Here we are, the last day of 2010, a year that started on a very high note with MAGFest 8, and ends for me making the switch between wireless systems. In other words, goodbye HP/Palm (thanks for not upgrading Pre owners) and hello Android!
But still, this year was a pretty eventful one for me as far as gaming is concerned, with the upgrade to a faster, more powerful iPod touch and of course the launch of Kinect to hold me over, as well as a slew of very good (and yes, very bad) games. While I may have already gone over the best and worst of the year a few weeks back, I can’t end the year without pointing out a few special moments that need attention, be it good or bad. Without further delay, here we go.
STFU MOMENT OF THE YEAR
I find it pretty ironic that for the longest time I want a character to speak out after being mute, only to want them to shut up once and for all. Final Fantasy X had some moments when I really wanted some of the voice actors to shut up (and I still can’t believe that Wakka was voiced by the same guy who plays Marcus Freaking Fenix in Gears of War.) But this year, there is no more of an exception than hearing Samus blab on and on about the baby Metroid and how she rebels against her commanding officer in Metroid Other M. Yes, I know I’ve gone on and on about this game, but not since Drag-On Age Borigins have I played a game with way too much dialogue as this game was. Why? Why did I want Samus to have inner monologue? I so regret it now!
"IT DESERVED BETTER" MOMENT OF THE YEAR
I know this is a gamer site, but this award has to be given out to a feature movie. Still it’s a movie that every gamer must see, and that is the excellent Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Edgar Wright (who was already on my faves list with both Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) took the Bryan Lee O’Malley comics and perfected them for the big screen. From using simple effects (such as the Sonic ring sound for a text pop up), deadpan humor from multiple characters, a Vegan version of Superman, or making dead-on impersonations of other gaming legends (Lucas Lee voiced like Solid Snake, for instance) this film does more for gaming than anything other video game movies can ever do. (yes, I am looking at YOU, Herr Boll!)
But why does it deserve better? It bombed at the box office, coming in 5th on opening weekend behind even Inception, which was in its 5th week in theaters! Thankfully the film is doing quite well on DVD and Blu-ray, so I’m hoping it will achieve cult status. All gamers must see it. In fact, I might have to make it my equivalent of telling others to "See the Passion."
GLITCH OF THE YEAR
I never thought I’d see the day that I’d be enjoying glitches so much as I did this year, but three in particular came to mind. One was an audio glitch In Rock Band 3 that I had with a friend online, who actually posted the following on his Twitter page: "Just encountered the most Hilarious glitch on Rock Band 3 with @GamerGeeksTodd . Bohemian Rhapsody Vocal Track glitched up. Hilarity ensued."
Then of course, there was Bynum Christ, the glitch that killed the NBA Elite franchise before it was even born. But the one that wins the award this year is the hilarious "Donkey Lady" from Red Dead Redemption. For a game notorious for glitches, it was a sure fire win, but also made the game more fun. How often does that happen?
DUMBASS OF THE YEAR
Game companies never cease to amaze me when it comes to saying or doing something completely stupid, but this year I am giving out two awards for the stupidest move of the year. The first one has to go to Sony’s fake pitchman Kevin Butler for offending disabled gamers with his constant claims for PlayStation Move and how "it has buttons." In an attempt to downfall Kinect, who is beating out PlayStation Move in sales, this was an ill-advised comment from a company notorious for them. ($1,200, RIIIIIIIIDGE RACER, and $599 US Dollars ring a bell?)
But recently, a huge corporate entity did something that could be considered equally stupid. How could a company take one of its best development studios, responsible for one of their most successful franchise, and throw them out on the street? That’s what Viacom did with Harmonix. Don’t even consider the fact that Rock Band is considered by critics as "the only rhythm game you’ll ever need," all Viacom cares about is the money, and in doing so, kicks Harmonix to the curb. Very smart move there! I hope now as an independent, Harmonix will make Viacom regret their decision.
HOLY #%!% MOMENT OF THE YEAR
The closest runner up to this award would have went again to a Call of Duty game, with Black Ops messing your mind at the most opportune times, but one game at the beginning of the year featured a moment so outrageous, so surprising that it passed the US censors, that I never thought anything could surpass it, and I was right, and that was the first time we encountered Joy in Bayonetta. For the five or so people who don’t know what I am talking about, do a Youtube search and you’ll see what I mean.
Oh wait, I almost forgot about the torture attack she suffers from Bayonetta…DOUBLE THAT AWARD!
And last but not least, BADASS OF THE YEAR!
Again this falls on the thin line between movies and games. I had two movie characters that were up for the running, Hit Girl from Kick-Ass and Knives Chau from (you guessed it) Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, but in the end it was a game character that won it once and for all, and that was the monster named John Marston from Red Dead Redemption. One of the best game characters in recent memory, he was also one of the most enjoyable to play as, right up to his last stand on his family’s ranch. And while I still believe that Red Dead Redemption "jumped the shark" when his son took over, I still went back to play as John for a second run through. And when I do that, you know you got a certified badass to play as.
And with that, it’s time to celebrate the end of 2010 and the start of 2011. Next stop, MAGFest! I will be providing full coverage from the event, so stay tuned!
Currently Playing: Various titles on my new Epic 4G (Android)
Waiting For: I think you all know by now (aka MAGFest.)