I did intend to post this in 2009, but I was too busy drinking, eating, and generally enjoying myself away from computers and the internet to get around to it. So, here it is. Good job no-one was awaiting this with baited breath (or at all), as I'd hate to be responsible for anyone's death. Actually, scratch that, it's a blatant lie.
Another unapologetically 360-centric year end top five from me for 09, but that's hardly surprising - I've only got a 360 and a DS these days. The Wii REALLY doesn't count, and has been turned on about 3 times throughout the entire year. Pathetic box of crap that it is. Anyway, on with my choices.
5 - The Beatles: Rock Band
It helps being a big fan of The Fab Four, but The Beatles: Rock Band is a brilliant Rock Band game in it's own right regardless of your feelings on the band. A great selection of tunes from across the legendary group's (remarkably short) history, lovely stylised visuals, previously unheard soundbytes from John and co, and full downloadable albums available throughout the year all combine to create a music game I keep coming back to again and again, and thanks to Ringo's idiosyncratic drumming style, I can even manage to keep time on the skins. Yay!
4 - Resident Evil 5
Capcom set themselves a hell of a standard to beat with the utterly sublime Resident Evil 4 back on GameCube, and it shows - Resi 5 is basically the same game with improved visuals, different enemies, and a co-op feature. Sadly it doesn't quite match up to the majesty of it's prequel, but there was still enough fun tackling the infected hordes with Chris Redfield and new counterpart Sheva Alomar to keep me playing for weeks. The return of Mercenaries mode was most welcome, and the co-op feature was good with an online partner too. Shame it sucked in offline thanks to a ludicrous bordered split screen, but you can't have everything. Oh and it had Jill, so I was sold. Looking forward to more Valentine action with the forthcoming DLC mission packs in 2010, so Resi 5 hasn't done giving just yet.
3 - Modern Warfare 2
I had a real struggle deciding between this and Halo 3: ODST. I LOVE the Halo design, the armour, the weapons, the dual wield, and the overall feel, and ODST was a pleasant return to the universe, albeit from a slightly skewed perspective. Firefight mode was freaking awesome fun too, with wave after wave of Covenant dying for (and of) a bullet through the cranium. Oh, and it was packed with Firefly cronies, so basically all the boxes were ticked.
Modern Warfare 2 though, it just blew every other FPS this year out of the water. Sure the story was bewildering nonsense, and it still suffers from the shooting gallery syndrome, but it's done with such incredible polish it hardly seems to matter. The new Spec Ops mode was a brilliant touch too, adding much needed single and co-op longevity to a previously online-centric game. Speaking of online, it's as much fun as ever if my friends playlist is anything to go by, although I've only dipped my toe in that murky water once. And lost badly. Regardless, any game that makes me play it through three times in quick sucession is definitely a winner, and MW2 is that game. I tried not to like it, cos everyone else did, but it was just too difficult. Modern Warfare 2 rules
2 - Street Fighter IV
I've written a few blogs about SFIV in the last year, and it genuinely affected my well being. Love/hate/love/hate over and over again. Getting wound up online by endless Shoto spammers, then finding new tactics and enjoying myself. The Sagat flood of April 09. The sheer brilliance of Championship Mode. It's been a while since I've played it tbh, because the online competition was getting beyond my skills, but it's still got a special place in my heart. I LOVE Street Fighter, and IV is no exception. It just can't quite make the top spot, which will surprise a few people. Or would if anyone was reading yadda yadda yadda.
Anyway, I can't wait for Super Street Fighter IV this year, so clearly the infatuation goes on. Chun Li will be back. Oh yes. She will...
1 - Batman Arkham Asylum
Surprise! I didn't have high hopes for this game. Sure, the graphics looked fantastic, but with the last decent Batman game appearing on the bloody Amiga, it's fair to say that a Caped Crusader based videogame being my game of the year has come as a bit of a shock. It's warranted though, as Batman: Arkham Asylum has been put together with real love and care, and it shows. It looks fantastic, with a chunky Batman facing off against a gangly clownish Joker, or a slinky sensual Posion Ivy. The voice work is brilliant, especially Mark Hamill, as the Clown Prince of Crime. The stealthy "Invisible Predator" sections work amazingly well too, with Bats picking off thugs one by one from hidden vantage points in the ceiling, under floor grates, over ledges etc.
For me though, it's the feeling of BEING Batman that shines through; the selection of gadgets at your disposal, cleverly unlocking as you go through a series of sensible plot developments rather than just "LEVEL UP!!!"; or the incredible combat system, which truly makes you feel like the hardest man alive. I know it took some knocks for being a one or two button system, but the context specific moves coupled with the intuitive countering system create some epic punchups.
When you chain a few punches together, countering a swiftly closing-in goon, leapfrogging another, swirling your cape to disorientate a knife wielding henchman, finishing with a hard handed "face meets concrete" takedown, you ARE The Dark Knight. Awesome stuff.
So that's that, my favourites of 2009. Most wanted for 2010 coming up tomorrow, bet you can't wait.
*sigh*
No comments:
Post a Comment