Best Games of 2008

2008 saw some average sequels (Pokemon Platinum, Call of Duty: World at War, Mario Kart Wii, Fable II), a huge disappointment (Spore), a mild disappointment (GTA IV), and a couple of fun shooters (Gears 2, Bad Company, Left 4 Dead).

2008 was the absolute height of MMOs with the arrival of Wrath of the Lich King, which brought the Warcraft 3 story to its conclusion, a beautiful new continent and soundtrack, achievements, excellent gameplay and raids. However, the expansion would also begin to bring disappointing changes with increased focus on dailies, cross-server dungeon and raid finder diminishing the need for guilds and server communities, and the over-powered hero Death Knight class.

This year also saw the release of perhaps the best JRPG of all-time: Persona 4. A mix of anime, high school drama, and a story about acknowledging the good and bad of our inner selves as well as how the collective can help us overcome the worst parts of ourselves struck true for many gamers. This game also had a fantastic way of implementing side quests/side stories into the game mechanics with social links that also improved possibilities for using "personas" in combat. Unfortunately, the combat and dungeons were the least interesting part of the game and ultimately worked to hamper the overall product. But the characters and music will forever stick with me and guide me through the worst of times.