Gazing Back and Looking Ahead in Gaming

To finish up the season of "Best of the Year" pieces we have IGN's Best of 2004, where they take a look at the games across several different categories. At the same time Gamespot is offering a Most Anticipated of 2005 feature, games that their editorial staff are looking forward to for the coming year. From the article: "Though the release slate may lack some of the sizzling franchises that were refreshed just months ago, it's quite clear that there's no lack of promising or exciting games on the horizon."

Comments

Can someone explain the anticipation for KH2?

[Anonymous Coward]

Am I the only person who loves the FF franchise, likes a good portion of the Disney franchise and loathed Kingdom Hearts?

I really don't get it. Everything about the game was miserable - so-so story (even by computer RPG standards), rotten camera controls, tedious combat, obnoxious dialogue, unfun mini-games, and awful misuse of some of the best loved Disney and FF characters.

I mean I understand that some people like game types and games that I don't care for - but this is a genuinely bad game.

I know it's cool on slashdot to complain, but..

[brkello]

Really, the most interesting things you can say about the top games of the year is bitching that it has 1 game per page. I guess it would suck that if you are on dial up...but instead of wasting space with your whining, why don't you say what games were the beiggest to you for 2004. I enjoy reading these even if they are just glorified advertisements, because it might show a game that looks interesting. I will go look at some independant reviews and may find a great game I missed.

Anyways, here is my list:

Half Life 2: Extremely well done game. The physics engine alone is enough to make the game interesting...but you can tell they really cared and made single player fun and engaging. DM is probably the most fun I have had with multiplayer in a long time. Nothing like fragging a friend with a toilet. Some people avoid this because of Steam...I have never had a problem with Steam (and I bought the game over it), but if you object to it, there are plenty of other good games out there.

Phantom Brave: I would not have know of this Nippon Ichi game unless I saw it in Penny Arcade's top 10 list. The game is a tactical rpg. It was a little tough to get in to at first, but after I understood how to fuse items and characters and how the gam really works (the manual is pathetic), I can't wait to play every chance I get. It's just fun leveling up your characters and their weapons. The only thing that distracts is that the graphics are from the PS era...but once you get over that, it's just a fun game.

Final Fantasy XI: I know everyone is in to WoW. But for me, it was all about tarutarus and fishing. MMORPG are not really for me, and I have sworn them off. But I have to admit the FFXI is a lot of fun, despite it's flaws. I really enjoyed playing with people from all over the world.

I played quite a few other games, those are just the ones that stand out (and I am at work and don't want to waste all day going through all of them). So what games are on your the top of your list in 2004? Maybe you know of one that I missed.