- Credits
- 72,875
1) Crush (Sony PSP)
Poor Crush, that game didn’t stand a chance. Considering it was so close to the release of Super Paper Mario, Nintendo Fanboys all over the internet had shouted the innovation of changing a 2-D plane into 3-D was Nintendo’s. Well in fact Crush had made it part of its core gameplay mechanic (which Super Paper Mario did not) and executed the mechanic much better in its many puzzles. On top of that the art direction and the story was surprisingly very intriguing being centered around a insomniac named Danny who is trying to collect his marbles in each level (literally). If you have a Sony PSP, this game at least deserves look.
2) Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360)
Japanese RPGs are hard to come by on the Xbox 360, so one would expect fans of those types of games to jump on the chance when one is actually released on their system, right? Well, then again how many Japanese RPG fans buy an Xbox 360. Never the less Eternal Sonata’s unique, intuitive battle system and the beautiful art design really makes that game stand out from most Japanese RPGs this year. The game takes place in a dream of famous music composer, Fredrick Chopin when he is on his death bed; weird I know but the story is surprisingly heart warming regardless. With talks of this game being ported to the Playstation 3 with additional content, I hope the change of scenery will help spread a better awareness of this game.
3) Super Stardust HD (Playstation 3)
With the ridiculous amount of dual-stick shooters on the market it is not surprising to see another dual-stick shooter being labeled as another Geometry Wars clone. But what PS3 owners know that most people don’t is that this is not just another run of the mill dual-stick shooter. In fact Super Stardust HD is much more then that. With the game being sectioned off into levels (spherical planets to be exact) and a currency gathering system used to upgrade your ship and weapons you can find hours of your life disappear without even knowing it! Not to mention, with an HD setup, it is one of the best looking downloadable games you can get on any console.
4) Sam and Max: Season 1 (PC)
Tell Tale Games did the impossible; they created a successful distribution channel to prove that episodic content is possible and made a franchise that was once beloved by many relevant once again. And to that good Sirs, my hat is off to you. But for some reason, Sam and Max: Season 1 seems to be missing in everyone’s list as one of the games of the year. I am not sure if it is the adventure game style formula that has gone the way of the dodo or not. But with sharp, funny dialogue and small enough episodes that can each be finished in an afternoon this is one adventure that is worth praising about.
5) Red Star (Playstation 2)
It’s sad to see Red Star not getting the attention that originally it had gotten. Considering the long troubled history that it went through to get developed (originally published by Acclaim Entertainment until it became shelved by the effects of their bankruptcy to be resurrected once again by publishers XS Games two years later). The story is based on a graphic novel that takes place in an alternate universe of the once Soviet Union. But to be honest, the story is not the main attraction; it’s the franticly awesome gameplay. The game being a cross between an old school beat-em up and a top-down shooter, fans of retro gaming would do them selves a favor and pick this title up.
6) Planet Puzzle League (Nintendo DS)
Any real fan of puzzle games would know that Tetris Attack (SNES) and Pokemon Puzzle League (N64) are some of the best puzzle games ever to be released on any console. So it is not a far stretch to say that Planet Puzzle League for the DS, which is the next iteration of the games stated above, is one of the best puzzle games you will ever play. With online or WiFi capability to play from a single cart for head to head action and the new touch screen controls this is by far the best in the long line of great puzzle games. This game is pure gaming nirvana for any puzzle fan.
7) Track Mania United (PC)
What do you get when a game that harks back to the days of R.C. Pro AM for the NES and mix it with crazy 3-D track designs pushed by cult like fans of the game; one of the best arcade racing games to come out in years. Surprisingly enough what makes Track Mania United so special is not the cars (which many racing games tend to focus their attention towards), but the unique user created tracks tend to give the game legs. Whether it is the insane roller coaster monstrosity or a branching track with multiple pathways to the finish line makes this an undiscovered racer in which everyone should try out.
8) Odin Sphere (Playstation 2)
As the game industry started embracing 3-D gaming in the late 90’s many niche 2-D genres that were once popular have been left to the way side. One of those genres were the 2-D beat-em ups that had littered arcades in the past; but if the genre was still alive today, Odin Sphere would be the beat-em up’s evolution to Next-Gen. It mixes classic brawler action with RPG elements, which make a surprisingly deep and involving story. With the best 2-D graphics coming from any game this year and solid gameplay elements, these are the games that seem to make the Playstation 2’s lifespan seem longer and longer.
9) Lunar Knights (Nintendo DS)
While Kojima Productions is still hard at work with the next Metal Gear Solid many had seemed to overlook one of the best action-adventure games to come out all year from that same studio. Lunar Knights is part of a great Bankai series that was on the GameBoy Advance, that played with the idea of the game being different depending if you are playing it in day or night. Also the game features one of the most bizarre/interesting ideas of having the main concept being a Legend of Zelda inspired gameplay with the theme of vampires in space. If you like anything said in the last sentence whether it be vampires, space, or Legend of Zelda inspired gameplay; you would be a fool to pass this one up twice.
10) Overlord (PC; Xbox 360)
Overlord is not necessarily an original idea; Nintendo basically had the same idea over four years ago with Pikmin. But what Overlord lacks in original game design, it makes it up with just sheer fun. I can not begin to explain to you the joy you get when you get your minions to pummel a village to the ground with no reason what so ever. And not to mention, the evil gremlin like minions which do your bidding in the game are one of the most funny and memorable characters to come out this year far none. I doesn’t matter if they are terrorizing villagers or ransacking houses, every action they do in the game seems to have a certain memorable quality to it. Also it is really interesting that you can never really be a good guy in the game, you are just varying degrees of evil. Who knew being the villain could be so much fun!
11) Jeanne D’Arc (Sony PSP)
This is one of those games that I truly believe if it was on the Nintendo DS or on the Playstation 2 it would have gotten a lot more attention then it did. The game is loosely based on the historical French heroine Joan of Arc and her involvement in The Hundred Year War. The gameplay is a strategy RPG, much in the vein of the classic Playstation classic Final Fantasy Tactics. I myself have played the game for countless hours and still have not even scratched the surface of the deep gameplay mechanics which surround the entire game. From the beautifully animated cutscenes to the deep involving gameplay, there is a timeless quality to the game that in a few years could very well become a cult classic.
12) Zak and Wiki: Quest for Barbaro’s Treasure (Nintendo Wii)
Every year videogame reviewers get on their soap boxes and try to get behind a lost cause to inform the general gaming public about a certain game. From the past years being Eternal Darkness to Psychonauts to Okami; this year’s game is Zak and Wiki. Primarily a point-and-click puzzle game at heart, Zak and Wiki is one of those rare games for the Wii that is a non-Nintendo published titles worth owning. If you yearn for the point-and-click adventures of yester year or have finished Super Mario Galaxy and have nothing else to play for the Wii; Zak and Wiki is begging you to play it.
13) World in Conflict (PC)
Ever wonder what the world would be like if the Soviet Union didn’t fall and if the Cold War wasn’t that cold? World in Conflict asks that question in one of the best RTSs to come out in 2007. Not only is the premise of the game the most original to come out in many years, but in my mind this is a strategy game that finally got it right; they did away with resource gathering! With resource gathering left on the wayside, all that is left is an action heavy RTS that is accessible to newcomers, yet deep enough for veterans of the RTS genre to enjoy.
14) Bomberman Live (Xbox 360)
It is hard to believe this one almost didn’t make the list; with many aspects of the game sharing with the old classic Saturn Bomberman I was almost considered the game as another remake! But after breaking out the old Sega Saturn to play Saturn Bomberman and then going back for a few rounds with Bomberman Live, you come to the conclusion the game is more of a spiritual sequel to the game then a remake of it. And trust me they are better off for it! One of the best, experiences in Xbox Live you could possibly have with any game. If it’s not constantly changing your bomberman avatar with new apparel or playing eight man multiplayer matches over Xbox Live, there is something here for everyone. Plus this game seems to fit the Xbox Live service perfectly with the ability to have a few quick matches with your friends in between bouts of Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4.
15) Fire Pro Wrestling Returns (Playstation 2)
With one of the deepest wrestling games finally coming stateside for only $15.00 or less, it is hard not to fall in love with Fire Pro Wrestling Returns. Many might fault the game for the game’s 2-D graphics, but at its heart it has one of the deepest grappling systems ever seen in any wrestling games. Yet what makes this game so special is not necessarily the hundreds of wrestlers you can choose from or the even the many match types found in the game. What makes the game special is the little customization details that make the game seem complete like choosing different type of referees, attacking the winner after the match is done, or the ability to customize venues or create your own dream wrestling card. The bottom line is this is one of the best wrestling games out there, 3-D or not!
16) Virtua Tennis 3 (PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Sony PSP)
Back in the old Sega Dreamcast days Virtua Tennis was one of those flagship games that showed off the graphical power of the Sega Dreamcast and it didn’t hurt that it was also one of the best tennis games ever made. Ten years and a sequel later, it is surprising to me how much little fanfare there was with the new Next-Gen Virtua Tennis, Virtua Tennis 3. Regardless what system you want to pick this up for, you are getting one of the most solid spots titles to come out this year. Also, much like its predecessor, on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 the game has the ability to output in 1080p which makes for one of the best looking games on any system. Not to mention with the many gameplay modes like the crazy mini-games in Court Games Mode, a quick game in Arcade Mode, or even the deeper play of World Tour Mode there is always something for everyone.
17) Power Pro Baseball (Playstation 2 and Nintendo Wii)
Don’t let the cute exterior fool you, this is one of the deepest stat based and ultra-realistic bat physics baseball games to come out all year. Having a huge cult following in the States, to my knowledge, this is the first time the franchise has ever been released outside of Japan. What sets apart this baseball game from the rest of the pack is the RPG like Season Mode. In this mode you pick an MLB licensed team and try to win a World Series with that team controlling basically every aspect of the team’s operations. Whether it is getting better equipment for your team, keeping players happy so they don’t go to another team for more money, or picking new players for your farm system and training them to be future stars of tomorrow; this is a game for that hardcore baseball fan. Also all stats in Season Mode is kept for ten seasons, which tracks both individual and team stats. If you are a hardcore baseball fan, this game is definitely a must buy.
18) Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (Nintendo DS)
Initially this game was being hailed as a sleeper hit earlier in the year, but even after a lackluster library of games that came out for the Nintendo DS; this game seems to be eluding many best of lists when it comes to DS games. With a pulp detective noir type story and one of the first games that made keeping a notepad in the game actually useful; this point-and-click adventure gets better and better as you go deeper into the game. Also with multiple endings the game screams for multiple play throughs. With the DS’s close screen functionality and gritty graphic novel style, this game could be looked at as a digital book as much as a videogame; which makes it perfect for those long train rides to work.
19) Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (Playstation 2)
With out knowing anything about this game two things can be inferred right off the bat; one is that the game is very dark and the second that it is very Japanese. These two aspects do not really scream “play me†to western audiences. Regardless of that fact, Persona 3 is one of the deepest and quite possibly the best Japanese Role Playing game to come out this year. Half dungeon crawler, half high school sim; there is nothing like it right now in the gaming market.
20) Desktop Tower Defense (PC)
Yes, I know this game is only a flash game. And yes I know you can play this game for absolutely free online. And yes, I do know this game makes other casual games seem like deep gameplay experiences. But I ask you; if you can play this game without being strangely drawn to it, you are a better man then most people. Still with the perfect mix of accessibility and deep strategy this game could stop productivity in office cubicles all over the country!
link
Poor Crush, that game didn’t stand a chance. Considering it was so close to the release of Super Paper Mario, Nintendo Fanboys all over the internet had shouted the innovation of changing a 2-D plane into 3-D was Nintendo’s. Well in fact Crush had made it part of its core gameplay mechanic (which Super Paper Mario did not) and executed the mechanic much better in its many puzzles. On top of that the art direction and the story was surprisingly very intriguing being centered around a insomniac named Danny who is trying to collect his marbles in each level (literally). If you have a Sony PSP, this game at least deserves look.
2) Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360)
Japanese RPGs are hard to come by on the Xbox 360, so one would expect fans of those types of games to jump on the chance when one is actually released on their system, right? Well, then again how many Japanese RPG fans buy an Xbox 360. Never the less Eternal Sonata’s unique, intuitive battle system and the beautiful art design really makes that game stand out from most Japanese RPGs this year. The game takes place in a dream of famous music composer, Fredrick Chopin when he is on his death bed; weird I know but the story is surprisingly heart warming regardless. With talks of this game being ported to the Playstation 3 with additional content, I hope the change of scenery will help spread a better awareness of this game.
3) Super Stardust HD (Playstation 3)
With the ridiculous amount of dual-stick shooters on the market it is not surprising to see another dual-stick shooter being labeled as another Geometry Wars clone. But what PS3 owners know that most people don’t is that this is not just another run of the mill dual-stick shooter. In fact Super Stardust HD is much more then that. With the game being sectioned off into levels (spherical planets to be exact) and a currency gathering system used to upgrade your ship and weapons you can find hours of your life disappear without even knowing it! Not to mention, with an HD setup, it is one of the best looking downloadable games you can get on any console.
4) Sam and Max: Season 1 (PC)
Tell Tale Games did the impossible; they created a successful distribution channel to prove that episodic content is possible and made a franchise that was once beloved by many relevant once again. And to that good Sirs, my hat is off to you. But for some reason, Sam and Max: Season 1 seems to be missing in everyone’s list as one of the games of the year. I am not sure if it is the adventure game style formula that has gone the way of the dodo or not. But with sharp, funny dialogue and small enough episodes that can each be finished in an afternoon this is one adventure that is worth praising about.
5) Red Star (Playstation 2)
It’s sad to see Red Star not getting the attention that originally it had gotten. Considering the long troubled history that it went through to get developed (originally published by Acclaim Entertainment until it became shelved by the effects of their bankruptcy to be resurrected once again by publishers XS Games two years later). The story is based on a graphic novel that takes place in an alternate universe of the once Soviet Union. But to be honest, the story is not the main attraction; it’s the franticly awesome gameplay. The game being a cross between an old school beat-em up and a top-down shooter, fans of retro gaming would do them selves a favor and pick this title up.
6) Planet Puzzle League (Nintendo DS)
Any real fan of puzzle games would know that Tetris Attack (SNES) and Pokemon Puzzle League (N64) are some of the best puzzle games ever to be released on any console. So it is not a far stretch to say that Planet Puzzle League for the DS, which is the next iteration of the games stated above, is one of the best puzzle games you will ever play. With online or WiFi capability to play from a single cart for head to head action and the new touch screen controls this is by far the best in the long line of great puzzle games. This game is pure gaming nirvana for any puzzle fan.
7) Track Mania United (PC)
What do you get when a game that harks back to the days of R.C. Pro AM for the NES and mix it with crazy 3-D track designs pushed by cult like fans of the game; one of the best arcade racing games to come out in years. Surprisingly enough what makes Track Mania United so special is not the cars (which many racing games tend to focus their attention towards), but the unique user created tracks tend to give the game legs. Whether it is the insane roller coaster monstrosity or a branching track with multiple pathways to the finish line makes this an undiscovered racer in which everyone should try out.
8) Odin Sphere (Playstation 2)
As the game industry started embracing 3-D gaming in the late 90’s many niche 2-D genres that were once popular have been left to the way side. One of those genres were the 2-D beat-em ups that had littered arcades in the past; but if the genre was still alive today, Odin Sphere would be the beat-em up’s evolution to Next-Gen. It mixes classic brawler action with RPG elements, which make a surprisingly deep and involving story. With the best 2-D graphics coming from any game this year and solid gameplay elements, these are the games that seem to make the Playstation 2’s lifespan seem longer and longer.
9) Lunar Knights (Nintendo DS)
While Kojima Productions is still hard at work with the next Metal Gear Solid many had seemed to overlook one of the best action-adventure games to come out all year from that same studio. Lunar Knights is part of a great Bankai series that was on the GameBoy Advance, that played with the idea of the game being different depending if you are playing it in day or night. Also the game features one of the most bizarre/interesting ideas of having the main concept being a Legend of Zelda inspired gameplay with the theme of vampires in space. If you like anything said in the last sentence whether it be vampires, space, or Legend of Zelda inspired gameplay; you would be a fool to pass this one up twice.
10) Overlord (PC; Xbox 360)
Overlord is not necessarily an original idea; Nintendo basically had the same idea over four years ago with Pikmin. But what Overlord lacks in original game design, it makes it up with just sheer fun. I can not begin to explain to you the joy you get when you get your minions to pummel a village to the ground with no reason what so ever. And not to mention, the evil gremlin like minions which do your bidding in the game are one of the most funny and memorable characters to come out this year far none. I doesn’t matter if they are terrorizing villagers or ransacking houses, every action they do in the game seems to have a certain memorable quality to it. Also it is really interesting that you can never really be a good guy in the game, you are just varying degrees of evil. Who knew being the villain could be so much fun!
11) Jeanne D’Arc (Sony PSP)
This is one of those games that I truly believe if it was on the Nintendo DS or on the Playstation 2 it would have gotten a lot more attention then it did. The game is loosely based on the historical French heroine Joan of Arc and her involvement in The Hundred Year War. The gameplay is a strategy RPG, much in the vein of the classic Playstation classic Final Fantasy Tactics. I myself have played the game for countless hours and still have not even scratched the surface of the deep gameplay mechanics which surround the entire game. From the beautifully animated cutscenes to the deep involving gameplay, there is a timeless quality to the game that in a few years could very well become a cult classic.
12) Zak and Wiki: Quest for Barbaro’s Treasure (Nintendo Wii)
Every year videogame reviewers get on their soap boxes and try to get behind a lost cause to inform the general gaming public about a certain game. From the past years being Eternal Darkness to Psychonauts to Okami; this year’s game is Zak and Wiki. Primarily a point-and-click puzzle game at heart, Zak and Wiki is one of those rare games for the Wii that is a non-Nintendo published titles worth owning. If you yearn for the point-and-click adventures of yester year or have finished Super Mario Galaxy and have nothing else to play for the Wii; Zak and Wiki is begging you to play it.
13) World in Conflict (PC)
Ever wonder what the world would be like if the Soviet Union didn’t fall and if the Cold War wasn’t that cold? World in Conflict asks that question in one of the best RTSs to come out in 2007. Not only is the premise of the game the most original to come out in many years, but in my mind this is a strategy game that finally got it right; they did away with resource gathering! With resource gathering left on the wayside, all that is left is an action heavy RTS that is accessible to newcomers, yet deep enough for veterans of the RTS genre to enjoy.
14) Bomberman Live (Xbox 360)
It is hard to believe this one almost didn’t make the list; with many aspects of the game sharing with the old classic Saturn Bomberman I was almost considered the game as another remake! But after breaking out the old Sega Saturn to play Saturn Bomberman and then going back for a few rounds with Bomberman Live, you come to the conclusion the game is more of a spiritual sequel to the game then a remake of it. And trust me they are better off for it! One of the best, experiences in Xbox Live you could possibly have with any game. If it’s not constantly changing your bomberman avatar with new apparel or playing eight man multiplayer matches over Xbox Live, there is something here for everyone. Plus this game seems to fit the Xbox Live service perfectly with the ability to have a few quick matches with your friends in between bouts of Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4.
15) Fire Pro Wrestling Returns (Playstation 2)
With one of the deepest wrestling games finally coming stateside for only $15.00 or less, it is hard not to fall in love with Fire Pro Wrestling Returns. Many might fault the game for the game’s 2-D graphics, but at its heart it has one of the deepest grappling systems ever seen in any wrestling games. Yet what makes this game so special is not necessarily the hundreds of wrestlers you can choose from or the even the many match types found in the game. What makes the game special is the little customization details that make the game seem complete like choosing different type of referees, attacking the winner after the match is done, or the ability to customize venues or create your own dream wrestling card. The bottom line is this is one of the best wrestling games out there, 3-D or not!
16) Virtua Tennis 3 (PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Sony PSP)
Back in the old Sega Dreamcast days Virtua Tennis was one of those flagship games that showed off the graphical power of the Sega Dreamcast and it didn’t hurt that it was also one of the best tennis games ever made. Ten years and a sequel later, it is surprising to me how much little fanfare there was with the new Next-Gen Virtua Tennis, Virtua Tennis 3. Regardless what system you want to pick this up for, you are getting one of the most solid spots titles to come out this year. Also, much like its predecessor, on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 the game has the ability to output in 1080p which makes for one of the best looking games on any system. Not to mention with the many gameplay modes like the crazy mini-games in Court Games Mode, a quick game in Arcade Mode, or even the deeper play of World Tour Mode there is always something for everyone.
17) Power Pro Baseball (Playstation 2 and Nintendo Wii)
Don’t let the cute exterior fool you, this is one of the deepest stat based and ultra-realistic bat physics baseball games to come out all year. Having a huge cult following in the States, to my knowledge, this is the first time the franchise has ever been released outside of Japan. What sets apart this baseball game from the rest of the pack is the RPG like Season Mode. In this mode you pick an MLB licensed team and try to win a World Series with that team controlling basically every aspect of the team’s operations. Whether it is getting better equipment for your team, keeping players happy so they don’t go to another team for more money, or picking new players for your farm system and training them to be future stars of tomorrow; this is a game for that hardcore baseball fan. Also all stats in Season Mode is kept for ten seasons, which tracks both individual and team stats. If you are a hardcore baseball fan, this game is definitely a must buy.
18) Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (Nintendo DS)
Initially this game was being hailed as a sleeper hit earlier in the year, but even after a lackluster library of games that came out for the Nintendo DS; this game seems to be eluding many best of lists when it comes to DS games. With a pulp detective noir type story and one of the first games that made keeping a notepad in the game actually useful; this point-and-click adventure gets better and better as you go deeper into the game. Also with multiple endings the game screams for multiple play throughs. With the DS’s close screen functionality and gritty graphic novel style, this game could be looked at as a digital book as much as a videogame; which makes it perfect for those long train rides to work.
19) Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (Playstation 2)
With out knowing anything about this game two things can be inferred right off the bat; one is that the game is very dark and the second that it is very Japanese. These two aspects do not really scream “play me†to western audiences. Regardless of that fact, Persona 3 is one of the deepest and quite possibly the best Japanese Role Playing game to come out this year. Half dungeon crawler, half high school sim; there is nothing like it right now in the gaming market.
20) Desktop Tower Defense (PC)
Yes, I know this game is only a flash game. And yes I know you can play this game for absolutely free online. And yes, I do know this game makes other casual games seem like deep gameplay experiences. But I ask you; if you can play this game without being strangely drawn to it, you are a better man then most people. Still with the perfect mix of accessibility and deep strategy this game could stop productivity in office cubicles all over the country!
link
