Your game of the year for 2005? [Archive]

PDorr3

12-07-2005, 03:31 PM

I know the years not up yet, but it draws near and I'm sure many of you have already made up your minds. Top lists are welcome, but only one can hold the #1 spot, heres mine:

1) Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
--It's not as dear to me as Ico, but damned if it isnt deserving of the #1 spot. Everyhting I could have hoped for.

2) God of War (PS2)
--Truly an epic action adventure game, devil may cry only WISHES it were this good. I loved the whole setting in greek mythology too.

3) Dragon Quest 8 (PS2)
--This one came outa nowhere and bit me in the ass and damn did that bite feel good. Its everything you could hope for in an RPG, and more.

4) Castlevania: DoS (DS)
--Really fun and addictive DS game. Great graphics, sound, addicting gameplay, and great use of the 2nd screen.

5) SOCOM 3 (PS2)
--Better hard to say wrther or not its better than socom2, but it will never match the standard that socom1 made when I played that. Nevertheless I still play it daily for hours.

6) Lumines (PSP)
--One of the most addictive games I have ever played, not to mention the music rocks!

7) Mario Kart DS (DS)
--IMO not as good as mario kart 64, but its the best kart game out there besides the 64 version. Tons of tracks, and all new modes.

8) Riviera (GBA)
--A unique RPG by atlus that is like a text adventure in terms of how you play it, but its a strangely fun RPG.

9) Lost in Blue (DS)
--Suprisingly fun game that is very much a love or hate game. I loved it after I found out how to play it correctly.

10) Meteos (DS)
--Another great puzzle game. Not as addicting as lumines but it has a nice charm to it.

calthaer

12-07-2005, 03:47 PM

Easy:
Space Rangers 2 (PC).
The greatest space sim of all time, replete with text adventures, arcade hyperspace segments, loads of equipment, engaging space battles, etc. Pure gaming bliss.

blissfulnoise

12-07-2005, 03:55 PM

We're not quite done yet, but I think I can safely nod to Shadow of the Colossus. My opinions on this game are fairly well documented. My favorite game of this generation, and the most moving gameplay exerpience I've ever had.

Second place goes to Lumines. Art + Sound + Puzzle = Fusion. Q Entertainment will put it's mark on gaming, hands down.

Third place goes to We <3 Katamari, more of the same but that's an excellent thing. I can only hope that Keita Takahashi isn't done with the series yet.

Fourth place goes to Resident Evil 4. Very amazing game that is a defining moment for the Survival Horror genre.

Fifth place goes to Killer 7. Nothing else like it in the world. Experimental, brilliant, and easily the most stylish game of 2005. It's also short, linear, and simple. Could have been #1 with a bullet, maybe next year.

Props go to:

F.E.A.R., Civilization 4, God of War, Animal Crossing: Wild World, Meteos, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attourney, Tramua Center, Castlevania: DS, and Advance Wars: Dual Strike.

stuffedmonkey

12-07-2005, 04:09 PM

I can't say that I've seen every game to be fair, but I have to say Mario Kart DS is my game of the year.

Joker T

12-07-2005, 04:18 PM

My game of the year?

Resident Evil 4-GC/PS2
One of the best games of the year on whatever system you play it on.

Call of Duty 2-PC/XBOX 360
Intense and fun as hell. Truly one of the best games on PC this year.

Mario Kart-DS
How can't you say Mario Kart? I have had the game for less than a week and I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

downfall

12-07-2005, 04:19 PM

Alphabetical order, no specific number - just the games I've loved this year:

Guitar Hero
Lumines
Racing Gears Advance
Resident Evil 4
Shadow of the Colossus
WarioWare: Twisted

And games that I've wanted to play but haven't yet but could possibly end up on my list:

Animal Crossing: Wild World
Indigo Prophecy
Killer 7
Lego Star Wars
Trauma Center: Under the Knife
We <3 Katamari

sirhansirhan

12-07-2005, 04:23 PM

Here's my list, in order of preference:

1) Guitar Hero for PS2
2) Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow for NDS
3) Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana for PS2
4) We Love Katamari for PS2
5) Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! for NDS
6) Lost in Blue for NDS
7) Trauma Center: Under the Knife for NDS
8) Sigma Star Saga for GBA
9) Riviera: The Promised Land for GBA
10) Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney for NDS

Honorable mentions: Animal Crossing: Wild World for NDS, Radiata Stories for PS2, and Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome for PS2.

It should also be noted that while there are no X-Box games on this list, I do indeed own an X-Box; it's just that nothing was worthy (and no, I'm not forgetting Psychonauts). However, I do not own a GameCube, a PSP, or a computer suitable for gaming.

Querjek

12-07-2005, 04:24 PM

Animal Crossing: Wild World

I don't care that I've only have it for 24 hours now. It's the best game this year, period.

Austin

12-07-2005, 04:46 PM

Resident Evil 4, simple as that. Only game I've played through again promptly after finishing it for the first time. One of the best, best games I've played in a long time.

I've yet to play Shadow of the Colossus, but I'm really excited about that one.

petewhitley

12-07-2005, 04:54 PM

Probably Resident Evil 4. It has the perfect combination of gameplay, graphics, and mass appeal. Plus it redefined a popular yet aging series. Guitar Hero, Lumines, et. al. are great games, but their relatively niche status keeps them out of the running for Game of the Year. Special mention should go to GTA: Liberty City Stories for blowing the doors off of what was previously possible on a handheld.

snes_collector

12-07-2005, 04:56 PM

I rarely buy games in the first year they come out. I've maybe bought 3(if that GC games that came out this year), 1 GBA game(I think) and 4 DS games.

I will not say what my GOTY is untill after Christmas because I should be getting some DS hits.

drummy

12-07-2005, 04:59 PM

I have quite a few, and I'm going to have to go with (in no particular order):

-World of Warcraft (PC)

-Fable: The Lost Chapters (XBOX/PC) (I played both)

-Halo 2 (XBOX) (I started playing this in 2005, despite it coming out in 2004)

-Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (DS)

-Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (XBOX)

pacmanhat

12-07-2005, 05:15 PM

I'm sure I'll get a few looks for this list, but here you go:

10. Wario Ware Twisted (GBA)
The best yet in the series. Addicting as hell.

9. Perfect Dark Zero (X360)
Great style, great looks, great fun. Online is top notch.

8. We Love Katamari (PS2)
Took a great formula and made it better. Phenomenal.

7. Project Gotham Racing 3 (X360)
Quite possibly the best looking game ever, and the gameplay isn't far off.

6. Mario Kart DS (DS)
Arguably the best in an already gilded series. And it's online!

5. Guitar Hero (PS2)
Never has rocking out rocked this hard. It's gaming bliss.

5. Lumines (PSP)
About as addicting as it gets. Pure puzzle perfection.

4. God of War (PS2)
Brutality (and fun) on a massive scale. Easily the most pissed off game character ever.

3. Resident Evil 4 (Cube)
Even though it's a sequel and one of hundreds of action games, there has NEVER been a game like this.

A quick aside: when RE4 came out and in the subsequent months, I NEVER thought it would be in any place but #1. But much to my surprise, not one but two games proved to be eve better.

2. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
If it weren't a game, it'd be an Oscar contender. And it would win. Absolutely beautiful and stunning in every way.

1. Psychonauts (Xbox)
I can't remember the last time I played a game with characters, levels and experiences that were this delightful. It makes you laugh, it makes you smile, and it makes you care about the people in it. A true artistic acheivement.

Honorable mentions: Trauma Center: Under the Knife, Soul Calibur III, Stubbs the Zombie, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Geometry Wars Evolved.

Lothars

12-07-2005, 05:16 PM

Well at the moment for me

Resident Evil 4
Tramua Center
Mario Kart DS

I know there's a couple others that are on my best game of the year

but when i think of them ill repost them

though I have yet to play Shadow of the Colossus or God of War

I would like to play both of those before the years done

but since i've only heard good things about both I definitly want to rent Shadow of the Colossus and pick up ICO

and I should be picking up Gods of War soon

downfall

12-07-2005, 05:23 PM

petewhitley

12-07-2005, 05:40 PM

Guitar Hero, Lumines, et. al. are great games, but their relatively niche status keeps them out of the running for Game of the Year.

Are you saying that's why they aren't in the running for your personal Game of the Year? Or are you saying that they shouldn't be considered for anyone's Game of the Year because of their niche status?

If it's the second, I disagree, simply because it's all a matter of opinion anyway, unless you lay out a specific set of rules that a Game of the Year must abide by in order to contend for Game of the Year.

Maybe I'm just misreading your post, but I'm just curious as to why you'd say that. To me, niche or not, they're still as valid as any other game that was released in 2005. Anyway, just curious! :)

You didn't really misread it, I was referring to mass-media Game of the Year lists. IMO, a title must hold a certain level mass appeal and popularity to be awarded Game of the Year honor. Similar criteria to Best Picture/Best Album/etc. The winners of other, more established industry awards have always shared the trait of achieving some degree of mainstream success.

That's not to say a niche game won't or shouldn't top any personal Game of the Year lists. Individual choices for Game of the Year aren't always a mainstream titles, but an "authoritative" source (i.e. Gamespot, EGM, etc.) has to consider that factor. Looking at it from that perspective, I choose to keep Guitar Hero/Lumines/et. al. out of the running; though popular in some circles, they have not achieved "breakthrough" status in the industry. It's not necessarily a philosophy I agree with, but it's the standard when dealing out end of the year awards.

unwinddesign

12-07-2005, 05:40 PM

Halo 2. No game stole more of my time than that, ever. Not even Age of Mythology. The fact that I was still playing around 25 games a day 8 months after its release (that's around 3 or 4 hours, for those that don't play the game) is a testament to that.

And before you say "omg wtf Halo 2 was released November 9, 2004 DOUCHE!1111" -- I know that.

From 2005 alone, best game would be...um...I think the only games that I bought from the year 2005 and played a decent were Doom 3 (Xbox), GTA: LCS, Metal Gear Ac!d and Age of Empires III. Out of those games, the nod goes to Age III, with Doom 3 coming in a close second. Both really great games, although if I had played everything I had wanted to by this point, I think it'd be different.

Kid Ice

12-07-2005, 05:57 PM

I only bought 2 brand new games this year...RE4 and Guitar Hero.

njiska

12-07-2005, 06:15 PM

My nod goes for RE4 hands down simply because there's nothing that can touch it. Re4 suceeds on both the artistic and popularity departments and no other game can take that claim this year.

And shouldn't the Otto award nomination threads be starting soon?

PDorr3

12-07-2005, 06:17 PM

I updated me list so that it is now a top 10 instead of an awkward top 6.

Trebuken

12-07-2005, 06:20 PM

Lots of choices...but...here's what I've decided...

1. God of War (I think it's obvious but plenty of RE4 fans)
2. Resident Evil 4
3. Shadow of Colossus
4. WOW or Guild Wars (are these 2004 or 2005?)
5. Call of Duty 2
6. Kameo (I believe it should be here.)
7. Quake 4
8. Half-Life 2

Others I forgot...

Later,
Trebuken

NE146

12-07-2005, 06:22 PM

10. Wario Ware Twisted (GBA)
The best yet in the series. Addicting as hell.

Agreed. Wario Ware Twisted is the unheralded Game of the Year to me :)

philosophyst

12-07-2005, 06:47 PM

Animal Crossing: Wild World

I don't care that I've only have it for 24 hours now. It's the best game this year, period.

My thoughts exactly.

Cantaloup

12-07-2005, 06:49 PM

Two games that really stood out for me:

Resident Evil 4 (GC)
Mercenaries (PS2)

comrade

12-07-2005, 06:51 PM

Animal Crossing: Wild World

I don't care that I've only have it for 24 hours now. It's the best game this year, period.

My thoughts exactly.

Zing! Correct!

If not for AC:WW, my vote would have to go to RE4.

pacmanhat

12-07-2005, 07:26 PM

4. WOW or Guild Wars (are these 2004 or 2005?)

WoW was released in 2004, but I'm sure some people would argue that its perstitently growing content could qualify it for this year as well (I, however, am not one of those people). Guild Wars, though, is all 2005.

Biff_McFresh

12-07-2005, 08:15 PM

Some that really stood out to me this year (keep it mind I didn't play as many new games this year, and still have yet to play unevitable gems like SotC)

Genji- Yes, it's short, but ohhh so sweet. Best samurai game I've played.

Meteos- I don't even own a DS yet, but this is the preferred game when playing my friend's. Damn addictive.

RE4- Great change in direction for the series, even if I still prefer the older style, and RE 2 for that matter. I hope the next one has that "re scare" feel more so then just the intensity of RE4. This one kind of drags on a bit, but the battle system is oh so fun (mmmm sniper headshots)

Condemned- Very interesting twist on the horror genre. Amazing sound, brutal combat, and pretty damn scary.

gamegirl79

12-07-2005, 08:37 PM

Here's my favorites this year:

1) Resident Evil 4. Phenomenal in every way. Period.

2) Mario Kart DS. So much fun and just never gets old. Wifi play is awesome!

3) Indigo Prophecy. I became totally immersed in this game. I absolutely loved the story. My only gripe is that it was way too short.

Tanis178

12-07-2005, 08:54 PM

wow no Sam Fisher fans in the house? splinter cell 3 for me

Daltone

12-07-2005, 08:57 PM

Griking

12-07-2005, 09:10 PM

I have quite a few, and I'm going to have to go with (in no particular order):

-World of Warcraft (PC)

WOW is a 2004 game but I agree that its a fantastic game.

njiska

12-07-2005, 09:21 PM

AlexKidd

12-07-2005, 09:31 PM

Castlevania:ds
Resident Evil 4
Gunstar Super Heroes
Mario Kart
Metroid Pinball
Soul Calibur 3
Advance Wars ds
Kirby canvas curse
Lumines
Game Boy Micro

le geek

12-07-2005, 09:33 PM

Of what I have played it would be either Dragon Quest 8 or We Heart Katamari...

Cheers,
Ben

DDCecil

12-07-2005, 09:40 PM

I didn't play too many new games this year, but out of the ones I did, I loved these 3 the most:

Dragon Quest VIII (PS2) -
Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! (DS)
Castlevania: DoS (DS)

I may add FFIV remake (GBA) to the list. I just hope they don't screw things up (ie. make the game easier.)

Daltone

12-07-2005, 09:42 PM

Indigo Prophecy. Because adventure games aren't quite dead yet. Almost, but not quite.

Edit: Good God, I have the case in front of me saying "Fahrenheit" and I'm still calling the game Indigo Prophecy!

For shame. *shakes head* Farhenheit is a much better name. Lol.

Seriously it is a great game, but i think the last 20mins prevent it from being game of the year. Somebosy's dog clearly ate the end of the script.

Last 20 mins? Lalalalala. I'm sorry, what? I seem to have suddenly blacked out. :angel: To be fair, I've not played much that's been released this year, so I'm not entirely sure that my opinion counts for anything. The stuff I have played has all seemed a little lack-lustre (I didn't even like RE4!) so I suspect that I'm just being jaded and miserable these days. Fahrenheit was the last game that made me want to play through to the end, which is why it's my game of the year!

Retsudo

12-07-2005, 10:33 PM

My game of 2005 is Tekken 5.

Leo_A

12-07-2005, 11:01 PM

Minish Cap is probably mine.

sabre2922

12-08-2005, 12:15 AM

Resident Evil 4 of course

once again RE2=OVERATED always has been always will be :D

exit

12-08-2005, 12:22 AM

My game of the year is Killer 7.

One of the most unique games to come out in years and it had a solid story behind it. The cell shading fits the games mood perfectly and helped bring out some pretty cool sylized effects.

I've seen complaints about the controlers being "confusing", or becaus it's on a rail, but all of that is easily forgotten after the first 10 minutes of play. Hopefully we will be able to see more from Suda 51 and co. in the future.

Honroable Mentions

Resident Evil 4 (GC)
Dawn of Sorrows (DS)
Ys - The Ark of Napishtim
Fire Emblem - Path of Radiance
Fatal Frame 3

Richter Belmount

12-08-2005, 01:01 AM

Yeah killer 7 was awesome but my vote goes to resident evil 4 as well.

sabre2922

12-08-2005, 01:51 AM

If I made a poll for this topic would you guys lock it?

Just wondering since this thread doesnt have a poll included.

njiska

12-08-2005, 01:58 AM

njiska

12-08-2005, 02:03 AM

If I made a poll for this topic would you guys lock it?

Just wondering since this thread doesnt have a poll included.

No point in making a poll. The 2005 Otto awards will becoming around soon (that is if Joe gets out of the store and back online. LOL) and then we'll be able to get our polling going.

Indigo Prophecy. Because adventure games aren't quite dead yet. Almost, but not quite.

Edit: Good God, I have the case in front of me saying "Fahrenheit" and I'm still calling the game Indigo Prophecy!

For shame. *shakes head* Farhenheit is a much better name. Lol.

Seriously it is a great game, but i think the last 20mins prevent it from being game of the year. Somebosy's dog clearly ate the end of the script.

Last 20 mins? Lalalalala. I'm sorry, what? I seem to have suddenly blacked out. :angel: To be fair, I've not played much that's been released this year, so I'm not entirely sure that my opinion counts for anything. The stuff I have played has all seemed a little lack-lustre (I didn't even like RE4!) so I suspect that I'm just being jaded and miserable these days. Fahrenheit was the last game that made me want to play through to the end, which is why it's my game of the year!

http://i.somethingawful.com/inserts/articlepics/photoshop/11-04-05-games/SplitSoul.jpg

Sorry i couldn't resist. Farhenheit truely is an amazing and original game, but i was really PISSED at the last few chapters. Other then that it is a GOTY candidate.

Oobgarm

12-08-2005, 07:33 AM

I will not say what my GOTY is untill after Christmas because I should be getting some DS hits.

I echo this sentiment, and I wait heartily for the 2005 Otto Awards to 'officially' determine this for us.

jdc

12-08-2005, 10:30 AM

Even though it has a snowball's chance in hell of ever being a GOTY....I have to give a big round of applause to Nintendogs for doing what they were able to do with that machine. Remarkable use of technology and the definition of innovation. Sheer brilliance.

I liked Jade Empire on the Xbox as an RPG choice.

Lumines is an obvious choice.

I'm going to throw in Cabela's Outdoor Adventures because it's different, fun and quite good. LOL

EricRyan34

12-08-2005, 04:13 PM

1. Resident Evil 4 (easy pick) (PS2 & 'Cube)
2. God of War (PS2)
3. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
4. X-Men Legends II (PS2)
5. Doom 3 (Xbox)

RE4 easily wins this one, I can play that over and over again :-P

Crush Crawfish

12-08-2005, 05:43 PM

My top five for this year:

1. Ossu! Tatakae! Ouendan (DS)- Without a doubt, the best game I've played in a LONG time. It's a music game from Inis, creators of Gitaroo-man, and it somehow manages to surpass that masterpiece in every way. And it's a game that truly justifies the existance of the DS' touch screen, as it could simply not be done on any other system. A must-play if there ever was one.

2. Killer 7 (GCN)- This one came out of absolutely no where, and completely blew me away. There's simply nothing like it, at all. It's difficult to describe, but I'd call it a "first/third person rail shooter/adventure" with a incredible presentation, and an amazing, mindfuck of a story.

3. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)- There's little I can say about this game, that hasn't been said, but It's a brilliant, emotionally charged epic, with 16 of the greatest battles in gaming history.

4. We <3 Katamari (PS2)- Simply put, It was everything I'd hoped for and more. It surpasses the original classic in every way, and somehow even manages to have a soundtrack of equal quality as well. If only it were a tad longer....

5. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS)- It doesn't quite innovate in any way, but It's easily one of the best castlevania's ever, and the addition of the top-screen map is a godsend.

Jasoco

12-09-2005, 12:48 AM

Dragon Quest 8 for the sheer amount of time I'm putting into it and the sheer amount of stuff they put in it. I keep playing and it keeps going. I'm only up to 65 hours. The game is beautiful. The world is huge. The story is uncluttered. The enemies are hilarious. The music rocks. The voice acting fits the era perfectly. It's my GOTY hands down.

Up until that, Shadow of the Colossus was. Now it's close second. The world is also huge. (I wonder which is bigger. According to Trode, DQ's world is 200 miles in circumference-length. i.e. 200mi x 200 mi. How big is SOTC again?) The music in SOTC is awesome as well. The story magnificent. The battles are amazing.

Doom 3 was a great game. I have loved it. Every minute of it. The levels were big and scary. The monsters freaky. It is my favorite FPS of recent memory. Much better than both Halo's. (I went there)

We Love Katamari is one I almost forgot about. I had a lot of fun with this. It was everything I wanted it to be. So what if it was missing Eternals. I was mad at first, but hey, it made up for it with so much extra stuff. If only geting a million roses actually did something good. The music was almost as good all around as the original. The graphics were the same but better. Sound effects as hilarious as usual. The story was obviously made for the fans. They made sure to hammer the idea into our heads that they only did the game for the fans. And We <3 them for it. Thank you, Namco. Once you put out the PSP version, I strongly believe it's time to put the series to rest. Let's see if they can come up with something new for us.

Oh, damn, LUMINES. How could I forget the one puzzler that pretty much replaces Tetris as my favorite Tetris-type game of all time?! The music is awesome. The graphics are quite awesome. The addiction was phenominal back then. I haven't played in months, but man, for a while I was addicted every day.

And lastly, Namco Museum Battle Collection PSP. I was especially addicted to Galaga Arrangement. And Rolling Thunder is just plain cool. I still think it's the most perfect port of these games I've seen yet.

Honorable mentions:
Ridge Racer PSP (I'd swear it was a PS2 game if I didn't know better.)

Conker Live and Reloaded (I am still stuck at the damn tower in WAR! Never made it to the Matrix stuff yet. So sad. Jasoco am cry. But other than that, the game is beautiful and well, needs a mention.)

Nesmaster

12-09-2005, 05:38 AM

1. Shadow of the Colossus
2. Mario Kart DS
3. Resident Evil 4
4. Kirby Canvas Curse
5. Burnout Revenge
6. Gun
7. Call of Duty 2
8. Ico (yeah, didn't play it until this year)
9. Matrix Path of Neo
10. Trace Memory

after the first 3, they are in no particular order, mind you other than these 10 titles I haven't played much. I didn't include Gunz for pc, because that would've been an easy first :P

Joker T

12-09-2005, 09:57 AM

I agree with Mercenaries I can't belive i forgot about that game.

Funk E. Gamez

12-09-2005, 08:16 PM

Oh yeah, Mercinaries owns. I've got it and its seriously one of the best games I've played. I love ordering stuff from the Mafia, then hurting civilians with it. LOL

buttasuperb

12-09-2005, 10:53 PM

Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow

No contest (I consider SFAC a 2004 release since that's when i got it)

smokehouse

12-09-2005, 10:55 PM

Metal Slug on the Neo Geo, no contest. Of all the games I�ve played for the first time this year, nothing wowed me like Metal Slug.

Ha, ha, hee....get it...I'm joking....

Never mind.

TurboGenesis

12-10-2005, 05:07 PM

Trebuken

12-10-2005, 05:32 PM

Dragon Quest VIII

Hands down, the best RPG in a long time. Taking Role Playing games to what they once were. Game play and exploration above cinimatics and flashy summon spells. Too bad the sales success of this game will be because of the Final Fantasy XII demo. FF fan boys will play the demo more than the DQ game. Its a damn shame too.

Sorry to go off topic, but I gotta' ask:

Can I jump into DQ VIII or should I play any of the earlier incarnations first?

I bought it at the last Buy 2 Get 1 sale with a couple other RPG's, and since it has been named a couple times for game of the year I'm strongly inclined to play it. I believe I have DQ VII somewhere though...

Later,
Trebuken

Jasoco

12-10-2005, 05:57 PM

Yes. YES. Jump right in. You need no knowledge of past DQ games at all.

BUY IT! We NEED a DQ9 in this day and age!

pacmanhat

12-11-2005, 12:14 AM

Huh...I just noticed my list ha two #5's. Whoops. I guess they're tied or something.

Anthony1

12-11-2005, 02:56 AM

Right now, for me, it's NBA 2K6 for the XBOX 360.

I know that 99 percent of you can't stand sports games, and the 1 percent of you that can actually stand them, would never consider a sports game as a possible game of the year canidate, but I'm just trying to be honest. NBA 2K6 on the XBOX 360, is hands down the most fun I can have with a controller.

For me, it's like being able to control the entire NBA, and display it on my TV screen. There are so many subtle nuances to the game, so many little details, it's rather mind-boggling. Of course, I'm a huge fan of the real NBA, I live in Sacramento, CA, home of the Sacramento Kings. My Mom is a season ticket holder, and I've been going to Kings games since they came to Sacramento in the early 80's. I'm very familar with todays modern NBA game, and I'm very familar with all the players, and the moves they have and their tendencies and their styles of play, and this game is like a virtual NBA world.

Some might say that NBA Live's graphics are way better, and in some cases, it's true. But ultimately NBA Live has a "emptiness" to it, and NBA 2K6 is overflowing with life.

The game is fantastic on XBOX Live. The gamers have learned this game well, and if you don't come strong, you will get trampled on. That's ok. I don't mind learning by fire. I'll take my lumps now, but eventually I will learn how to control all my players properly and set up plays, etc, etc.

The playability in this game is deeper than Atlantis. You can just pick it up and play it, but once you actually learn all the moves, and all the little things you can do, then it really opens the game up, and makes it a really interesting match of wits and skill. You do have to be a big time fan of the NBA to really appreciate this game. If you are very familar with all the players in the NBA, then you will be totally in love with this game. If you never watch the NBA and you aren't really into NBA basketball, then it will probably seem lackluster to you.

Snapple

12-11-2005, 03:14 AM

As far as time spent playing it, NCAA Football 2006. It's quite possibly the best football game ever made, not including Tecmo Super Bowl. Love the Heisman campaign, love the polish, love the stadium vibration in big games, like the polish in the mechanics, and the tackling is probably the most true-to-life I've ever seen. Oh, making schools is fun, too. Go Alaska State Iceholes!

People who judge sports games without playing them are the biggest morons on the internet, by the way. Say that you're not into sports, that's fine, but don't trash my game without playing it. That's just a pre-emptive statement. I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular.

Syxx573

12-14-2005, 11:28 AM

My game of 2005 is Tekken 5.

Same here.

heybtbm

12-14-2005, 07:33 PM

Best Overall Game: Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube)

Biggest Surprise: Mercenaries (Xbox)

Knew I'd love it before I even bought it: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS)

Best Launch title of 2005: [TIE] Lumines (PSP) and Ridge Racer (PSP)

Best RPG: Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2 (PS2)

Biggest disappointment: Shadow of the Colossus only being released on the graphically weakest console. A great game that could have been so much greater.

dbiersdorf

12-14-2005, 11:20 PM

Hmm let me break it down for you guys -

Best GameCube Game - Resident Evil 4
Runner up - Batallion Wars

Best Xbox Game - Half-Life 2
Runner up - Conkers: Live and Reloaded or Oddworld Stranger's Wrath

Best PlayStation 2 Game - God of War
Runner up - Shadow of the Colossous

Best Nintendo DS Game - Pac'N Roll
Runner up - Animal Crossing: Wild World

Best PlayStation Portable Game - Grand Tehft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Runner Up - Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee

Best Game Boy Advance Game - Wario Ware Twisted!
Runner up - Gunstar Super Heroes

Best Game of 2005 - Resident Evil 4 (GameCube)

-hellvin-

12-20-2005, 08:46 PM

I totally have to give it to:

Gamecube - Resident Evil 4

I had never played a RE game before this one. I loved this game so damn much it prompted me to complete the entire series this year. It was fun playing through the old games, but the remixed gameplay formula capcom created for this game was just amazing. I think one of my favorite parts of the game is towards the end where you're having a knife fight with Krauser. I just love how even though it's a cutscene, it still keeps you on your toes just waiting for that split second button combination. Leon died horribly a couple times, I sucked at that part ;D. I gotta say the most horrible one is where he just straight up took one to the throat and died instantly, lol.

Another funny one is when my friend was playing and he forgot that "napoleon" throws a knife at you after the HUGE statue tries to kill you. Let's just say Leon had some chest pains after that one, lol. Such a great game and I think it defenitely deserves the spot. For me not being an RE fan at all before playing it, it sucked me in more than I ever thought it would.

The only other game I can think of that comes close is Shadow of the Colossus. Defenitely another one that grabbed hold of me for a LONG time and provided one of the most memorable gaming experiences that I've had in a while.

Nez

12-20-2005, 09:52 PM

[quote="-hellvin-"]I totally have to give it to:

Gamecube - Resident Evil 4

I had never played a RE game before this one. I loved this game so damn much it prompted me to complete the entire series this year. It was fun playing through the old games, but the remixed gameplay formula capcom created for this game was just amazing. I think one of my favorite parts of the game is towards the end where you're having a knife fight with Krauser. I just love how even though it's a cutscene, it still keeps you on your toes just waiting for that split second button combination. Leon died horribly a couple times, I sucked at that part ;D. I gotta say the most horrible one is where he just straight up took one to the throat and died instantly, lol.

Another funny one is when my friend was playing and he forgot that "napoleon" throws a knife at you after the HUGE statue tries to kill you. Let's just say Leon had some chest pains after that one, lol. Such a great game and I think it defenitely deserves the spot. For me not being an RE fan at all before playing it, it sucked me in more than I ever thought it would.quote]

Another vote for RE 4. Just a perfect game, theres nothing wrong with it. It;s just perfect.