|
A good game going to waste is such a shame and 2008 was one of the worst years for good games being largely ignored. What with the mighty Gears of War 2, Call of Duty: World at War, Grand Theft Auto IV, Metal Gear Solid 4 and a lot of other big named titles coming out some games unfortunately seemed to get lost in the mix. This is a list of the best games that did just that. If you notice a trend most of them were holiday releases; maybe that shows why we have so many games that were delayed from the holiday season this year that are now coming early 2010. So look for another one of these articles in 2011. But if you’re looking for a good game for cheap right now consider these games. Yes that’s right, its top 5 time again!
Dead Space
While it got a lot of positive press, including game of the year awards, Dead Space unfortunately didn’t lend itself to the general public very well resulting in less than stellar sales. But their loss is your gain since this is one of the greatest survival horror game ever. Even better is that can be found for pennies now. The graphics are stunning and the use of sound to create a thrilling atmosphere is second to none. It made me jump on multiple occasions while walking through space ship, the same space ship that provides some of the best views (The earth thing outside the ship) seen in a game yet. It has been compared to Bioshock and I must tell you that is no bad thing.
Mirrors Edge
Mirrors Edge on release was a game that divided critical and public opinion. It was a very innovative game but one that had a steep learning curve. Think of an FPS crossed with Prince of Persia set in a Modern City, are you picturing it? Good you’re about half way to understanding Mirrors Edge. The game really concentrates on momentum, e.g. keeping your speed and using it to make specific jumps and get up ledges. Once you’re over the learning curve, which isn’t frustrating because the sound track is so soothing, the game becomes a blast. Well that’s until you start to try the time trials, that can get very frustrating.
Far Cry 2
Ill admit I'm guilty of ignoring this one too until recently and I really regret it. Open world? Check, Immersive? Check, Real FPS, Check. Wait what was that last one? Yes this is an open world FPS that controls like a real FPS. The African setting is impressive (driving next to a zebra is awesome!) and works with the story to create a world that you want to be involved in. With awesome fire physics that take the direction of the wind into account and a massive world it’s easy to lose yourself in the world, combine this with the fact that you never leave your first person perspective, even to look at a map, and this creates an incredibly immersive experience.
Prince of Persia
Let me start off by saying Prince of Persia is an utterly beautiful game, it has the best art style of any game release in 2008. Anyone who was a fan of the older Prince of Persia games, especially the sands of time, should really consider playing this game. The game doesn’t let you die, when you fall your companion Elika will save you and place you on the last solid platform you were on. Some may think this will take the challenge out of the game but later on the timing becomes brutal and thanks to Elika the game becomes much less frustrating than it could have been. This is seriously a game that everyone should play if just for the fun factor and to stare at the game world.
Valkyria Chronicles
Speaking of beautiful games, Valkyria Chronicles is only surpassed by Prince of Persia in the art department. The game is built on the “Canvas” Engine and that is exactly how this game looks, as if it was painted on a canvas. In game play though this is a Turn based/Real time Strategy RPG, really I can’t explain it. Go play the demo on the PSN or watch some videos of the game to get a feel of how it will play. It’s a god damn lot of fun to play and there is a lot of content for your dollars. Critically this game fared very well with most reviews praising its new game play style and the story.
If I missed your favourite forgotten 2008 game don’t worry, I probably thought of it. Games like Tom Clancy’s End War, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, Pure, Mortal Combat V DC, Zack and Wiki, Brothers in Arms: Hells Highway, Civilisation Revolutions and more were also largely (sadly) forgotten after their release.
Top 5 Forgotten Games of 2008
A good game going to waste is such a shame and 2008 was one of the worst years for good games being ignored. What with the mighty Gears of War 2, Call of Duty: World at War, Grand Theft Auto IV, Metal Gear Solid 4 and a lot of other big named titles coming out some games unfortunately seemed to get lost in the mix. This is a list of the best games that did just that. If you notice a trend most of them were holiday releases; maybe that shows why we have so many games that were delayed from the holiday season this year that are now coming early 2010. So look for another one of these articles in 2011. But if you’re looking for a good game for cheap right now consider these games. Yes that’s right, its top 5 time again!
Dead Space
While it got a lot of positive press, including game of the year awards, Dead Space unfortunately didn’t lend itself to the general public very well resulting in less than stellar sales. But their loss is your gain since this is a great game that can be found for pennies now. The graphics are stunning and the use of sound to create a thrilling atmosphere is second to none. It made me jump on multiple occasions while walking through space ship, the same space ship that provides some of the best views (The earth thing outside the ship) seen in a game yet. It has been compared to Bioshock and I must tell you that is no bad thing.
Mirrors Edge
Mirrors Edge on release was a game that divided critical and public opinion. It was a very innovative game but one that had a steep learning curve. Think of an FPS crossed with Prince of Persia set in a Modern City, are you picturing it? Good you’re about half way to understanding Mirrors Edge. The game really concentrates on momentum, e.g. keeping your speed and using it to make specific jumps and get up ledges. Once you’re over the learning curve, which isn’t frustrating because the sound track is so soothing, the game becomes a blast. Well that’s until you start to try the time trials, that can get very frustrating.
Far Cry 2
Ill admit I'm guilty of ignoring this one too until recently and I really regret it. Open world? Check, Immersive? Check, Real FPS, Check. Wait what was that last one? Yes this is an open world FPS that controls like a real FPS. The African setting is impressive (driving next to a zebra is awesome!) and works with the story to create a world that you want to be involved in. With awesome fire physics that take the direction of the wind into account and a massive world it’s easy to lose yourself in the world, combine this with the fact that you never leave your first person perspective, even to look at a map, and this creates an incredibly immersive experience.
Prince of Persia
Let me start off by saying Prince of Persia is an utterly beautiful game, it has the best art style of any game release in 2008. Anyone who was a fan of the older Prince of Persia games, especially the sands of time, should really consider playing this game. The game doesn’t let you die, when you fall your companion Elika will save you and place you on the last solid platform you were on. Some may think this will take the challenge out of the game but later on the timing becomes brutal and thanks to Elika the game becomes much less frustrating than it could have been. This is seriously a game that everyone should play if just for the fun factor and to stare at the game world.
Valkyria Chronicles
Speaking of beautiful games, Valkyria Chronicles is only surpassed by Prince of Persia in the art department. The game is built on the “Canvas” Engine and that is exactly how this game looks, as if it was painted on a canvas. In game play though this is a Turn based/Real time Strategy RPG, really I can’t explain it. Go play the demo on the PSN or watch some videos of the game to get a feel of how it will play. It’s a god damn lot of fun to play and there is a lot of content for your dollars. Critically this game fared very well with most reviews praising its new game play style and the story.
If I missed your favourite forgotten 2008 game don’t worry, I probably thought of it. Games like Tom Clancy’s End War, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, Pure, Mortal Combat V DC, Zack and Wiki, Civilisation Revolutions and more were also largely (sadly) forgotten after their release.
|
Comments