I got a Playstation Move Bundle today. :D It comes with the cam, PS move, Sports Champions and a demo disk (saves the download times!)

Believe it or not I realized that I already have some games compatible with it. Sackboy's Prehistoric Adventure (which I got for free), Dead Space Extraction, Heavy Rain. Plus I got the Killzone 3 Beta and Demo too as well as the MAG Demo to work with. :D And of course all those demos to try out.

Also, The Killzone 3 Single Player demo dropped, and I'm excited as heck to play it. I've been playing the Beta and I'm loving this game. Love they incloded bots in the beta as well!

Stacking came out for free for PS Plus users (w00t) and as well as free Super Puzzle Fighter avatars. (double w00t) I can't wait to try this game out.

A great day for gaming :D

I think it's got me under it's spell! Any games you guys and gals recomend?

Last year, I finally got a PlayStation 3. Last year, the PlayStation Plus subscription debuted.

I was...a little skeptical of the program to say the least. Questions were, how much stuff would we get, would it be worth it, etc etc.

But for the the late portion of 2010, I didn't use my PlayStation.

So with 18 bucks in hand I figured maybe, just maybe I should give this a shot. I consider myself an all around gamer, so IF it turns out to be a bust...well I only blew 18. I could do worse right?

So far the verdict?

Not even a week in and I love it.

I get to play free games, like:

Digger HD

Spyro 2 Ripto's Rage

Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves

Hero of Sparta

Karimogi

A subscription to Qore magazine and all that includes

Exclusive demo's and betas

free full game 60 minute trials

Free add ons (that you normally have to pay for) Lot's of discounts off games including 50 percent off PS 1 import games (which I must say I likey a lot)

A next week The new double fine game, Stacking will be free to PlayStation plus members. w00t.

So, so far this might be the thing that makes me turn on my ps3 more. Which is great news to me. I kinda regret not getting this earlier especially to play the other free games. I get to play the free games as long as I'm a ps plus member, and once you download it you can redownload it (if you delete it) and play it for as long as you like.

For what it offers for a really cheap price, it really does give you a lot of stuff to tangle with. I am impressed. If gives you a lot of stuff to play with regularly, which is awesome.

I'll keep you up to date on this down the road guys and gals.

Also, if I haven't yet added you to my PlayStation friend's list. Shoot me an add request. :) I sent a bunch of friend requests out this morning. :P

For previous entries, read here.

"My top 30 Games I played in 2010" blog series continues with #6 - 10!

#10 - Pac-man Championship Edition DX - XBLA

One of my all time favorite XBLA games is Pac-man Championship Edition. It was a fun exciting twist on the Pac-man formula. loved it so much, that I kept playing it over and over, for many days, long after I earned every achievement, just trying to get my scores that much better. So when I heard that a sequel, Pac-man Championship Edition DX, was coming out, I was very excited.

Pac-man Championship Edition DX takes everything that was great about the first Pac-man CE, and multiplies it by 100. In edition to an expanded list of game types and challenges, with a leaderboard for just about everything, the gameplay has gotten even more crazy. The goal in the original CE was to chomp your way through dots and ghosts, to make a fruit appear. Once eaten, it would change half of the maze to something new. This allowed for rapid changing gameplay, and lots of chomping thrills.

In DX, it retains everything from CE but adds a few new elements. Instead of ghosts coming out of the middle zone, and swarming the mazes like in traditional pac-man games, now they appear on the maze, asleep. Once you pass by them, they awake, and immediately start chasing you. You want this to happen. Why? Well once you get a bunch of ghosts together and eat a power pellet, then you can turn around a chomp those ghosts in succession. This allows for some crazy moment. You have not lived til you have eaten 30 ghosts in a row.

The second new element, is the addition of bombs, which you can earn by gaining points (just like lives) that you can use to bomb away those ghosts, if things get to hairy. Finally, the third new one, is ghosts that have a power pellet inside. Ghosts scattered across the stage contain power pellets also, which you can use to keep your power pellet chain going.

Pac-man Championship Edition DX XBLA is not only a great sequel, the DX edition manges to blow the original edition away with it's exciting and frantic gameplay. Pac-man DX feels like a instant hit and will be a game that I will keep coming back to for years to come.

#9 - Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock - Xbox 360

I've bought a lot of Guitar Hero games, and even though I love music games, I'll admit, the GH series over the years hasn't had that magic spark, especially compared to the Rock Band series which I greatly love. It's been missing for quite some time. They've tried new things, and laxed on others, but in 2010 it surprisingly changed.

Early in 2010 I was looking at Guitar Hero: WoR, with disdain. Even though I liked some of the new changes in GH5 especially with the challenges (which is manged to complete a ton of), and the free Van Halen game that came with it, I thought Warriors of Rock was gonna be yet another game with limited changes.

I was so wrong.

Guitar Hero: WoR returns with a story mode, a simple, yet actual purpose to playing. as you play through, New and past GH characters change, into warriors (or monsters heh) that unlock powers while playing. Every character in game has a special ability when you play in story mode. Sometimes it's a tiny boost of star power after hitting every ten notes, or 6 x the normal multiplayer instead of 4, etc. This all helps you earn stars, that in previous games were limited to 5 max (well 6 if you count perfect)h these new powers, you'll able to go well beyond that, earning extra stars. as your players turn to warriors, they gain access to even stronger versions of their powers that allow you to earn a crazy amount of stars.

Everything you unlock during story mode,instruments, characters, powers, can be used in the new Quickplay plus mode, that combines the old quikplay modes from 4 and 5, with an expanded version of GH5's challenges. Every song, on disk, import, and DLC, has challenges you can beat and instead of 1 per song, it can be up to 13 per each song. This allows for a crazy amount of gameplay far and beyond the new story mode, and far beyond any Guitar Hero game to date.

But beyond all the expanded amount of content, and new abilities, GH has one of the most memorable things ever in a music game.

2112 by Rush.

It includes, in story mode, the 25+ minute Epic: 2112 by Rush, all parts, and narrated by Rush themselves. I won't spoil anythign for you, but for me, a long avid music fan and game player. This is easily one of the most epic things I have ever experienced in a video game. It's an experience like no other.

I, for one, am glad that finally, Guitar Hero gets a well deserving game.

Also, the new Soundgarden CD that was given away with new copies of the game was extra sweetness. Spoonman, save me!

#8 - Super Street Fighter 4 - Xbox 360

One of my favorite games on 2009 was Street Fighter 4. In 2010, Super Street Fighter 4 came out. Instead of a typical update, Capcom pulled out all stops. New characters, videos, content, tournament modes, new moves everything top to bottom refined.

I'll spare ya the extended reasoning. SS4 is A game that needs no introduction, no extensive reasoning to explain why this game is on my list. If you have played this game in 2010, you know how ultimate, fantastic this game is. it's well-rounded, full of content and replayability that stands head and shoulders beyond most fighting games.

Capcom I think you for not only bringing me back to the fighting Genre with the great Street Fighter 4 in 09, but keeping me around, hungry and loving every minute of it, with a great masterpiece in Super Street Fighter 4 in 2010 and beyond.

#7 - Sonic Colors - Wii

If you managed to catch a blog I made a while back, you know that I love Sonic Colors and why.

Beyond just an excellent game, it's a breath of relief, a shed of tear from the eye. Sonic has a long rough road on consoles in the last few years. I'm glad that not only has he returned with a good game, but a great one, that manages to show us all why we fell in love with Sonic all those years ago on the Genesis.

And yes, this is the only Wii game I got in 2010, but it's definitely a great one.

#6 - Enslaved: Odyssey to the West- Xbox 360

I'll admit, I didn't get to play a lot of Enslaved until just recently, but the bit I played in 2010 was worthy enough of placing this in the top ten. Enslaved is a creative retelling of the story, Journey to the West. 150 years in the future, humanity is scrapes of what it was. The land is a wasteland, and humans are being enslaved by machines. I won't dive too much into story here - Enslaved is too good to let any details slip out on plot.

What I can say is beyond the fantastic plot, what really capture my attention was the attention to detail. The environments are amazing, lush and full of life. It sucks you in, and makes you feel like you are there. The attention to detail to Monkey and Trip is also amazing. The characters act very lifelike. Their facial expressions are so real, soo...spot on...soo...what it should be if a person was to look like in real life if they were in that situation. Like Monkey when he's mad, or Trip when she is shocked, or scared. It's scary how, they got the animations down so right.

Enslaved is a wonderful package, Story, characters, gameplay, environment, it's something that I'm glad to have experienced in 2010 (and into 2011)

The list so far:

Top 30 Games of 2010 I played - #16 - 30
#30 - Modnation Racers - PS3
#29 - Risk Factions - XBLA
#28 - Alien Breed Impact - PC (Steam
#27 - Beat Hazard - PC (Steam)
#26 - UFC Undisputed 2010 - PS3
#25 - Green Day Rock Band - Xbox 360
#24 - Alien Swarm - PC (Steam)
#23 - Ilomilo - Windows Phone 7
#22 - Hydrophobia - XBLA
#21 - Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers PC (Steam)
#20 - Bayonetta - Xbox 360
#19 - Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light - XBLA
#18 - Final Fantasy XIII - Xbox 360
#17 - Bioshock 2 - PS3
#16 - Toy Soldiers - XBLA

And here we go, it continues! "My top 30 Games I played in 2010" continues with #11 - 15!

#15 - Splinter Cell Conviction - Xbox 360

Splinter Cell Conviction was a surprise purchase for me in 2010. I have never been a big fan of the Splinter Cell series. Not cause I think it's bad or anything, they have just never been my cup of tea. I've always respected the fact they have been great quality games. That and the fact that they are pretty hard.

So, a demo pops up on live in 2010. I give it a shot, and just like the bad guys, I was blown away. I had to get this game in 2010.

This Splinter Cell game was more action oriented, yet still retained a lot of stealth from previous games. You can now mark targets - sneak up on a baddie, kill them from behind, then mark 3 guys around the corner and wham, 1, 2, 3 lights out. You can blend into the shadows, and you have many gadgets and weapons at your disposal to take the baddies out.

The graphics were pretty notable in game, words pop up on buildings to give you clues...almost a comic book effect. As you turn a corner, on the shadows of the wall, text might read, "Sneak into the office." It's a pretty cool effect.

I think the best part of this game is it gives you choices, like sneak past the bad guys, or plant a remote bomb from the ceiling and blow them all away, or drive one out, hand to hand kill them, then mark the others and kill them in succession with one tap of a button.

The game also features challenges that you can complete, different modes, and yes, co-op mode, which definitely is a major plus for the game. You haven't played a stealth game until you and a buddy have silently exterminated everyone in a room. It's a thrill.

The game isn't perfect: it's got some minor issues with stealth detection in some spots, and when the gamegoes into too much action, then stealth it can get chaotic and frustrating, but it's worth it. The game has some sweet spots, lots of content, great storytelling and replayability. If this is the direction Splinter Cell is heading in, I say bring on the sequel.

#14 - Costume Quest - XBLA

This game is the best game ever based on a holiday. There I said it.

Tim Schafer and Double Fine productions have created a wonderful game. Costume quest is a RPG about two siblings that get separated (one gets captured) and go on a quest to reunite with each other and save Halloween. Along they way, they meet other kids, monsters, and go trick or treating. Don't laugh, it works, and creates a funny and enjoyable experience.

Sure, it's not a long game. Sure it's relatively easy RPG. But the point of this game wasn't to make an epic, challenging RPG. It's about having fun. The story, the incorporation of trick or treating, the laughs, it all works. The length and fun, make it perfect for a holiday game.

The reason why it's on this list is simple. In world where Halloween seems like a forgotten holiday, Costume Quest reminds us what Halloween really is. It's about having fun, dressing up, munching on candy/snacks, and scaring a few people. It made me feel, for a brief period in time, like a ten year old kid again, trick or treating, having fun on Halloween. And for a game, where on paper, it seems to be doomed to fail (like all holiday games do) Costume Quest not only succeeds, it excels.

Also, the fact you can unlock some pretty sweet avatar awards, is extra sweet (pun intended).

#13 - Pinball FX 2 - XBLA

Pinball FX 2 was another fall 2010 release, much like Costume Quest. The previous FX was a decent pinball game. It's mechanics were okay, the tables were okay....the game was just...okay. It did it's job filling the void of pinball games on the 360 (at least on the downloadable end).

Pinball FX 2 came, and it blew the old game away. The game is a shell, kinda like Family Game Night and Game Room. From inside the game you can purchase individual tables, or game packs of tables. But guess what? Have the old Pinball FX? You get that free for FX 2, with the new and improved game engine, leaderboards, and achievements. Have the old DLC? well you get those tables too for free in FX 2! Have none? You can purchase all the old tables, plus all the new tables, and the amazing Marvel Pinball tables (which are some of the best licensed pinball tables I've seen yet).

All tables have 3 achievements for each and there own leaderboards, plus all your scores combine to form your overall score. Combine that with others, and you get your wizard score, which can earn you some avatar awards. They even have tournaments in FX 2 and online and local multiplayer.

Between the new engine, all the great new tables, the push to constantly improve your score, and all the other improvements over the original, FX 2 not only creates the best pinball experience in this age of consoles, it might be arguably the best one of any age of consoles.

#12 - Smackdown Vs. Raw 2011 - Xbox 360

Smackdown series returns yet again.

Okay back up. You and I both know that every year, like Madden, it seems there is another WWE wrestling game. And let's face it, it's been a long time since they have really been, really really good. No Mercy, for the N64, was the last wrestling game for the console, and was a personal fav of mine. It had an awesome huge roster, many unlockables, tons of games modes, great multiplayer and story modes. It was packed to the brim full of content, and it was all-around a great game to play. When the games entered the next age, they just lacked polish and content. Then came Raw vs. Smackdown 2006, which finally brought the WWE games around again, with a great roster, unlockables, game modes, multiplayer, and overall polish. I own the PSP version, and long load times aside, it was the first WWE games in years that was just fun to play and enjoy.

See a trend?

In 06, I got my first 360 console. And like in years past I got a WWE game that came out every year. 2007 was good, it just liked the umph that the previous game had. 2008 came and well...ugh seriously...game was bad. They messed up with the mechanics and the roster was severely lacking. 2009 came, corrected a lot of mistakes, but still we were not going to A quality here. WWE and THQ were playing it too safe. 2010 came, and the finally were trying to turn the corner. It had a major focus on creation, and sharing: moves, entrances, characters, storylines, everything could be uploaded and shared with other via the in game marketplace. Problem was, on the gameplay side, there was still no umph, nothing new to keep you playing. It was same old WWE, and the roster just was looking bleak...

Then here comes 2011.

After years, THQ finally has everything working to create a great wrestling game. All the creation and sharing return in the 2011 edition, with an improved roster, (which on the WWE end, it seems the younger stars are finally turning corner and creating some exciting personas), well rounded gameplay, lots of modes, and the WWE universe mode.

WWE universe mode combines the best parts of the old GM mode and story modes to create a constantly changing game. At any point, you can go into the Universe mode, fight in a randomly set up match, or make you own, and fight it out. What makes it awesome is random events can occur. Sometimes you might have to fight another opponent, or fight off your arch rival, or team up with someone, or some how fight back after being hit with a steel pipe to the back. Some wrestlers can turn fan favorite or heel, team up and form stables, win championships, get new enemies and friends. And the best part is you have control over it all. You can create stables, change championship hands, win the money in the bank match, form matches, etc. WWE universe is what put this game in the top 30 for me. It's ever changing storylines, fun gameplay, and options make it a great Wrestling game and one worthy of calling it a great game. 6 years later THQ. Took ya long enough :P

#11 - Blur - Xbox 360

I was one of the first people to play in the Blur multiplayer beta, early in 2010. I went in not expecting much, and came out it, hyped up for the game release.

Blur is a combination of Mario Kart, PGR, and Burnout. The game plays kinda like Burnout: you race, and try to destroy other cars. The difference here, taking a cue from Mario Kart, is you can pick up powers ups, up to 3, that can use to blow the other cars away, or defend yourself from other cars' shots. Add in a ranking a points system (fans) from PGR, and you got a recipe for a great racing game.

Single player is fun, you got through, try to complete challenges, rank up and earn cars...it's all good. Go online, and Blur become awesome, addicting even. You can select events from, 1-10 player racing, 20 player racing, even destruction modes among others, and just have fun. You earn fans regardless, of placement (though you earn more as you place higher). It's all about how you play: you get more for hitting and taking down other cars, drifting, completing challenges, etc. as you gain more fans, you'll unlock higher ranks, which in turn, unlock more cars. The ranking system provides that desire, along with the exciting multiplayer gameplay of creating a excellent, addicting multiplayer racing experience.

I mean, just this past weekend, I played almost 18 hours xD (not all at once of course :P)

Speaking of which, I hope everyone had a good weekend. :D and got plenty of gaming in. (I know I did!)

Taking a break from the "Top 30 Games of 2010 I played" countdown. It'll return on Monday, as this weekend will be dedicated to relaxing and preparing the rest of the countdown's articles for next week.

I'll probably play some guardian of light, return to Sonic Colors (love that game), and play more of Blur. Maybe get sound playtime of Rock Band 3 in.

Sounds like a recipe for a great weekend. :D That and football. And food. Football, Video games and food. Not necessarily in that order but still...Exceeeeeeelllent.

So what are you folks playing this weekend?

The list so far (in case you forgot :P):

Top 30 Games of 2010 I played - #21 - 30

#30 - Modnation Racers - PS3
#29 - Risk Factions - XBLA
#28 - Alien Breed Impact - PC (Steam
#27 - Beat Hazard - PC (Steam)
#26 - UFC Undisputed 2010 - PS3
#25 - Green Day Rock Band - Xbox 360
#24 - Alien Swarm - PC (Steam)
#23 - Ilomilo - Windows Phone 7
#22 - Hydrophobia - XBLA
#21 - Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers PC (Steam)

On with part 3 of my list: My top 30 Games I played in 2010 continues with #16 - 20

#20 - Bayonetta - Xbox 360

Bayonetta was a part of an early 1-2 punch combo in 2010. Bayonetta and Dante's Inferno roughly came out at the same time in early 2010 and I got to demo both. While I loved both demos, I went with Bayonetta as my first purchase in 2010 (I wouldn't get to own Dante's Inferno til Christmas 2010, and I've yet to get to it.)

Bayonetta is one heck of a Japanese beat-em up: the words "over the top" don't even being to describe this title. Bayonetta is fast paced, in your face with it's suggestive character, and full of "what the" moments. The boss battle are huge, fun, and plenty, as well as the combat. Sega hit the sweet spot with this title.

As a video game player, I'm a sucker for "thrill rides." Somewhere between the tounge-in-cheekness, the bosses, and the "you've got to be kidding me" moments, I fell in love with this game in 2010. I dunno if there will ever be a sequel, but I must say I'm glad to have played this title in 2010.

#19 - Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light - XBLA

"What's this you say? A Lara Croft game that's downloadable only? It'll never work."

Guess what. It works.

The 2.02 gig game (!) worked in charming me and other players by bringing a different approach to the Tomb Raider games. The game is presented in a top down/isometric view, where you guide Lara through levels while solving puzzles, taking on creatures in the new combat system (firing with the right stick = good idea) and collecting items and treasures along the way. All the attributes of the past Tomb Raider games are here: puzzles, exploration, combat and unlockables, all spruced up with the new gameplay: new controls, overview, plenty of challenges to complete, the scoring system and teamwork.
Teamwork?!

Yes, in addition to the single player mode, there's an excellent two player mode as well, that works perfectly. The abilities and tasks are divided up so well, that with the combat and puzzles, it works out so well. It's what not only made this game a good game, but a great game. Let's hope for a sequel.

#18 - Final Fantasy XIII - Xbox 360

Final Fantasy 13 was the first game in a long time that I actually went to a launch party for. Standing in Gamestop earlier this year, talking about past Final Fantasy games, in addition to this one, was great.

Final Fantasy 13 is beautiful, lively, and full of heart. The characters are well developed, and the story is definitely a heart-melter.

Outside of the pretty graphics and story, the game is also fun to play. I loved the fact that the game is a bit more streamlined compared to other RPGs. The combat features no random battle (always a plus) with fast paced action. While turned based gameplay is gone, it still retains the strategy of previous Final Fantasy games. As you battle your characters gain crystal points which you can use to upgrade your characters roles (Commando, Ravager, Medic, Saboteur, Synergist, and Sentinel) as well as help them gain new abilities, HP, Magic etc. (similar features have been in other Final Fantasy games.) The Crystarium is a leveling system consisting of six crystals that very much resembles the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy X.

The upgrade system, battle system and no random battles makes it fun and non-tedious to fight...something I can't say about any other Final Fantasy game in the traditional series.

While the game features a lot of changes, it retains many of the elements that the previous Final Fantasy games have had, just under a new way. While some purists did not like this game at all, I like it; I appreciate the changes, embrace them, and love the fact that it's not a super long RPG. In the last few years I've been notorious for not finishing RPGS, and it usually has to do with time. I don't have the time, as well as others, to sit and do a 40 hour RPGs anymore. The game's not perfection, but is sweet non-the-less. While I've yet to finish this game, I shall in 2011 since I'm very far in. I can promise you that.

#17 - Bioshock 2 - PS3

Bioshock 2 is a game I got super lucky on earlier this year. I managed to nab it for just 20 bucks new in early summer of 2010. While most of my playtime with the title came from my girlfriend playing with it (and she played a lot of it), I loved the atmosphere in the game. The makers of the game didn't just make a game, they made a world. The characters, the environment, everything draws you in. It's not just fun to play, to experience the powers, but it's darn fun to watch and experience.

I put Bioshock 2 on the same level as Fallout 3; it sucks you in, and never lets you go.

I really need to get the first Bioshock.

#16 - Toy Soldiers - XBLA

I don't remember why I tried this game, but I do remember I was hooked within 5 minutes of playing. Toy Soldiers is a tower defense game, but with a twist. Players can create and control units like in traditional tower defense games, and/or control a single unit. So as you place that howitzer or mortar, you can choose to take control of it and blast away troops yourself instead of the AI. It provides a thrilling twist on the Tower Defense game play.

Imagine this, you set up your machine gun troops, 2 motors, and three howitzers. The enemy attacks. As the enemy attacks, the you hop into a bomber and bomb away from the sky, as your computer controlled placements attack away. Or better you you take control of a tank and blast and fry those plastic solders to no end. It's awesome when it works together. And words don't do this game justice, you gotta see it in action and play it to really understand why this game is so good.

I'm so glad I tried this game and bought it. Not only is it an awesome XBLA title, it might just be my favorite Tower Defense game ever.

In my last blog, I said that "2010 was a great year for gaming" and that "I figured it be nice to make a top list for once, in recognition of the great gaming year of 2010." In case you forgot (or didn't read :P) here's the list so far:

Top 30 Games of 2010 I played - #26 - 30

#30 - Modnation Racers - PS3
#29 - Risk Factions - XBLA
#28 - Alien Breed Impact - PC (Steam)
#27 - Beat Hazard - PC (Steam)
#26 - UFC Undisputed 2010 - PS3

So on with part 2 of the list: My top 30 Games I played in 2010 continues with #21 - 25

#25 - Green Day Rock Band - Xbox 360

Green Day Rock Band was a pure joy for me. As a Green Day fan, getting to play All of the Dookie, American Idiot, and 21st Century Breakdown albums, plus other hits from their other albums was fun in 2010. Sure it wasn't as packed to the brim as other Rock Band games, but their songs sure are pretty darn fun to play. Not to mention the WHOLE game set list can be transferred to Rock Band 1, 2 and 3. Major plus. Also worked with the previous 6 Green Day songs released on the Rock Band marketplace. It's no music game of the year contender, but for Rock Band and Green Day enthusiasts, you gotta own this game. Not to mention, the unlockable extras were icing on the cake.

I've spent quite a bit of time with this title - more then I expected to really. Something about their songs makes me come back to it. Even after all the time spent I've yet to complete all the challenges for the game...I just find myself playing it without the purpose of goals. Just to have fun. Which is why I have it on this list.

#24 - Alien Swarm - PC (Steam)

And out of no where in 2010 came Alien Swarm. A FREE game by Valve on Steam. Not only is it free, but it's great! The game was released as a way to present the new Source Engine version and SDK. It's Left 4 Dead meets Alien Breed here folks and it's fun. You as a team of 4, try to get to the bottom of an Alien outbreak. As you go through each mission (or chapter) you have to complete certain goals. The game features a robust rank up system, unlockable weapons and items, and different ranks, such as special weapons, medic, or the tech. (For certain levels someone has to play the tech, as key areas must be accessed and this can only be done by the tech.) The gameplay controls a lot like Alien Breed (top down shooting perspective and all), but features a big emphasis on teamwork and survival. When you die, there is no respawn, your buddies have to move on without you until the end of the chapter. (unless like I said, if the tech is required and he dies well then you have to restart). Featuring great graphics, intense gameplay Alien Storm was a pleasant surprise. It definitely invokes feelings of Left 4 Dead gameplay, and that my friends, can only mean good things.

It's fun, different, and worth playing over and over again.

Did I mention that it was free?

(Note if you ever want to play with me, just send me a message over Steam :P)

#23 - Ilomilo - Windows Phone 7

A PS3, a new laptop and a new phone. Wait, not just any phone. The Samsung Focus: a Windows 7 Phone. Not only is it sweet looking, and runs some pretty neat apps, it's an Xbox phone. Yes, it integrates with Xbox live which means...games, games and more games! And for AT&T users they got a free (temporarily) exclusive game...Ilomilo. Not your standard free game fare, this title is actually AAA quality in terms of mobile phone gaming. Featuring great gameplay, beautiful graphics, and sound, this title is worth paying for, and the best part is that you don't even have to pay a cent for it!

Ilomilo is the tale of Ilo and Milo who are separated, and it's your job to reunite the pair together again. Ingenious 3D puzzles are a staple here, including some real brain trippers, but keep at it. It's definitely a recommended title to play.

I was totally shocked at the quality of the game, and how addicting it was. Folks, if this is the future of mobile phone gaming, I'm in.

A different version of this game is out on XBLA as well. I recommend that as well (based on the demo I played)

BTW, Gamespot get to it on adding Windows Phone 7 games! Why haven't you done it yet?

#22 - Hydrophobia (Pure) - XBLA

Hydrophobia, or rather Hydrophobia Pure as some call it now, was a game I kept on my radar for a long time. Featuring incredible water physics, and graphics for a XBLA title, it definitely threw me by surprise. I played the original version, and yes I had some issues with the gunplay, and knowing where to go, but after playing through it again after the big update (the pure update) the game is definitely worth checking in to. A lot of my quirks with the game were fixed making the game much more playable. The game flows faster, controls handle better, as well as battle is easier to handle. After playing the pure update, I can thoroughly say it's worthy of this list. The water pouring in, the floods, the environment is the star in this game. There's nothing like i;ve played before. I enjoyed it for sure, I just hope they up the ante if the release another part.

Note in addition to all the numerous fixes they did with the patch in December, they lowered the price to just ten dollars, and put up a new longer demo. Folks, it's worth it. Give it a shot. I'm glad I did in 2010.

#21 Magic The Gathering: Duels Of The Planeswalkers - PC (Steam)

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers was released earlier this year on PC, nearly a year after the 360 version. I own the 360 version, but I loved the game so much, I wanted to have the PC version as well, especially since my girlfriend got me the complete collection version, that had all the DLC (expansions 1 + 2), and unlockables. Both versions are extremely refined, and even though some enthusiasts were disappointed by not having more cards, and that you can't mix and match cards from decks, everyone can agree the game is still top notch. From the great layout, cool decks, online play, single player mode and challenges to the easy to pick up rules, Magic is still as awesome as ever. Just like I said last year, the game, whether it's on 360 or now, the PC, Duels of the Planeswalkers is the best video game based on a card game ever released. Period.

Even if you never ever thought about even trying to play Magic, try the game. It's great, and with it's mentoring mode, the vets can help you learn the ropes. Plus the game was designed for expansion, they've released 3 expansion packs so far (PC and 360) and they've added new decks, rules, and even 3 and 4 player battle modes.

Hope you are enjoying the countdown so far. :D

Stay tuned for part 3, The Top 30 Games of 2010 I played - #16 - 20!

2010 was a great year for gaming, so great that there are quite a number of games from last year that I'll be playing way into 2011 (thanks to XMAS and all =P). Anyway, normally I shy away from list making, but I figured it be nice to make a top list for once, in recognition of the great gaming year of 2010. So without further ado, let's get this going.

#30 - Modnation Racers - PS3


2010 will be known to me as the year I got my PS3, and I preordered 2 games this year. Modnation Racers is 1 of them. Up until before it's launch I read a lot on this game, and got to play the demo. I was hooked. I preordered it the following day.

Modnation Racers builds on the play, create, share premise that Littlebigplanet did the previous year. Except here, it's all around kart racing. Features online modes, An extensive list of options (and that's putting it mildly!) to create Karts, Mods (peoples who race the karts), and tracks, just blows one's mind. The first week alone I got to see some crazy mods and karts. Since then the creations by people have grown drastically. I loved online play up until they tweaked the ranking system. Now it's kinda impossible to gain any points which makes playing for rank just near impossible. But before the tweak, I was loving the heck out of the game. You could sit for hours just chillin', doing some races, talking with peeps in the lobby area, or creating away.

Even though I'm really ticked about the changes, it's still worth having just for the creation part. I recommend others to at least rent it if given the chance.

#29 - RISK Factions - XBLA


In the fall of 2010, this game went on sale, and I got this in addition to Blade Kitten and Snoopy's Flying Ace. Truth be told, I didn't like this game at first. I thought it was too much based on luck, and it drove me insane. As I kept at it, it finally clicked and I understood the new rules.

RISK Factions features gameplay based on a different way of playing the board game RISK, the Factions rules. Once you understand it, it becomes pretty fun to play. The single player campaign is short (5 missions), but the game also features custom match play (with a good amount of maps to play on), 5 different factions to play as, online play and yes, the original RISK rules gameplay as well.

It's a game that definitely grew on me, and fun to go back to every now and then. Give it a chance, it definitely gets better as you play.

#28 - Alien Breed Impact - PC (Steam)


2010 will also be known as the year I got back into PC gaming. With a new laptop in hand, I finally made use of my Steam account I made the year before. Alien Breed Impact was a game I got on steam that was released this year. It's premise is simple, via a top down view, you move around and shoot the crud out of aliens, while trying to stay alive, going from area to area. Sometimes the best games, need not be complicated. Alien Breed Impact also has some nice 3D graphics for being a digital download game, and has plenty of explosions. I'll be playing more of this in 2011, but so far, it's been fun.

Alien Breed Impact is also on XBLA, and has two sequels on the console as well 9that seem to be much better then the first. Give them a try folks. :D

#27 - Beat Hazard - PC (Steam)


The best part of gaming on PC right now, is the loads of excellent indie, and small sized titles around. Beat Hazard is one of those great indie titles. Given much attention on the game sites and in magazines, Beat Hazard was a surprise hit to many, including me.

It's a twin stick shooter, that creates it's gameplay based on your music library. Yes you can shoot away to any song you have on your computer. It's a simple idea, that creates one heck of a trippy gameplay as the screen rocks away to beat of the music, and sends wave after wave of enemy ships after you from all sides. The game even features bosses! The game features leaderboards, ranks, and steam achievements.

The game is also on XBL on the indie marketplace, but I highly recommend the steam store version, simple because on PC, it's easier to access your music library. Also, note the game is VERY trippy, so if flashy games bother then this one might give you a seizure. xD

It was definitely a surprise and I've had fun in 2010 blasting away while I listen to my Rush songs. Xanadu + Beat Hazard = Epic.

#26 - UFC Undisputed 2010 - PS3


UFC Undisputed was the other PS3 title I preordered this year, and liked Modnation Racers, it was because of the demo. The demo blew me away: the animation, the gameplay, the thrilling victory of knocking your opponent's block off that hit spins to the mat while spitting out his mouth piece. Yeah, nothing beats those moments.

The ps3 version definitely blew the 360 version out of the water. It featured 5 full fights to watch (thanks to blu-ray!), 3 exclusive legend fighters, and 5 exclusive ultimate fights. This version was definitely packed to the brim with content.

Even though the game still needs balancing issues (check out online to see why), and the submission system definitely irks me a bit) it's still all worth it to land that knock out blow to your opponent. It was a type of fighting game that was all new to me, and got me into watching MMA fights too this year.

Again, I recommend the PS3 version due to the slew of extras,a nd the fact the controls seem better suited to the ps3 controller. Try the demo first.

Stay tuned to the next part of this series! :D

-------------

Also, via the holiday sales I picked up 2 Xbla games

Hydro Thunder Hurricane, XBLA 400 MS points (down from the 1200 standard)

Monday Night Combat, XBLA 600 MS points (down from the 1200 standard)

2010 was a great year for gaming, so great that there are quite a number of games from last year that I'll be playing way into 2011 (thanks to XMAS and all =P). Anyway, normally I shy away from list making, but I figured it be nice to make a top list for once, in recognition of the great gaming year of 2010. So without further ado, let's get this going.

Sonic Colors for the Wii

Truth be told, if you've been keeping track, this is my first Wii game in probably 2 years. I just recently got this for Christmas, and it just knocked my socks off.

Let's backtrack first. Ever since Sonic made the jump to 3D over a decade ago, Sonic fans have been aching for a true Sonic 2D/3D game. Albeit, I loved the Sonic Adventure series for what it was, liked Sonic Heroes even though it was full of cheap kills, and yes, I even liked Shadow the Hedgehog, Most of us finally said enough when one of the worst video games ever finally hit. Sonic 06. I cried when I played it. I literally cried. It was one of the worst games I ever played.

Sonic Unleashed was a game that was better..well, wait. That's like comparing a home with no roof, no doors or windows, to a house with a pest problem. Anyway, it gave a taste of what could be. The 2D Sonic levels were fun, but were blocked with that awful hub world. Some didn't care for Sonic's wolfman levels either. That didn't bother me that much, but that hub word...god I hated that. I just wanted to play! What happened to simply beating a level?

Meanwhile, on the Game Boy Advance and DS systems, Sonic was having some stellar games. The Sonic Advance series proved to be A level quality (and a must own for any game boy owner), And even had some other games that proved to be just as good (pinball, battle etc.). As the new DS came, Sonic Again kicked it into high gear with great Sonic Rush (another must own) and the good Sonic Rush Adventure. All sticking with the sonic game play we loved, but making it better, with some improvements (no werewolfs here!) And heck he even had a RPG game to boot.

But finally, it seems on the big consoles he was gonna be big again. Sonic Episode 1 got released earlier this fall for Wii Virtual Console, XBLA, and PSN. It was a return to old-school Sonic, with HD graphics, but with game play in the vein of Sonic 2 and 3.

I like it. While Sonic isn't as fast and improved as the portables he's been in, at least it was a 2D Sonic. Without any crud added on, or annoying extra characters that do nothing. It was Sonic, and I loved it.

Then came word of another Sonic game. One for the DS and Wii. Sonic Colors. I had my doubts. Let's face it Sonic fans...we get weary when we hear of a Sonic game...you never know what it might bring. So I passed it by. Ignored it.

Then on Christmas, I unwrapped this game as one of my presents. Put it into the Wii that had not been used in ages...

...and was stunned.

HOLY - !

Folks, not only is it a good Sonic game, it might just be the best one I've played on consoles in a long, long, long time.

The game features 2D game play with the gameplay seamlessly flowing into 3D parts (that are good!). It's also full of many, many high thrill spots, that just make you go "wow." I don't wont to spoil any surprises, but there are lots of fun moments in this game. The best part is it's hub word is simply a select planet, select level stuff....no annoying "gotta do this, gotta do that" to get in. Just beat the level folks. And boy are the levels good!

The gameplay does feature a gimmick. The colors gimmick. As Sonic, the story goes that you and Tails are trying to free these aliens being used to run Eggman's theme park. These Aliens are of great power. As you collect (save) them will give you the power to run super fast, drill through rock, rocket through the air, etc. etc. You'll unlock others along the way and be able to use it in previous levels to unlock new paths and such. Speaking of the levels, they are of just the right length; not too short, not too long, and feature multiple paths, especially as you get powers. This makes replaying levels to get high scores, all the mroe fun.

It also features some multiplayer mini games and such that you can use your Mii for, but they seem like a bit of tacked on mode. The true show here is the Single player game play.

So folks, Sonic fans, this is a must own. The great reviews are right, it's a return to what we want. Not only is it good, it's great. It surpasses what a lot of people expected with it's gameplay. With epic thrill spots, fun levels, and full of worthy add-ons to the Sonic gameplay, this is gonna be one to remembered for years to come.

Get it now!