BEST XBOX 360 GAME:
Janessa: Gears of War 2 - because nothing beats chain sawing enemies to a bloody pulp...again.
Jess: Fable 2 - Come on, it's really entertaining! I love how versatile this game is, and all the options you are given to customize your game-play. I know it was kind of short and the replay value isn't all that outstanding but it was definitely entertaining while it lasted.
Ladyluck: Grand Theft Auto IV - There's just something about creating destruction and killing hookers...LOL!
Nikole: Gear of War 2 - The new Horde mode takes full advantage of XBL.
Raychul: Gears of War 2 - the co-op campaign mode, the Horde mode, and the multiplayer mode all together made this the best Xbox game of the year. But I will have to sneak this in and say Left 4 Dead was a very close runner-up.
Rini: Rock Band 2 - Everything that this game has to offer, I am absolutely enamored with. The gameplay is flawless. You actually feel like you're playing the actual song, because the note structure fits so well, the songs it has to offer are great, and it's very easy to read what's going on throughout your time spent. I can play this game for hours on end until my hand locks up from playing too much and that, my friends, is what I call a great game.
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BEST PS3 GAME:
Heather: LittleBigPlanet - LBP was definitely an exclusive that appealed to more than just fanboys and was just as fun as it was innovative.
Janessa: Fallout 3, because you can-t go wrong with a ridiculously expansive world and stunning graphics.
Jess: Metal Gear Solid 4 - This was a great addition to the Metal Gear Solid franchise. It is an extremely long game (great for those of you who like something to keep your attention for a while) and has a great overall feel to it. Not to mention how awesome Snake still is even though he went through age acceleration. Is that what people are calling it these days?
Ladyluck: Bioshock - Who-s your Big Daddy!?!
Nikole: LittleBigPlanet
Raychul: LittleBigPlanet - this game gave us something new and original, which were things we were needing in our games recently with all the sequels and like games coming out. Not only was LBP an excellent game on its own, but it also allowed gamers to design their own levels which makes the gameplay possibilities endless.
Rini: LittleBigPlanet - Who doesn't want to be an adorable Sackboy?? Though I haven't personally played this, the gameplay looks interesting and fun. I've talked to multiple friends (guys and girls alike) who've said they love it, and it's the only reason I considered getting a PS3, so there you have it! Haha.
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BEST Wii GAME:
Heather: Mario Kart Wii - My expectations of the Wii are not too high and I mainly associate it with a more convenient way to be nostalgic of my childhood. Mario Kart had all the elements of the classic games as well as new content that kept me busy and entertained for quite awhile.
Janessa: Wii Fit - I know people say it doesn-t work, but hey it motivates me to play games that burn calories, who can complain about that?
Jess: Super Smash Bros Brawl - Gah, I love this game so much. Beating people up as Pikachu and Marth never gets old.
Ladyluck: Mario Kart for sure. Who doesn-t love racing Mario style. . . gotta run, blue shells coming.
Nikole: Mario Kart Wii - This has been the only game this whole year that has remotely compelled me to the play with the Wii. Not a good year at all for Xcore games and Nintendo.
Raychul: Animal Crossing - I love a lot of this years Wii game releases, but nothing has really held my attention like Animal Crossing: City Folk. Is it just more of the same? Yes, but I am loving it either way.
Rini: Okami - I fell in love with the art for this game immediately. It keeps you busy, but keeps you interested. It's got an open screen, and it feels like you're in a huge world. Very fun, very pretty, and very good combat play. Overall the game is just great.
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BEST DS GAME:
Heather: N+ - I tend to not get too attached to my DS Lite so when it comes to games puzzles and such are where it-s at. N+ was extremely fun and challenging to the point of insanity. It is not a game that is easily beat and it keeps you craving more. So it-s a great choice for a handheld.
Janessa: Chrono Trigger - because it-s one of my favorite remakes of an old school game that I already loved.
Jess: My Japanese Coach - Made by the makers of the Rosetta stone, this game sets the bar for all the "My ___ Coach" games. Wonderfully designed for any level speaker of Japanese. Be warned though: for these games to have a full impact you must really like the language you have chosen to study!
Ladyluck: Monster Lab - who knew being an evil scientist, could be so fun.
Raychul: Professor Layton - This game quickly shot up on my all-time favorites list. Prof. Layton is the perfect puzzle/adventure game and I am highly anticipating the sequel.
Rini: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney - The entire Gyakuten Saiban series is one that astounds me. The gameplay has new and interesting things throughout each new installment and brings a feeling of something new, even if you're Phoenix the entire time. However, this installment brings forth a new character with a completely new storyline and also presents new things that previous games had not yet offered. I go for days to finish beating these as soon as they come to me, and this was no exception. Definitely an excellent, fun-filled game.
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BEST PSP GAME:
Heather: God of War: Chains of Olympus - One of the very few PSP games that kept my attention. The game play was fun and challenging.
Jess: Final Fantasy Crisis Core - I am a big FF fan so this is a given. But regardless, it didn't have much to compete with (there were not that many titles released for the PSP) and it was a great addition to this franchise. Also I love Cloud, did I mention that?
Ladyluck: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Killing Jedi has never been so fun.
Raychul: God of War: Chains of Olympus - God of War shrunk down to PSP size&it really doesn-t get any better than that. God of War games will always be some of my favorites, so I was very pleased with the addition to my PSP collection.
Rini: Monster Hunter - Oh man, I seriously have no idea what's going on in the PSP world. Occasionally I'll read about it but the only one I've even slightly played is Monster Hunter. For the short amount that I played, it was pretty fun. The art style compares to what I'd expect from Monster Hunter, and I was surprised it transferred like it did to a handheld system. The storyline seemed interesting, but, having not played much, that's about all I can really say.
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BEST XBOX LIVE ARCADE GAME:
Janessa: Geometry Wars!!
Jess: Braid - Beautifully made platform/ puzzle game, with aesthetically pleasing graphics and colors, and wonderful gameplay. This kept me entertained for quite some time, which was well worth the 1200 Microsoft points paid to get it.
Ladyluck: Castle Crashers - who knew Castle Crashing could be so fun!!
Nikole: Castle Crashers.
Raychul: Braid - this game was breath-taking in both gameplay and graphics. The graphics weren't realistic graphics, but they were gorgeously done in a painting kinda way. Each level in Braid was unique and thought provoking.
Rini: Castle Crashers - Hands down, there is nothing that even compares to Castle Crashers. The game features a simplistic storyline, yet grabs your attention every so often to ensure you aren't forgetting your destination. Killing mobs of enemies in my experience is usually tedious and pulls away from the game, but Castle Crashers didn't feel that way. Being a magic user for the majority, the only issue I found was the depth perception sometimes, but it added to the need to kill the mobs. The bosses were very fun and each had their own special ability which just added to the game.
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HEADSHOT OF THE YEAR:
Janessa: Gears of War 2 - couple with a chainsaw and you're good to go!
Jess: Fallout 3 - The cinematics that come with headshots using V.A.T.S. make me jump up and down with excitement. Never gets old!
Ladyluck - Call of Duty: World at War. Love the sniper.
Nikole: Gears of War 2 - they make the sound of a headshot far too rewarding. I'm not proud I wrote that...
Raychul: Gears of War 2 - there is just something so satisfying when you zoom in on a Locust with the sniper rifle and you here that pop while watching the blood spray everywhere. Makes me giggle every time.
Rini: Fallout 3 - I didn't want to give one game more than one award, but I couldn't help it. You can use V.A.T.S. to zoom in and aim for the head and then watch it explode. I don't see anything much better than that.
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MOST REWARDING KILL:
Janessa: Prince of Persia - Double teaming an enemy with the prince's acrobatic moves and like's magic can never go wrong.
Jess: BioShock (PS3) - I'm glad this was released this year for the PS3 because it will forever have the most amazing ways to kill in my book.
Ladyluck:Knifing in Battlefield: Bad Company. I want your dog tags baby!
Nikole: Razor Claws from Ninja Gaiden 2, brutal.
Raychul: Saints Row 2 - Death by septic tank. Hehehe, what's more fun than spraying someone with so much poo that they go flying into the air and fall to their death?!
Rini: Gears of War 2 -The chainsaw is pretty awesome.
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BEST COUNTER MOVE:
Janessa: Soul Calibur 4The Apprentice + The Force always pwns.
Jess: Prince of Persia - It can be tricky to get a counter move but when you do it is quite worth it!
Ladyluck: Lancer counter in Gears of War 2. The Locust Drone never saw it coming!
Nikole: Gears of War 2 - Lancer Battles. Now you can fight back if you get lancered.
Raychul: Gears of War 2 - Lancer chainsaw. Groans, blood splattering the screen and the rev of the chainsaw motor. Love it.
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BEST DEFENSIVE MOVE:
Janessa: Soul Calibur 4 - Yoda, he's always too short to be hit!! Perfect defense I say.
Jess: Mirror's Edge - The different ways to disarm enemies never ceases to amaze me. I wish I was Faith, with her crazy tattoos and boss parkour skills.
Ladyluck: Another body for cover in Gears of War 2. So there is a use for the Drones after all.
Nikole: Braid - Time Travel. You hit me, I go back in time.
Raychul: Gears of War 2 - proximity mines, place them on a wall or door way blow up those suckers before they even get to you.
Rini: I had the most difficult time with this question. The only thing that came to my mind was in Tales of Vesperia, you are given a ring that can prevent monsters from having a battle advantage. Defensive. Yup.
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BEST HEROINE (DIGITAL FEMALE HOTTIE OF THE YEAR):
Heather: Elika from Prince of Persia - She is not just another female character you've got to rescue and bring along... More like she's there to rescue you. Anything is possible with Elika's magical abilities. That ledge looks really far away... oh, wait Elika is there to help and she even makes the Prince seem shrimpy at times. Now that's hot! Plus she strongly resembles Natalie Portman who is an instant hottie.
Janessa: Devil May Cry 4 - Lady
Jess: Tomb Raider: Underworld - Lara Croft will always be to me the sexiest British treasure hunter one will ever meet... or play as. But how many of those do you come across?
Ladyluck: Lara Croft from Tomb Raider Underworld, she kicks butt, what else can I say!
Raychul: Saints Row 2 - my female character. She is badass, and hot as hell.
Rini: I know that no one else will think this, but Trucy Minuki (AKA Trucy Wright) from Apollo Justice is the cutest female in my opinion.
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BEST HERO (DIGITAL MALE HOTTIE OF THE YEAR):
Heather: Starkiller aka Galen Marek from The Force Unleashed - No, I'm not talking strictly looks here people. Galen's epic Force skills are no match for Jedi and Sith alike. Come on the Force is teh hawtness.
Janessa: Prince of Persia - The prince duuuuuuh, haha sorry, I've been a little caught up in this one most recently :).
Jess: Devil May Cry 4 - Dante. He's amazing; from his fighting to the witty things he has to say.
Ladyluck: Marcus Fenix from Gears 2.
Nikole: StarKiller. Nothing hotter than BSG's Crashdown with a lightsaber.
Raychul: Dom - Gears of War 2 - I used to love Marcus the most, he's handsome, rugged and can hold his own, but in Gears 2 it was Dom who kept me laughing. I love Dom's wit and humor; at times he's like an innocent little boy who is just having fun cutting up Locusts.
Rini: Rock Band - The Duke of Gravity (come on, have you SEEN him??)
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BEST WTF PWNED! GAME OF THE YEAR:
Heather: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe - So I initially had some horrible feelings about this game but after playing it, it was the most fun I've had playing a fighting game in quite awhile. The mix of DC characters is refreshing. Lex in his battle suit, come on. And to top it off Free Fall Kombat is the ultimate WTF PWNED for anyone you're playing against.
Janessa: Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 - using your behind to ski around isn't exactly something you want to tell your friend's you're good at. :)
Jess: Call of Duty 4 - Watching someone get chased and mauled by hounds is pwnage right there. Classic.
Ladyluck: Dead Space. Your teammate steals the ship, leaves you alone to die. Definite WTF Pwned! moment. Especially when she comes back and does the whole you can't stop me moment, and gets killed. LOL! 2 WTF Pwned! moments in 1 game.
Raychul: Gears of War 2 - holding a grenade as someone takes me down but not out&then watching them come over to me to finish me off but get a little exploding surprise instead.
Rini: Halo 3 - Totally unfair kills lol.
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MOST ANNOYING DIALOGUE:
Janessa: Prince of Persia - The random attempts at witty banter in Prince of Persia between Elika and the Prince get really annoying after a while.
Jess: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 - Definitely a good game, but the dialogue is too much for me to handle sometimes. Three hours of opening dialogue? Come on.
Ladyluck: Too Human - I hated having to wait through the long dialog cut scenes. So boring.
Nikole: Soul Calibur 4 - Some of the lines the characters would say were ridiculous.
Raychul: Fable 2 - People ramble on and on too much in that game.
Rini: Infinite Undiscovery. I had to have a friend help me on this one, and once I was sent a video, I knew it had to go on the list. It's pretty awful.
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BEST VILLIAN/BAD ASS:
Janessa: ummm, can I do plural on this one and say the zombies from Left 4 Dead?
Jess: Wrath of the Lich King - the Lich King is so badass. There can be only one Dark Knight, right?
Ladyluck: Gears of War 2 Bloodmounts. They can be a b**ch to kill in horde mode.
Nikole: Villain or Bad ass because I do not find villains badass, best villain I'd say terrorists. Terrorists are totally the new Nazi. Video Games have reflected the current state of world and oil was definitely something we saw in video games, especially in games like Mercenaries 2. Best Bad Ass, I'd say Lara Croft and Rya Hyabusa, both are still kicking ass, and with perfectly formed asses...that's something to be proud of.
Raychul: Badass - BioShock (PS3) - Big Daddies. They are badass and can kill you in a heartbeat, yet they are so lovable at the same time. When they lose a Little Sister and go calling out for her, they seem like a lost puppy that has lost its way. Villain - Silent Hill Homecoming - Pyramid Head. Nobody is as can kill like Pyramid Head can; he is easily the scariest villain I have ever seen.
Rini: Metal Gear Solid 4 - Liquid Ocelot. He is a total BA.
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BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR:
Heather: Mirrors Edge - I had been extremely excited for this game however the demo made me extremely nauseous. Then to top it off the actual game's storyline was lacking a point almost. After awhile the game play became annoying and repetitive. They always build up so much hype for innovative games only to have them crash horribly.
Janessa: Hearing that Starcraft 2 is set to be released as three separate games .
Jess: When they announced they were pulling all the goodies out of the Fable 2 Limited Edition ! Man I was so bummed about this. Worst news ever. I am a big proponent of little collectible figures that add clutter to my room. I mean in-game is cool and all, but still
Ladyluck: Ghostbusters: The Video Game - Lost producer right before the release. Crappy Deal!
Nikole: Star Wars the Force Unleashed - It wasn't the worst game of the year, not even close. However, it didn't live up to the hype. I really feel like the game could have been better if they had taken more time to finish it.
Raychul: Viva Pi�ata: Trouble in Paradise - Ugh, I had such high hoped for this game, especially since I loved the first one so much. For its price, it just didn't offer enough new gameplay or new features to warrant its price tag. I would have liked it better as a DLC.
Rini: Guitar Hero: World Tour - I haven't been a big fan of the GH series since 3 came out, and World Tour just pushed it over the edge. The gameplay itself seems similar to other GH games other than the fact that it's like ten times easier. I was really disappointed at how few notes were on the screen and the synchronization from song-to-note was junky. I also couldn't tell when I had star power at all. Everyone is just free to use whatever you work towards. Not only that, but if one person failed, everyone did. Unfortunately, I can't stress my disliking for this game enough.
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OVERSHADOWED GAME OF THE YEAR:
Heather: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - was definitely a bit overshadowed in my opinion. If you take it for what it is the game is a lot of fun and the story is just enough. By leveling up and gaining new combo abilities you freed yourself from any repetitive play so if you complained about this you probably took the lazy button mashing way out. This game was way more enjoyable than Grand Theft Auto IV, which seemed to fill me with deja vu.
Janessa: Prince of Persia - overshadowed by many other highly anticipated releases.
Jess: Grid - This game managed to get some steam, but not nearly enough. I was really surprised at how detailed and difficult this game is. One of my favorite racing games to date, the only downside of it, to me, is the lack of multiplayer options. Other than that it is amazing, if you like racing and haven't tried it, check it out!
Ladyluck: Resistance 2 - overshadowed by Gears of War 2. Sony needs to watch for these things.
Nikole: Left 4 Dead - I think this game did get a lot of attention but for the most part I feel it was overshadowed by the other Holiday games released this year.
Raychul: Left 4 Dead - L4D is everything I have ever wanted out of a game. It is easily the best zombie game available. No matter how many times I beat the same 4 levels over and over again, I keep coming back for more.
Rini: Dead Space - This game was my personal favorite despite the fact that it's not the usual type of game I'm used to. I absolutely loved the fact that something could jump out at any time, and having to de-limb something rather than shooting aimlessly made me keep a cool head throughout the game. The last boss was also extremely epic.
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GAME OF THE YEAR:
Heather: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - MGS4 is a masterpiece wrapped in shrink wrap. The graphics and storyline are awe inspiring. If I say too much I may start bleeding fangirl. Anyone that plays this game will really appreciate it.
Janessa: LittleBigPlanet - because Sackboy is just so adorable! Haha
Jess: LittleBigPlanet - This game blew me away; it has awesome characters, incredible levels, and a high replay value. I loved everything from the interface design right down to the frying pan you can run around with in your hand. Truly an incredibly unique game that lives up to everything that is said about it.
Ladyluck: I've thought long and hard over this one. I chose Guitar Hero: World Tour due to it is something that every age can enjoy, and is a great get together game. Plus it is on all consoles.
Nikole: Gears of War 2 - I had really high expectations for this game and I feel like it delivered.
Raychul: Gears of War 2 - A lot of times the sequel to a great game cannot deliver that same sense of awe and excitement like the original game had. Gars of War 2 is an exception, Gears 2 amazed me and really expanded on what made the first one so great.
Rini: Fallout 3 - The rendering and gameplay are practically flawless, and the theme reels you into a completely new world. It excels in what you'd normally expect from a video game.
