As we all transition through arbitrary signposts on to another blocked-off sequence of events, I find it best to lift my hands up and feel the wind instead of grabbing for the emergency brake. Still, reflecting where we've been, gives context to where we're going. So as the cart methodically clicks on the track at the top of the hill, let's close our eyes and recall the latest part of the journey before speeding down to Whiplashville. Note that these titles weren't all released in the last year (or decade), but simply a slice of my best gaming experiences since I forgot to update the calendar twelve months ago. Onto the list!!
The "I Can Shout In My Friend's Face And Call It Gameplay! Award:
Space Team (iOS/Android)
Video from the official website,
http://www.sleepingbeastgames.com/spaceteam/You think it's overkill to buy a system for only one game? I'm tempted to get an iPad just for this.
The "Feeling Closure By Dying Countless Times" Award:
Alien Isolation (PS4)
I won't bore you by repeating myself, which I never do, again, over and over, redundantly. Hey Harvey!
http://www.rfgeneration.c...-Alien-Isolation-2890.phpThe "I Wish I Knew How To Quit You" Award:
Diablo III,
Destiny (PS4)
Both excellent co-op grinds that I just keep coming back to, despite occasional therapy and evil RNGs.
The "I Gripe That The Industry Has Lost Its Soul But All I Play Are FPSs" Award:
Puppeteer (PS3)
Video from the official site,
http://www.playstation.co...n-us/games/puppeteer-ps3/Are you a fan of video games, charming stories, interesting experiments, and platformers? No? Get out. Away. Shoo. Give back your RFG ID badge at the front desk.
The "This Shouldn't Work, How Is This So Good?" Award (Also known as The First Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Award):
Plants versus Zombies: Garden Warfare (Xbox 360)
[img width=700 height=393]http://www.pvzgardenwarfare.com/content/pvzgardenwarfare/en_US/jcr:content/par/pagesection_11/par/dynamiccolumncontrol/columns2/par/pagesection_4/par/gallery/gallery20.img.jpg/1409251994695.jpg[/img]
Yeah, try explaining the premise of this to someone who doesn't play video games. Surreal, addictive, zany, fun. I never had reason to shout so loudly at flowers before this.
The "Why Did We Stop Doing This, It's Still So Much Fun!!" Halo LAN Party Award:
Halo LAN parties (Xbox, Xbox 360)
Always the occasional (...?) staple at our pad, we joined forces with a local community outreach this year and the results were as wonderful as we hoped. 4am came way too soon. Next year, we're going even bigger.
The "Ouya Can't Be All Bad If It Helped Birth This" Award:
Towerfall Ascension (PS4)
Video from the official site,
http://www.towerfall-game.com/This Better-than-4player-Bomberman treasure made me go buy a bunch of expensive PS4 controllers. When it was a free (PlayStation Plus) game. 'nuff said.
The "Finally, A Reason To Put The 3 In 3DS" Award:
Galaxy Force II (3DS)
Posting a video of this would be like explaining sight to a blind man. The first use of 3D on the 3DS that showed me what Nintendo was likely trying to go for. Cheap, and an excellent arcade classic worth checking out. Also, a fascinating development history:
http://www.rfgeneration.c...Ports-of-Passion-2710.phpThe "No Joke, Just The Best Multiplayer System Since The N64" Award:
Wii U (only on Wii U)
If you even occasionally have other gamers over for local co-op, this system should sell itself. I listed the whole thing not because none of the games have been stand out experiences, but the opposite; between
Smash Bros, Mario Kart 8, New Super Mario/Luigi Bros. Wii U, Super Mario 3D World, Scribblenauts, and even
Nintendo Land, this is THE multiplayer system to own. Not to mention there are now easily enough excellent single player games to stop making excuses about why you don't want one.
The "Some Of Us Are Better At Peanut Butter, Some Of Us Are Better At Chocolate" Award:
Tetris & Dr. Mario (SNES)
Anymore, I just leave this cart in the system. This year I met a new friend who beats me hands down in
Dr. Mario, but not quite in
Tetris. Thus, another mixed-match challenger approaches! We go head-to-head whenever we can, and it has yet again renewed my enjoyment of this excellent cart. Now I gotta track down that
Puya Puya/Tetris release...
Special Mention:
The "I Love You But You Make Me Sick (Nausea)" Award:
Unfinished Swan (PS4)
Video from the official site,
http://www.giantsparrow.com/games/swan/Play this. Play this now! Because I can't. Even with my modded southpaw controller, I get motion-sick. I even get motion sick watching my friends play it. But I've endured it, because the game is just so wonderful. Gorgeous music, inventive play mechanics, fanciful storytelling, and nifty unlockables. If my discomfort means more folks get a chance to experience this, bring on the air-sickness bags.
And that's where I have to cut off, since I'm supposed to limit this to ten or so, and I've still squeezed in a few extras. Hope your year-in-gaming has been as great as in our home!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
:^Jes
