The Great 2008 (Part 1 of 2)
By TheBill1979 5 Comments
I know it's a little late to be presenting this, but like your girlfriend's period, it's better late than never. And I promise that this won't be as messy.
I just want to note that these are the games that I managed to play in 2008. I have played most of these games all the way through, or at least long enough to pass judgment. Please remember that these are my opinions, as I most likely have different tastes in games than you. With that being said, I give you.........the list.
My Favorite Games of 2008
The following 5 games are games that stand out in my mind as the best time investments of the year. These are games that will remain in my collection forever. Games that I suggest you check out.5) Fallout 3 (I played the Xbox 360 version)
To be honest, Fallout 3 could have gone either way on this list. But I am able to see through it's faults and realize that in the broad scope, it's an excellent game. The sheer size of the world and the things to do in it are very impressive. Most of the voice acting is great and again, the sheer amount of it demand's my respect. While there are a lot of aspects of the game that I wish were different, it's the little things that are done so right that keeps me from selling this game on eBay (that is a complement).
4) Braid (Xbox Live! Arcade)
Braid proves that you don't need big guns, loads of voice acting, or multiplayer to in order to have a great time with your video game console. With it's beautiful hand drawn design, it's terrific musical score, and puzzles that force you to think outside of typical platforming conventions, Braid has set the bar for independent game developers. The story is simple, but very moving in the way that it's told. If you have not yet tried Braid, I implore that you do so. And if after you have tried it, you still aren't sure if it's worth the 1200 Microsoft Points, let me assure you that it is. Don't take my word for it, though. Take everyone else's.
3) Animal Crossing: City Folk (Nintendo Wii)
Go ahead. Call me a little girl for loving the Animal Crossing franchise. It's okay. I know that it's not a hardcore gamer's game to end all games. I know it's got cutesy little animals. And I know that the formula hasn't really changed much since Animal Crossing on the Gamecube. But you know what? None of that matters to me. Animal Crossing: City Folk is fun. It's not so much a game as it is a relaxation tool. The addition (or return) of holidays and the new city (hence the title) have made this entry the star gem in the franchise. And the use of Wii 24 Connect is great (although it could use a bit more). The game is much better if you have friends to visit, but it's also good on it's own. If you have this game, but are ashamed to admit it (you sissy), message me with your friend code. We'll get together and place dress up.....errr.....Halo.
2) Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo Wii)
Mario once again proves that any title staring him never gets old (Except for Mario Party.......damn you Hudson Soft). With a plethora of control options (the Wii Wheel isn't so great, sadly), pick-up-and-play ease, and the addition of global multiplayer, this is the definitive Mario Kart experience. Best of all, the game brings back some of the best tracks from the franchises history with graphic overhauls. If you have a Wii, this game is a MUST for your collection. I've logged in countless hours with my friends in front of my television. Mario Kart parties are sure to continue at my place through 2009.
1) Fable II (Xbox 360)
Fable II is my favorite game of 2008, hands down. The visuals are great, the story is great, the fat dirty hooters are great. In my opinion, Fable II was Lionhead's "How you like me now" entry into the video game world. The game improved just about EVERYTHING from the first installment. Sure, there were bugs (which were just patched) and there were probably things I would have done different. But overall, the game left me very satisfied and definitely had me coming back for more. Not much more to say here. If you haven't played it, please give it a shot.
Honorable Mentions
Here are some games that while I did like, I didn't feel deserved a place on the top 5. They are in no particular order.- LittleBigPlanet (Playstation 3)
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (Sony PSP)
- Prince of Persia (Played on Xbox 360)
- Professor Layton and the Curious Village (Nintendo DS)
- Boom Blox (Nintendo Wii)
Stay tuned for Part 2, in which I list The Not-So-Great of 2008. Expect it later tonight or sometime tomorrow.
Thanks for reading.