| Msxbox-World Games of 2008 |
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2008 has been a cracking year for Xbox 360 games as we’ve had a number of new intellectual properties that have peaked interest alongside well established franchises. With so many great games available for the system, now is a great time to be gaming, although we seem to have the same sentiment every year.
The staff at Msxbox-World has carefully nominated titles in several categories, to come up with the following conclusive list of games that are undoubtedly the best in their genre for 2008. Whether you’re a first person shooter fanatic, adventure fan or a casual player, we’re sure you’ll agree that the games chosen in each area are excellent titles, well worth picking up if you’ve not already done so.
The reasoning behind our collective decisions is based on a number of factors which takes into consideration, personal preference alongside what score the games received when reviewed. It wasn’t an easy task by any stretch of the imagination due to the sheer number of quality games out this year, but we’re proud to have finalized the list of games for 2008. So, without further ado, here’s our picks for the best games of 2008.
Best Overall Game: Gears of War 2
Gears of War 2 not only stands as a showcase title for Epic’s revised Unreal Engine 3, but is an all encompassing rounded package in its own right. Other than the great graphics, there’s a solid single player story that can be enjoyed via co-op, on and offline; alongside a comprehensive multiplayer mode which although has some issues, is still a highly regarded mode. The inclusion of the all new Horde mode is very welcome – which makes Gears of War 2 our top pick for 2008, simply because there’s something for everyone in this game.
Best XBLA game: Castle Crashers
Castle Crashers is filled with humour and old-school classic combat reminiscent of classic Golden Axe fame, and with the inclusion of 4-player co-operative play, this game provides all the thrills and spills you’d expect from a top notch XBLA game.
Best RPG: Fallout 3
Fallout 3 is a massive RPG that although borrows heavily from Oblivion, is a game to get lost in for days, weeks even. With its post apocalyptic setting and gritty portrayal of human life, this is a game that not only appeals to role playing gamers, but those of you who like a little more hands-on action. There are not many single player games that can hold your interest for the sheer length of time that Fallout 3 can.
Best Shooter: Left 4 Dead
Valve’s Left 4 Dead came out of nowhere and really surprised us with its no-nonsense first person shooting gameplay. It’s a cracking game in a genre that's either military, aliens and now zombies. Although the single player could have been fleshed out a little more, the game is still an absolute blast to play, with or without online buddies. A true surprise hit.
Best Strategy: Endwar
Endwar is a great strategy game, which has perhaps been somewhat unappreciated by the masses. It truly innovates with the voice command feature which sets it well above its peers in terms of accessibility. We’re really impressed with Ubisoft’s efforts here, and applaud them for successfully breaking the mold in an over familiar genre.
Best Action: GTA IV
Although it might be tiring to think about now, when it was fresh, it was ‘the’ game of the moment, a technical marvel and a true work of digital art. It might be somewhat vogue to hate on the game, but you really have to take the blinkers off to realize that Rockstar have evolved the GTA series into something beyond its established greatness.
Best Action/ Adventure: Mirror's Edge
DICE have restored faith in a tired genre and come up with something entirely new for this generation. Mirror’s Edges’ use of over-saturated lighting and bold colours make for a visually impressive game that stands out in the crowd. The gameplay is fresh and highly rewarding for those gamers who take the plunge.
Best Driving: GRiD
Codemasters brought the Race Driver series back into the fore, for this generation in a cracking game for racing fanatics. Its unique rewind feature offered a fresh take on the seriousness of realistic racing. Crisp graphics, great sound effects and gameplay that offers much reward makes for a solid and entertaining racing game on Xbox 360.
Best Fighter: Soul Calibur IV
Soul Calibur IV is undoubtedly the best fighter on the system, end of story - those semi-naked babes make it an instant win. There’s a highly accessible fighting game here, and with some rather cool customisation options and deep gameplay mechanics for veterans means that weapons based combat has never been so adaptable. Well done Namco.
Best Sports: NBA 2K9
NBA 2K9 is a well polished game that is not only great for fans of the sport but a well produced game for newcomers also. Basketball might not be your cup of tea, but if you are looking for a fast paced sport other than football, then this is certainly well worth playing.
Best Music/interactive: Guitar Hero World Tour
Grab the mics, drums and guitars and rock out to a game that offers it all to those who want to live out their rock star fantasies. Guitar Hero already offered some excellent gameplay moments, and World Tour expands that further. Activision has done very well with this series and no doubt will continue to do so.
Best Newcomer: Left 4 Dead
This game took us all by surprise, and like a zombie crashing through the walls, is undoubtedly the game that has left a lasting impression well and truly alive within us. Valve should feel proud of what they’ve accomplished here, as killing zombies has never been so much fun.
Best Multiplayer: Left 4 Dead
Multiplayer gaming cannot get any better than this, it's not deep, but brings gamers together as a unit like no other game. There’s horror, camaraderie blood and lots of shooting action – what more could you ask for in a multiplayer game.
Most Underrated: Dead Space
Dead Space has been well publicized, but not appreciated by the masses. EA have a lot to catch up on for the next game in the series. This is an amazing survival horror game, to rival that of Bioshock, it has great acting, awesome atmosphere, and some truly remarkable gameplay moments. You should really pick this up if you’ve not done so already, as you’ll most likely be pleasantly surprised.
Most anticipated for 2009: Resident Evil 5
RE 5 features more zombies, but this time a return to the classic survival horror format but with added co-op and clout. Sheva and Chris search Africa for answers, and by looking at the game and playing, we’re highly excited to see how Capcom flesh out the series and story. You should be anticipating this game as much as we are. Stroll on 2009.
So there you have it, our picks, the cream of the crop for 2008. With so many great games and perhaps not enough cash or time, you should try some of the titles listed here if you’ve not already done so. 2009 fast approaches with all new adventures awaiting us all.
Posted By: Robert Cram
Date: 2008-12-25
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