Tonight, we’re finishing Deadly Creatures and the fifteenth series of Backlog, which means that the time has come for the community to vote on our next challenge. The theme this time around is “Better Living through Science Fiction,” and we have a selection of futuristic games to choose from.
Read the selections and make your choice in the comments. And don’t forget to tune in to Backlog every weeknight at 8pm Pacific on Destructoid’s Justin.tv channel!
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
Developed by Capcom
Released on December 21st, 2006
I think I’ve played the beginning of Lost Planet about four times in total. I don’t think I’ve played outside of the first five missions of the game. Hell, it’s possible that I’ve spent more time playing its sequel at shows and events during its development than this one.
I’m aware that there are some considerable flaws but I’m still enchanted by the snowy landscape and the idea of keeping heat levels up. I want to play this, yet that desire never seems urgent enough. Feel free to urge me if you like.
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Developed by Insomniac Games
Released October 27th, 2009
I’ve played through the other two games in the Ratchet & Clank Future trilogy. This one actually calls to me from the shelf, entreats me to finish it. The problem is that when I start the game I’m completely overwhelmed by the things I’ve already accomplished, as in I have no idea what my current objective’s context is in the larger story.
The only choice in situations such as these is to simply start again from the beginning. That’s a daunting proposition in itself, but one I’m determined to make should you decide it’s time.
Parasite Eve II
Developed by Squaresoft
Released September 12th, 2000
Back in the heyday of the PlayStation, Squaresoft was doing a lot of really interesting games that tried experimenting with a variety of mechanics. Parasite Eve attracted me in part because of its take on active elements in a traditional RPG battle system and also because of its creepy pseudo-scientific explanation for why things go so terribly wrong.
It’s sequel didn’t fare nearly as well, but I picked it up anyway and I honestly can’t remember playing through more than an hour or two. With as much fun as the first one gave me, it’s worth giving the follow-up a second chance.
Dark Sector
Developed by Digital Extremes
Released March 25th, 2008
Dark Sector is one of those titles that I would see sitting on a shelf, dirt cheap, and still debate whether or not to purchase it. Something just always seemed a little bit off and I held out for a really long time. But curiosity eventually did get the better of me and I added the game to my collection. And then never played it.
The concept is strange, being mutated by a biological agent, gaining the ability to grow bladed weapons out of your arm. I mean, it’s the same idea as Prototype, but why just the arm? I also hear that the game can get pretty brutal out of nowhere. I’m up for the challenge but I wouldn’t be lying if I didn’t say I was still hesitant.
Mystery Game
Finally, we have the Mystery Game. Don’t make the mistake of choosing this for curiosity’s sake, as people have clamored before to know what it was and groaned when they learned. The intent here is to select the Mystery Game if none of the other games appeal to you, so voting for it just because you want to know what it is is kind of a dick move.
If the Mystery Game is not chosen, it’ll roll over into the next series where it will continue to be a mystery.
There you have it. Make your selection in the comments below and get ready for a whole new series of Backlog!
