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MSXBOX-WORLD Community Awards 2007
Welcome to this years community choice awards at MSXBOX-World. This has been one of the best years in gaming history, if not the best. With top games from nearly every genre, the community had a hard time voting on one or two games for a category. There are a lot of great games that aren’t represented here and this just goes to show how high the bar has been raised for 2008.
The results below are the final results from our forum community. We’ve also given our own opinions about who we would have voted for.
BEST SPORTS GAME
Wayne – SWOS
I'm not that into my sports games unfortunately, so I'm going to have to stick an Arcade game in here instead. While I've only had the privilege thus far to play the trial, the recently released classic of Sensible World of Soccer will certainly prove popular online with buddies; with its rather dated yet somehow comical take on the beautiful game. Football fans or just multiplayer gamers looking for a good laugh, Sensible World of Soccer is sure to provide excellent entertainment value for 800 MS Points.
Sam – Skate
I felt that this year didn’t really stand out as far as sports games go. Most games that I’ve played this year have been different and innovative and this year the sports genre seemed to just iterate as usual. Although a few did stand out as very unique, the one that comes to mind is EA’s Skate. Skate was a hoot to play from start to finish. Not only did it take on an established series and win at the first time of asking it added a lot of interesting features that should be in all games, even those outside the sports genre. Such as the YouTube style replay features and just simply the ability to be fun while just free roaming. Skate wasn’t without its flaws but what games are truly perfect…. Maybe Skate 2?
Our Community Voted…
SKATE.
BEST ROLE PLAYING GAME
Rob – Mass Effect
Mass Effect wins hands down - although I've not played the RPGs from the Japanese side of the pond so it's a little unfair for me to judge. However due to the greatness that is Mass Effect and looking at the review scores I'd say Mass Effect wins anyways!
Wayne - Mass Effect
The Xbox 360 slowly seems to be gaining some momentum in this genre, what with Final Fantasy XI which released some time ago now and of course the likes of Blue Dragon, Eternal Sonata and even The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The latter of which was one of my favorite and most played singe-player games of last year, sadly the other titles mentioned just don't float my boat. Though the recently released Mass Effect seems to be aimed more at my direction and likeness that I had for Oblivion, it's rather deep and takes some getting used to, and even now I've still barely scratched the surface of the game that is Mass Effect. I know that once I have the chance to put the time in, that Mass Effect will be eating the first couple of months of the New Year out of my gaming life.
Our Community Voted…. (Big surprise here)
MASS EFFECT
MOST UNDERRATED GAME
Scott - Shadowrun
Shadowrun represented some of the freshest FPS gameplay I'd ever seen on a console. The combination of magic, tech and race allowed the player to create a truly unique "class" of character different from what you would find in your cookie cutter Counterstrike clones. Sadly the game shipped with only a multiplayer mode which turned many potential players off the idea of purchasing the title. Shadowrun also used to be an RPG which further alienated the hardcore Shadowrun purists who screamed loudly at seeing their beloved franchise made into an FPS.
The end result is that not enough people played Shadowrun which is a shame. The gameplay stands as some of the most fun I've had in a console FPS, and the title will remain in my mind as one of the more unique takes on the FPS genre.
Rob -Jerchio
The demo might not have wowed the masses, but the full game was quite a remarkable experience. I felt that being released at the same period as Halo 3 was perhaps too much for some; making this rather cool squad based shooter fall under the radar. A shame, because if you like horror and lots of guns then this is certainly well worth a look.
Wayne - Conan
One might think I'm running short on my list of games, but no, Conan seriously offers up an entertaining gaming experience throughout the campaign. No it's not great, it certainly doesn't look fantastic either, but it just plays oh so fine, speaking of "oh so fine", it also features half naked damsels in distress, which surely is reason enough to check this game out? There is a demo available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace, which offers up a brief taste of the gory action available in Conan. The full game enables you to unlock new devastating moves, grapples and brutal finishers to decapitate your opponents with.
Our Community Voted…
TWO WORLDS
BEST ADVENTURE/PLATFORM
Rob - Crackdown
This is a very tough category due to some great entries (Naruto, Assassins Creed and let's not forget the mighty Crackdown). Despite the technical genius of Assassin's Creed and the pure fun factor of Naruto Rise of a Ninja, I am going to go with Crackdown simply because it put in game hunting for items on the Xbox Live map. The game offered a rich world to explore and those super powers were just so cool to mess around with. The Live co-op was a godsend and who can forget the fun in piling up cars for that huge explosion. What's more RealTime Worlds really listened to fans and made sure that updates catered for their needs.
Wayne – Assassin's Creed
There's no denying that this game is excellent, even given some of the reviews about - my own review wasn't exactly a praising one either, I certainly feel it was fair based on the content and some of the issues with the game. Still, with that said, Assassin's Creed is one beautiful game with fluid and realistic movements from motion to motion, even with the some what crap enemy A.I. featured in the game, it is hard to ignore this games strengths. I certainly have high hopes for the inevitable sequel and hope that the Ubisoft Montreal development team, at least now they have there base for the game, can hopefully deliver more of a complete, polished and finely tuned gaming adventure.
Our Community Voted…
ASSASSIN'S CREED
BEST DRIVING GAME
Rob – Sega Rally Revo
There's been a number of great driving games this year, but in all honesty they have all been rehashes of what we've seen before (PGR 4 and Forza 2 spring to mind). I commend SEGA for making a rally game that is fun and rewarding to play as well as adding a new feature to rally racing in the form of the track deformation. SEGA Rally might not be as in depth as DiRT but it sure has plenty of personality.
Sam – DiRT
Before the Christmas rush game in, it seemed like all I was playing where driving games. Flatout, Stuntman & DiRT and with those I didn’t even touch ProStreet or Forza. Although I loved PGR4 this year it has to go to Colin McRae DiRT. Forget the fact that it’s online was poor or the fact that all the achievements are easy apart from one that is a constant grind. DiRT was just fun, it wasn’t realistic, it didn’t have loads of weather effects, it was just fun. Well it did have excellent graphics and brilliant destructible damage models, but they both added to the fun. There is just so much variation in this game with so many different vehicle types and so many different tracks. Can you tell that I liked DiRT Yet?
Our Community Voted…
PGR4
BEST BEAT EM UP
Rob – Virtua Fighter 5
There's been little competition here other than WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008 and Naruto which isn't a pure fighting game. Virtua Fighter 5, looks sweet, plays tough, and is a great fighter for this year.
Wayne – WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
The Xbox 360 isn't exactly lacking in terms of software, at least not in the shooter and racing department, it is however lacking some serious beat 'em up fighting action. I'm not even sure if WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 is considered a "beat 'em up', I'm going to guess that it's not, but I'm cheating and picking it anyway. However, given that Virtua Fighter 5 is the only fighter that springs to mind as releasing this year, then there's not much in the way of competition. I'll be honest though, I haven’t yet had chance to sample the delights of the Xbox 360 version of Virtua Fighter 5, I'm going to presume it is identical to the other platform in which it released on - which I did actually enjoy playing for a time, though found it more frustrating than enjoyable. SmackDown wins as I can bash people in the heads with chairs, ladders, sledgehammers and even tables, which I sometimes might decide to set alight too. As far as beat 'em ups go on the Xbox 360 then Dead or Alive 4 will always remain highly praised in my eyes, equal to that of the Tekken series on another rival platform.
Our Community Voted….
STREETS OF RAGE 2 & VIRTUA FIGHTER 5
BEST XBLA GAME
Scott - Pac Man Championship Edition
There are some great XBLA titles that came out this year like Catan and Bomberman Live but the truth is picking a winner was easy. Pac Man Championship Edition is hands down the most innovative and new take on the Pac Man forumla I've ever seen. The combination of timeless yet fresh gameplay, combined with intense speed and combo multipliers makes Pac Man Championship my pick for best XBLA of 2007
Lee – Switchball
Out of the very few Xbox live arcade games I have played this year I thoroughly enjoyed Switchball. There are many puzzle games introduced to Xbox live but rarely any platform/course puzzle games like this one. I felt this game had a large variety of modes included as well as just the standard singleplayer; it included co-op, Live, Leaderboard and achievement support.
Wayne - Aegis Wing
Bomberman Live is another recent favourite of mine, but I'm going to have to go with Aegis Wing, what the hell is that you say? It's an XBLA game which was released to download for free, but annoyingly is only available to download from US Xbox Live accounts. Not that we condone our UK readers or others outside the US to try such things. We would not recommend you to create a US Xbox Live Account using a hotmail email with the address details of Beverly Hills 90210 or similar, or even making the rest of the details up. Just remember, I love this game, and hey, it is free too, so it demands more love! The best thing about the game is that it allows upto 4 player co-op over Xbox Live, and considering that it is free, it's certainly better than most of the other crap that you have to pay for on the Xbox Live Arcade. Perhaps the only reason that I like it so much is that it brings back fond memories from the Sega Mega Drive days of years gone by, more specifically the Zero Wing game (it's been a long time, at least I think that is the name) which I spent a considerable amount of time mesmerized while playing.
You Guys didn’t pick one…
Our Community Voted... - Joint decision between
HEXIC 2, STREETS OF RAGE 2 & CONTRA
BEST SHOOTER
Wayne - Halo 3
This for me was the toughest category, both Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and the daddy that is Halo 3, I wasn't happy choosing between the two that's for sure. For me, Call of Duty 4 clearly offers up the more thrilling and entertaining single-player campaign of the two. Halo however does what it is known to do, and that is just dominate in multiplayer competition, Call of Duty 4 is certainly no slouch either in the multiplayer department. Halo 3 has the advantage in terms of community, meaning that everyone on your friends list already has this game and nothing is more entertaining than online competition on any Halo game with friend’s in-tact. Those moments of rushing the flag just to get sniped at the last possible moment of scoring the objective, or the last dash effort of a warthog rush across one of the larger scale maps only to ride over a grenade which explodes and sends your warthog flying into the air, and on some occasions actually landing it and continuing for the win. These are just some of the reasons that make Halo better than good; these are just a few of the reasons that make Halo 3’s multiplayer and even the ones before it, simply great.
Rob – Call of Duty 4
There have been several games that could qualify here, all with very different reasons. Halo 3 offered a great mix of story, online and the long awaited co-op, but as I predicted prior to its release, the experience was always going to be a familiar one. Bioshock was the new kid on the block and presented a world unlike anything we've seen before. With great art direction, excellent voice acting and a truly immersing experience that got you all wet, Irrational Games should feel very proud of their work. The best shooter has to go to COD 4 - Infinity Ward took a gamble of sorts by shifting a well known franchise away from its established roots and into modern times. The single player game, whilst brief is nothing short of a stellar single player experience (especially on Vet difficulty) and unrivalled by none for its pick up and play gameplay. The multiplayer is also spectacular and some thing (like Halo3) you could just spend hours playing. This mix of excellent single player and awesome multiplayer makes COD 4 this year’s greatest shooter on Xbox 360.
Lee – Call of Duty 4
Now although Halo lived up to all its hype and my expectations it wasn't as innovative as this game, what a huge turn Infinity Ward made with this one. Every change to the series was for the better in my books and it's very hard to step out of the habit of borrowing old material. The graphics engine looked great and ran very well on all platforms, short but sweet campaign and addicting multiplayer makes this one a good all rounder.
Sam – Call Of Duty 4
It's been a tough year for any shooter to stand out. There just have been so many, I’ve still got a big pile of them that I still have to play. Although I did enjoy Halo 3 and Orange Box, Call Of Duty 4 is the complete package. Now that might not make any sense compared to the 5 games in Orange Box and the amount of things to do in Halo 3. But Call of Duty 4 has the best online I’ve played and a very interesting if not short single player campaign. But I have had to change my mind on this one so many times because there are so many great Shooters this year.
Our Community Voted….
CALL OF DUTY 4 & HALO 3
MOST PROMISING GAME OF 2008
Lee – GTA IV
This was another hard one for me as 2008 has a huge line up for my gaming tastes, but after the latest trailer and game information I really like where this game is heading. If the game ends up how I expect to be, and by that I mean providing more specific detail instead of expanding the game world, then this could turn out to be game of the year 2008.
Wayne – Grand Theft Auto IV
As hard as it may be to believe, the onslaught of excellent games continues from the end of 2007 into some of the most hyped and anticipated games for 2008. Even though I always find it a struggle to complete these games, I'm really looking forward to Resident Evil 5 the most, though that game is currently scheduled for a 2009 release. So, I guess that leaves the likes of Ninja Gaiden II, Devil May Cry 4, Saint's Row 2, Grand Theft Auto IV and highly likely Winter 2008 release of Gears of War II, to name but a few. I have to go with GTA IV on this one, I just hope Rockstar over deliver, I am expecting a familiar experience but am hoping for something else there to pull me in, I don't know what it is yet, but I'm already hyped for this game!
Scott – Metal Gear So ... I mean Halo Wars
I mean come on. It's an RTS set in the Halo universe. There is no possible way they can screw this up…
Rob - Fable 2
So many games on the horizon but out of the games that have been confirmed it has to be Fable 2. Peter Molyneux will have everything to prove here after the death threats from his Xbox antics. I certainly think that with the additional power the Xbox 360 affords them, Lionhead will go beyond what we expect and create a truly astounding game that won't be matched by any other game for this year.
Our Community Voted…
GTA 4
GAME OF THE YEAR 2007
Rob – Mass Effect
Without a doubt Mass Effect deserves this accolade simply because it is a stunning piece of software. Sure, it has some bugs, sure it won't appeal to everyone, but BioWare have captured the hearts and minds of gamers across the globe in a way no other game could muster this year. Forget your mute characters like Gordon Freeman and the Bioshock lead, Commander Shepard is most certainly a character to relate to and have fun exploring the galactic worlds on offer.
Scott - Call of Duty 4
Basically this game had it all. A kick ass single player campaign and some of the best multiplayer I've ever enjoyed. I mean honestly, once CoD4 came out, I sold my copy of Halo 3. That's how much I'm enjoying Infinity Ward's CoD4.
While CoD4 features some of the most realistic graphics I've ever seen in a title, it's the gameplay that keeps me coming back. The addictiveness of the levelling and class system, combined with some of the best urban infantry warfare I've seen in a game makes CoD4 my top pick for 2007.
Wayne - BioShock
It's certainly been an excessive year for 360 gamers, what with the likes of Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, Assassin's Creed, Mass Effect, The Orange Box, but there can only be one Game of the Year, well at least in my eyes anyway. BioShock clearly stands tall with its unique story execution and quite possibly some of the best voice work and effects seen in a game to date, all compiled to make an excellent and witty shooter worth replaying time and time again.
Lee - Mass Effect
This was a hard one for me, between Call of Duty 4 and Mass Effect. Mass Effect had gotten the edge on me due to the original material and background the designers had provided, I really was immersed into the world of Mass Effect and although it followed the basic structure of KotoR it never felt nostalgic. Attention grabbing story, original & interesting combat system and well implemented NPC interaction.
Sam – Call Of Duty 4
It has to be Orange Box….No wait Halo 3… Or Skate…. Maybe even DiRT… I’ve heard Mass Effect is good…. Wait maybe Bioshock…. It has to be Call of Duty 4. Yep…… Can I change my mind?
Our Community Voted…. The Best game in 2007 was.
BIOSHOCK
Thanks for voting every one, Let's hope for an even better 2008
Posted By: Sam Morris
Date: 2008-01-03
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