2011's Best Upcoming Games

2010 was a great year for gaming, but 2011's list of games looks very promising as well!  These are the titles I'm most looking forward to and hopefully they won't be pushed back to 2012.

Listed in no particular order:

Batman: Arkham City
Multiplatform

Batman: Arkham Asylum was one of my favorite games of 2009 and even earned the world record for "Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever."  While oddly specific, the award was given to the correct title because Arkham Asylum is truly the greatest superhero game ever created.  Even if you're not a fan of Batman I suggest you check out Arkham Asylum and look forward to what seems to be a bigger and better sequel.

Mass Effect 3
Multiplatform

The final chapter to the Mass Effect trilogy!  Mass Effect 2 was my Xbox 360 Game of the Year so it's only fitting that it's sequel is high on my list of anticipated games. 

Portal 2
Multiplatform

Originally released in the Orange Box collection, Portal was one of the funniest and most creative games I played at the time.  While short, it left gamers all around satisfied, spawned an internet meme, and one of the most memorable video game credit songs ever.  GlaDos returns in the main story and Valve even included multiplayer this time around. 

Marvel Vs Capcom 3
Multiplatform

A sequel to the 10 year old MVC2, this fighter should be high on any fighting fans list.  While not nearly as many characters on this roster as opposed to MVC2, gamers get to play as fan favorites Chris Redfield, Dante, and Deadpool along with surprises like Arthur (Ghouls and Ghosts) and Amaterasu (shame on you for not knowing where he's from.)  The game looks gorgeous and seems to be just as over-the-top crazy as you'd expect it to be so definitely check this game out when it releases in March. 

*Note: Capcom you're hit and miss with DLC
Great: Mega Man 9
Horrible: RE:5 DLC and MVC3 special bonus character dlc? (seriously you have to buy a special edition to unlock Jill and Shuma Gorath)

Journey
PSN

Another artsy title from the makers of Flower and Flow.  I honestly have no idea what the game is about, but Flower was a great title and judging from their the makers track record, Journey looks to be cut from the same atmospheric vine.

Ms. Splosion Man
XBLA

A sequel to one of my favorite arcade titles, Ms. Splosion Man will hopefully be another dose of crazy platforming action.  After Twisted Pixel (creators) released Comic Jumper I felt they took a stepback gameplay wise.  Maybe Twisted Pixel realized their fans were unhappy with Comic Jumper and decided to give us what we wanted (even if we didn't know it) with this sequel.  Regardless of the reason, I'm just thankful this game is coming out and you should be too.

Last Guardian
Playstation 3

From the creators of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus.  If you never played these two classics on PS2, don't worry because you can pre-order the collection which rereleases in May.  My early nominee for Best Story of the year.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Playstation 3

One of the main reasons Xbox 360 owners want a PS3, the Uncharted series is one of the best 3rd person/action-platformers in this current age of consoles.  Uncharted 2 was truly epic so hopefully Uncharted 3 delivers!

I could go on and on about all the upcoming titles that I'm looking forward to, but I'm sure you know most of them already and if not, here's more of the games I want (in list form):

Nintendo 3DS (yes the whole system)
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Pokemon Black/White
LittleBigPlanet 2
Twisted Metal
Mortal Kombat
Duke Nukem Forever
Dead Space 2

Thanks for supporting me in 2010 and hopefully I'll be able to continue reviewing games and movies in the upcoming year!

2010's Game of the Year!

Red Dead Redemption
By Rockstar Games (released 5/18)

Was there really any doubt as to what would win the game of the year?  Red Dead Redemption literally has something for everyone boasting impressive visuals, a stellar soundtrack, and one of the best stories of the year.  Many people thought of Red Dead Redemption as just another Grand Theft Auto clone and in all honesty, I don't disagree with that.  The real question though, is that a bad thing?  In my opinion, RDR nearly outshines GTA in everyway possible (aside from DLC but more on that later) trading in bustling cities for a more natural environment.  A lot of love went into developing this game and it's apparent from the moment you start the campaign.  Playing through the story you meet a colorful cast of characters who (in my opinion of course) are much more likeable then GTA's roster, though that's not to take anything away from that games characters.  Besides the people you'll meet, Red Dead is incredibly atmospheric and every bit of the game seems to compliment eachothers strengths.  Many people specifically bring up when John Marston's (main character) enters into Mexico as one of the most epic moments this year and I couldn't agree more.  Rather then give you a link to a video I'd much prefer you experience it yourself and do yourself two favors by not getting off your horse and taking your time getting to your destination.  Aside from the single-player, Rockstar seemed to get the multiplayer right this time around bringing multiple gametypes and surprisingly fun shootouts.  If competitive gaming isn't your thing, maybe you and a gang of your friends playing cooperatively is!  You, alongside 3 friends get several missions varying from storming gang hideouts, to escorting caravans.  Red Dead also recently released some new DLC titled Undead Nightmare which introduces zombies along with other beasts of fantasy and as we all know, everythings better when Zombies are involved.  I could go on and on praising this game but instead, check out metacritic or play the game yourself to see why it's won so many awards. 

Runner Up

Mass Effect 2

• I loved it
• I've written two articles about it already
• Out on PC, Xbox 360, and next month PS3
• Why talk about it more?  Go play it!

2010's Most Disappointing Game

Before I say which game was the biggest disappointment this year let me first make a couple things clear:

• These games are NOT BAD! They just didn't live up to my expectations.
• This is my opinion.  Take your fanboyism somewhere else if you disagree.

With that out of the way, I regretfully bring you 2010's biggest letdowns.

Fable III
By Lionhead Studios (released 10/26)

Fable and Xbox go hand in hand like God of War with Playstation or Mario with Nintendo.  Obviously, Fable comes nowhere near as good as the other two franchises named but the point is still valid that Fable has and will most likely always be a Microsoft exclusive.  With that being said, Fable was supposed to be this incredible title that Peter Molyneux (designer) hyped up.  Each year his games were letdowns but they still very enjoyable.  I actually played through Fable 2 a couple times and enjoyed it's hokey humor so naturally, I was looking forward to it's sequel.  Sadly, I feel like Fable 3 seemed to be more of the same but whereas some games did it successfully (see Fallout: New Vegas) Fable 3 actually seemed worse off.  Yes your decisions more greatly affect the outcome of Albion and true the graphics are better but what else has evolved since Fable 2 came out two years ago?  Even in the graphical department it seemed to be only a minor improvement.  The combat seems largely unchanged and you now have an infinite amount of magic.  With your ability to consistently spam magic, you can quickly dispose of waves of enemies as you troll through the sadly boring world.  I tried my hardest to finish the game but I could never play more then one hour without fighting to stay awake.  Don't get me wrong, I've gotten well past halfway through but it's a chore playing this title and at the end of the day, games are meant to be fun.  Fable 2 = Fun.  Fable 3 = Nyquil. 

*I'm aware of the fact that Fable 3 has gotten relatively favorable scores garnering an 80 overall on Metacritic.  Doesn't change the fact that I don't like it.

Honorable Mentions: Gran Turismo 5, Comic Jumper, 70% of the games on the Kinect and Playstation Move, and Alan Wake.

2010's Xbox 360 Game of the Year

Mass Effect 2

Bioware (released 1/26)

While it's a known fact that Mass Effect 2 is coming to PS3's next year, let me remind everyone that it was an Xbox 360 exclusive (and available for as low as $10 new.)  Granted it's also available for PCs, I'm a console gamer so that point is irrelevant to me.  I already stated in one of my earlier reviews that I never played through Mass Effect 1, so for me to recognize it as not only one of the best 360 games of the year, but one of the best games of the year truly shows what a masterpiece Bioware has made.  Incredible storytelling, beautiful graphics and set pieces, talented voiceovers, and great combat are only pieces of what make Mass Effect 2 one of my favorite games of the year.  Throw in a customizeable story, tons of side quests, and stellar DLC and you're left with a title that every gamer should play.  I could go on and on about every detail that makes Mass Effect 2 great, but there really is no excuse as to why any gamer shouldn't play this game now.  Well..unless you only own the Wii. 

*Wii gamers you have nothing to gripe about!  You have Donkey Kong Country Returns, Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Epic Mickey this year so shut up about me not giving them any love! 

Runner Up
Dance Central

Seriously James?  Well..Yeah!  Let's think about this really, can you name another title that is single-handedly selling an $150 piece of equipment?  (If you can then good for you!)  People who don't normally play games talk about wanting to try that dancing game with the connects.  I saw the hilarious looking demo during E3 and didn't think anything about the game, but after reading some reviews decided to make the purchase.  Not only does Dance Central seem to perfectly capture your movements, but its an insane amount of fun!  I don't dance and I know a lot of my friends don't, but once we pop this game in it doesn't even matter.  Halo Reach is definitely a fantastic shooter, but Dance Central is something everyone can play and I truly found it the more enjoyable of the two.  Then again, if you're not social/unfriendly/shy/a loner then Dance Central isn't for you.  Me on the other hand?  Love it.

2010's Best PS3 Title

Heavy Rain
Quantic Dream (Released 2/23)

Before we get into the debate on whether or not Heavy Rain is truly a video game as opposed to a interactive movie, let's get one thing straight: Heavy Rain is one of the most memorable video game experiences I've had this year.  Whether you've played it or not, I'm sure that at one point, you were intrigued as to what all the fuss is about.  Gameplay consisting almost entirely of quick-time events and context sensitive segments are the bulk of what players are tasked to do.  The story unfolds through four protagonists eyes as you try to uncover the identity of the origami killer.  I've already covered Heavy Rain in a previous review so instead I'm going to explain why it won my PS3 Game of the Year.  For starters, most gamers that I know who own both the PS3 and 360 generally favor the 360.  Don't get us wrong, the PS3 is a great system but most people I know tend to use it more as a blu ray player and less as a console.  Apparently, less then half of all PS3 owners use the system for gaming.  I've played a few exclusives for the PS3 (God of War and 3D Dot Game Heroes to name a few) but Heavy Rain was the only title that actually made me wanna continue playing.  Never before (or since) has my hands sweated so much playing a game and I literally could not stop playing.  Since Heavy Rain though, no other title has compelled me to wanna use my PS3 over my 360.  While I have a lot of love for Sony, I'm primarily an Xbox 360 guy so for a title to not only pull me away from the 360, but keep me off it (at least temporarily) is definitely reason enough to award it my PS3 game of the year.

2010's Best Downloadable Console Game

Super Meat Boy

By Team Meat (10/20)

If you read my most recent why haven't you played this yet then you obviously know why I love this game.  Instead of repeating why it's great, let me say why I didn't feel other games should of won.  I enjoyed Limbo but the replay value was low and ultimately I felt it was overhyped.  Comic Jumper and Mega Man 10 didn't deliver for me compared to their excellent predecessors (Splosion Man and Mega Man 9) and Joe Danger didn't do it for me either.  Even though I like beat-em-ups, X-Men Arcade is a rerelease and while Scott Pilgrim Vs The World is incredibly fun, it didn't justify winning a top spot over Super Meat Boy.  There were tons of great downloadable titles released this year besides the ones I listed such as Bit.Trip.Runner and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light so instead of disagreeing with my choice, just be thankful that so many games have been available for download for a fraction of the price of retail release titles. 

Runner Up

Monday Night Combat

A really fun third-person shooter that's only $15?  I was looking forward to this game for awhile and was satisfied with how much strategy is necessary for this game.  Teamwork is crucial and there were definitely many matches that had me and my group sweating.  Granted there's really only one main matchtype it doesn't change the fact that you're getting a pretty good deal here.  Like most shooters though, it's much more fun playing with friends so just like Black Ops, stay away if you're a loner.

Honorable Mention: Pac Man Championship Edition: DX

X-Men Arcade (XBLA/PSN)

X-Men is widely regarded as the best arcade beat em ups of all time and finally after 18 years, it's been ported to a home console.  Everything you loved about the original has been brought back including 6-player online (4-player local), the 5 iconic X-Men, and..Dazzler.   As much as I loved this game as a kid, I feel that Konami is asking too much for what is essentially an untouched and unpolished game from the 90s.  Don't get me wrong, I've gladly dropped up to $20 on downloadable titles and usually don't argue about games around $10, but with 1989's TMNT already out for only $5, why do I need to pay twice that amount for a game that's really not that much better?  $10 could be justified if X-Men were even marginally updated like better graphics, soundbytes, or some added features but unfortunately this game is priced too high for most gamers, myself included.  You could argue that they included the Japanese version, but really all that added was life pills.  I played through the campaign twice already racking up a total playtime of 1 hour.  Yes there are 6 players to choose from, each with different mutant powers, but just like TMNT: Turtles In Time, you might wanna let this one float by you.  It's definitely fun but for $10 you could get excellent games like Scott Pilgrim, Super Meat Boy, Pac Man: CE DX, Guwange, Geometry Wars 2, or tons of other great titles. 

FINAL GRADE: C-

Fun for a little while but grows old quickly.

I obviously didn't address everything.  For everything I missed, (and another perspective) here is:

MAHCUS' MARKS

What can I say about the classic 1992 X-men arcade game? First thing is, I am glad not to have met it at a younger age for my family would have become poor from all the quarters needed to make it to the end. What sets this beat'em up apart from others, for me, is the familiarization with the classic X-men characters, who I have had a fondness with ever since the comic books and animated series. However, the simplistic controls and repetitive domination over waves of sentinels and copycat Juggernauts (each level rendered a different color) makes the game quite boring after a while. You'll start dying on purpose just to be able to keep using your special mutant power (which takes up 3 of your life bars). Good thing you get unlimited lives. The 6-player co-op is fun if playing with people who do not take it seriously because the game will come down to who can steal the most kills. Overall, this game is definitely outdated and unless you've had a grudge with it since the 90's and have a burning desire to finish it, there is no hurry to buy until the price drops to $5.

My Rating





2010's Best Videogame Soundtrack

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World Game
By Ubisoft (released 8/10 PSN and 8/25 XBLA)

I grew up playing video games and my first major console was the NES.  Because of that fact, I am somewhat biased to chiptune music otherwise known as 8-bit music.  Even if you're not a fan of this style of music I want you to take a listen to this song.

Let's be honest, you probably liked that song huh?  This song single-handedly made one of my good friend's Mahcus (who will actually be featured in some of my later reviews) fall in love with the genre and I wouldn't be surprised if it converts any of my readers.  This is (in my opinion) the best song in the game but that's not to take away from the other great tracks which were all done by chiptune group Anamanaguchi.  They also made tracks for Bit.Trip.Runner so I highly recommend checking them out.  The great thing too is that the songs are all available for download on iTunes or you could just download the game for a measly $10!  In fact, just go and support Scott Pilgrim everything.  The movie rocks, the graphic novel is hilarious, and the game is classic fun.  Seriously.  Do it now.

Runner Up:
Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead's soundtrack doesn't just add to the games world, it is an integral part of it.  I can't think of another game that could rival the Rockstar's western masterpiece audibly and aside from the brilliant voice acting, the musical cues are perfect.  Red Dead Redemption's soundtrack perfectly sets the mood to one of the best games of the year.

2010's Best Shooter

Call of Duty: Black Ops
By Treyarch (released 11/9)

Now before I get some hate mail about how this is a terrible choice let me first acknowledge other great shooters like Monday Night Combat, Battlefield Bad Company 2, and of course Halo Reach.  While I've played and enjoyed each and every one of those titles, I have to admit that I'm having the most fun with Black Ops.  Treyarch was always seen as the inferior development team behind Infinity Ward (Modern Warfare > World At War) but surprisingly thousands of players hated Modern Warfare 2.  In the wake of the Infinity Ward controversy, Activision looked to Treyarch to take the reins and prove they were the greater of the two companies.  I initially hated some of the changes that Treyarch made from Modern Warfare 2 (I actually liked the riot shield) and some changes I felt were completely unnecessary (like needing to press up on the d-pad for equipment instead of left.)  As time went on though I actually found myself getting used to the new quirks and started enjoying a lot of the improvements made over MW2.  It made sense that killstreak kills couldn't assist in earning other killstreaks and thank you Lord that Commando was removed!  I love how we can edit our replays (even though Halo 3 did it years ago) and was excited that the flamethrower was brought back.  Of course, probably the biggest reason anyone played World At War over Modern Warfare was the Zombie Mode and I'm happy to say, it's been brought back and is just as fun as you remember.  I have yet to touch the single-player campaign and I wouldn't be surprised if I never do because I like the multiplayer that much.  Is it perfect?  Definitely not.  Is it balanced?  Yes and no.  Understand that I am somewhat biased due to the fact that majority of my friends have this game and games are infinitely more fun when you're winning with your friends.  If you don't game online or are severely lacking friends to play with, then skip over this game.  Personally, this easily won my shooter of the year.

Runner Up:

Bioshock 2

For fans of the original you won't be disappointed in it's sequel.  In all fairness, most hold Bioshock's plot in such a high regard that nothing short of perfection would suffice so I can't say it's that good, but it's definitely worth a couple playthroughs.  The controls are better, the plasmids are more fun, and they added a really fun multiplayer with varied gametypes.  Check out one of my earliest reviews (on my facebook) for my full thoughts.

*For fanboys that are mad that Battlefield or Halo Reach isn't one of my picks, sorry.  These are my picks and my reasons why I chose these and if you disagree, make your own choices or leave me a comment.  Regardless on whether you agree or not, thank you for reading!

2010's Best Game You Haven't Played

Enslaved: Odyssey To The West
By Ninja Theory (released 10/8)

Enslaved is an action-platformer set in a post apocalyptic world overrun by war machines.  Unlike most depictions of the post apocalyptic world, Enslaved is truly one of the most vibrant games I've seen this year with plantlife covering nearly 80% of the surroundings.  While the fight sequences leave much to be desired (being simplistic in nature, but sometimes frustrating) and the platforming is almost non-existent, the narrative is compelling enough to have players pushing onward.  You play the appropriately named Monkey forced against his will to help Trip get back safely to her village.  The world is extremely dangerous with lethal robots everywhere so Monkey's Athleticism along with Trip's tech-savvy are crucial to your teams success.  Throughout their adventure many cutscenes show just how good of a job Ninja Theory did in their motion-capturing.  At times Monkey and Trip's faces display an amazing amount of emotion that could easily rival some big-budget movie studios.  Throw in the fact that the voice-acting is top-notch and you've got a cast of characters that gamers quickly grow attached to.  Sure the plot is been there done that and the platforming is visually appealing but ultimately lacks depth, the characters truly make this a game you should check out.  Game of the year?  Far from it.  Most overlooked game of the year?  Definitely up there. 

Runner Up:
Singularity

Fun shooter that's a mix of Bioshock, Call of Duty, and Half-Life.  Fun single-player and surprisingly fun multiplayer make this another great overlooked game of 2010.

My 2010 Games of the Year! (nominees)

I stopped watching the VGAs because the show is completely ridiculous.  The main reason anyone usually watches it is for the previews of upcoming games.  In that regard, the VGAs are amazing and this year they didn't disappoint with peeks at Elder Scrolls V, Mass Effect 3, and Uncharted 3!  While the actual awards are usually bogus, apparently they're doing much better with their choices.  This got me thinking, why don't I try my own games of the year?  I mean, that's why you clicked the link bringing you here right?  But first, I'm gonna give a few of my nominees in each category and I'd like your opinions. 

Please keep in mind that I'm only 1 man and try as I might, I can't play EVERY great game released in 2010.  If you have suggestions on a game I may have missed, please let me know.  Also, the games are listed in no particular order.
There's a small criteria that these games must meet and it's as follows:

• Had to be released in 2010 (so no ports)
• Can't be a visually updated or enhanced version of a current game

With that out of the way, here are the nominees:

iPhone

• Angry Birds
• Cut The Rope
• Infinity Blade
• Ninjatown: Trees of Doom

Nintendo Wii

• Epic Mickey
• Super Mario Galaxy 2
• Tatsunoko Vs Capcom
• Donkey Kong Country Returns
• No More Heroes 2

Playstation 3

• Gran Turismo 5
• God of War 3
• Heavy Rain
• 3D Dot Game Heroes

Xbox 360

• Halo Reach
• Mass Effect 2
• Fable 3
• Alan Wake

These are the four platforms that I would like your opinions on.  I'm going to be giving my own opinion on other awards and I'm looking to release one every few days.  Please leave your comments below if you feel I missed a game or maybe your opinion on which game should win and why in each category.