So like most people, I rang in the New Year with fervor. A few drinks, a few laughs with friends, and a reflection on the year that was. During the reflection, we remembered our trials and tribulations, our defining moments of that year and the things we’d rather forget. Well gamers, I think we owe it to ourselves to also reflect on what was an interesting year for the gaming industry.
THE GOOD
There were a lot of good, new titles, new projects, new hopes and promises. One of the more interesting pieces of work to come out this year and gets my vote for the good was NBA 2K11. Now I am a bit of a sports buff, you’ll definitely get this vibe from me, but for a long time it’s been the Football’s (FIFA and Madden series) at the top of the list. NBA 2K11 for the first time in years has knocked fifa off its increasingly precarious perch for me. With bright, sharp, smooth and vivid graphics, smooth game play, a realistic broadcast feel to any game and ultimate control over your gaming experience, I couldn’t go past it for the good.
THE BAD
Unfortunately along with all the good was a lot of bad. Too many developers seem to me, to be focusing too heavily on online content for me; and this ruined half a dozen games that I was looking forward to. My bad would have to go to Gran Turismo 5. While it’s sensational to have it on the shelves again after such a long time in production… you can’t help but feel that maybe it wasn’t quite what it could have been and really is just more of the same. There has got be another 10 games I could’ve given this to though, so on the whole I wouldn’t take too much out of it.
THE UGLY
Only one place this can go… Electronic Arts, right across the board. I wasn’t impressed with The Sims 3, Medal of Honor really just felt like a poor mans COD and need for speed should really just be shelved until they come up with a working formula instead of just making it more online friendly. And what to say about NBA Elite and FIFA… One cancelled and the other with horrible bugs and a virtually unplayable career mode on the 2 highest difficulties, not to mention AI that couldn’t think its way out of a wet paper bag with a battle axe, and finally the horrible online servers. For this same reason though I could almost give them “the bold” as well, for having the stones to continue producing games.
THE BOLD
Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption is a title I think you’ll find in a lot of peoples collection. Often nicknamed Grand Theft Stallion, Rockstar really didn’t step too far outside their familiar element with this title (more like back in time) however their dead eye system, well cultivated characters and a storyline for the game that was engaging, made sense and was fairly genuine and accurate to the period of time was quite a step forward for them given their already well established GTA reputation.
THE BEAUTIFUL
Kinect. It’s the first real step forward in the future of gaming and interactivity that’s happened since the Wii came about. Boasting loads of features and games you are literally a part of, this currently one of a kind piece of equipment will leave you startled at its capabilities. At the moment it’s still garnering momentum, but in a few months this thing will be a must have addition for both the hardcore and casual gamer.
