Games That Kinda Bummed Me Out 2011
My disappointments for the year. I would not call most of these bad games. Rather, just games that let me down or bummed me out in some way. Games I wanted to like more than I did.
List items
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A very recent Bombcast episode had Vinny nicely encapsulate my feelings on Skyward Sword. Pedantic to an insulting degree, yet frustratingly vague in parts. Every session I've had with the game has ended in irritation. I'd like to think I have a higher tolerance for motion controls than a lot of folks, but most of the motion activities here are simply no fun. Major fucking bummer.
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Even with the deluge of negative press, I was entirely unprepared for catastrophe of Duke Nukem Forever. I played a decent chuck of the game with bemused fascination before giving in to my disgust. It's an insult to the medium and to low-brow humor champions like Saints Row and Shadows of the Damned. Kind of a huge bummer.
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I was a little relieved learning that The Last of Us has been in development so long. It solidified my perception of Uncharted 3 as a blatantly B-Team project. I am positively baffled that so many people regard it so highly. They get huge props for the "supernatural part" not being so supernatural, but the storyline, writing, characters, and combat scenarios were all lacking impact. The trademark set-piece levels went on far too long and had far too many awkward fail states. That kinda bummed me out.
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Whatever subtlety or atmosphere Dead Space had was squandered and ultimately abandoned for it's cynical and over-the-top sequel. The lighting and special effects are incredible, but the level and enemy design is lazy, the narrative is hokey, and the entire experience feels forced and unnecessary. Kinda made me bummed.
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Assassin's Creed 2 is still my favorite game of this generation, and I really enjoyed Brotherhood despite it being a bit less impressive. I was fully prepared to go for a third round, but after a few hours it's clear that I need a break. I'm doing the same things, but none of it feels exciting anymore. Bummed me out a little.
Also, who the fuck let a tower defense game in here?!
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inFamous was my only Platinum trophy game, and for good reason. The game was fun and the comic book presentation and ridiculous story was charming and fascinating. Just playing around in the environment was fun enough to make me chase after every little shard on the map. It was great. The sequel is... well, just good. I have a hard time articulating what's wrong about inFamous 2. Maybe it's the pacing or the enemy design and (lack of) variety, but it was a less fun and far more forgettable experience. When I remember, I'm a little bummed.
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The Original PixelJunk Shooter felt like a game that took longer to conceive than to make. The levels were precisely designed, the game had good momentum and a smooth difficulty curve, and interaction with the fluids felt natural and intuitive. I can't help but think that Q Games decided to make the sequel before even considering what new elements they would include. Multiplayer is a welcome addition, but by April it was hard to find games, and after the PSN it was pointless. My first bummer with the PixelJunk series. I hope it's the last.
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Arkham City remains one of my favorite games of the year, but as a sequel to Asylum, it is disappointing. The side missions are poorly distributed and paced, the open world is initially irritating with its ugly Riddler markers and constant inane radio chatter, and the trophy collection and puzzle solving is a huge step backwards. It still has a lot going for it, but if I need a Batman fix, I will reach for its predecessor first. That is a bummer.
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Remember how awesome the first three acts were? Remember how intense those lambent fights were, and how freaky the starving locusts were and how awesome they look bursting from the ground? OK. Now remember that bullshit underwater part? Or the borderline incoherent story? Or the fucking ridiculous queen on her giant beetle? Or how lazy the level design is in the last third of the game? Yeah. Kind of a bummer.
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Please, please just let me shoot diagonally. I want to love you so bad. PLEASE. I am so bummed.
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