"People Deserve to Have Their Faith Rewarded"

That little quote is from the second highest domestic grossing film of all time and, in my estimation, the best comic book film ever made.

And it got me thinking about faith, expectations, and the bliss of having those eager hopes fulfilled when we pop in a game and play something that plasters a wide grin on our faces. As gamers we read magazines, scrutinize screenshots, and compile data, making mental notes of games that grab our attention. As the months progress, that data becomes anticipation and excitement, which leads to speculation, early praise, and positive expectations that we refer to as "hype."

Hype is a word that has become an entrenched part of the gaming vernacular. People love to call any form of excitement hype, almost as if the cynical, joyless world we live in cannot allow for the pure, unfettered veneration of anything, regardless of how good it actually may be. Everybody literally is a (pseudo) critic and calling something over-hyped is a way of deflating the joy and raining on the proverbial celebration.

But what happens when so many of the games actually meet expectations? What happens when the snide detractors are lost in the din of the vocal majority who revel in a flood of quality that literally threatens to drown us in excess?

What happens when it's 2008?

Let's really take a look at this incredible year and then reflect on just how amazing it's been. Let's for a moment put away the cheap cynicism that permeates the Online community and remember what it is like to be a kid on Christmas morning, unwrapping a little square package that would hopefully contain the game we were begging for.

Before summer even really began this year, both GTAIV and MGS4 had landed and both, despite their flaws and numerous detractors, are worthy GOTY contenders in every respect. We also got Ninja Gaiden II and DMC4 and while the quality of these installments remains a heated topic, especially in relation to previous iterations in their respective franchises, both games contain some incredible assets and components.

As the summer wore on we got other surprises, including a minor masterpiece known as PURE and NHL 09, widely considered to be the best Hockey game ever made. (It has my vote)

Force Unleashed did more right than wrong, Yakuza 2 proved that the PS2 is the console equivalent of the Energizer Bunny, and Soul Calibur IV made the franchise relevant again.

Did I miss anything?

Yes, I did.

Condemned 2 was an awesome sequel, Dark Sector was derivative but beautiful, Smash Bros Brawl delivered the goods, Braid changed religions, Bionic Commando: Rearmed merged old school and contemporary game design while Mega Man 9 just flat out kept it old school; No More Heroes put some style and flavor on the Wii and The Club reminded gamers that arcade shooters are still worth a spin.

And now the fall torrent has begun and those games, which we have salivated over for months, have arrived, they have not disappointed.

Fable II was a promise kept; Saint's Row 2 differentiated itself enough to be something wholly different from GTA; Far Cry 2 came out of nowhere and gave gamers a massive, beautiful open-ended FPS; Dead Space not only met the hype but exceeded it; Fallout 3 is looking to set another high bar within the genre.

Did I mention I finally broke down and bought Little Big Planet, which is easily one of the most amazing games I have ever played?

This is an awesome year for gaming and better yet, an incredibly satisfying time to be a gamer with a bit of faith. The vast majority of the AA and AAA titles are meeting our expectations and judging by the recent demos for Banjo Kazooie and Tomb Raider, that trend looks to continue well into next month and beyond.

For those of you who dared to be optimistic, who "bought into the hype", be assured that your investment was sound and the dividends will keep paying out.

2008 is a good year for gamers so enjoy it. In years to come, we'll talk of this year and all the amazing titles that came out, and others will say 2008 was "overrated" or "Over-hyped."

But we'll know better because we were there.

P.S. - Apologies for the many other worthy games I left out.

Um... Yeah!

For real though, it does seem like there are a whole bunch of people who I have never seen a post of before in these forums who crawl out of the shadows just to let me know that a game I like is junk. There does come a point where I wonder if those people are just trying their hardest to NOT have fun or if they are so afraid to be like everybody else and say they want to play Gears of War 2.

Um... Yeah!

For real though, it does seem like there are a whole bunch of people who I have never seen a post of before in these forums who crawl out of the shadows just to let me know that a game I like is junk. There does come a point where I wonder if those people are just trying their hardest to NOT have fun or if they are so afraid to be like everybody else and say they want to play Gears of War 2.

AtomicTangerine

Yep.

Sometimes something is so damn good it deserves all the praise it gets.

That Gears 2 reference reminds me of the people who claimed The Dark Knight made so much money because Ledger died.

I guess that upcoming Bernie Mac film should gross 300 million easily.

(Or maybe, just maybe, Dark Knight was an exceptional film.)

[QUOTE="AtomicTangerine"]

Um... Yeah!

For real though, it does seem like there are a whole bunch of people who I have never seen a post of before in these forums who crawl out of the shadows just to let me know that a game I like is junk. There does come a point where I wonder if those people are just trying their hardest to NOT have fun or if they are so afraid to be like everybody else and say they want to play Gears of War 2.

Grammaton-Cleric

Yep.

Sometimes something is so damn good it deserves all the praise it gets.

That Gears 2 reference reminds me of the people who claimed The Dark Knight made so much money because Ledger died.

I guess that upcoming Bernie Mac film should gross 300 million easily.

(Or maybe, just maybe, Dark Knight was an exceptional film.)

Yeah, I'm sure it helped sell a few tickets, but a movie doesn't get THAT big just because of one person's involvment. I don't mean to go on a tangent or anything, but I just needed to mention that The Dark Knight is an example of a movie that is so good that if it isn't nominated for a few awards at the Oscars, it will just show that the people voting on those awards are the kind of people you were talking about. They will never be pleased by a piece of entertainment unless it helps them be a bigger snob, and liking a hit movie based off a comic book won't help them with that.

Wow ... Ya know normally I would have a nice witty comment to go along with a rant such as the one to start off this topic. However, I loved this rant because you're exactly right. I mean there are tons upon tons of terrific titles from the start of the year to the end. And you didn't even list all the great games that have come out for the hand helds this year. That in and of itself could be a whole new topic just for them.

Honestly, This year has made me kinda sad to ONLY own a 360. It means I've missed out on MGS4 and LBP, which as I'm sure everybody knows only came out on PS3. Then again I feel badly for Wii owners cause as far as I know they only got No More Heroes. Still, from what I've heard it was a great game.

So yeah ... needless to say I completely agree 08 was really great for all of us game lovers.

Well, I think every year has some very awesome games, so I feel saying that 1998 was the best year for games to be pretty closed-minded. Remember, last year there was Halo 3, Super Mario Galaxy, Bioshock, Crysis, Call of Duty 4, etc.

Games are much more popular now than, say, 10 years ago, so there's bound to be a lot of attention when something good is released.

I'm pretty optimistic of Mortal Kombat vs. DC to be a solid game...at least I hope it is.

Honestly, This year has made me kinda sad to ONLY own a 360. It means I've missed out on MGS4 and LBP, which as I'm sure everybody knows only came out on PS3. Then again I feel badly for Wii owners cause as far as I know they only got No More Heroes. Still, from what I've heard it was a great game.

Zarden

The PS3 can be an expensive pill to swallow but the console really is hitting it's stride and if you have an HDTV, Blueray can be a pretty nice bonus. Both MGS4 and LBP are serious GOTY contenders so hopefully you can get a PS3 at some point down the line.

That said, I own all three consoles and you have the best overall system in terms of selection.

Well, I think every year has some very awesome games, so I feel saying that 1998 was the best year for games to be pretty closed-minded. Remember, last year there was Halo 3, Super Mario Galaxy, Bioshock, Crysis, Call of Duty 4, etc.

Games are much more popular now than, say, 10 years ago, so there's bound to be a lot of attention when something good is released.

I'm pretty optimistic of Mortal Kombat vs. DC to be a solid game...at least I hope it is.

viewtiful26

I don't think there needs to be a "best year". I think the point is that things really keep getting better and 2008 has been an exceptional year that saw some highly anticipated games meet expectations. Last year was also an amazning year and 2009 could possibly exceed 2008.

And MK Vs. DC looks like loads and loads of fun.

I just want to say that I'm really impressed by your eloquence in the written word.

Yep.

Sometimes something is so damn good it deserves all the praise it gets.

That Gears 2 reference reminds me of the people who claimed The Dark Knight made so much money because Ledger died.

I guess that upcoming Bernie Mac film should gross 300 million easily.

(Or maybe, just maybe, Dark Knight was an exceptional film.)

Grammaton-Cleric

With the exception of one scene, I'd say TDK was the almost perfect comic movie, and I don't take to comics lightly. And you know what was strange? The movie was SO good that I actually found myself hoping that a game tie-in would come out, and for the first time in the history that games have being made from movies, it didn't. Ironic.

And it has been a good year. I understood where you were coming from with LBP, but I'm really glad you bought it. I honestly think it's one of the best games I've played in some time, and I was a pessimist on the game actually delivering on the single-player side. Happy to be wrong -- the game is a delight. The online mode is jacked for now, and what's worse -- it carries over to the single-play experience in the form of load times (if you don't turn PSN off), but the core game and experience is simply wonderful. It's a better statement for the system than any game prior.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

Yep.

Sometimes something is so damn good it deserves all the praise it gets.

That Gears 2 reference reminds me of the people who claimed The Dark Knight made so much money because Ledger died.

I guess that upcoming Bernie Mac film should gross 300 million easily.

(Or maybe, just maybe, Dark Knight was an exceptional film.)

Shame-usBlackley

With the exception of one scene, I'd say TDK was the almost perfect comic movie, and I don't take to comics lightly. And you know what was strange? The movie was SO good that I actually found myself hoping that a game tie-in would come out, and for the first time in the history that games have being made from movies, it didn't. Ironic.

And it has been a good year. I understood where you were coming from with LBP, but I'm really glad you bought it. I honestly think it's one of the best games I've played in some time, and I was a pessimist on the game actually delivering on the single-player side. Happy to be wrong -- the game is a delight. The online mode is jacked for now, and what's worse -- it carries over to the single-play experience in the form of load times (if you don't turn PSN off), but the core game and experience is simply wonderful. It's a better statement for the system than any game prior.

I'm glad I broke down and bought LBP as well, because I agree that even as a single player game, it's worth the price tag. I was really quite amazed at how good the single player portion is, especially since I really bought the game for the level editor.

And yes, TDK is damn near perfect, at least in the opinion of this longtime Batman fanboy. Now we just need the ultimate Batman game...

Great topic but I don't think there's a single game ever made that is beyond reproach especially when one man's trash can be another's treasure and vice versa.

I'll admit that there are some people that tend to hate games just for the fact that the game is popular but then there are a lot of other people that have honest criticisms about some of the games you listed. Just because we like a game doesn't make it perfect. Also there are a few genres of games that are once again under represented that can make someone feel that this year is a bit lackluster.

Overall I think it's an excellent year but some of those midrange titles you listed like NG II and Condemned are worthy of not only praise but hate that they receive.

I'm glad I broke down and bought LBP as well, because I agree that even as a single player game, it's worth the price tag. I was really quite amazed at how good the single player portion is, especially since I really bought the game for the level editor.

And yes, TDK is damn near perfect, at least in the opinion of this longtime Batman fanboy. Now we just need the ultimate Batman game...

Grammaton-Cleric

Yeah I was quite surprised that you decided to retract your earlier statement about withholding your purchase of LBP because of the delay. I suppose that the game's sheer quality was too overpowering to really resist.

The most negative thing I could say about the last two years of gaming is that it provided so many good titles, that it's going to take some time to go through them, leaving behind some quality gems that may eventually go forgotten, but that still doesn't change my opinion that games have really hit a high point for me for '07 and '08.

It's easy to make criticisms, and although you have to people that seemingly like to rain on others parade with popular titles, I always took that as the vocal minority. Let them have their say, but in the end I am the one that is enjoying what I play. Your post was wonderfully written and made me realize how good we've had it this year. I just didn't stop to think about it.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

I'm glad I broke down and bought LBP as well, because I agree that even as a single player game, it's worth the price tag. I was really quite amazed at how good the single player portion is, especially since I really bought the game for the level editor.

And yes, TDK is damn near perfect, at least in the opinion of this longtime Batman fanboy. Now we just need the ultimate Batman game...

BladesOfAthena

Yeah I was quite surprised that you decided to retract your earlier statement about withholding your purchase of LBP because of the delay. I suppose that the game's sheer quality was too overpowering to really resist.

I'm...weak.

Also, I was actually impressed that Sony got the game into stores by last Saturday, effectively making the delay all of two or three days. I still think they made a mistake but I swallowed my pride and nabbed a copy and it really is something special.

You know its a great year when games like Prince of Persia, Valkria Chronicles, Mirrors Edge, Call of Duty WW. etc are almost getting slipped under the radar because of all the great games coming out. This year is just awesome, im so grateful to have so many games that next years drought (Apr-August-ish) will be none existent. If I had a job, I would have easily bought 4 more games off the top of my head on top of what I already bought.

I think it trumps 07 easily, and makes 06 look like the fall of gaming. Great post though GC.

I'll admit that there are some people that tend to hate games just for the fact that the game is popular but then there are a lot of other people that have honest criticisms about some of the games you listed. Just because we like a game doesn't make it perfect.

Overall I think it's an excellent year but some of those midrange titles you listed like NG II and Condemned are worthy of not only praise but hate that they receive.

smerlus

All this talk of perfection and games that fall short of perfection is mental masturbation without the payoff, at least in my estimation.

About a third of MGS4 is a bit uneven in terms of game play but the experience as a whole is quite literally unrivaled so really, who cares if the game isn't perfect? Flaws can sometimes be endearing and the bottom line is that people have become too critical and therefore unappreciative of all the amazing games we enjoy year in and year out. Taking the time to point out a few gripes is always reasonable, but we've hit a point of saturation where people overplay this mentality, as if being overtly critical is a badge of credibility or a sign of intelligence.

I've been gaming for nearly 30 years and I've seen the full evolutionary spectrum of this medium and frankly, I continue to be amazed every day. I think criticism serves an important function but I also think people should chill out a bit, take a few breaths, and appreciate the bounty we have and continue to receive.

Also, consider this:

Deconstruction, while valid, is ultimately the process of tearing something apart, and that is inherently much easier to do than to actually create something.

Creation requires courage, talent, insight, and vision and thus is a more virtuous endeavor. I understand that some people really get off on slamming other people's work but personally I'd rather focus on the positives, especially when so much goodness is out there.

Just my two cents.

Thanx for the laughs dude. _AbBaNdOn

You're...welcome?

[QUOTE="_AbBaNdOn"]Thanx for the laughs dude. Grammaton-Cleric

You're...welcome?

Just ignore _Abandon, Gramaton. His posts are always borderline trolling and he's one of those guys who say every next-gen game is over-hyped, only cares about graphics, unoriginal, and criticizes them.

By the way, excellent post Gramaton. Very professionaly written as always.

More great points.

Also, people have to realize the limitation of gaming in its current stage. People want worlds created that replicate real life, they want perfect AI, all these things that we have never actually had in gaming. No one would expect this from last gen, and just because we have a lot more power to work with, people still have to write the code and create these massive worlds from scratch.

Imagine if we only have Lego to create buildings, cars, etc. Now imagine all of a sudden we have wood, bricks, stone, steel and everything to create whatever we want. We could now build skyscrapers that are a mile high, make cars as fast as rockets, etc but the problem is, no one has actually done this before and therefore you are going to inevitably run into problems creating these things.

My point is that I think expectations have passed the technology that we currently have. Im not talking about any games in particular, because lots of games create issues that are totally unnecessary but just generally speaking we need to put our expecations in perspective.

All this talk of perfection and games that fall short of perfection is mental masturbation without the payoff, at least in my estimation.

About a third of MGS4 is a bit uneven in terms of game play but the experience as a whole is quite literally unrivaled so really, who cares if the game isn't perfect? Flaws can sometimes be endearing and the bottom line is that people have become too critical and therefore unappreciative of all the amazing games we enjoy year in and year out. Taking the time to point out a few gripes is always reasonable, but we've hit a point of saturation where people overplay this mentality, as if being overtly critical is a badge of credibility or a sign of intelligence.

I've been gaming for nearly 30 years and I've seen the full evolutionary spectrum of this medium and frankly, I continue to be amazed every day. I think criticism serves an important function but I also think people should chill out a bit, take a few breaths, and appreciate the bounty we have and continue to receive.

Also, consider this:

Deconstruction, while valid, is ultimately the process of tearing something apart, and that is inherently much easier to do than to actually create something.

Creation requires courage, talent, insight, and vision and thus is a more virtuous endeavor. I understand that some people really get off on slamming other people's work but personally I'd rather focus on the positives, especially when so much goodness is out there.

Just my two cents.

Grammaton-Cleric

Deconstructing also has its place and can be used in the creating process similar to reverse engineering. I like to look at games like Condemned 2 and Ninja Gaiden 2 and weigh their pros and cons because there are some definite poor design decisions made in both games that made the originals on par if not better than the sequels.

I have this foolish notion that maybe some devs do read these topics and maybe heed some words like rapid fire rocket launchers from off screen are bad, tossing in a crap load of guns into a game that got most of its excitement from being a melee thriller game is bad and maybe they fix these for the next part in the series.

Just like how I got a survey from EA today about Spore and I didn't hold back any punches. It asked me what I thought of spore and the upcoming expansions and while I liked the game, I wasn't afraid to tell them that expanding the space portion, which is clearly the best gameplay portion of the game is a poor idea. Why make the best part stronger when it's just going to make the weaker parts look more inept? It would be like an expansion for Crysis that just improved the graphics when the game could use a bit of help in the story.

I can never understand people tearing down games that they won't play or haven't come out yet but I think critical thinking of games they do play and pointing out things they didn't like is just as healthy as pointing out things they did like.

Where is Dead Space GC :x

If Banjo Kazooie, Tomb Raider: Underworld, Gears of War 2, Resistance 2, The New Prince of Persia, Call of Duty: World At War, Red Alert 3, Skate 2, Mirror's Edge, Left 4 Dead, Need for Speed: Undercover, Last Remnant, Persona 4, and Deady Creatures all turn out as well as the previews have signaled we are in for the best year ever:o...And no I'm not willing to make any exceptions.

I'm...weak.

Also, I was actually impressed that Sony got the game into stores by last Saturday, effectively making the delay all of two or three days. I still think they made a mistake but I swallowed my pride and nabbed a copy and it really is something special.

Grammaton-Cleric

Nooooo......must....resist....the urge....:P

Seriously, although I'm just a teeny (just a little, I swear!) bit jealous of you guys, however I'm also glad that you're enjoying yourself immensely and that's what really counts. ^_^ If I had a PS3, I'd certainly would be interested in playing whatever levels you made Grammaton.:)

You're...welcome?Grammaton-Cleric

:lol: I dunno..I just didn't expect that from you.

Dude, I suck at life. I couldn't remember where that quote was from...

Anyway, great post. I think 2008's crop of games have lived up to their high expectations, even if I was disappointed with most of them.

If that makes sense.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

Yep.

Sometimes something is so damn good it deserves all the praise it gets.

That Gears 2 reference reminds me of the people who claimed The Dark Knight made so much money because Ledger died.

I guess that upcoming Bernie Mac film should gross 300 million easily.

(Or maybe, just maybe, Dark Knight was an exceptional film.)

Shame-usBlackley

With the exception of one scene, I'd say TDK was the almost perfect comic movie, and I don't take to comics lightly. And you know what was strange? The movie was SO good that I actually found myself hoping that a game tie-in would come out, and for the first time in the history that games have being made from movies, it didn't. Ironic.

And it has been a good year. I understood where you were coming from with LBP, but I'm really glad you bought it. I honestly think it's one of the best games I've played in some time, and I was a pessimist on the game actually delivering on the single-player side. Happy to be wrong -- the game is a delight. The online mode is jacked for now, and what's worse -- it carries over to the single-play experience in the form of load times (if you don't turn PSN off), but the core game and experience is simply wonderful. It's a better statement for the system than any game prior.

which scene?

I can never understand people tearing down games that they won't play or haven't come out yet but I think critical thinking of games they do play and pointing out things they didn't like is just as healthy as pointing out things they did like.

smerlus

Of course constructive criticism is a good thing and can actually be a very helpful tool and I think you have done a solid job in making a clear delineation between pissing and moaning versus wanting a game or franchise to improve by evaluating legitimate criticisms.

I think one of the most obvious examples is Force Unleashed, which offers some incredible components but at the same time the lightsaber combat was underdeveloped and occasionally a bit clumsy.

The game deserves both praise and criticism but when I read comments calling it "garbage", I'm really quite mystified. Granted, part of that is hyperbole, which is the official language of the Internet, but never in a million years would I call something like Force Unleashed garbage and I really can't wrap my head around the logic of those who would.

Superman 64 was garbage. Hulk for the PS1 was garbage.

Force Unleashed is a great game with some nagging flaws.

Dude, I suck at life. I couldn't remember where that quote was from...

Anyway, great post. I think 2008's crop of games have lived up to their high expectations, even if I was disappointed with most of them.

If that makes sense.

Dutch_Mix

It makes sense because we as gamers play so freaking much that it really takes something divergent or special to get that child-like sense of awe to kick in. One of the ways I keep that fire burning is by showing non-gamers, like my fiancé's father, some of these games. When he watches me climb a tower in Assassin's Creed or mow down a horde of Locusts in Gears, he literally looks dumbfounded, as if he can't quite believe what he's seeing.

The more you are exposed to something, the more jaded you become; it's human nature. That's why I try and remind myself to have some fun with all of this because without that fun, what's the point?

I'm a little surprised no one has mentioned handhelds. While it may not have been quite as stellar a year when compared to consoles, I think the DS and PSP both had a pretty good year. There were great iterations of Ninja Gaiden, God of War, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Castlevania as well as a few original gems like Patapon, The World Ends With You, and Professor Layton.

Maybe I'm spilling over into a different topic here, but handhelds always seem to fly under the radar. If we're having a group hug here, I think we should take some time to acknowledge the small screen as well.

I'm a little surprised no one has mentioned handhelds. While it may not have been quite as stellar a year when compared to consoles, I think the DS and PSP both had a pretty good year. There were great iterations of Ninja Gaiden, God of War, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Castlevania as well as a few original gems like Patapon, The World Ends With You, and Professor Layton.

Maybe I'm spilling over into a different topic here, but handhelds always seem to fly under the radar. If we're having a group hug here, I think we should take some time to acknowledge the small screen as well.

JGonspy

Castlevania OoE.....YESSSS!!! I really really heart that game to death and is my personal GOTY. Everybody on this board should really sink their teeth into this game as its really brilliant.

And people like Molyneux don't help matters. It's a good thing he learned from the first time 'round.
foxhound_fox

First time around? Try Black & White, Black & White 2, The Movies and Fable.

Castlevania OoE.....YESSSS!!! I really really heart that game to death and is my personal GOTY. Everybody on this board should really sink their teeth into this game as its really brilliant.

BladesOfAthena

You did not just use that pun...

Otherwise, I totally agree. It definitely doesn't...suck!

its really good post and made me think about my games and made me thought i enjoyed them but after a serious thinking i think i'm more disappointed than satisfied or maybe its equal.

but to be honest, i agree with you because there are really many good games. for example, in criticism, i think Far Cry 2 is average/good game but in enjoyment, i enjoy the game and plan to beat it before uninstalling it. so i can count this game as good and fun even though i can put it into disappointment folder too.

nice post

Refreshing to see someone brutally optimistic for a change. NHL09 has my vote as well for best hockey game ever, and I've been playing since the Blades of Steel - NHL94 days..

It's been a great run already, and here I thought 09 would be the year that delivered.

For me the years from 1995 to 2005 was the great decade for video games, with particularly high points in 1998, 2003 and 2004. 2006 was a significant drop off in game quality.. 2007 developers were still getting used to the new systems (down year other than mario galaxy and the orange box), and 2008 does seem like things are starting to return to form a bit.

That being said 2008 was also full of horrible stuff such as Too Human that never should have seen the light of day. And the games I am most interested in from the current year -little big planet, fallout 3- I wont get a chance to play them for a while (financially stuck until sometime in 2009 at the earliest.)

Cool post. something to actually read for a change among all the crap. Gaming right now, is good. Not it's best. But pretty good. The younger generation will disagree because they started gaming later. They will say the same thing to the generation after them. So Kudos's for you.

The Dark Knight was mediocre for me. Just seemed like your typical Batman movie. It had a good Joker but I'd rather watch Apocalypto again instead. Just me.

Game's like Persona 3, Okami, Oblivion, Fallout 3, Dead Space, etc... where really good game's or ground breaking game's for me this past year and a half. When I started actually using forums this whole thing you guys call hype was new to me. But I do like the fangirl's because it help's the endless cycle of competition.

Make more post's like this.

[QUOTE="Dutch_Mix"]

Dude, I suck at life. I couldn't remember where that quote was from...

Anyway, great post. I think 2008's crop of games have lived up to their high expectations, even if I was disappointed with most of them.

If that makes sense.

Grammaton-Cleric

It makes sense because we as gamers play so freaking much that it really takes something divergent or special to get that child-like sense of awe to kick in. One of the ways I keep that fire burning is by showing non-gamers, like my fiancé's father, some of these games. When he watches me climb a tower in Assassin's Creed or mow down a horde of Locusts in Gears, he literally looks dumbfounded, as if he can't quite believe what he's seeing.

The more you are exposed to something, the more jaded you become; it's human nature. That's why I try and remind myself to have some fun with all of this because without that fun, what's the point?

[QUOTE="Dutch_Mix"]

Dude, I suck at life. I couldn't remember where that quote was from...

Anyway, great post. I think 2008's crop of games have lived up to their high expectations, even if I was disappointed with most of them.

If that makes sense.

Grammaton-Cleric

It makes sense because we as gamers play so freaking much that it really takes something divergent or special to get that child-like sense of awe to kick in. One of the ways I keep that fire burning is by showing non-gamers, like my fiancé's father, some of these games. When he watches me climb a tower in Assassin's Creed or mow down a horde of Locusts in Gears, he literally looks dumbfounded, as if he can't quite believe what he's seeing.

The more you are exposed to something, the more jaded you become; it's human nature. That's why I try and remind myself to have some fun with all of this because without that fun, what's the point?

I think it's been a good year with something for everyone. In fact, I think 2008 absolutely crushes 2007 in terms of variety. While pretty good, 2007 didn't offer much variety at all, it was basically a FPS year. As for this year, I'm still playing catch-up like always. The only thing I played that was released this year was Mass Effect. Crysis Warhead and Spore are still sitting on my shelf. Fable II is arriving next week hopefully. I'm definitely looking forward to Grand Theft Auto IV and Left 4 Dead. Also, Bully is coming out on PC today, I think, and the package includes the soundtrack which is awesome. Definitely picking that up.

Also, a little-known RPG/turn-based strategy game called King's Bounty: The Legend (sort of a sequel to a game from 1987 by New World Computing which later went on to create the famed Heroes of Might and Magic series which was actually heavily influenced by the original King's Bounty) came out of nowhere and completely blew me away. I only played the demo, but it contains a huge part of the finished game. Can't seem to locate a copy anywhere though which sucks.

All that said, I still think a healthy level of cynicism and even flat-out negativity is not inherently bad. If you didn't like a game or some of its elements, then you should speak your mind. I don't even think there's anything wrong with commenting on or even dismissing games you never played. There's so much stuff out there it's impossible to play it all (and quite frankly, I don't even have the desire to). You can still have an opinion. People might challenge that opinion, but that's what this place is here for, isn't it?