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More 2005 Gaming Than You Really Want
It's Christmas Eve, and you need something to read while you're avoiding your relatives. We understand. Howabout several looks at the year in Gaming? The big sites have actual awards, with Gamespot and IGN both offering up decisions that are sure to spark dinner table discussion. Next Generation doesn't hand out awards, but it does have an exhaustive set of lists covering all aspects of the year. We've previously discussed their Top 30 Games of the Year, but today they have over half a dozen articles dedicated to the year in gaming. The Guardian Gamesblog has staff pics for best of the year. World of Warcraft certainly is on a lot of 2005 lists for a game released in 2004. Finally, 1up.com staffer Jared Rea probably has the most interesting take on the year. His traditional list headlines Guitar Hero, but he also has a special list, with ermm...special awards. That might make you angry. From that list: "The Sin and Punishment Award - Named after the hideous and boring N64 shooter from Treasure, the Sin and Punishment award is reserved for the the title which claimed the hearts of 'hardcore' fanboys around the world, despite the game in fact, being garbage or quite frankly, nothing special. Previous winners of this award include Ikaruga and Katamari Damacy." That award goes to Shadow of the Colossus. Which, sorry Jared, did actually rock.
Google: A Patriot's Letter
2005 gaming, but no mention of what may have been one of the biggest portable hits of the year? Mario Kart DS was very well formulated :D
:P
wait this just makes me a nintendo fanboy doesnt it?
Viable Slashdot alternatives: https://pipedot.org/ and http://soylentnews.org/
That award goes to Shadow of the Colossus. Which, sorry Jared, did actually rock.
No Zonk, *you* think it rocks.
"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
Best damn game of the year. And an amazing port to the PS2 - who'd of thunk that old PS2 could perform so well? --M
Wait a minute...did anyone play anything other than world of warcraft?
I was waiting for this slashvertisement *runs out and buys a bunch of games from IGN*
LINUX ONLINE POKER: Linux Poker
Pics != picks. If I wanted pics of people on the internet, I will just look in my hidden stash but shh don't tell the boss
do.what.promptcmds
I'm not avoiding my relatives, the relatives are avoiding me!
And I'm not even in Soviet Russia anymore.
This isn't a rant against Zonk (whom I feel gets too much grief sometimes) but a rant against the entertainment industry in general.
Oh please... your faux-blase act is so commonplace these days it's not even funny.
If you don't like best of the year reviews, then don't bloody read them. If you don't like awards, don't watch the ceremonies. I hate the whole Christmas and end-of-year bullshit as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean I should feel compelled to go on Slashdot pretending to be assaulted by the entertainment industry against my will and complain about it.
"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
So, "Beyond Good and Evil" rocked but "Katamari Damacy" didn't? BGaE WAS pretty good, but it certainly wasn't Katamari-level cool. REJECT!
Of course, it's become common practice in some circles to try to buffer rejection of a controversial statement, or even try to shame people into accepting it, by preemptively calling those who will obviously disagree with it fanboys, which at best is figuring out to what decimal place one's geekness resolves, and at worst is an act arguably more nerdly than the actual liking of the supposedly mediocre game.
And why did people want a sequel to KD so badly? MAYBE IT WAS BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL GAME WAS ABOUT THREE HOURS LONG! Fool! It's okay to make a sequel to a game that was, by all reports, much much too short to begin with!
Just because he doesn't like the game (which, to me, means he's either trying to play too-kool-4-U overhipster or is simply deficient in basic humanity) and by random whim of publishing industry happens to have a megaphone handy with which to shout his merest idea*, doesn't mean that he shouldn't attempt to see why other people like it. Empathy is a surprisingly useful trait for a reviewer, of any type, to have.
Further, later on he says "Microsoft introduces the Tard Pack." Oh yeah, that does wonders for his creditibility, oy.
*Yep, that's a blatant TMBG reference. Also geeky, I know.
Obviously this guy hasn't played Katamari Damacy. Yes, the concept of the game is crazy and whatnot, but this game had to be one of the funnest games you could get for the PS2. And at $20, what a steal!
I'm with Zonk on this one, Jared's taste is lacking.
- A
Thanks to a perfect sense of atmosphere, brilliant soundtrack and spot-on gameplay, all who pick up the SG controller know what it's like to truly rock. And I salute them.
"Guitar Hero" doesn't even come close to truly playing guitar.
See how the real heroes don't look at a screen to know what notes to play next. That "game" is the most pathetic excuse for playing an "instrument" that I've ever seen.
Plug any of those featured songs into this, and you'll quickly find out that... dang, it's a kind of tough to really rock. You ain't earned the right to truly rock out until you've got your fingers calloused and they still bleed.
Jared: you pathetic wuss poseur. You don't know what it's like to truly rock out.
the joke's on you
the annoyed-by-everything slashdotter flamer attitude is pretty fucking commonplace around here. here's the magical deal:
he gets to say whatever he wants when his opinion is valid and logical. to clear this up for you - media coverage of "end of year" roundups takes the place of usual content. as such, what's wrong with people not liking it? it follows from this that expressing one's opinion about it is acceptable.
so please, xX-Flamer-Xx-49582223, leave us all alone, at least over christmas,
How did they know? How do the editors know that I just finished eating dinner, my football team is losing, and my relatives are looking at cruise pictures. Get out of my mind!!! Get out of my mind!!!
-- the computer doesn't want any beer, no matter how much you think it does. NEVER, EVER feed your computer beer.
Too...many...links...must...not...click...argh...
Cool. Can't wait till 2006's games come out. *Very Excited*
Anyway...
Just got my 360. Rigged a fan to the PSU just in case. Does anyone know if H3 would be ready in time for PS3, or will it come out later?
Proudly posting without RTFA.
An oldie, but a goodie... MS Solitaire.
Oh please... your faux-blase act is so commonplace these days it's not even funny.
If you don't like best of the year reviews, then don't bloody read them. If you don't like awards, don't watch the ceremonies. I hate the whole Christmas and end-of-year bullshit as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean I should feel compelled to go on Slashdot pretending to be assaulted by the entertainment industry against my will and complain about it.
Oh please...your complaining-about-unnecessary-comment act is so commonplace these days it's not even funny.
If you don't like unnecessary, whiny comments, then don't bloody read them. If you don't like inane commentary, don't respond to it. I hate the whole wasting-time-on-Slashdot bullshit as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean I should feel compelled to read Slashdot comments pretending to be assaulted by their stupidity against my will and complain about it.
In Repressive Burma, it's not just your connection that dies. slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=314547&cid=20819199
Actually I look forward to reading alot of these at the end of the year. I am not interested in buying the newest games as they come out as I feel they are overpriced. So I wait to see which games turned out to be the best and by then they are usually being discounted.
Umm... shouldn't that award go to Dragon Quest VIII? Seriously, I see all this praise heaped on it, and when I see it actually described and played... it's just another Dragon Quest game. It doesn't add anything it didn't rip off from other RPGs (and what it rips off is nothing special) and it's just the same old same old with prettier graphics. The fans _love_ the game, but those of us who are sick of the same old thing in RPGs don't like it much at all. Shadow of the Colossus, on the other hand, had its flaws, but was an incredibly fun, unique, _beautiful_ game, and one of very few non-strategy games I find myself going back and replaying.
By reading this you acknowledge that you have read it.
Oh please...your complaining-about-unnecessary-comment act is so commonplace these days it's not even funny.
If you don't like unnecessary, whiny comments, then don't bloody read them. If you don't like inane commentary, don't respond to it. I hate the whole wasting-time-on-Slashdot bullshit as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean I should feel compelled to read Slashdot comments pretending to be assaulted by their stupidity against my will and complain about it.
Oh, please... your commentary meta-complaint is so commonplace these days it's not even funny.
If you don't like unnecessary complaints about unnecessary comments, then don't bloody read them... okay, that's enough.
I haven't played all the games on the list (only console I own is an N64), but I can comment on a decent amount of them.
Freedom Force vs. The Third Reich
A fairly good sequel using the original engine (graphics aren't much better than FF). I liked this game and played it to completion, but its not as good as the first one. It didn't add very many new characters to the freedom force, and none of them were introduced using the storyline (they would just show up as available for hire). If you haven't played Freedom Force or FFv3R, I would recommend just getting the original. Its cheaper ($10 at wal-mart), has a better story, and is a great game.
Brothers in Arms:Road to Hill 30
I played a little bit of this game and found it to be a pretty refreshing take on squad combat. I liked the command system, but it got a little hectic when you had multiple groups to control. The unreal engine lends itself to some pretty damn good graphics. The game is a console port, and has a lot of unlockable stuff like video clips, cheats, and medals. As a sidenote, it would be nice if every WWII game wasn't always about the 101st airborne.
Battlefield 2
A great game that should have been published by someone other than the cockgobblers at EA. The persistant statistics are nice, as are lots of medals and unlocks (of course EA charges $$ if you want a ranked server). DiCE definitely deserves extra kudos for the great squad system and microphone/headset support that add a lot to the already solid battlefield gameplay. Finding a server where squad mates work together and communicate is friggin awesome (and happens pretty often). The non-fuctioning server filters and generally shitty server browser (no surprise it's powered by Gamespy) are really frustrating (especially since the game already has a $30 expansion pack) and are quite indicative of EAs approach to publishing a game (release early, patch rarely, make lots of expensive expansion packs). Gripes about EA aside, the core game is really solid and I highly recommend it.
F.E.A.R.
FEAR was one game I thought was less than the sum of its parts. It has great graphics, some decent scary parts (more startling than scary really), and does slow-mo better than any Max Payne game. I didn't care for the levels (office buildings are almost as boring in a game as in real life), and I really didn't like the lack of enemy variety. You face soldiers that all look a like (except different weapons), a demon or two, and some large Police robots. The graphics engine allowed for some really cool effects and lots of polygons; it would have been nice to see it put to work with some interesting foes. I didn't think the game was that scary either (hmm... its a long hallway, I wonder if I'll see yet another dissolving girl). The slow-mo effects (bodies light up when hit, bullets leave a trail like in the matrix) were pretty slick and I hope another developer rips them off and uses them in a more fun game. Speaking of scary games, are there any more Aliens vs. Predator games in the pipeline?
Call of Duty 2
I just got this game and haven't spent enough time to accurately evaluate it. The graphics have definitely been improved, and a good gamer friend says the missions in the game are really fun. The Multiplayer includes some new modes that weren't in the first game (I think CTF is new), and brings back the best CoD1 maps (Carentan, Brecourt, etc) and adds some new ones.
Psychonauts
I have this game, but no gamepad, so I haven't played it yet. I will say, however, that its really great to see a game that has good, creative art and level design. Other than World of Warcraft and maybe Darwinia, there haven't been many titles with creative art. Its good to see a game that is an escape from reality rather than a crude attempt at duplicating it.
Mario Kart DS
I played this game for about 5 minutes at Wal-Mart and I was instantly hooked. I wasn't sure I would like going from analog controls (ala Double Dash)
I'm not sure if that Rea guy is troll, flamebait, or just an idiot. Ikaruga, "nothing special"? It is just the best shooter ever! If you don't believe me, believe Maddox!
Circumcision is child abuse.
I'm posting anonymously because I'm with Jared. While this is sure to get me a -1 troll modifier, I think it's important to note that not everyone drools the same way. I found Shadow of the Collossus to hold a poor control scheme, an uncompelling goal, disinteresting opponents and a generally ungratifying ending.
However, I also realize that "like" and "dislike" is a thing of opinion, and we are, whether by design or happen-stance, with varied desires in our preferences. I realize that what the majority wants, the majority gets, but that hardly means the majority's opinion makes everything they say true.
Reading your post, you may want to ask someone what a blow-job is. It has nothing to do with your ass.
Oh, please... your commentary meta-complaint is so commonplace these days it's not even funny.
If you don't like unnecessary complaints about unnecessary comments, then don't bloody read them... okay, that's enough.
Oh please... your meta-comment about complaining about comments about stories is so commonplace these days it's not even funny.
I mean, if you don't like complaints about comments about stories, then just don't bloody read them. I don't like them either, but you I don't come to slashdot to moan about it.
2005 is the last big year for the current gen consoles. There have been and are currently HUGE AAA games out right now. RE4, Shadow of the Colossus, God of War just to name a few.
It sucks that the 360 mess is really detracting from such a fantastic time to be a gamer.
Hopefully we won't have to hear about overheating 360s, or disc scratching, or system crashes, or jaggy graphics and all that other crap about the 360 that has been taking away from all the good news in the console world this year.
Oh yeah, and everyone needs to grab a DS+MarioKart bundle for some killer, and FREE(hear that Microsoft!), worldwide racing. It's obvious why the DS is flying off the shelves recently.
That was the joke. Good job!
In Repressive Burma, it's not just your connection that dies. slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=314547&cid=20819199
You mention that the enemies aren't too varied... I personally think this is more than made up for by the AI and fight area designs (and how they interact differently to shape the fights). Plus, the soldiers more or less count as several different enemy types that simply use the same model since as you said they don't all carry the same gun, and therefore are different beasts to fight indeed. The cloaking assassins were an interesting addition as well, especially because the area they first appear in is mostly devoid of other threats, just creepy things like hearing them run around in the ceilings. (In fact, those might be some of my favorite monster-types I've seen in a video game [not that I'm incredibly experienced...])
Also, melee combat is another one of those things I would add to your list that other devs simply need to rip off.
"Quoting yourself is stupid." -Me
As a sidenote, it would be nice if every WWII game wasn't always about the 101st airborne.
;-)
The 82nd Airborne got the John Wayne movie in the 60s and the Robert Redford movie in the 70s, the 1st Infantry got Luke Skywalker in the 80s and recently a video game or two, let the 101st have a few extra video games.
World of Warcraft was only a 2004 game in the USA!
Europe and Asia got the fun in 2005.
Absolutely true, when you finaly find a game with a good squad it is like nothing else. But the process of doing that is so completely fusterating. That server browser is absoutely horrendous and id the exact opposite of the game in every way. Six months after release and clicking on 'Update' still clears every server till you close the game and reopen,and the server filters do not work. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over!
End of the year? Ha! You're getting ripped off. Two years old (plus) is where it's at. I don't think I've spent more than ten bucks on a game since... Hmm... Neverwinter Nights, I think. Admittedly, this is not a viable strategy for anyone seriously considering themselves a gamer, but as someone who prefers to just dabble (and explore every last corner of RPGs), I find it great. Up next for me: "No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy In Harm's Way".
Telltale Games: Bone, Sam and Max
How about the top M rated games of the year?
I try to pace myself throughout the year and get the game I want at price drop $29.99 or lower. But even if I did pay the new release price, my gaming budget is pale in comparison to my other spending. You can save $10 by sacrificing lunch for a day.
It wasn't that good.
Both Elder Scrolls IV and Neverwinter Nights 2 have been pushed way into 2006.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000E0TOKI
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000E0XX9Q
Such a shame.
I definitely am a fanboy, but that's beside the point. What is this guy doing acting like he has any gaming authority if he isn't a fanboy? I haven't played Katamari Damacy or Shadow of the Colossus, but from what I've heard from more reputable gaming publications, they're freaking sweet games. This guy had his 15 minutes; it's time to move on.
"Her idea of wit is nothing more than an incisive observation humorously phrased and delivered with impeccable timing."
the new SEQUEL to Katamari Damacy.
My 14yo just bought it for his best friend (who has a PS2) - we have a GameCube and an xBox, so we can't use it.
-- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
Am I the only one pissed off that you to download a #$%&# video to see Gamespot's actual winner's? I guess they have bandwidth coming out their ass or something, I sure don't.
Has anyone compiled a list of Gamespot winners?
heh, yeah I bet that was the joke. Tool.
I learn to save about $15 a week from not eating to spend it all when I find something I want. I usually end up with $100 bucks to toss around every month and a half to two months.
Any best of list that doesn't at least give a nod to Psychonauts isn't complete. It was by far the best Xbox game I played all year.
And since no one cares about my opinions...
For the PS2: God of War and Guitar Hero are tied. No offense to Shadow of the Colossus. It looks great, but it doesn't play great. It's more a game I'd prefer watching someone else play.
For the Gamecube: Resident Evil 4. Probably because Zelda was delayed.
For the DS: Mario Kart DS!
For PC: Um... I've been playing WoW on my mac mini while I build a new PC, but the graphics card I want is currently sold out. I'll pick up Indego Prophecy when I'm done.
I don't own a PSP or Xbox 360 yet, but by choice. Not enough games on either that warrants a purchase except to be a tech whore.
If you are tired of all the serious 'TOP' lists that show up towards the end of every december, Jivemagazine.com has done a fun year end awards for the last couple of years here called Toon's 2nd Annual Random Awards.
I particularly liked the award Shadow of the Colossus got.
http://www.tomandemily.com