, you know how addicting Picross really can be. This game could easily be replaced by one of those, but it's simply one step above because, well, it's in 3D!
#2 - Archon (NES)
Archon is a game I thought would be fun. I had no idea how fun it really would be. It's like a mixture between Chess and a fighting game. Instead of the enemy unit always dying whenever you land on it, you must fight to the death by going in a room and shooting/slashing each other until someone dies. How fun is that? It's easier to kill certain units based on what units you attack them with, so for that it is a strategy game. Great idea and brilliantly executed.
#1 - SQDef (GP2X Wiz) - Otherwise known as Square Tower Defense
Another GP2X Wiz game on this list. I found myself playing this one waaaaay too long into the night and then losing track of time. That's always a quality of a great game. To some this may be your typical tower defense game, but there's just something about it that's different. It's simplicity yet complexity is crazy and I honestly think this was one of the best surprise games of the year. For that, it takes #1 on my Retro GOTY Thinking Games list.
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