Game Informer Makes No Sense Part 1
By kush 20 Comments
Original Post: HERE.Game Informer recently ran a little editorial entitled “Playstation 2 Top 25” in their September 2008 issue. This is a list of the top 25 PS2 games that “defined a generation”. This list consists of individual games, as well as franchises too. I have a few issues with the list however; from the order, to the games that are actually on it. I’ll stop wasting time and dive right into this dirty pool of games.
1) Grand Theft Auto series: “Grand Theft Auto has proven it can sell millions of copies on any system it touches, but its true power began on the Playstation 2.” I honestly don’t have a problem with this pick, or its place on the list. The GTA-series was known as a PS2 game first when GTA3 thanks to the exclusivity deal. It makes sense this game would be on a list of top PS2 games, and I can’t argue its position at #1.
2) Metal Gear Solid series: “They paved the way for action games in multiple genres, and showed us that games can be just as much fun to watch as they are to play.” Once again I have no issue with this choice, but #3 will change my willingness to agree.
3) Resident Evil 4: “This next statement will likely make you tear up a little, but if you’ve play Resident Evil 4, you know it’s true. The series is better without zombies.” This quote sucks, but they wrote nothing stating how this is a PS2 game. I know that the game was released on the PS2, but when I think of Resident Evil 4, I think of the Gamecube. Why this game is on a list of top PS2 game and at #3 makes no sense.
4) God of War series: “In addition to a well-oiled combat system, this series uses mind-bending puzzles and cinematic flair to create a classic Greek tale of vengeance.” While I may not be a fan of the series myself, I do understand why it’s here and why it’s #4. The series is loved by critics and it’s very much a Sony IP; I have no issues with this choice.
5) Final Fantasy X & XII: “Forget about the side-stories and massively multiplayer forays; these two Final Fantasy titles are the best role-playing experiences you’ll find on the PS2.” Again, I’m not a fan of the series, but it would be impossible to have a list featuring top PS2 games without the inclusion of a Final Fantasy game.
6) Guitar Hero series: “It may not have been the first music game, but Guitar Hero is certainly the one that popularized the genre.” I have issues with this series’ place on the list. Why is this game #6? Does it belong on the list...yes. Does it belong anywhere near the top...no. The games/series that are ranked lower than this is slightly baffling.
7) Gran Turismo series: “Thanks to Gran Turismo, we expect our racing games to not only offer a wealth of real-life cars, but also test our racing abilities and push our engine to the limit.” This series belongs on the list, arguably higher than #7. It’s one of the first series I think about when I remember the PS2 and Gran Turismo 3 was the game that made me buy a PS2.
8) Ratchet and Clank series: “The company (Insomniac) combined action, platforming, and RPG elements to create one of the funniest, most polished video game series on the market.” I'm a fan of this series, but I don’t think it belongs in the top 10, especially above the Jak & Daxter series. I never found the Ratchet and Clank series quite up to par with that of Jak & Daxter, not to take anything away from the little Lombax and pile of metal.
9) Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3: “The PS2 was gifted with a new Tony Hawk title every year, but only one is deserving of immortality.” The game belongs here; maybe not in the top 10, but at least somewhere in the teens. This was the high point for the series and it’s never been quite the same.
10) Devil May Cry 1 & 3: “Swords and guns are nothing new to gaming, but Devil May Cry combines them in a fast and fluid combat system that essentially created the ‘stylish action’ genre.” While I love the first game; I never really got into the numerous sequels. That being said, I believe that the first game alone warrants a spot in the top 10.
…Part 2 will come out in the coming days, but expect much more disagreement and my final thoughts on the list as a whole. You may already notice missing games so far, but trust me; the order of this list will soon become very confusing. Key games to look out for include: Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Okami, Kingdom Hearts, Jak & Dakter, and much more.
Game Informer tries, but they ultimately fail...like below.