18th October 2009 - Every year almost all gaming publications reveal their choice for Game of the Year (GOTY). In this article we look at 6 games that have been released that should be considered for the award come year’s end.
Resident Evil 5:
Capcom have been one of the premier developers of this generation. In Resident Evil 5, they produced outstanding graphics and action packed gameplay that made Resident Evil 5 popular not only with fans of the series, but action game fans in general. Although partly criticized for not being a “pure” Resident Evil game, no-one could argue what an achievement the game was. Resident Evil 5 brought online multiplayer (other than co-op) to the series but probably wasn’t necessary for this to still be considered for GOTY.
Fifa 10:
Although only just released, those that have played Fifa 10 have realized what an improvement it is over the excellent Fifa 09. Streaking ahead of its main rival, the Pro Evolution series in recent years, Fifa 10 is the culmination of all the changes and features EA have been implementing and developing over the last couple of years in Fifa 08 and Fifa 09. Fifa 10 feels and looks as good as any soccer or sports game to date and will be hard for Pro Evo 2010 to match. Although sports games don’t traditionally win GOTY, Fifa 10’s sheer quality should at least make it a highly considered nominee.
Batman: Arkham Asylum:
Superhero games don’t often turn out well. There is the occasional good game like X-Men Origins: Wolverine released earlier in the year, but most are just cash-ins on the name. Batman: Arkham Asylum bucks this trend and turns out as one of the standout games of 2009. Although no multiplayer mode, the game sucks the player in with awesome graphics, great atmosphere and engaging gameplay. A definite contender for the crown.
Halo 3: ODST:
The Halo series is one of the most popular console series ever. Halo 3 smashed sales records at launch and is still one of the most popular 360 games to date. Some did criticize Halo 3 for its less than striking visuals and somewhat stale campaign. However, enter Halo 3: ODST. ODST is Bungie’s 2nd to last game in the Halo series, with the last being Halo: Reach which is due out late 2010. ODST is the first Halo game not to feature the Master Chief, instead putting you in the role of an ODST. The game’s campaign is slightly different to the traditional Halo experience and although short, is an engaging experience with a good storyline. Some say that ODST is what Halo 3 should have been. With slightly improved visuals and a new Firefight mode which is similar to Gears 2’s Horde mode, and the complete Halo 3 multiplayer experience with a few added maps on a separate disk, Halo 3: ODST is great value and is a game that should be considered one of the standouts in 2009.
Killzone 2:
Shooting games traditionally fair well in GOTY considerations. With Infinity Wards COD: Modern Warfare 2 due out soon, it will take a very good game to top it. Although released some 8 months ago, Killzone 2 could very well stand up and knock the might Modern Warfare 2 off its perch. Killzone 2 is one of Sony’s flagship PS3 titles and sports some of the best graphics seen to date, awesome 7.1 sound, a frenetic and compelling campaign and a great online multiplayer mode with full stat tracking and clan management through the KZ2 website, similar to the one Bungie created for Halo 3. Also, a feature normally found in 3rd person shooters, KZ2 introduced a clever cover system which further adds to the sweet gameplay. Killzone 2 is a definite contender for GOTY and should not be forgotten when deciding who gets the coveted award.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Uncharted 2 has only been out for a matter of days and the impact that it has had already has been awesome. The review scores all over have been near perfect. The graphics have been heralded as the best yet and the introduction of a great online multiplayer mode has PS3 owners excited. Uncharted 2 is becoming a big reason why we all should run out and get a PS3 if we haven’t already, which is a testament to how good this game is. Could we be declaring the GOTY Award already? Only time will see, but it is going to take one hell of a game to knock this from the number 1 spot this year.
Well there you have it, come December these 6 great games should be at the forefront of our minds when deciding what game truly is the 2009 Game of the Year.
Article Written by Craig Cirillo