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| Video Game News |
| Best Of 2005! Part 1: The Best and Worst Games of the Year |
| by Sean Rhodes |
Video Games all in all had a fairly good year this year, especially come the last four months. While Nintendo didn't have a great year on the Gamecube, the Nintendo DS certainly picked up. The twenty five best games are in no particular order (they're done by release date), and neither are the worst really, but hey, I'm sure there's something here for everyone!
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So let's get started! Each system had it's own, but there are twenty five games that came out this year I think everyone will enjoy. No particular order here.
1. Resident Evil 4
Consoles: Gamecube and Playstation 2
Perhaps the best game the Gamecube received this year, and with a release on the PS2, it's everywhere. Taking time from the same old zombie kill fest, it sets its eye on taking on a cult. Bringing back Leon from Resident Evil 2, this marks what may be the best Resident Evil in the series since! With an enhanced aiming system, it marks another revolution in gaming!
2. Gran Turismo 4
Console: Playstation 2
There is no better racing series than Gran Turismo. Gran Turismo 4 may be the best looking Playstation 2 game you'll ever get a hold of. Blowing away the rest of the competition in racing, with some of the best mechanics in a game. Definitely the best of the lot for the serious racer in 2005
3. Devil May Cry 3
Console: Playstation 2
It's about time! Devil May Cry 2 was perhaps one of the worst sequels in gaming history, but at least Devil May Cry 3 serves as a delightful apology. The only problem of course being how freakin' hard this game is!
4. God of War
Console: Playstation 2
This may be one of the greatest action/adventure games ever made! An epic among epics, and you can't deny that Kratos is one hell of an amazing character! God of War is a timeless classic that will be around for years to come!
5. Lumines
Console: PSP
Yes, the PSP did have some goodness this year, and Lumines was it. If you don't have a DS (where Meteos came by, made by the same company) then Lumines is more than enough. Lumines is perhaps the most addictive puzzler since Tetris, and it deserves it with good reason too. Even hardcore "manly" gamers will like Lumines!
6. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Console: XBOX
The Metal Gear Solid rival was the stealth game to get this year. Sam Fisher marks one of the most well likeable protagonists in gaming history. Plus, you get two player co-op mode as well as a four player versus mode! Metal Gear Solid eat your heart out!
7. Jade Empire
Console: XBOX
After the success of Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic I and II, how do you follow that up? With Jade Empire of course! It makes a great substitute for the lackluster title "Fable" was. And if you find yourself getting all Star Warsed out, Jade Empire makes the perfect substitute.
8. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Console: Game Boy Advance
Yes, the Gameboy Advance still lives. Well, sort of. Fire Emblem has always been a good tactical game on the GBA. It is, without a doubt, one of the best games you could possibly get on the GBA right now!
9. Advance Wars Dual Strike
Console: Nintendo DS
This was the first real worthwhile title besides Super Mario 64DS worth getting on your Nintendo DS. It's on this list for good reason too. As one of the most addicting tactical games to embrace the DS (well, the only one, really) it's got it where it counts. Incredible depth and it truly utilizes the DS!
10. Nintendogs
Console: Nintendo DS
Look at these little guys? Aren't they cute? Who needs a neopet when you've got a Nintendog? The bestselling Nintendo DS game of all time (thus far) is truly something worth while for the whole family to enjoy. That's if you actually let them get a hold of it!
11. Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks
Consoles: Playstation 2, XBOX
Mortal Kombat has come a long way since it's release way back in the early 90's. The series responsible for the ESRB rating system does take time to advance. After Deadly Deception the series has slowly been enhanced and Shaolin Monks is no exception. Plus, there's cooperative play in this one. Yeah, it's safe to place Shaolin Monks on this list.
12. X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocolypse
Consoles: Playstation 2, XBOX, Gamecube, PSP
Finally, an X-Men game that doesn't suck. That alone make it worthy of this list. Think about it, an X-Men game you won't have to take back to the store (well, the first Legends was good as well). Action mixed in with a few RPG elements make the style of this game rather unique. Hardcore X-Men fans should own this no matter what.
13. Indigo Prophecy
Consoles: Playstation 2, XBOX, PC
So, you're the killer... and the guy trying to catch the killer... is you? What the hell? This is no joke, this is Indigo Prophecy! A game that gives you a chance to hunt down yourself. A style of gameplay is introduced here, and it works. An interactive story where you basically try to catch yourself. Your actions will take the story in different directions. It's possible to end the game righ at the beginning!
14. Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood
Consoles: Playstation 2, XBOX
War games have had quite a run lately, and this is no different. It's intense and makes a fantastic substitute for Medal of Honor if you're tired of waiting for the next one. Perfection of war can be found here.
15. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Console: Nintendo DS
Yes, it got here, and it was perfect! Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow marks the first real sequel in the Castlevania series. You continue from where the GBA smash, Aria of Sorrow left off. It's because of this game that I can say you need to own a DS!
16. F.E.A.R.
Console: PC
If Stephen King ever made a video game, F.E.A.R. would probably be it. It's combat is unmatched, and its horror elements are unparalleled. Twist and turns make this one really fine title for your PC. This is a fantastic First Person Shooter, and it deserves to make this list!
17. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Console: Gamecube
Yes, there actually WAS a title on Gamecube worth getting this year! Fire Emblem. Of course, you can always go for the GBA version if you don't have a Gamecube. But on the Gamecube you get a very involving story and intricate strategies to win. Alright, so you'll get that with the GBA version as well, but it's about time Fire Emblem actually returned to the console!
18. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Console: PSP
While the PSP didn't make nearly as big an impact this holiday season as it could've, there are at least more games worth getting for it this holiday season than the Nintendo DS had last year. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is one of them. Bringing the gameplay from the console versions, it's the perfect GTA carry around!
19. Sid Meier's Civilization IV
Console: PC
Unique, flexible, and easy to get into, Civilization IV is a game that even newbies to the series can get into. It's addictive, fun and challenging! Not to mention, it's intellectually stimulating.
20. Soul Calibur III
Console: Playstation 2
Sure it may just be a rehashed Soul Calibur II, but it has it's own unique structure that makes it fun! No hidden unqiue character either, but still, you'll have more fun with this than you will with any other figher out there right now. Okay, this assuming you're NOT counting Super Smash Brothers Melee as a fighter!
21. GUN
Consoles: Playstation 2, Gamecube, XBOX, XBOX360
Wild West games this good almost never come around. A different take on the west than usually demonstrated in video games, this has dynamic gameplay and cinematics, granting it a staple on this list!
22. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Console: Playstation 2
It took eight titles, but Dragon Quest finally has a staple in America! Fun fast-paced battle system, and an engaging storyline make this the RPG to get this year! Especially with the complete lack of them!
23. King Kong
Consoles: Playstation 2, XBOX, XBOX360, Gamecube
Stay away from the Nintendo DS version! But on the plus side, this is a game based off a movie that's actually GOOD! A fairly hard find in the world of gaming. King Kong is not only a fun game to play, but a gorgeous game to look at! The gameplay mechanics shine in this game, and it's availible on every system!
24. Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time
Console: Nintendo DS
Fans of Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga should pick up this game. It's hilarious, fun, and has an overall good nature. Challening puzzles, but it makes excellent use of the Dual Screen!
25. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
Consoles: Playstation 2, XBOX, Gamecube
The trilogy comes to an excellent conclusion in this title. The same old running and jumping on walls, but speed kills make this game downright incredible and more fun to play. Forget all the trial and error moments, it makes great use of not just it's gameplay mechanics, but criticism that plagued the second game as well, turning it into a story element (the Dark Prince).
Honorable Mentions:
Mario Kart DS
Console: Nintendo DS
This deserves your attention in everyway. DS owners would be wise to invest in this, especially if they want to experience Nintendo's Incredible Wi-Fi connection!
Animal Crossing: Wild World
Console: Nintendo DS
This game was not made for a console, but for a handheld, and on the Nintendo DS it's absolutely stunning. It's addictive, and the game you may want to get if Nintendogs just doesn't work for ya.
(Top Ten disappointments of 2005 is on the next page below)
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