In fact, I had a blast playing a number of games that were released for the other current-ish systems I own. Here are the ones I considered the cream of the crop, as they say:
* Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom (PSP)--If you read my "somewhat gay" review of this game, you're likely a bit shocked that I decided to include this release, which was published in North America by Aksys Games, here. So am I, to tell you the truth. While thinking back on all the titles I played this year, though, I kept coming back to this one. Although I still think it's more of a novel than a video game, it did a surprisingly great job of keeping me interested in its goings-on from start to finish--which is something that can't be said of every game these days.
* Kirby Mass Attack (DS)--Of all the titles included in this post, this is the one I've spent the least time with thus far. Still, I've experienced enough of it to know it's an enjoyably unique game--and one that I'll surely return to next year when I inevitably find myself without anything new to play.
* Rhythm Heaven Fever (Wii)--It's amazing how many hours you can spend playing a single game when you set your mind to it. I say that because I'm pretty sure I clocked well over 20 hours with Rhythm Heaven Fever during its first week in my possession. Was it because of the adorably wacky graphics? The toe-tapping soundtrack? The "just one more time, I swear" gameplay? I have a feeling it was all three--and then some.
* Spelunky (XBLA)--You know how sometimes you look forward to something (like a game) for so long that when you get your hands on it at long last you experience a letdown? Well, I was more than a bit worried that would happen to me once I finally acquired Spelunky, as I'd been waiting for the XBLA version for what seemed like ages. Thankfully, it didn't. On the contrary, I've enjoyed this tough-as-nails (and surprisingly precious) platformer more than I even imagined I would--although it would be nice to actually "beat" it at some point.
* Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)--That I haven't yet completed this open-world RPG is criminal, if you ask me. I can't even tell you why I left it at an unfinished state early this summer (although I have a feeling a quick trip "home" may have had something to do with it). What I can tell you is that I pretty much loved every minute I played of it until that point. (I say "pretty much loved" because I found a few aspects--like the camera in general and one boss battle in particular--to be irksome.) Here's hoping I'm able to work my way back into--and through--this sentimental journey in 2013.
See also: Past 'favorite games of the year' posts
27 comments:
Great picks, as always! I have to say none of these are a huge surprise, but I'd forgotten how much you liked Spelunky! I had a lot of fun with Rhythm Heaven Fever, but it was definitely my least favorite in the series. How did you find it stacked up to the other two? Personally, I just didn't find the songs themselves as catchy as the previous two! I wonder why. Of course, the wrestling one alone almost makes up for any issues I have with the game ;)
I became such a Rhythm Heaven junkie after I bought the DS game because it was a good offer on Amazon. I just looooooove the Wii game! It's so cute and funny!
Really interesting choices Bryan, thank you for a good read ^^~
All three Rhythm Heaven games are awesome, Lizzi! You really should give the first one a try someday if you can find a copy for a reasonable price. It's a lot like the Wii version, but better :)
Thanks, Kimimi! Also, once again the Disqus Goddesses allowed your comment through. Huzzah!! ;)
A quick note to my friend Anne (aka apricotsushi), who tried to leave a comment here earlier today: I've thoroughly loved all three of the Rhythm Heaven/Tengoku games, so I have a hard time saying I like one more than the others. If forced, though, I'd probably say the first one (for GBA) is my favorite, followed by the DS and then the Wii ones. Also, I do think it could be said that Fever has fewer stand-out tracks/mini-games than its predecessors, which I guess would imply that Fever is the 'worst' of the three--although IMO it is by no means a bad (or even less-than-great) game.
I just recently got back to Xenoblade Chronicles-- played 7 1/2 hours straight! It's really something. Perhaps it will make the game of the year in my annual awards ceremony! Perhaps not!
Seven-and-a-half hours STRAIGHT, Phillip? Woof! I guess it really drew you in. I can't see myself playing it for that long at one sitting next year, but I do hope to spend a good amount of time with it. Anyway, I look forward to reading your 'annual rewards' post(s) in the coming days/weeks--whether or not it includes Xenoblade Chronicles :)
Xenoblade - tsk tsk tsk
That's all I'll say :p
Ha ha! Well, I do deserve that, don't I? It's not like I can't get back to it, though. I just ... lack the interest right now, for some dumb reason. Anyway, if the interest doesn't return on its own early next year, I'll just have to nudge it along a bit :)
BTW, Igor, what were *your* favorite games of the last year?
That's hard to say. I'm tempted to say Xenoblade, but technically that came out last year, even though I finished it this year. That's really the only memorable game for me this year. Can't think of anything else...
I keep forgetting that you guys got Xenoblade quite some time before we did. Still, I think you can count it if you want :) Anyway, NO other game caught your attention this year? If so, that's kind of sad!
Just trying to think of the games that came out this year.
The Last Story - yea not bad, but for me it never reached the pinacle of Xenoblade.
Paper Mario - can't really say either way since I'm currently playing it
Can I say a console? I would say Wii U haha
Can't think of any games.
I can't comment on Denpamen as I haven't given it a good go.
Bit of a off topic question: have you tried Crimson Shroud? I got and played a little. Nice mix of old school RPG mixed with tabletop style D&D with a touch of JRPG haha
Just to cheekily add: I'm sure I may have named Luigi's Mansion if it came out this year :p haha
It's interesting to me how varied opinions are when it comes to The Last Story vs. Xenoblade. I swear just have many people have told me they prefer Xenoblade to Last Story as have told me the reverse!
Strangely, I'm not all that interested in The Last Story, so I probably won't pick it up or give it a try. Which I'm sure is a shame to some, but my backlog's already a mile long so why add a game to it that I'm not all that interested in?
As for the rest of the game you mentioned: I understand. I'm especially on the fence about Paper Mario: Sticker Star, by the way. I enjoyed what I played of it right after I got it, but I've felt little compulsion to return to it. Hmmm.
As for picking the Wii U: Of course you can! I'm kind of surprised you aren't naming a Wii U game along with it, though. What's keeping you from mentioning Nintendo Land, for instance?
Oh, and I haven't yet picked up Crimson Shroud, but I will definitely do so after the start of the year--along with Aero Porter and Crashmo, I think. It sounds too interesting to pass up!
Ah, yes, that's understandable, too. And, really, it *should* have been out this year! Sigh.
While Nintendo Land is a good game to have, as it shows off what you can do with the system, I can't really say if I would consider it the game of the year as I haven't played the other games (I only have NSMBU) to compare against (and they're mostly ports). I think the more interesting games are coming out in the first few months of next year.
But just thinking about Wii U I would said Miiverse is a brilliant idea: a built in gaming social network. For those crying over no Achievements in the Wii U - be creative, make your own and post it in Miiverse!! Stuck in the game? Ask in the Miiverse! Feeling silly or good about a game? Post your thoughts about the game in Miiverse (with or without screenshots).
So how about I name Miiverse as my software of the year? :p
(and can't wait until it arrives on the 3DS and becomes accessible from any web browser!)
Choosing Miiverse works for me, Igor--especially based on all of the other positive comments I've heard/read about it.
BTW, I also can't wait for Nintendo to extend it to the 3DS. Hopefully sometime next year?
I think in the next month or so. Remember when that person found the debug screen of Miiverse? Showed Yoshi Land Wii U and other things? It looked like a list of communities for Miiverse. Soul Hackers was on the list and that is a 3DS game that Atlus has just announced a spring 2013 release time frame (tho I'm not expecting to see Soul Hackers till end of 2013 or even early 2014 due to it being Atlus)
Well, I'd be ecstatic if it were extended to the 3DS in the next month or so, Igor! Also, I really, REALLY hope that Yoshi Land Wii U rumor comes true. The world needs more Yoshi! :P
Good luck getting through Xenoblade. I put in 65 hours and made the conscious decision to quit. TOO MUCH!
Really? Did you give up because it seemed like it was never going to end or something?
Don't give up!
Is that aimed at me or Justin, Igor? If it's aimed at me, don't worry, I won't give up :)
Thinking about it now, I would say both! haha!
Makes sense to me :P
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