For all games eligible for GOTY 2012 awards, please visit our homepage.
Best Surprises
There are a ton of games that everyone gets really hyped up for and they turn out to be awesome. But there are also a ton of games that you're just like meh whatever I'll try it and it is AMAZING. This category is for those games. I had little to no hope for these games until I started playing them, and they're all very great games you should try at some point. Note: The entire top 5 + Christmas Nights were on other lists already!
Honorable Mention(s):
Golden Axe (Sega Genesis) & Silpheed (Sega CD) - Why do I have two games in one? Well, these games both have something in common...they introduced me to genres. Golden Axe being the Beat-em up genre and Silpheed being the top down shoot em up (otherwise known as SHMUP) genre. Good but not great games, but the worlds the opened up for me as a gamer really took me by surprise.
Honorable Mention:
Christmas Nights into Dreams (Sega Saturn) - Only a demo, and already won an award. With that said, however, I didn't have very high expectations of this game. I played the original Nights into Dreams and I didn't "get it", but with this one I did. I found it to be very enjoyable and will definitely pick it up every Christmas season.
#5 - Top Gear (Super Nintendo)
This game was a part of a bundle of SNES games that I just kept popping in and out. Also, this game is relatively worthless, with copies selling for a measly $0.01 on amazon. However! This game is actually really, really fun. It was the game I played the longest out of that bundle and I'm very glad I own it. It reminds me of the great game Lamborghini American Challenge (DOS version...not SNES).
#4 - Portal 2 (Xbox 360)
This game, although highly anticipated by most, really was not on my radar. I had never played a portal game but I've watched people play it and it looked highly annoying when I was watching. However, the humor they added and the mind-bending that ensues really is quite enjoyable and is one of my favorite games for the entire year.
#3 - Virtua Tennis (Sega Dreamcast)
Who would have thought that a lame tennis game from 11 years ago that also fetches only $0.01 on Amazon would be this fun. It's currently one of my favorite Dreamcast games ever and definitely one of my favorite sports and multiplayer games. Yes, this game may sound lame. But do try it, you will not be disappointed.
#2 - SQDef (GP2X Wiz, otherwise known as Square Tower Defense)
This unknown game built into my Korean GP2X Wiz you would think would be a wash. Instead, I found myself losing track of time and playing this game past 3 in the morning on multiple occasions. Why? What's so special about it? I can't quite put my finger on it, and maybe it was just the surprise of finding a game that's extremely fun built into the system. But if you ever get your hands on a GP2X Wiz (unlikely, I know), play this game.
#1 - Albert Odyssey: The Legend of Eldean (Sega Saturn)
I'll start this off by giving you this stat: 2 games this year made my all-time top 10 list. Those games are Panzer Dragoon Saga and Albert Odyssey: The Legend of Eldean. Couple that with my expectations going into this game that it would probably suck and you have a recipe for the #1 best surprise of the year. I honestly just saw it sitting on my shelf, and by some stroke of luck put it in my Saturn. Working Designs (the publisher of this game) is one of my new favorites. I have since been scouring for more Working Designs games, and have found one of them that I will play in 2013 (Arc the Lad collection). This game totally transformed my RPG world. Unfortunately bad ending but I won't ruin anything.
Showing posts with label GOTY 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GOTY 2012. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2012
GOTY 2012 - Biggest Disappointments
For all games eligible for GOTY awards, please visit our homepage.
Biggest Disappointments
2012 was a great year for video games. I played a lot of super fun ones, and then there are the ones that simply didn't live up to the hype. Doesn't mean they were bad... they just didn't live up to what I thought they would be. Here they are:
Honorable Mention:
Zelda Twilight Princess (Gamecube) - I don't typically like Zelda games, so the hype going in wasn't too high. Even with that, this game couldn't live up to the low bar I set. Why oh why must I spend the first part of the game doing all of these monotonous chores for everyone, like herding their stupid animals and stuff. That was SOOO BORING. Didn't even get past the first hour with this load of junk.
Honorable Mention:
Burning Rangers (Sega Saturn) - Let me start by saying I did enjoy this game quite a bit. However, with that said I had very high expectations of it and it simply didn't meet them. The gameplay itself was fine but the controls were awful and I found myself stuck or unsure of where I was on a couple occasions. Great soundtrack though.
#5 - Sonic Generations (3DS version)
After playing and loving the Xbox 360 version of Sonic Generations, I thought I'd pick this up since it has different levels and stuff. It's fine but it really wasn't fun like the Xbox version. Overall very disappointed and in fact ended up selling it.
#4 - Automobili Lamborghini (Nintendo 64)
This is the sequel to one of my favorite racers ever: Lamborghini American Challenge for DOS. It's terrible. Luckily, I had read reviews saying it was terrible otherwise it would be much higher on this list. It takes nothing from the prequel and is just a generic crappy racing game.
#3 - Diddy Kong Racing (Nintendo 64)
This game would get my award for crappiest game of the year. Luckily I didn't have too high expectations going in, but WOW is this game awful. I have no idea how people like this game more than say Crash Team Racing...it boggles my mind.
#2 - General Chaos (Sega Genesis)
Everyone was saying how much fun this game is and how awesome it is multiplayer. Maybe I just don't "get it" but I found it to be a terrible game. I don't know what else to say.
#1 - Sparkster (Super Nintendo)
Rocket Knight Adventures won the award for Best Platformer of the year. This game, however, takes essentially nothing from that great game. The jetpack charges differently, the opposum is a lot more "serious", and the game itself just isn't very fun. With that said, it is probably the best game on this entire list aside from Burning Rangers. The problem though is just how disappointing it is compared to Rocket Knight Adventures. For shame Sparkster! Oh well
Biggest Disappointments
2012 was a great year for video games. I played a lot of super fun ones, and then there are the ones that simply didn't live up to the hype. Doesn't mean they were bad... they just didn't live up to what I thought they would be. Here they are:
Honorable Mention:
Zelda Twilight Princess (Gamecube) - I don't typically like Zelda games, so the hype going in wasn't too high. Even with that, this game couldn't live up to the low bar I set. Why oh why must I spend the first part of the game doing all of these monotonous chores for everyone, like herding their stupid animals and stuff. That was SOOO BORING. Didn't even get past the first hour with this load of junk.
Honorable Mention:
Burning Rangers (Sega Saturn) - Let me start by saying I did enjoy this game quite a bit. However, with that said I had very high expectations of it and it simply didn't meet them. The gameplay itself was fine but the controls were awful and I found myself stuck or unsure of where I was on a couple occasions. Great soundtrack though.
#5 - Sonic Generations (3DS version)
After playing and loving the Xbox 360 version of Sonic Generations, I thought I'd pick this up since it has different levels and stuff. It's fine but it really wasn't fun like the Xbox version. Overall very disappointed and in fact ended up selling it.
#4 - Automobili Lamborghini (Nintendo 64)
This is the sequel to one of my favorite racers ever: Lamborghini American Challenge for DOS. It's terrible. Luckily, I had read reviews saying it was terrible otherwise it would be much higher on this list. It takes nothing from the prequel and is just a generic crappy racing game.
#3 - Diddy Kong Racing (Nintendo 64)
This game would get my award for crappiest game of the year. Luckily I didn't have too high expectations going in, but WOW is this game awful. I have no idea how people like this game more than say Crash Team Racing...it boggles my mind.
#2 - General Chaos (Sega Genesis)
Everyone was saying how much fun this game is and how awesome it is multiplayer. Maybe I just don't "get it" but I found it to be a terrible game. I don't know what else to say.
#1 - Sparkster (Super Nintendo)
Rocket Knight Adventures won the award for Best Platformer of the year. This game, however, takes essentially nothing from that great game. The jetpack charges differently, the opposum is a lot more "serious", and the game itself just isn't very fun. With that said, it is probably the best game on this entire list aside from Burning Rangers. The problem though is just how disappointing it is compared to Rocket Knight Adventures. For shame Sparkster! Oh well
Thursday, December 27, 2012
GOTY 2012 - Best of the Rest
For all games eligible for GOTY awards, please visit our homepage.
Best of the Rest
Some games just didn't fit the bill for certain categories. Some combine puzzles and guns, or may be technically a platformer but I don't consider it to be, etc etc. Fighting games and beat em ups included since I didn't play enough of them throughout the year for their own category. And with that, here is the last genre specific list.
Honorable Mention:
Streets of Rage 2 (Sega Genesis) - A great beat-em up with some sweet weapons, Streets of Rage 2 is a Genesis classic. A little too slow for my tastes, and me not being a big beat-em up fan in the first place this game won't get much higher on my list. Still a great game though.
Honorable Mention:
Burning Rangers (Sega Saturn) - Fun, unique game by Sonic Team. I thoroughly enjoyed it throughout, especially the soundtrack. It did lack some things, namely good controls and graphical problems throughout the game. This NEEDS to be remade and I was so happy to see a Burning Rangers track in Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed with a sweet remix of the Burning Rangers theme song.
#5 - Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)
This was a game recommended to me, and I must say I was impressed. Only problem is that I suck terribly at the game. If I was any good this game might be higher on the list but I just frankly can't get very far in the game.
#4 - Ms Pac Man (Atari 2600 and Atari 800 versions)
I had played Ms. Pac Man in the arcades before (who hasn't?) so this wasn't much of a surprise. The Atari 2600 version is vastly different from the arcade but almost in a good way. The ghosts are so freakin random and move at varying speeds throughout the game because of the Atari 2600's oldness but it kind of adds a new dimension to the game. The Atari 800 version is the most arcade perfect version I've ever played, and for that it deserves a nod on this list. Other version I played this year was the SNES version, which was actually quite good, and the Genesis version which sucked miserably.
#3 - Christmas Nights Into Dreams (Sega Saturn)
I never understood Nights Into Dreams until I played the Christmas version. I highly recommend this especially around Christmas time, it really gets you in a festive mood. Although this version is only a demo, I prefer it over the original Nights Into Dreams because of the sweet music and festive gameplay, along with presents you get when beating levels. There's a lot packed into this demo so make sure to play it various times throughout the year.
#2 - Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (SNES)
If you've never played any of the Battletoads games that is a shame. I hadn't before this year either so don't feel bad. It takes a very light hearted and comical approach to the traditional beat-em up that I found very appealing. This one barely won out over the NES Battletoads game, but both are extremely fun and not too expensive.
#1 - Portal 2 (Xbox 360)
I need to buy this game at some point. I played it for awhile and I had a blast with it even though I had some trouble with the puzzles. It's an extremely unique game and I applaud the developers for coming up with an original idea. We need more games like Portal 2 nowdays and for that reason it takes #1 on the Best of the Rest list this year.
Best of the Rest
Some games just didn't fit the bill for certain categories. Some combine puzzles and guns, or may be technically a platformer but I don't consider it to be, etc etc. Fighting games and beat em ups included since I didn't play enough of them throughout the year for their own category. And with that, here is the last genre specific list.
Honorable Mention:
Streets of Rage 2 (Sega Genesis) - A great beat-em up with some sweet weapons, Streets of Rage 2 is a Genesis classic. A little too slow for my tastes, and me not being a big beat-em up fan in the first place this game won't get much higher on my list. Still a great game though.
Honorable Mention:
Burning Rangers (Sega Saturn) - Fun, unique game by Sonic Team. I thoroughly enjoyed it throughout, especially the soundtrack. It did lack some things, namely good controls and graphical problems throughout the game. This NEEDS to be remade and I was so happy to see a Burning Rangers track in Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed with a sweet remix of the Burning Rangers theme song.
#5 - Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)
This was a game recommended to me, and I must say I was impressed. Only problem is that I suck terribly at the game. If I was any good this game might be higher on the list but I just frankly can't get very far in the game.
#4 - Ms Pac Man (Atari 2600 and Atari 800 versions)
I had played Ms. Pac Man in the arcades before (who hasn't?) so this wasn't much of a surprise. The Atari 2600 version is vastly different from the arcade but almost in a good way. The ghosts are so freakin random and move at varying speeds throughout the game because of the Atari 2600's oldness but it kind of adds a new dimension to the game. The Atari 800 version is the most arcade perfect version I've ever played, and for that it deserves a nod on this list. Other version I played this year was the SNES version, which was actually quite good, and the Genesis version which sucked miserably.
#3 - Christmas Nights Into Dreams (Sega Saturn)
I never understood Nights Into Dreams until I played the Christmas version. I highly recommend this especially around Christmas time, it really gets you in a festive mood. Although this version is only a demo, I prefer it over the original Nights Into Dreams because of the sweet music and festive gameplay, along with presents you get when beating levels. There's a lot packed into this demo so make sure to play it various times throughout the year.
#2 - Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (SNES)
If you've never played any of the Battletoads games that is a shame. I hadn't before this year either so don't feel bad. It takes a very light hearted and comical approach to the traditional beat-em up that I found very appealing. This one barely won out over the NES Battletoads game, but both are extremely fun and not too expensive.
#1 - Portal 2 (Xbox 360)
I need to buy this game at some point. I played it for awhile and I had a blast with it even though I had some trouble with the puzzles. It's an extremely unique game and I applaud the developers for coming up with an original idea. We need more games like Portal 2 nowdays and for that reason it takes #1 on the Best of the Rest list this year.
GOTY 2012 - Sports & Racing
For all games eligible for GOTY awards, please visit our homepage.
Sports & Racing
I've always had a soft spot for racing games, and sports games are just tons of fun to play. No need to explain this category, it should be obvious, so let's get right to it.
Honorable Mention:
Bouncers (Sega CD) - I think I'm like one of the only people that actually enjoyed this game. I find it to be really fun multiplayer, just crazy good time. Yea, the controls are a little strange, but when you get used to them it's really a great experience. Not good enough for the top 5 this year but good enough that it deserves a shout-out.
Honorable Mention:
Top Gear (SNES) - For those that like classic racing games, you won't be disappointed with Top Gear. Super fun, good graphics for the time, just the right speed. Not quite enough Oomph to put it in the top 5 but overall a very solid racer that anyone with a SNES should get at some point.
#5 - Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast)
A great game that I could play over and over. Classic Sega, with goofy characters and arcadey environments. A lot like Simpson's Road Rage which is also a great game but not quite as good as this one. I'm going to play Crazy Taxi 2 in 2013 so that should be fun.
#4 - Burnout 3 (Xbox)
A great racer that still competes, and quite frankly, is better than almost every racer coming out nowdays. Thank goodness for local multiplayer, it's a blast. I wish they'd stop getting rid of that in the newer games. Amazing graphics for the time and some sweet crash scenes. I wish the crash scenes wouldn't take quite as long otherwise I wouldn't change a thing about Burnout 3.
#3 - Virtua Tennis (Dreamcast)
Another Dreamcast game on the top 5, and this one really deserves nothing but praise. If you're like me you wouldn't think this would be a great game just by looking at it, but pop it in and multiplayer fun ensues. Decent singleplayer, but the best past is dominating your friends on the court. Makes a good use of the VMU too if you're so lazy that you can't look up at the screen or if you just want to show off, it is technically possible to play the whole game by looking at the VMU. Take that Wii U!
#2 - NHL Hitz 2003 (Gamecube)
From the makers of NFL Blitz comes NHL Hitz, the hockey equivalent of the great football arcade game. Things are taken up a notch from Blitz, with hits that knock your opponents through the glass and ones that make them lose their helmets and everything. I don't know how to explain this game... if you're a fan of Blitz or a fan of hockey in general you need to try this game, you will be absolutely happy. This is the best hockey game I've ever played and that includes the NHL games that come out every year by EA Sports. All you need is this one and it won't cost you too much.
#1 - Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed (Wii U)
For me, Mario Kart didn't do a whole lot for the kart racing game genre. Sure, it was Mario kart who everyone knows about and pretty much invented it, but since its inception Mario Kart hasn't done a whole lot. Then came along Crash Team Racing, my favorite sports/racing game of all time. Crash did everything Mario should have done. Since then, there has been no real competitors to Mario Kart...until now. Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed is amazing, no other way to put it. It destroys Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 (yes, I have played both) and is in a league of its own. I will soon do a review of this game but for now let's just put it at #1 for the sports/racing category.
Sports & Racing
I've always had a soft spot for racing games, and sports games are just tons of fun to play. No need to explain this category, it should be obvious, so let's get right to it.
Honorable Mention:
Bouncers (Sega CD) - I think I'm like one of the only people that actually enjoyed this game. I find it to be really fun multiplayer, just crazy good time. Yea, the controls are a little strange, but when you get used to them it's really a great experience. Not good enough for the top 5 this year but good enough that it deserves a shout-out.
Honorable Mention:
Top Gear (SNES) - For those that like classic racing games, you won't be disappointed with Top Gear. Super fun, good graphics for the time, just the right speed. Not quite enough Oomph to put it in the top 5 but overall a very solid racer that anyone with a SNES should get at some point.
#5 - Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast)
A great game that I could play over and over. Classic Sega, with goofy characters and arcadey environments. A lot like Simpson's Road Rage which is also a great game but not quite as good as this one. I'm going to play Crazy Taxi 2 in 2013 so that should be fun.
#4 - Burnout 3 (Xbox)
A great racer that still competes, and quite frankly, is better than almost every racer coming out nowdays. Thank goodness for local multiplayer, it's a blast. I wish they'd stop getting rid of that in the newer games. Amazing graphics for the time and some sweet crash scenes. I wish the crash scenes wouldn't take quite as long otherwise I wouldn't change a thing about Burnout 3.
#3 - Virtua Tennis (Dreamcast)
Another Dreamcast game on the top 5, and this one really deserves nothing but praise. If you're like me you wouldn't think this would be a great game just by looking at it, but pop it in and multiplayer fun ensues. Decent singleplayer, but the best past is dominating your friends on the court. Makes a good use of the VMU too if you're so lazy that you can't look up at the screen or if you just want to show off, it is technically possible to play the whole game by looking at the VMU. Take that Wii U!
#2 - NHL Hitz 2003 (Gamecube)
From the makers of NFL Blitz comes NHL Hitz, the hockey equivalent of the great football arcade game. Things are taken up a notch from Blitz, with hits that knock your opponents through the glass and ones that make them lose their helmets and everything. I don't know how to explain this game... if you're a fan of Blitz or a fan of hockey in general you need to try this game, you will be absolutely happy. This is the best hockey game I've ever played and that includes the NHL games that come out every year by EA Sports. All you need is this one and it won't cost you too much.
#1 - Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed (Wii U)
For me, Mario Kart didn't do a whole lot for the kart racing game genre. Sure, it was Mario kart who everyone knows about and pretty much invented it, but since its inception Mario Kart hasn't done a whole lot. Then came along Crash Team Racing, my favorite sports/racing game of all time. Crash did everything Mario should have done. Since then, there has been no real competitors to Mario Kart...until now. Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed is amazing, no other way to put it. It destroys Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 (yes, I have played both) and is in a league of its own. I will soon do a review of this game but for now let's just put it at #1 for the sports/racing category.
Monday, December 24, 2012
GOTY 2012 - Epic Adventures
For all games eligible for GOTY 2012 awards, please visit our homepage.
Epic Adventures
I love games with a good heartfelt story. It's like a roller coaster, taking you up and down and twists and turns. As with any roller coaster, it's measured on the thrills, not the length. That's why I don't care how LONG the adventure is, I care about how it went and how I felt during it. I must say, I've played through some terrific games with some terrific stories. Then there were also some duds that didn't make it past my 10 minute mark, and some games that I played for a few hours that I'll pick up again later. All in all, 7 games stuck out and all seven of those will get recognized. So let's begin.
Honorable Mention:
Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS) - Ok, you might be wondering why this wasn't in the "Things with guns" series. To be short, he shot arrows, not guns. And also he wouldn't have made it on that list. It was a really fun game, decent story, but terrible controls eventually ruined it for me. Overall a fun ride while it lasted.
Honorable Mention:
Fable: The Journey (Xbox 360 - Kinect) - When it was good, it was great... and it when it was bad it was annoyingly bad. I haven't gotten to play much of this game and I do intend to when I get it in a few days, but from what I did play at a friend's house and via the Demo there's a lot of filler which is terrible but the action outweighs it. Still, highly recommend to showcase what the Kinect could do.
#5 - Zelda: The Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance)
Yay for being a 3DS ambassador, otherwise I probably never would have gotten to try this game. I like to play the game on its original system so I ended up stopping the 3DS download after the first dungeon, but from what I've seen the game is miles ahead of any other zelda game I've ever played (YES that includes you Twilight Princess, Ocarina of Time, Link to the Past, and the NES ones). Will add more to that list likely when I try them out hopefully this year. Why is this one different? A) It's portable, which is where I believe games like this should be. B) It has great, colorful graphics C) It's actually FUN as opposed to annoying. The only other Zelda I've had fun playing was Link to the Past for the GBA, but got annoyed playing it on the SNES. Maybe it's just a hand held thing?
#4 - Shining Force 3 (Sega Saturn)
Another game I need to play more of, I kind of set it down for a little bit on accident and then it's hard to get back into the story. I WILL play and beat it in 2013. From what I played though, it's wonderful and a bit like Fire Emblem, which is one of my favorite games of all time. Fire Emblem did it better though with its autosave system and its whole staying dead unless you restart the level thing. However, I reserve the right to change my mind on that after I get through Shining Force 3 because it definitely is a fun game.
#3 - The World Ends With You (Nintendo DS)
Square Enix's new IP for the Nintendo DS is a smash hit and has a very intriguing story with many twists and turns. Definitely recommend a playthrough for anybody. It does seem a little busy at times, but the characters totally made this game. They developed them perfectly.
#2 - Albert Odyssey: The Legend of Eldean (Sega Saturn)
Wow, this game totally came out of nowhere. I bought it in a bundle with Shining Force 3 and one day I just popped it in, thinking it wouldn't even pass the 10 minute test and then take it out and play something else. That was my mindset going in. I was astonished with this game. It is absolutely brilliant, and that is completely 100% the result of Working Designs. The game itself is pretty standard, although the fighting is fun and the graphics are beautiful and I think hand drawn. Good boss fights, etc etc but that is just describing a good RPG. This is a GREAT RPG, as a result of Working Designs classic dialogue and character development. I was laughing all the way through this game and it ended way too fast. Bad ending though :(
#1 - Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn)
Sega Saturn RPGs > Playstation RPGs. Just saying... 3-0 on this list and I played the same amount on each system. Anyway, I almost picked the underdog Albert Odyssey simply because of its low expectations going into playing the game. But I cannot deny Panzer Dragoon Saga this honor. I had such high expectations for it, I even took off work that day to play it. I was not disappointed. You will not be in for a more wild ride than this game, its story and gameplay are superb. My only 2 complaints: They could have had a harder final boss and they could have developed Edge and Azel a little more. Either way, a Sega classic well worth $215 or whatever I paid for it. And for that it takes #1 in my retro GOTY 2012 Epic Adventures category
Epic Adventures
I love games with a good heartfelt story. It's like a roller coaster, taking you up and down and twists and turns. As with any roller coaster, it's measured on the thrills, not the length. That's why I don't care how LONG the adventure is, I care about how it went and how I felt during it. I must say, I've played through some terrific games with some terrific stories. Then there were also some duds that didn't make it past my 10 minute mark, and some games that I played for a few hours that I'll pick up again later. All in all, 7 games stuck out and all seven of those will get recognized. So let's begin.
Honorable Mention:
Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS) - Ok, you might be wondering why this wasn't in the "Things with guns" series. To be short, he shot arrows, not guns. And also he wouldn't have made it on that list. It was a really fun game, decent story, but terrible controls eventually ruined it for me. Overall a fun ride while it lasted.
Honorable Mention:
Fable: The Journey (Xbox 360 - Kinect) - When it was good, it was great... and it when it was bad it was annoyingly bad. I haven't gotten to play much of this game and I do intend to when I get it in a few days, but from what I did play at a friend's house and via the Demo there's a lot of filler which is terrible but the action outweighs it. Still, highly recommend to showcase what the Kinect could do.
#5 - Zelda: The Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance)
Yay for being a 3DS ambassador, otherwise I probably never would have gotten to try this game. I like to play the game on its original system so I ended up stopping the 3DS download after the first dungeon, but from what I've seen the game is miles ahead of any other zelda game I've ever played (YES that includes you Twilight Princess, Ocarina of Time, Link to the Past, and the NES ones). Will add more to that list likely when I try them out hopefully this year. Why is this one different? A) It's portable, which is where I believe games like this should be. B) It has great, colorful graphics C) It's actually FUN as opposed to annoying. The only other Zelda I've had fun playing was Link to the Past for the GBA, but got annoyed playing it on the SNES. Maybe it's just a hand held thing?
#4 - Shining Force 3 (Sega Saturn)
Another game I need to play more of, I kind of set it down for a little bit on accident and then it's hard to get back into the story. I WILL play and beat it in 2013. From what I played though, it's wonderful and a bit like Fire Emblem, which is one of my favorite games of all time. Fire Emblem did it better though with its autosave system and its whole staying dead unless you restart the level thing. However, I reserve the right to change my mind on that after I get through Shining Force 3 because it definitely is a fun game.
#3 - The World Ends With You (Nintendo DS)
Square Enix's new IP for the Nintendo DS is a smash hit and has a very intriguing story with many twists and turns. Definitely recommend a playthrough for anybody. It does seem a little busy at times, but the characters totally made this game. They developed them perfectly.
#2 - Albert Odyssey: The Legend of Eldean (Sega Saturn)
Wow, this game totally came out of nowhere. I bought it in a bundle with Shining Force 3 and one day I just popped it in, thinking it wouldn't even pass the 10 minute test and then take it out and play something else. That was my mindset going in. I was astonished with this game. It is absolutely brilliant, and that is completely 100% the result of Working Designs. The game itself is pretty standard, although the fighting is fun and the graphics are beautiful and I think hand drawn. Good boss fights, etc etc but that is just describing a good RPG. This is a GREAT RPG, as a result of Working Designs classic dialogue and character development. I was laughing all the way through this game and it ended way too fast. Bad ending though :(
#1 - Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn)
Sega Saturn RPGs > Playstation RPGs. Just saying... 3-0 on this list and I played the same amount on each system. Anyway, I almost picked the underdog Albert Odyssey simply because of its low expectations going into playing the game. But I cannot deny Panzer Dragoon Saga this honor. I had such high expectations for it, I even took off work that day to play it. I was not disappointed. You will not be in for a more wild ride than this game, its story and gameplay are superb. My only 2 complaints: They could have had a harder final boss and they could have developed Edge and Azel a little more. Either way, a Sega classic well worth $215 or whatever I paid for it. And for that it takes #1 in my retro GOTY 2012 Epic Adventures category
GOTY 2012 - Thinking Games...
For all games eligible for GOTY 2012 awards, please visit our homepage.
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.
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.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
GOTY 2012 - Things with Guns!
For all games eligible for GOTY 2012 awards, please visit our homepage.
Things with Guns!
I'm not your typical gamer. I don't enjoy most FPS games and I personally believe there is way way WAY too many of them flooding the market. That being said, I do like shooting stuff up on occasion. Here are my top games for the year where I got to do just that.
Honorable Mention:
Missle Defense 3D (Sega Master System) - This game was great on so many levels. It is a fun light gun shooter for the master system, and was very ahead of its time. The 3D effect is awesome and I highly recommend playing this game at some point in your life just to see how far ahead of its time this game really was. I mean, look we're just now starting to perfect 3D in games and this one did it back in 1987... 25 years ago. Amazing. Unfortunately for it, there's only spot enough for one Master System game on this list and there's one that is simply more fun.
Things with Guns!
I'm not your typical gamer. I don't enjoy most FPS games and I personally believe there is way way WAY too many of them flooding the market. That being said, I do like shooting stuff up on occasion. Here are my top games for the year where I got to do just that.
Honorable Mention:
Missle Defense 3D (Sega Master System) - This game was great on so many levels. It is a fun light gun shooter for the master system, and was very ahead of its time. The 3D effect is awesome and I highly recommend playing this game at some point in your life just to see how far ahead of its time this game really was. I mean, look we're just now starting to perfect 3D in games and this one did it back in 1987... 25 years ago. Amazing. Unfortunately for it, there's only spot enough for one Master System game on this list and there's one that is simply more fun.
Honorable Mention:
Soukyugurentai Otokuyo (Sega Saturn) - The 2nd best space shooter I played this year. Truly a work of art and any SHMUP fan absolutely needs this game in his/her library. It's a Japanese import so make sure you can find a way to play it (I recommend the Action Replay 4 in 1 cart). Either way, if you have a Saturn make sure you get this and it's not terribly expensive compared to most Saturn games.
#5 - Panzer Dragoon (Sega Saturn)
I only got to play a few minutes of Panzer Dragoon II Zwei this year, which I hear is the better of the two Panzer Dragoon rail shooters on the Saturn, so forgive me that the original is the one on my list. Either way, it's the game that introduced the genre to me, leading me to play other great rail shooters this year like Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS) and Rez (Playstation 2). Very fun, and you get to ride a sweet dragon.
#4 - Space Invaders (Atari 2600)
A great port of a great arcade classic. With the gigantic library the Atari 2600 has to offer great games are few and far between, but this is one of the best games I played on the Atari 2600 this year...period. Truly recommended and as almost all Atari 2600 games are you can get this dirt cheap.
#3 - Rez (Playstation 2)
I gave this as a gift and thus only got to play it a tiny bit, but I imagine I will be adding this to my collection soon. I'm not sure why I like it, I think it's the sweet techno music but I've been itching to play more ever since it left with someone else... something to note is this game is not for everyone so do your homework before picking it up. But for those that like rail shooters and techno music and classic Sega, look no more.
#2 - Gangster Town (Sega Master System)
Wow what a sleeper hit. Most people have never heard of this game. Luckily I was able to hear of it, acquire it, and see what a masterpiece it really is. It is my favorite game on the Master System to date. You go around shooting these guys before they shoot you which is very typical of a light gun game, but there's so much going on and it's done in such a fun way and there's never a dull moment.
#1 - Ikaruga (Gamecube)
This is, and most likely will be, my favorite space shooter of all time. This game not only is a great space shooter game like Soukyugurentai Otokuyo (see honorable mentions), but it adds in a whole new dimension which is the polarity system. Avoid black bullets when you're white and absort white bullets, switch when you're black. When you absorb it builds your power meter and then you can unleash sweet attacks. Truly a work of art...hopefully someday I can pick up the dreamcast or MAYBE even the Arcade version. That would be AWESOME. Even still, this is I believe the only North American release for this game and for that and it's sheer awesomeness it is the #1 game with guns for 2012.
Soukyugurentai Otokuyo (Sega Saturn) - The 2nd best space shooter I played this year. Truly a work of art and any SHMUP fan absolutely needs this game in his/her library. It's a Japanese import so make sure you can find a way to play it (I recommend the Action Replay 4 in 1 cart). Either way, if you have a Saturn make sure you get this and it's not terribly expensive compared to most Saturn games.
#5 - Panzer Dragoon (Sega Saturn)
I only got to play a few minutes of Panzer Dragoon II Zwei this year, which I hear is the better of the two Panzer Dragoon rail shooters on the Saturn, so forgive me that the original is the one on my list. Either way, it's the game that introduced the genre to me, leading me to play other great rail shooters this year like Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS) and Rez (Playstation 2). Very fun, and you get to ride a sweet dragon.
#4 - Space Invaders (Atari 2600)
A great port of a great arcade classic. With the gigantic library the Atari 2600 has to offer great games are few and far between, but this is one of the best games I played on the Atari 2600 this year...period. Truly recommended and as almost all Atari 2600 games are you can get this dirt cheap.
#3 - Rez (Playstation 2)
I gave this as a gift and thus only got to play it a tiny bit, but I imagine I will be adding this to my collection soon. I'm not sure why I like it, I think it's the sweet techno music but I've been itching to play more ever since it left with someone else... something to note is this game is not for everyone so do your homework before picking it up. But for those that like rail shooters and techno music and classic Sega, look no more.
#2 - Gangster Town (Sega Master System)
Wow what a sleeper hit. Most people have never heard of this game. Luckily I was able to hear of it, acquire it, and see what a masterpiece it really is. It is my favorite game on the Master System to date. You go around shooting these guys before they shoot you which is very typical of a light gun game, but there's so much going on and it's done in such a fun way and there's never a dull moment.
#1 - Ikaruga (Gamecube)
This is, and most likely will be, my favorite space shooter of all time. This game not only is a great space shooter game like Soukyugurentai Otokuyo (see honorable mentions), but it adds in a whole new dimension which is the polarity system. Avoid black bullets when you're white and absort white bullets, switch when you're black. When you absorb it builds your power meter and then you can unleash sweet attacks. Truly a work of art...hopefully someday I can pick up the dreamcast or MAYBE even the Arcade version. That would be AWESOME. Even still, this is I believe the only North American release for this game and for that and it's sheer awesomeness it is the #1 game with guns for 2012.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
GOTY 2012 - Best Platformer
For all games eligible for GOTY 2012 awards, please visit our homepage.
Best Platformer
In my opinion platformers were great when they weren't so forgiving, when there wasn't save states, you could get game over screens, etc. In fact, all 5 of the top ones on this list follow that mold. There are two honorable mentions that don't, and that I believe are likely two of the better platformers since save states were introduced.
Honorable Mention:
Sonic Generations (Xbox 360) - This game breathed some life back into the dying hedgehog series. With beautiful graphics and tight controls, this game could have been great. A lackluster story and annoying subcharacters along with a very forgiving life system (try try try again until you beat it) really wasn't quite for me.
Honorable Mention:
Super Meat Boy (Xbox 360) - This game was fun, and had glimpses of greatness. However, it suffers from the same fate as Sonic Generations because of the same forgiving life system. What ever happened to the "Game Over" screen???
#5 - Ice Climber (NES)
This is a great game, and should be higher on the list, except I've already played it for a different system (E-Reader). Had this been the first time I played it it probably would be higher. Very fun and very challenging, along with a great 2 person mode which can be either co-op or competitive depending on if you want to help your fellow player or destroy them :)
#4 - Pitfall (Atari 2600)
This is a great early platformer. Nothing much to say here except very fun, but it does lack depth which is because it's on the atari, so I can't really fault it.
#3 - Shinobi (Master System)
This game really surprised me. I got a bunch of master system games in a lot and this one stuck out. It has tight controls and makes you feel super cool because you're a ninja.
#2 - Super Mario Bros (NES)
This game easily could have been first. But I'm judging this based strictly on a platforming perspective, and not what it's done for the industry and what it eventually transformed into. As a platformer, it was very fun and surprised me greatly being a sonic fanboy growing up. This game never gets tiring.
#1 - Rocket Knight Adventures (Genesis)
You can ask me any day of the week and I'll tell you this game is lower on my top 100 games of all time than at least 2 of the other games that didn't beat it on this list. But you can't deny this is a great platformer. The only reason it's that low on my top 100 is because of the replay value. There are no secrets or hidden items or nothing aside from extra lives. But what this game does have is humor, great controls, and an opposum with a jet pack. What else could you want?
Best Platformer
In my opinion platformers were great when they weren't so forgiving, when there wasn't save states, you could get game over screens, etc. In fact, all 5 of the top ones on this list follow that mold. There are two honorable mentions that don't, and that I believe are likely two of the better platformers since save states were introduced.
Honorable Mention:
Sonic Generations (Xbox 360) - This game breathed some life back into the dying hedgehog series. With beautiful graphics and tight controls, this game could have been great. A lackluster story and annoying subcharacters along with a very forgiving life system (try try try again until you beat it) really wasn't quite for me.
Honorable Mention:
Super Meat Boy (Xbox 360) - This game was fun, and had glimpses of greatness. However, it suffers from the same fate as Sonic Generations because of the same forgiving life system. What ever happened to the "Game Over" screen???
#5 - Ice Climber (NES)
This is a great game, and should be higher on the list, except I've already played it for a different system (E-Reader). Had this been the first time I played it it probably would be higher. Very fun and very challenging, along with a great 2 person mode which can be either co-op or competitive depending on if you want to help your fellow player or destroy them :)
#4 - Pitfall (Atari 2600)
This is a great early platformer. Nothing much to say here except very fun, but it does lack depth which is because it's on the atari, so I can't really fault it.
#3 - Shinobi (Master System)
This game really surprised me. I got a bunch of master system games in a lot and this one stuck out. It has tight controls and makes you feel super cool because you're a ninja.
#2 - Super Mario Bros (NES)
This game easily could have been first. But I'm judging this based strictly on a platforming perspective, and not what it's done for the industry and what it eventually transformed into. As a platformer, it was very fun and surprised me greatly being a sonic fanboy growing up. This game never gets tiring.
#1 - Rocket Knight Adventures (Genesis)
You can ask me any day of the week and I'll tell you this game is lower on my top 100 games of all time than at least 2 of the other games that didn't beat it on this list. But you can't deny this is a great platformer. The only reason it's that low on my top 100 is because of the replay value. There are no secrets or hidden items or nothing aside from extra lives. But what this game does have is humor, great controls, and an opposum with a jet pack. What else could you want?
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