True English Gent's TOP TEN GAMES OF 2008!

So here we are dear readers, at the end of another great year of Videogames. We got to experience some pretty special titles hit our consoles and PC's this year and I shall admit finding it tough to create a list that best represents my feelings towards the games I have enjoyed. There are some games which I was forced to leave out, but that doesn't make them any less special then the games occupying the list and there will be no doubt that some of you will disagree with some of my choices. But every good list should be a little controversial and mine is no different. Every Video gamer is unique, so I'm sure your own personal list of top games to hit this year is quite different to mine. But I do hope you'll agree with one or two on my list, my actual Videogame of the year winner is a very special game indeed and deserved all the praise it's recieved since it was released earlier in the year. I have enjoyed putting this list together and I have taken time considering each game so please keep that in mind as you read on. So let's take a look at my Top Ten Games of 2008!

10. SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL (Nintendo Wii)

Super Smash Bros. Brawl.By far the best Nintendo Wii title of the year, Super Smash Bros. Brawl saw some of our most loved Videogame heroes go head to head in chaotic and thrilling battles. Many familiar characters from past Super Smash Bros. games made a return such as Mario, Link, Star Fox and Samus. But we were also treated to finally living out our gamers dream as Sonic the Hedgehog made his first appearance. Most gamers around the World cried out in joy as we would finally see who was the better mascot, Mario or Sonic. There were so many classic battles to be had, but Brawl was also a fine looking game with each brawler feeling unique in both style and actual gameplay. Solid Snake had his rolls and modern weaponry while Sonic had is super fast speed. It's the only game I've truly enjoyed on the hugely popular Nintendo Wii console, I'm not totally sure what they says for Nintendo's attempt to please it's hardcore audience or if the console simply isn't for my tastes. But whatever you may think, theres no denying that Super Smash Bros. Brawl is deserving of a place on many a gamers top ten list. It did have it's problems, the online performance was below par at times (which I kind of expected with this being Nintendo) and the actual story based mode was a little overdrawn and dull from time to time. But you could easily spend many good hours enjoying this fantastic arena battle game. 

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9. THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU (Nintendo DS)

The World Ends With You.There was a good few great Nintendo DS titles I could have picked when considering my list, but none were quite as enjoyable and unique as Square Enix's 'The World Ends With You'. This oddly named title was developed by the Kingdom Hearts team and it's a fine example of a unique control system meets a stunning visual style. This fantastic title is more then just a urban Final Fantasy and is easily one of Square Enix's best works for a good long while. A truly intelligent and interesting story is only helped my characters you actually start to become fond of (rather then hate due to them being fools like recent Square Enix games) not to mention a stunning soundtrack that is a pleasure to listen to. I recently mentioned one of these songs in a recent blog, it's rare for the soundtrack of a Nintendo DS game to come shining through, but it's got a fantastic atmosphere to the whole game. From artistic style to the way the game plays. If you are yet to experience this one, then I highly recommend you spend some of that Christmas money on it if your a DS fan.

(Before anyone asks, I'm adding these games to my list because they have been released in 2008. With Nintendo it is often common for games to take months before hitting European shores).

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Mass Effect (PC)When Mass Effect hit our Xbox 360 consoles we got a taste of how far Western developers had come in the RPG genre. Bioware showed us that anything Japan can do, the Western Videogame world can do better. But despite the praise recieved after it's release, there was no denying that many of the games bugs and performance issues let the overall experience down. Thankfully like a lot of Microsoft developed games, a PC (and mac) version was eventually released in 2008 and it was the almost perfect example of what a great game Mass Effect is. Featuring higher resolution textures and a whole new control scheme, the PC version of Mass Effect was a pleasure to experience and gave us gamers the chance to enjoy it fully rather then moan about it's short comings technically speaking. It is indeed a stunning game and one of the best Roleplaying Games of the year. Bioware are busy boys and girls, with Mass Effect 2 already in development (with the franchise being a trilogy based series) and Star Wars: The Old Republic to look forward to in 2009 or 2010. I think we are in for some great videogame hours with these titles and Mass Effect PC is a perfect example of why Bioware are so loved by so many gamers.

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7. LEFT 4 DEAD (Xbox 360 & PC)

Left4Dead.We live in a age where most if not all developers know that to be sucessful, a game must offer a unique and fun online multiplayer mechanic. Yes we can see the same old Deathmatch or Free-For-All Multiplayer modes in most First Person Shooters nowadays. But very few games have been as fun or as thrilling as Valve Software's Left 4 Dead which hit PC and Xbox 360 this year. Avaliable through Valve's own STEAM software, we gamers got the chance to enjoy a truly exciting and astmospheric title which was quickly loved by the gaming media. As one of a team of four, you and your friends must try and survive a zombie attack, with teamplay being a must if you wish to survive. It's an hard feeling to explain, but you must work together and relying on each other if you wish to survive whatever the game is going to through at you. With a unique Director system found in the game which means that every playthrough could offer a different challenge. There was a lot to be thrilled about as you gunned down hundreds of hungry speedy zombies. Very few games have created such a co-operative experience like Left 4 Dead and it's one of those games where talking to fellow players is a must. This zombie fest is also helped by a brilliantly fun zombies vs human's competitive mode, it's just sad I haven't played more of it. 

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Dead Space.Dead Space appeared somewhat under the Videogame radar for me, I hadn't heard to much about the game prior to it's release worldwide. It's rare fo that to happen nowadays, in a age when we know what triple A titles to expect in the coming months or year. So I'm proud to see it in my list,  and for good reason. Dead Space was endlessly compared to Resident Evil 4 which seemed a little unfair to me, theres no doubting it was one of the most atmospheric titles to hit gamers this year and yes it did borrow ideas from a number of different games. But it also bought real time user navigation to the table not to mention a unique approach to dismembering those evil creatures. Dead Space is also a well built package with a solid and interesting single player experience, there is a lack of multiplayer but it is one of those games that you'll no doubt one day want to play through again. Varied weapon types and some truly scary moments (the ending especially deserves mention) makes Dead Space one of the best new franchises I got to play this year. Theres no doubting that improvements could be made in future installments of the series but for a debut, it's one hell of a debut that will please all that play it.

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5. GEARS OF WAR 2 (Xbox 360)

Gears of War 2.As most gamers will already know, making a sequel is a tough job. But making one that doesn't just meet expectation but surpasses it by a huge amount is a very rare sight in the Videogame Industry. So with pleasure I bring forward Epic's Gears of War 2 exclusive to the Xbox 360 console. This eagerly anticipated title answered almost all of the critisism I had of the original and provided a videogame experience only bettered by a few games this year. It was also a game that featured one of the saddest Videogame scenes in the history of this entertainment genre when Don finally finds his wife. For those that haven't yet played Gears of War 2 then I'll keep my mouth shut but for those that have, you'll know what a brilliantly directed moment that scene is. I don't often admit this, but even I found it very emotional. It's a great example of how far Videogames have come and what types of affect it can have on the user playing. It affected me more then any Hollywood film could and worth another look for those that wish to see this sad scene again. Gears of War 2 was a brilliant exclusive for the 360 this year, it's still in the air if the game will eventually see a PC release but it's worth buying a Xbox 360 alone just to experience this beautiful and breaktaking adventure be it online or offline. 

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4. LITTLEBIGPLANET (Playstation 3)

LittleBigPlanet.Though not THE most anticipated title hitting Sony's Playstation 3 this year, theres no doubt that due to E3 appearances and overall media coverage. LittleBigPlanet was an anticipated title by developers Media Molecule. Like all good games it had it's dash of controversy but in the process it was able to meet the huge expectation set on it's small Sackboy and Sackgirl shoulders to provide one of the best multiplayer games on any console this year. The game promised huge customizational game mechanics and wow did it provide such tools for the gamer. I shall admit to you dear readers that I haven't spent as much time working on my scary haunted mine level as much as I would have liked but you can easily be blown away with what you can truly create. Not to mention the games stunningly addictive multiplayer as you bash through levels with friends. Yes Xbox 360 fanboys may criticize it and those that play it. But any normal none fanboy gamer can appriate what as truly been created here. I've never had so much fun making things since my time in Primary School as a small little Gentleman messing with glue and cardboard. A must have for any PS3 owner, saying that all PS3 owners probably own the game anways.

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FIFA Football 09.This is a huge addition to my list this year, why you ask? well I gave up on the FIFA series around 2005 as the series slowly fell back futher and futher behind the king of all Football (Soccer to you yanks) games Pro Evolution Soccer. Well it looks like PES as been dethroned because EA Canada have done a simply stunning job with this years installment of one of EA's biggest franchisesr. The FIFA series is EA's soft cushion financially with it selling millions worldwide. Sadly this cushion as been a little to confortable for EA developers who have made poor attempts at trying to be unique compared to the PES series. Thankfully the guys and gals at EA Canada saw the light and have created a FIFA game that's a total pleasure to play. Theres way to many improvements to discuss here, but with it's vastly improved gameplay (which we got first signs of in Euro 2008) and simply brilliant Online 10 vs 10 matches makes FIFA 09 the best sports game of 2008 without a doubt. For me at least, not everyone loves football but a hell of a lot of this world does. Pro Evolution Soccer move over, FIFA is back to it's best.

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2. ROCK BAND 2 (Xbox 360 & PS3)

Rock Band 2.Despite the fact that we Europeans at to wait way to long for it's release this year (thanks Harmonix), I think it's easy to say that the wait was totally worth it. I will admit to wondering if HMX and EA just decided to released Rock Band 2 due to the new Guitar Hero hitting stores near the sametime. But it was more then just a cheap buck, Rock Band 2 is easily the ultimate version of Rock Band. It as been improved in almost all areas and is simply as addictive and fun as it ever was. The ability to play the tour on your own was a huge improvement and the originals many issues were all ironed out nicely for us gamers to all enjoy. But what made Rock Band 2 is the games setlist, which is easily the best setlist in any music rhythm game to date. Legends such as Bob Dylan and AC/DC all make appearances not to mention the amazing collection of DLC now picked up from the games music store. You couldn't ask for more from a music game, there is hours of fun to be had and I've simply been to addicted to it to get a review written up. So heres hoping I get around to writing one very soon. Rock Band 2 blows Guitar Hero out of the water, and as much as I want to hate HMX still. I can't help but clap them in creating such a truly special game. 

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MY GAME OF THE YEAR: METAL GEAR SOLID 4.I don't think I could praise this game anymore then the media already as. It's more then worthy to be many gamers Top Game of 2008 (unless your a Xbox 360 fanboy). I'm sure there will be some gamers who may disagree with me but this is my list and for me personally, Metal Gear Solid 4 is one of the best videogames I have ever played. It's hard to truly describe my feelings about this game in written word, but you don't need to be a PS3 fanboy to appriate what Kojima Productions have created here. It was my most anitcipated game of 2008 and it surpassed everything I had for it. It's beautiful, thrilling, stunning and so many other big words. Some may argue that it's the best videogame to feature on any of Sony's recent consoles. It's easily the best Metal Gear game to date though I'm sure some will disagree with such a statement. It as everything a Metal Gear fan wants. From classic nostalgia to stunning moments. I could name so many scenes that I was absolutely blown away by. It could be said that the cutscenes were to long, but I shall have to admit a great fondess for all of them. If cutscenes are done well then they are a pleasure to experience. 

Raiden's stunning return.Classic and new characters all made an appearance and it was clear Hideo Kojima and co looked back to the original Metal Gear Solid for lessons on creating the best Metal Gear experience for todays gamers. Solid Snake (Old Snake) went down in history as one of the best characters created in any form of entertainment and I was over the dull English moon to see Raiden return. I was one of what seemed like only four other people who enjoyed Raiden in Metal Gear Solid 2. But there was something for everyone and best of all it wrapped up a story (for the most part) that almost looked impossible to wrap up. So many amazing moments from the beginning to the brilliant end will be stuck in gamers minds for years to come and it deserves all the huge credit it gets.

Legendary Old Snake.If you are yet to play Metal Gear Solid 4 then what are you waiting for, if I were Primeminster I would make every 18+ human being play this game by law. Some of you maybe reading this and thinking 'he's talking about that terrible game' and fine, think that way. But for me MGS4 goes down as one of the most beautiful videogames of all time. It's an emotional rollercoaster for any Metal Gear fan and theres a good many eye watering moments not to mention some of the beautifully crafted songs featured throughout the game. I don't think any game was going to top MGS4 this year, even the addictive Rock Band 2. It's one of those games that you'll be telling your grandchildren about when your 80. It deserves to be remembered because it as been created with such care and is a pleasure to play again and again.

Speaking of which, I decided that I would play my GOTY through again in the coming days. Since deciding for sure that it was Metal Gear Solid 4, I have thought about experience the whole MGS series yet again from Twin Snakes to The Guns of the Patriots like I did when it was first released earlier this year. Call me mad, but it will be worth it because I did such a thing before MGS4's release was worth it just to play some of the best games ever made. I'm sure for many gamers Gears of War 2 will be sitting here on their lists and it deserves to be. Any of my top games could deserve to be here. But none of them thrilled me or emotionally drove me more then MGS4 did. Say what you will, even the most hardcore 360 fan can't deny that MGS4 is deserving of it's place at the top of gamers lists. It was such a legendary ending to such a legendary Videogame icon in Solid Snake.

AND FINALLY....

Thank you for taking the time to look at my Top Ten Games of 2008, I hope it's a list that will create some discussion and maybe even some arguements because that's what we gamers do best. As I have always said, every gamer is different so I'm sure your Top Ten Games of 2008 would or is different to mine and I will be checking some out soon. Please keep it mind that I am passionate about Videogames, I have strong thoughts and feelings concerning this form of entertainment and a deeply love to discuss them on sites such as this. With this passion I think I have created a list for me to be proud of. I will admit to taking time when considering each addition on my top games list and it was hard for me to cut certain ones out simply because I have enjoyed so many games this year. It's debatable if 2008 as been a better gaming year then 2007 but whatever you think, we did get to play some amazing games and roll on 2009 when we can experience some Resident Evil 5 and so much more. So Thank You for reading this and have a Merry New Year!


Written by Joseph Bayliss (TrueEnglishGent)
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