TrueEnglishGent - 2009 Videogame Awards!
The future is here my friends, and although we are yet to enjoy the wonders of hoverboards, nor have I gone to the moon yet, I am still rather excited to talk about the past year for videogames. I won't lie, it didn't match 2008 for being a thrill a minute gaming year, but that doesn't mean there wasn't some top titles worthy of awards and your love. Now I've almost forced myself to get around...
Now it should be noted that I'm going to mention a few awards that the Giantbomb crew themselves touched on, no I'm not going to copy them as that's not my style. But a few of these awards are often mentioned on multiple videogame sites and I felt that I to should be allowed to provide winners.
So shall we begin, no? Well I'm going to anyway!
WINNER: ROCK BAND 2
Harmonix Music Systems While the fabulous four from Liverpool might have made their musical rhythm game debut this past year, it was the franchise that started it all that truly kept me stuck in my virtual rock star world. Rock Band 2 as had yet another strong year when it comes to the downloadable content and great credit is due for developers Harmonix Music Systems for keeping their promise of continuous downloadable songs months, even years after the games original release. Plus it's not all about the Rock, anyone whose kept up with Harmonix's most recent offerings will know that a number of music genres are cared for, from the soothing and cool sounds of soul to the cheerful American country music. But there's even more. I haven't even touched on the continued released of track packs for those without internet connections, packs that often include songs not available on the online store. Plus how can I not mention the mouth watering potential of the Rock Band Network, a new content service which launches in the next few months, that alone could change the genre and industry as a whole. Rock Band 2 is the game that keeps me thinking I'm cool, when actually I look like a total nerd.
Runners-up: FIFA 09, Wipeout HD, GRID.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: NATHAN DRAKE
Voice Actor: Nolan North There were a few noticeable nominees for this one, though the actual winner wasn't exactly hard to choose. After all, what hasn't Nolan North been in this year when it comes to videogames. The rather talented North as stated in interviews that when they ask for him to voice a character, they usually just want Nathan Drake. Nolan is a man of many voices, but you can't blame developers simple want for that classic Nathan Drake voice when it's become such a popular icon of both character and game. Even back in Drake's Fortune you saw potential with this latest Playstation figurehead, but it wasn't until Among Thieves that Drake truly got the media attention. And what's not to like about Drake. Often rude, over confident and lacking of a plan when it comes to serious situations, he always somehow comes out of it alive and finds a way to beat the bad guy. You could argue that he's a Indiana Jones copycat, but I didn't fine Indiana anywhere near as interesting as I find Drake. Here's hoping that future adventures reveal more about this very likeable rogue of a character.
Runners-up: Bowser, Cole McGrath, Harry Flynn .
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: FLOWER
thatgamecompany / Sony Computer Entertainment There are people who say that videogames can never become pieces of art, this is something I deeply disagree with. I believe it fully possible for developers to offer a uniquely deep experience that is worthy of being called 'artistic'. No more is this true then the Playstation Network exclusive title 'Flower' which caused months of debate after it's release. Some call it a dull tech demo, others call it a masterpiece of technical achievement. Me personally, well I sit in between. Flower was definitely an highlight of my year when it came to videogame experiences. Uniquely different for each and everyone who 'played' it. Flower was both a treat for both ears and eyes. Proving that games can offer a level of artistic beauty that doesn't always require huge guns, massive explosions and breasts.Like all good piece of art, Flower was hated by some and loved by others.
Runners-up: Assassins Creed II, The Beatles: Rock Band.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: WIPEOUT HD FURY EXPANSION
Studio Liverpool / Sony Computer EntertainmentWhile I have a love/hate relationship with most pieces of downloadable content that I experience, the Fury Expansion was easily the best new content I enjoyed this past year. Building upon solid if sometimes lacklustre foundations with the original Wipeout HD content released in 2008, Fury truly added some fire to this wonderful PSN title. One of my most played games of the year and one that I just can't help coming back to from time to time. Featuring stylish new ships, crazy new tracks and some killer new race modes, Fury offered the kind of Wipeout experience that made the franchise famous in the first place. Oh, did I mention it's wonderful soundtrack and that it's an amazing visual treat on your PS3. Runners-up: Abbey Road album (The Beatles: Rock Band), GTA4: The Lost and Damned. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: SHADOW COMPLEX
Chair Entertainment / Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios Xbox 360's Summer of Arcade felt a little flat this year compared to 2008, but that's not to say that there wasn't any titles worthy of your attention. One such title came from developers Chair Entertainment in conjunction with Epic Games. Shadow Complex made a stir upon it's release, both as a game and for political reasons. But one thing was for sure, it was a fine downloadable game that most Xbox 360 owners have at some point played. Based around the core gameplay concepts of the Metroidvania style of game, Shadow Complex offered a thrill few downloadable games could hope to achieve. Strange and new to those who had never experienced a Metroid or Castlevania game before, but familiar and welcoming to those who still adore that classic style of game. Shadow Complex was a total treat for all and easily the best downloadable game of 2009. Runners-up: Shatter.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: SHATTER
Sidhe Interactive As each year goes by, it seems videogame soundtracks get better and better. Orchestral scores become more personal, almost emotionally driven and developers are learning that a good soundtrack can make or break a gaming experience for many gamers. But while epic orchestral scores are all well and good, it was the simple form of techno that won me over for this award. The Shatter Soundtrack is easily one of the best in gaming history, one I keep listening to months after the games release. Created by artist Module, this soundtrack as been celebrated and awarded by many in the gaming industry. Deserving it is to. Runners-up: InFamous, Assassins Creed 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now to take a small break, I realized that there are quite a few awards there already. But to be honest I originally wanted to spread them out, but I don't have the time so I decided it simpler to put them together and hope for the best. But next up are my platform specific winners for Game of the Year.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: HENRY HATSWORTH IN THE PUZZLING ADVENTURE
EA Tiburon / EA GamesThe Nintendo DS had a mixed year for me, at the beginner of 2009 I was in love with the little dual screen beast, playing it whenever I could. But a lack of truly exciting titles and Nintendo's continuous attempts to spoon-feed us more slightly changed revisions of the same portable console left me with a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth. Still there were a few highlights this year, without a doubt the most fun I had was with the EA Tiburon developed game Henry Hatsworth In The Puzzling Adventure. An odd, but often wonderful game that never let up on doing what it does best. Maybe it's the English patriot somewhere within me, but it made me wish that all posh English adventurers could suddenly turn themselves into enemies crushing robots. Still, an interesting mix of puzzle-like platforming left a deep impression on me, and I hope we haven't seen the last of the wonderful if rather confused Mr Hatsworth.
Runners-up: Big Bang Mini, Rhythm Heaven.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: DEAD SPACE: EXTRACTION
Eurocom Entertainment Software / Visceral Games / EA Games 2009 was sadly the year I realized the Nintendo Wii really wasn't a console suited for my style or needs. But there were a few games I got a slight kick out of this year, with the most noticeable being Dead Space: Extraction. Now I'm sure like many of you, I laughed when I heard EA Games were bringing the Dead Space experience to the Nintendo Wii. It was wrong of me to do so, especially when it ended being such a fun little game. Yes the development team can renamed it what they want, but this rail-shooter was still a blast to play and kept that wonderful Dead Space experience throughout. It didn't tell the most exciting of stories, and was a little light on modes. But what do you expect from a on rails shooter? One cannot forget the rather impressive visuals to, Extraction offered one of the most visually interesting treats on Nintendo's popular motion controlled console this year.
Runners-up: Punch-Out!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: SHADOW COMPLEX
Chair Entertainment / Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios Maybe it speaks for Microsoft's exclusive offerings this year, that a download only game as been named my Xbox 360 only game of the year. There wasn't a huge amount of exciting exclusive titles hitting Microsoft's console in 2009. Something that I found rather puzzling especially considering the strong year the PS3 had. Still, there was at least one game worthy of my attention and that was Chair Entertainment's Shadow Complex. A Metroidvania inspired title, that was easily the highlight of a rather bland Summer of Arcade. Providing gameplay and progression that was familiar to some and new to others, Shadow Complex wasn't the perfect example of a Metroidvania game, but it was easily the best in recent years. Mixing classic formulas with new and exciting gameplay twists, such as the ability to shoot into the background environment and technology that made it look like a full priced worthy disc experience. Shadow Complex was the complete addictive package. I just wish I could get around to playing more often. Runners-up: Halo: ODST.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS
Bioware / EA GamesFew games have the abilities to scare me as a gamer, I don't mean scare as in fright. But as in 'how the feck am I going to complete this game'. While I originally tried to complete Dragon Age: Origins and review it, I honestly decided it best I leave it. Not because it's a bad game, oh no. Because I wanted to see my family every so often. I have every intention of completing Dragon Age, but of the 20 or so hours I put into the game, it was clear that Bioware had done it again and created both a universe and lore that interested me in almost every way. Gameplay that was old school while being also fresh in it's own way, a classic game that I sense will be fondly remembered for years. Oh and did I mention the downloadable content that Bioware have promised. A treat on both PC and console. Runners-up: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Empire: Total War.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: LITTLEBIGPLANET
Media Molecule / SCE Cambridge / Sony Computer Entertainment When I first heard that Sony and Media Molecule were looking to bring the vastness and wonderment of the LittleBigPlanet universe to the PSP, I thought they were mad. But yet again I was proven wrong, with the final result being a special little platformer worthy of anyone's time. Impressively, they were able to get most of what made the PS3 version of LittleBigPlanet so wonderful onto that small portable system and in such a fun easy to use way. Considering the limitations of the PSP's hardware when compared to the PS3, it's an impressive feat. LittleBigPlanet PSP was one of the most enjoyable titles I played this year, making me smile due to the wonderful creations by both developer and the community surrounding the game. All the content level creation tools were on offer and you could spent hours building levels and letting time go by. There were a few highlights for me on PSP this year, with the PSP Go launching I didn't exactly get to experience many of the PSP Mini games Sony launched, but I got enough to gain a new respect for the platform. A respect that was lacking since the platforms launch.
Runners-up: Patapon 2, GTA: Chinatown Wars. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNER: UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES
Naughty Dog Inc / Sony Computer Entertainment I begin each year hoping that at least one titles thrills me to levels I never knew existed, it sounds odd I know. But games have the ability to do that to you from time to time, it doesn't occur very often, but when it does you'll be speaking about it for years to come. The PS3 had a very strong year in 2009, I could have mentioned a good few titles, but one in particular got me excited like a baby who'd just swollen a bag of candy. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was a thrill ride a minute, many games try to offer a movie-like experience and usually fail in doing so. But Uncharted 2 proved that such a feat is possible, except it didn't totally succeed. Among Thieves surpassed anything a movie could hope to achieve and more. Visually stunning, enjoyable gameplay that almost always felt perfect and a story that Indiana Jones would be jealous of. I'm more then confident is saying that Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was one of the best games I've played in the years I've been alive.
Runners-up: InFamous, Killzone 2.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We'll leave it at that for now, I had a few other awards that I haven't put up but maybe I shall do so sometime in the near future. Of course I shall also be putting up my top ten games of the year at some point, though even now I can't decide on the perfect order of each and every game. As you can hopefully tell from the winners, 2009 was yet another fine year for videogames and lets hope 2010 can match it. I appreciate the time you've taken to read this, please comment on my choices if you wish.
Thanks for Reading, and much love!
Follow me on Twitter: JosephBayliss
