My fellow Escapists, Christmas is right around the corner and that means the New Year is almost upon us. Which means videogame accolades are being given out, some more prestigious than others, and some are almost face palm worthy. I was a viewer of the US showing of Spike TV's VG Awards. You know, the ones where we finally found out we're getting a Mass Effect 3? My overall impression of the award show? Depression. The celebrity cameos were ham handed, the awards in some areas were obviously bought, and if that's not enough, when left upto popular vote for the Top 3 Strongest Main Characters popped up, the winners were Master Chief, Marcus Fenix and Samus Aran...from Metroid Other M, these are facts. It's at times like these that I feel embarrassed for my country, then I was reminded that this is the age of the Internet. So without further ado let me set the groundwork for my criteria this year.
Readers of my awards last year will remember the recurring theme was on Innovation. This year, to spite Senator Yee and the whole Supreme Court, I'm focusing on Games as Art as my overall theme. Furthermore, to change things up from last year, I'm sticking not just to an overall Game of the Year, but also to Console Exclusive awards. Disclaimer: These aren't official awards. In fact, this is just a wrap up of the year in one writer's humble opinion and if you disagree you are allowed, but keep your torches and timeshares under bridges in check.
AND THE WINNER IS...
I've heard many people complain that Bayonetta is shameless sexual pandering and it was a stunt for Hideki Kamiya to not make a Devil May Cry 5. While the former is absolutely true, I really can't blame the game of being anything else but over the top and ridiculous. It was so ostentatious and wacky that I was able to overlook poorly implemented QTEs, repetitive music, impenetrable story and some lackluster voice acting, mostly because it's a game where you fight a giant two headed dragon, ride across a cosmic highway firing at hoverboats, have a thrilling motorbike chase, play an entire level while speeding on a rocket, and end it by punching the final boss into the sun. If that isn't spectacle, I don't know what is.
This title came off as a no brainer for PS3 title of the year. It's one of the rare games I've replayed simply because of what it brings. I like Heavy Rain down to almost every detail. I love the story, I love the characters, I love the atmosphere, I love the fact they based it in a fictional version of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, my home state, but most of all, I love it for two distinct reasons. First of all, it managed to put players in the moment. It doesn't matter how many players you killed in an FPS, there will be some hesitation when you are in Heavy Rain. Are you willing to kill a father to save your child? Can you put aside addiction of one kind or another for justice? What are you willing to do out of love? Moving on to my second point, implementing graphics as a narrative mechanic. Whenever a current generation console boasts realistic graphics or photorealism, it always falls short due to the subject matter, be in aliens or monsters or zombies. Heavy Rain, on the other hand, goes for as realistic motion capture and facial animation technology as possible, not because they can, but to sell home the humanity and realism of its world and story. Why is it trying to look real? To make the story all the more real is my answer.
Although this title received favorable scores critically, it undersold due to other games by other companies being released simultaneously. Which is a shame because it still maintains the standards I have come to expect from Remedy Studios past work on the Max Payne series. In addition to bringing in the horror of the Uncanny into the current generation of gaming, Alan Wake manages to not only maintain standards of a compelling narrative and great characters, but also does something in terms of genre that I have to say is impressive. The game seems to be filed under Horror or Action Adventure, but in my personal opinion, it manages to truly maintain what it sets out to be, a Thriller.
In terms of gameplay progression, Alan Wake starts off the first half of the game as a horror action game in the vein of Resident Evil 4 except more atmospheric and less meta-satirical, dropping hints and clues to the main story along the way, always leaving the player in suspense of what will happen next. Then halfway, the game shifts into the Action category. Alan has learned what he's fighting, and he has friends who know, therefore the unknown isn't as frightening. Bring up the tension to the end of the game leading to a bittersweet but nonetheless fascinating ending, and even though it's over, there are still questions. Of course on the most basic level the gameplay might get repetitive for some around the end, but when the story, characters, and presentation are this good, it makes up for it. Alan Wake is my 360 Game of the Year because after playing, I wanted to keep playing to see what happens next. Consider me a fan Remedy.
Let the record show that I usually stay away from open world games. Yet, when I first started playing Red Dead Redemption, I couldn't stop coming back to it. It met my standards for an open world game, not only does New Austin feels big, it feels alive. No matter how many times I ride around, something interesting happens with repetition only happening in terms of gunfights. The game could have stopped there and let the players mess around in the world via its Multiplayer mode, but it keeps up its quality with its single player campaign. The story is satirical, has commentary on current events, and isn't afraid to hit various wild west cliches to maintain a balance between authenticity and intrigue. Pair this with probably the most emotional final act I've yet to experience in an open world game, and you have Red Dead Redemption, the industry's first great Western game and my Open World Game of the Year.
First off, I know how this sounds on paper. A 2010 remake of a game based on a movie from the 90s done by a company whose known for cranking out only marginally better sequels is best game this year the Wii had to offer? Scary right? Yet, this game finally manages to give an example of what I've been defending the Wii with for a long time. If the motion control gimmick isn't used to carry the game by itself but used where appropriate and if the development team takes it seriously, the result can be something in terms of gameplay to rival other current generation consoles even if it isn't there graphically. Goldeneye for the Wii is that game, yes it took like four years for it to happen but better late than never I say. Good Single Player Campaign, if on the short side, and fun Multiplayer is all you really need to know.
Unfortunately, this is probably the only Game on this list that I really can't find any justification to help support video games as an artform. At best, this is just a really successful remake of something that was already successful, a rarity when it comes to anything but in the long run doesn't offer to its said medium. All I can really hope for is that a trend is followed where the Wii is taken more seriously and hope for something better next year.
With an honorable mention to Epic Mickey for being one I was most disappointed in. Could have been great, but just didn't make it.
But now with things in perspective, I feel no regret in declaring Mass Effect 2 as the must have game of 2010. You want intense gunfights that remain interesting? It's here. You want memorable characters? Right here. You want to role play a Commander Shepard as one dimensional or as multi-faceted as you can imagine? Mass Effect 2! Greater characters than Alan Wake, more philosophically deep questions than Heavy Rain, more exciting action than God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 is the full package.
Well that's it for this year. Overall, I'd say we got some keepers. Now let's hurry up and get to 2011, Portal 2 is waiting. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year my fellow Escapists!
Readers of my awards last year will remember the recurring theme was on Innovation. This year, to spite Senator Yee and the whole Supreme Court, I'm focusing on Games as Art as my overall theme. Furthermore, to change things up from last year, I'm sticking not just to an overall Game of the Year, but also to Console Exclusive awards. Disclaimer: These aren't official awards. In fact, this is just a wrap up of the year in one writer's humble opinion and if you disagree you are allowed, but keep your torches and timeshares under bridges in check.
Spectacle of the Year!
This award is given to the most Spectacle driven game. Titles that seem to only have the story as an excuse to put the player into insane situation after insane situation with the narrative as an afterthought.AND THE WINNER IS...
<img src=http://img.hellbored.com/images/game/8/9/f11189.png>
RUNNER UP: Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (Wii)I've heard many people complain that Bayonetta is shameless sexual pandering and it was a stunt for Hideki Kamiya to not make a Devil May Cry 5. While the former is absolutely true, I really can't blame the game of being anything else but over the top and ridiculous. It was so ostentatious and wacky that I was able to overlook poorly implemented QTEs, repetitive music, impenetrable story and some lackluster voice acting, mostly because it's a game where you fight a giant two headed dragon, ride across a cosmic highway firing at hoverboats, have a thrilling motorbike chase, play an entire level while speeding on a rocket, and end it by punching the final boss into the sun. If that isn't spectacle, I don't know what is.
Playstation 3 Exclusive Game of the Year!
<img src=http://playstationlifestyle.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Heavy-Rain-PSLS.jpg>
This title came off as a no brainer for PS3 title of the year. It's one of the rare games I've replayed simply because of what it brings. I like Heavy Rain down to almost every detail. I love the story, I love the characters, I love the atmosphere, I love the fact they based it in a fictional version of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, my home state, but most of all, I love it for two distinct reasons. First of all, it managed to put players in the moment. It doesn't matter how many players you killed in an FPS, there will be some hesitation when you are in Heavy Rain. Are you willing to kill a father to save your child? Can you put aside addiction of one kind or another for justice? What are you willing to do out of love? Moving on to my second point, implementing graphics as a narrative mechanic. Whenever a current generation console boasts realistic graphics or photorealism, it always falls short due to the subject matter, be in aliens or monsters or zombies. Heavy Rain, on the other hand, goes for as realistic motion capture and facial animation technology as possible, not because they can, but to sell home the humanity and realism of its world and story. Why is it trying to look real? To make the story all the more real is my answer.
Music Awards!
Award for Most Emotional Musical Score
Heavy Rain
Award for Most Eclectic Soundtrack
Alan Wake
Award for Most Original Song
Red Dead Redemption- Far Away
Special Mention to This Year's Rival to "Still Alive."
Alan Wake- The Poet and the Muse
WARNING: To those who haven't finished the game, this song contains story relevant spoilers.
Xbox 360 Exclusive Game of the Year!
<img src=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/d/d7/20100505065137!Alan-wake-0.jpg>
You are in the woods in the middle of the night, a small flashlight in your hand. An unnatural wind whips the trees about in the most unnatural ways imaginable, it feels like something is watching you. Out of the corner of your eye, you see the glare of an axe. You panic and draw your light in a circle around you. One by one they come out of nowhere, rambling nonsense like madmen, murder in their eyes, brandishing scythes and axes. All you can do is run, all you can do is find an escape, all you can do is head towards the light.That is the sensation felt the first time nighttime rolls around in the Psychological Thriller, Alan Wake.Although this title received favorable scores critically, it undersold due to other games by other companies being released simultaneously. Which is a shame because it still maintains the standards I have come to expect from Remedy Studios past work on the Max Payne series. In addition to bringing in the horror of the Uncanny into the current generation of gaming, Alan Wake manages to not only maintain standards of a compelling narrative and great characters, but also does something in terms of genre that I have to say is impressive. The game seems to be filed under Horror or Action Adventure, but in my personal opinion, it manages to truly maintain what it sets out to be, a Thriller.
In terms of gameplay progression, Alan Wake starts off the first half of the game as a horror action game in the vein of Resident Evil 4 except more atmospheric and less meta-satirical, dropping hints and clues to the main story along the way, always leaving the player in suspense of what will happen next. Then halfway, the game shifts into the Action category. Alan has learned what he's fighting, and he has friends who know, therefore the unknown isn't as frightening. Bring up the tension to the end of the game leading to a bittersweet but nonetheless fascinating ending, and even though it's over, there are still questions. Of course on the most basic level the gameplay might get repetitive for some around the end, but when the story, characters, and presentation are this good, it makes up for it. Alan Wake is my 360 Game of the Year because after playing, I wanted to keep playing to see what happens next. Consider me a fan Remedy.
Best Open World Game!
<img src=http://spaghettioh.com/wp-content/review_red_dead_redemption/red_dead_redemption_cover.jpg>
Let the record show that I usually stay away from open world games. Yet, when I first started playing Red Dead Redemption, I couldn't stop coming back to it. It met my standards for an open world game, not only does New Austin feels big, it feels alive. No matter how many times I ride around, something interesting happens with repetition only happening in terms of gunfights. The game could have stopped there and let the players mess around in the world via its Multiplayer mode, but it keeps up its quality with its single player campaign. The story is satirical, has commentary on current events, and isn't afraid to hit various wild west cliches to maintain a balance between authenticity and intrigue. Pair this with probably the most emotional final act I've yet to experience in an open world game, and you have Red Dead Redemption, the industry's first great Western game and my Open World Game of the Year.
Wii Game of the Year!
<img src=http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/xx255/loligo_man/goldeneye-007-wii-cover-thumbjpg.png>
First off, I know how this sounds on paper. A 2010 remake of a game based on a movie from the 90s done by a company whose known for cranking out only marginally better sequels is best game this year the Wii had to offer? Scary right? Yet, this game finally manages to give an example of what I've been defending the Wii with for a long time. If the motion control gimmick isn't used to carry the game by itself but used where appropriate and if the development team takes it seriously, the result can be something in terms of gameplay to rival other current generation consoles even if it isn't there graphically. Goldeneye for the Wii is that game, yes it took like four years for it to happen but better late than never I say. Good Single Player Campaign, if on the short side, and fun Multiplayer is all you really need to know.
Unfortunately, this is probably the only Game on this list that I really can't find any justification to help support video games as an artform. At best, this is just a really successful remake of something that was already successful, a rarity when it comes to anything but in the long run doesn't offer to its said medium. All I can really hope for is that a trend is followed where the Wii is taken more seriously and hope for something better next year.
And Now To Look Back on the Bad This Year...
Here's my top 3 for worst games I've had to experience this year and hope I never see anything identical this year.1. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2
2.Dante's Inferno
3.Fallout: New Vegas
2.Dante's Inferno
3.Fallout: New Vegas
With an honorable mention to Epic Mickey for being one I was most disappointed in. Could have been great, but just didn't make it.
Miscellaneous Awards
Best XBLA Arcade Game
Limbo
Best PSN Game
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time HD
Best Casual PC Game
Poker Night at the Inventory
Best Downloadable Content
1. Alan Wake- The Signal and The Writer
2.Mass Effect 2- Lair of the Shadowbroker
3. Red Dead Redemption- Undead Nightmare
2.Mass Effect 2- Lair of the Shadowbroker
3. Red Dead Redemption- Undead Nightmare
RPG of the Year
Mass Effect 2
Rahu's Game of the Year!
<img src=http://grindingdown.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/masseffect2cover.jpg?w=345&h=476>
Mass Effect 2 and I have had a very rough relationship since it came out this year. It changed so much from the first installment that it didn't feel like a continuation of what I thought was standard fare for an RPG and hated it. Then as the year went on, I came back to Mass Effect 2 because I was reminded of the one true thing that separates an RPG from a game with RPG Elements, feeling the impact of your choices as the game goes on. You, as the character, changing the world. Alot like an art observer looking too closely to appreciate a painting, I was stuck looking at the fine details and not seeing the big picture of Bioware's Sci-Fi story.But now with things in perspective, I feel no regret in declaring Mass Effect 2 as the must have game of 2010. You want intense gunfights that remain interesting? It's here. You want memorable characters? Right here. You want to role play a Commander Shepard as one dimensional or as multi-faceted as you can imagine? Mass Effect 2! Greater characters than Alan Wake, more philosophically deep questions than Heavy Rain, more exciting action than God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 is the full package.
Well that's it for this year. Overall, I'd say we got some keepers. Now let's hurry up and get to 2011, Portal 2 is waiting. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year my fellow Escapists!