My 7 Most Enjoyable Games This Year So Far

Ok to start off with, this list ISN’T games that came out this year, it’s the 7 games I either discovered, or really sat down and played for the first time this year so far. These are the games I am glad to own, and wouldn’t want to be without ever again.

NUMBER 7:

Released: Febuary 12, 2009

Flower is a hard game to explain, in fact in actuality it can’t be called a game. It’s an experience, and downright amazing one at that. A game that truly finds its home on the PS3, it’s a gorgeous, easily controlled masterpiece with a loving, calm soundtrack, and a completely wordless, yet emotional connection. If you own a PS3 and HAVEN’T experienced the best example of gaming as an art form, there is something wrong with you. Also, do yourself a favor, pay the 3 bucks and get the soundtrack from the PSN, it’s worth it for the relaxation you get from the soft tunes.

Number 6:

Released: March 10, 2010


Having played this title no less 4 times since I learned about it on the spectacular podcast “This Week in Games” hosted by Jason “Lordkat” Pullara and Micheal “Skitch” Schiciano (hosted at lordkat.com), shows this game has staying power. Taking place “5 minutes into the future of 1988,“ this game plays out by having the player dial BBS systems from his terminal, with a GUI that is almost an exact copy of the Amiga Workbench from way back. A great soundtrack along with a stunning awesome story makes for one of the best indie games I’ve played this year.

Number 5:

Released: March 22, 2010

I’ve known of Cave Story for a few years now, having played and completely enjoyed the freeware PC version. So why does the Wiiware version, despite having some flaws (that a patch IS on the way for) make it on here instead of the original? To start with, the enhanced graphics are the best starting point, all the sprite-work for the characters was redone by Pixel himself, giving the game a vast new level of detail. The Wiiware version runs at a smooth 60FPS, which makes the game feel smoother than the PC’s 50. Also, the game just feels RIGHT on an NES style control layout.

Number 4:

Released: March 23, 2010

The first Direct X 10 only game I have ever played or owned, Just Cause 2 gives you a kick ass physics system that throws realism out the window for “OMG!!! That was awesome!” Along side that is a beautiful island to explore by way of vehicle or parachute/grappling hook, and all the exploding and shooting toys you could ever want. Blow up whatever you want, that’s what you are there for!

Number 3:

Released: August 24, 2009

This title is harder to find since it’s no longer being produced. Featuring Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption all on a single disc, with the flawless Wii controls. Add to that enhanced textures and a steel book casing, and the art booklet that comes with as well and there is no reason not to own this if you are a Wii owner. This is a must have.

Number 2:

November 12, 2009

I bought the Gold Edition of X3, which comes with both, X3: Reunion and X3: Terran Conflict, however I have only really played the latter. A space simulation game in which you can do what you want, when you want, the game is a lovely game to set eyes on, with it’s graphics pushing huge numbers of polygons at any given time, along with the great shading work, you can’t believe how good this game looks until actually seeing it running live. The game is complex, which is the biggest drawback, so expect to spend a lot of time learning what things do. The game can be enhanced with a cockpit mod, and a mod that allows you to save anywhere. By default you can only save while docked, but are able to save in space with insurance, that costs 3k credits for one. Originally I thought it was awesome, but once you start getting into missions that call for long travels then combat that you can lose (pretty easy if you aren’t careful), then you start to wonder why saving anywhere isn’t there. Even so it’s a brilliant game, with a HUGE soundtrack (over 100 songs) and quite a few of them are very well done and make you feel like you’re floating in the huge emptiness of space.

Number 1:

Released: October 30, 2003

This is a game I feel guilty about. I feel guilty about it because I had the opportunity to play it long ago, but never did. I played Oblivion for quite some time, until Steam’s Winter Sale this last year, when I got Morrowind for 5 bucks. I’ve pumped 55 hours into the game so far and still feel guilty about passing on this game all those years ago. With a superb storyline, a diverse and lively world, and the whole werewolf thing, it keeps bringing me back. With texture and mesh enhancement mods, as well as the “it’s totally needed now” Morrowind Graphics Extender, I have distant land draw distances that make Oblivion blush, and water that is some of the best looking in any game, oh right and sun rays, like in Crysis.


Honorable Mentions: These are games that I have played, but haven’t gotten quite the enjoyment or playtime out of as the listed games:

Vindictus
X3: Reunion
Broken Sword series