2008′s Best Video Games
Published on Canada.com and The Calgary Herald on Dec. 4, 2008.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, Andy Williams sang in 1963, and that was well before the video game industry hijacked the season and made it all the more so.
Much like Hollywood, the gaming industry saves its best fare for the weeks leading into Christmas. It's an ideal arrangement on all sides, as game companies try to boost their revenues before year's end, and us gamers prepare to hibernate indoors for a few months.
But not all these releases are as good as advertised, and in a year when money is tight you'll want to make informed purchases.
That's why we're here to help. If you're in the market for a video game, we'd like to help you find the perfect title to while away the winter months. We considered 2008 releases on all the major consoles (PlayStation 2 and 3, Xbox 360, Wii) and handhelds (Sony PSP and Nintendo DS).
GAME OF THE YEAR
Gears of War 2 (360): Brutal, violent, intense and epic, Gears of War 2 is white-knuckled action at its best. Though its predecessor set a high mark, Gears 2 somehow betters it and becomes the most rewarding gaming experience you'll have this year.
Runner up: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)
BEST SPORTS GAME
NHL '09 (360, PS3, PS2): It's tough to stand out in the world of sports games, but no other title offered as much as the Canadian-made NHL '09. Boasting fantastic gameplay, a deep dynasty mode and excellent online multiplayer, it packs a lot of entertainment in a tiny box.
Runner up: FIFA Soccer '09 (PS3, 360)
BEST ACTION-ADVENTURE GAME
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, 360): The astonishing $100-million budget for the ninth GTA iteration was wisely spent in this incredibly deep and rewarding rags- to-riches crime drama.With distractions everywhere you look, the toughest part might actually be finishing the game.
Runner up: Fallout 3 (PS3, 360)
BEST MUSIC GAME
Rock Band 2 (PS3, PS2, 360, Wii): It may seem like a serious investment at $180 for the full kit (drums, guitar, microphone), but there's a lot of fun to be had with Rock Band 2. Boasting an incredible music library and lots of downloadable tracks, it's an instant magnet for all your guests.
Runner up: Patapon (PSP)
BEST RACING GAME
Pure (PS3, 360): There's something so compelling about this gorgeous ATV racing game that lets you pull off death-defying stunts at hundreds of feet in the air. Other racers may be deeper and more realistic, but this is pure fun from start to finish.
Runner up: Midnight Club: Los Angeles (PS3, 360)
BEST ARCADE ACTION GAME
Devil May Cry 4 (PS3, 360): Another fantastic addition to the DMC series, the fourth has you switch between our sword-wielding, revolver-packing hero Dante and newcomer Nero, whose motorcycle-throttle, gas-infused sword slices through monsters like butter.
Runner up: Ninja Gaiden II (360)
BEST FIGHTING GAME
Soulcalibur IV (PS3, 360): Darth Vader and Yoda from Star Wars make cameos in Namco's great sword-fighting franchise, which looks better than ever in its fourth iteration. A new character-creation mode is a very welcome addition and gives it a needed personal touch.
Runner up: Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (360, PS3)
BEST FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER
Call Of Duty: World at War (360, PS3) - Set in Eastern Europe and the Pacific theatre of the Second World War, the fifth Call of Duty title is an engaging first-person shooter that should have great longevity because of its online multiplayer component.
Runner-up: Resistance 2 (PS3)
BEST SURVIVAL HORROR TITLE
Left 4 Dead (360): The pure simplicity of this title is what makes it such fun. As one of four remaining survivors in a city overrun with zombies, you've got to work together to shoot your way to safety. And, oh yes, these zombies run.
Runner up: Dead Space (PS3, 360)
BEST PARTY GAME
Buzz! Quiz TV (PS3): Turn your TV into an interactive quiz show with Buzz!, which comes with wireless buzzers for up to four players to compete at once. Ideal for dinner parties and other small gatherings.
Runner up: Mario Kart Wii (Wii)
BEST KIDS GAME
Kung Fu Panda (PS3, PS2, 360, Wii): Based loosely around the movie of the same name, kids can control the clumsy Po as he makes his journey to save the land from the evil Tai Lung. Its brevity, great graphics and solid humour make it ideal for the under-12 set.
Runner up: LEGO Batman (PS3, 360, Wii, PS2)
BEST PORTABLE GAME
God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP): It may sound like a bad idea on paper, but Sony managed to port its brilliant action-puzzle franchise perfectly onto the PSP's small screen. Beautiful, violent and challenging, combat has never been this much fun on a handheld.
Runner up: Guitar Hero: On Tour (DS)
BEST ACTIVE GAME
Wii Fit (Wii): Of course you've heard of Wii Fit - the marketing's been inescapable. Using the Balance Board peripheral, users can try out 40 different exercises, including push-ups, yoga poses and a number of balancing games to work themselves to a better body.
Runner up: Dance Dance Revolution SuperNova 2 (PS2)
BEST PUZZLE GAME
Tetris Party (Wii): The world's most addictive puzzle game returns with a slew of single and multiplayer modes on the Wii. Heck, you can even plug in the Balance Board peripheral that comes with Wii Fit and work out while dropping puzzle pieces. How cool is that?
Runner up: Echochrome (PS3)
Calgary Herald
