I've tried. I've really tried to contain the anger that wells up inside me every time someone utters the word "overrated" about a publicly loved game. Every time I try to deny its place in gaming culture, I either get no answer at all or an answer that seems like a recurrence of the same weak argument: Some didn't like (insert game here) as much as others, and therefore, it is overrated. It grows irksome really fast. And I'm here to talk about why I think this is a cancer on the gaming society that ceases to disappear.

When you think about it, the origin of the term in psychological terms is easy to see. When you buy a game that you have heard is great for a bargain price in the nearest video game store, you will most likely get into the game in two disparate ways. One is with sky high hopes, and the other is with a general attitude of "this game can't be that good". Both approaches can be quite risky, as both can lead to disappointment, i.e. in the first situation, the game turns out to be not as fun to you as to others, and in the second, the disappointment is that your preconceived opinion is actually true (at least in the person's own opinion). I can name myself as an example. When I bought CoD4: Modern Warfare, I was full of hopes that the game would just blow me away. After playing through it, I couldn't help feeling disappointed. It's a pretty good game, but it was no game of the year for me. I wouldn't go around calling it overrated, however. Bottom line, disappointment will knock on your door at some point.What happens is that then, when you feel the game didn't live up to its reputation, which might even have overshadowed some of your own favorite games, calling the game overrated becomes an easy way out of the "gaming depression". So, in fact, it is just a sign of weakness in the most extreme of cases, an escape from the cold reality, and a simple misunderstanding in the most simple ones.

-It's never fun, is it?

The misunderstanding is mainly how the word "overrated" is to be interpreted. Some think it simply means that, in that person's opinion, the game isn't worthy of the lofty praise. This is only half-true. Indeed, it implies that the person doesn't think as highly (though still might like it) of the game as everyone else, but what fewer people realize is what they are doing in the process, namely implicating that everyone who DOES think highly of the game are, in some way, wrong in their subjective opinion. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where the term falls apart. More and more people are starting to use this phrase, unaware of its hidden meaning, and think it is a justifiable term. It is not so in any way.

Another development in the gaming society that seems to help this term to blossom is the growing disrespect for, you guessed it, opinions. If you don't like a certain game on certain threads or forums, you are branded a liar and fanboy, forever lost in the uncertainty that is the chasm between subjectivity and objectivity. I myself believe in objective quality, that some games are simply better made than others. That doesn't mean that a game can't be boring to someone. For instance, I'm not a fan of sports games in general, and find them to be quite wearisome, but I recognize the extreme work put into some of them, and how they can appeal to others. So there is indeed a difference between thinking a game is boring, and that a game is bad. Some might accidentally mix up those two points, and be drowned in flame and brimstone. Rather than disregarding their opinion, ask why they think so, and maybe the misunderstanding will be solved by itself.

Seeing as the complete invalidity of this word is so painfully obvious, I am shocked to see how many people use it, and how few ever rebuke it. The more surprising thing is, however, that I've met many people who defend the right of a different opinion, but then go on to use the word "overrated" in later threads. Sounds like double standards to me, personally. And therein lies the beautiful word that is so often missing in scornful posts, most of the time knowingly. The mostaggravating of posters are those that state some games ARE the best games in the world, that this game IRREFUTABLY sucks, without even adding a shred of personal flavor or simple reasoning behind their words. Most importantly, those philosophies, that it is possible to simply state such things without explanation,is what the term "overrated" actually builds its foundations on. And that is why my current sig says: "Truly, the only thing overrated in this world is the word itself". I stand by that, and always will.

-Calvinsora

An overly philosophical name of a blog, don't you think? Anyhoo, just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all you Gamespot users. Rest assured, the year wouldn't have been the same without you people. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and, in the case of my fellow union members, having intelligent conversation about gaming as a whole. Also, have a happy New Year! I'll be starting to write full force after the holidays, whether it be reviews or a long-due continuation of my top 150 list. Don't worry, I haven't given it up! I've just been way too busy.

Also, I've never been prouder of being a Gamespot user than after seeing some of the results of the GotY awards as awarded by the GS staff. Not only do their decisions pretty much synch with mine, but they really think this through in an unbiased, intelligent manner. Cheers GS, and thanks for everything! :D

-Jón (my real name, but just keep calling me Cal)

Edit: *sigh* But then I saw the Platform Awards. OK, DS: Extraction winning NSMB Wii is hard enough to understand (I did love Extraction, though), but even though I love Demon's Souls, there is no way it should beat Uncharted 2. OK, they gave it because Uncharted 2 will win GotY (obviously), but come on!!! And GTA: CTW winning both DS and PSP Platform Awards.....I'm going to cry now.

Edit 2: NNNOOOOOOOOOOO! Uncharted 2 lost! Bummer... Look, I really like Demon's Souls, but Gamespot...what's the meaning of this?! A 9,0 game beats four 9,5 games!? I fail to see the logic.

Well, now that I have made two (note, two) blogs about the most anticipated games of 2010 (most of them, anyway), I feel it is time to finally review THIS year.2009 has been an explosion of massive sequels, incredible novelties and great beginnings of what will most likely be an on-going series. I will here talk about what stood out this year, what didn't and overall how this year came out in the end. It starts...

Now, one thing to point out is that I can only talk about the occurences that fall under my actual knowledge, and since many of the blockbusters of the year are yet to be put into any of my consoles. No innuendo here, I'm afraid. For instance, I DON'T OWN A 360, so most of the games for the console haven't garnered my attention. However, I'd feel remiss if I didn't talk about the biggest games for the 360 this year. I don't talk about the GTA series at all, so I'll just skip the exclusive GTAIV DLC on the 360. It's there, and that's enough. Halo: ODST is one of the biggest of the 360's exclusives, after all, it has Halo in its name. However, it proved that it wasn't "just" a spin-off of the main series, and sported an intense, if not slightly short, adventure with some great multiplayer. Forza Motorsport 3 zoomed to the scene faster than a speeding bullet, being a sublime racing experience that was more polished and better executed than most other racing sims before it, even getting a prestigious 9,5 from Gamespot. The last biggie of this year is Left 4 Dead 2, one of the reasons I want a 360. Tense, taut gameplay, accentuated with incredible opportunities of team coordination, make L4D2 an intense game for the adrenaline-lovers out there.

Another platform I haven't had much experience with this year is the DS, my favorite console this gen, incidentally. As I have already said a million times (I'm such a whiner), Iceland has a horrible policy on DS games: just don't buy them. It sucks, and only three of the BIG DS games this year have arrived on these shores, two of them are already in my collection. Those three games are Scribblenauts, Pokemon Platinum and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, the latter two of which I have. But as always, even without my experience on this field, it is easy to see the DS is as strong as ever. Professor Layton made a comeback with his second adventure, involving a diabolical box of some kind. The first 9,0 game of this year, to the best of my knowledge, was a DS game, Big Bang Mini. The first 9,5 game was ALSO a DS game, GTA: Chinatown Wars, but since I don't like GTA, I skim over it. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor came strong on the DS, getting a 9,0 and was toted to be a greatjourney back to the cla$$ics.Scribblenauts, despite control problems, broke the mold with its expansive dictionary of sorts, offering a literal sandbox for your imagination to explore. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days manages to port the Kingdom Hearts experience to hanhelds with only a few bumps on the way, and is definitely an entertaining game. Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story opened to very favorable reviews (9,0 by GS, for example) and continues the legacy of the Mario and Luigi saga, doing so with much aplomb. Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the newest installment in the great series, and doesn't disappoint. The smooth gameplay and charming interface continues to amaze and it is a joy to see the game to have worked out well. All in all, the DS continues to be a staple of true excellence, and it shows in its massive library.

The Wii continues to deliver a solid amount of solid games, and has a few very bright stars in its lineup this year. MadWorld, though very short, possesses an extreme amount of silly gore and a very unique visual style that makes it stand out amongst the crowd. Dead Space: Extraction offers an intense on-rail experience plunged in the Dead Space universe and manages to keep you excited until the end. Though it won't scare you one bit... New Super Mario Bros. Wii is one of the biggest games on the Wii this year, and it is understandable. Good, old Mario gameplay blended with a great multiplayer experience makes NSMB Wii a game to remember. Punchout Wii manages to knock out (pun intended, unfortunately) its oppostion by being strictly old-school and nothing else. Strategy is the key component here, and it translates to a great experience. Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a reimagining of the first Silent Hill, and is a great inclusion to the series. Bringing it back to its roots, it removes combat and relies completely on atmosphere...and it is truly a great move. It is too short, but it manages to entrance and amaze in equal amounts. Wii Sports Resort, though not exactly an amazing game overflowing with quality, manages to use the new Motion plus in a number of novel ways, and is ultimately a fun experience that can be shared with family and friends. The Wii might not be a monolith of quality titles, it still manages to churn out a number of not only good but great games.

The PSP hasn't come forth with much this year in comparison to the last few years, but there are a few highlights. GTA: Chinatown Wars was put on the PSP as well, and has received very favorable reviews just as its DS counterpart. Patapon and LocoRoco both had their second entry come out 2009, and though they did nothing relatively new, they still manage to be fun games that keep up the honored tradition of just having fun. Half-Minute Hero manages to innovate and surprise as an interesting twist on the genre, and holds you entranced in its funny mechanics and frantic gameplay. Star Ocean: Second Evolution is a remake of a cla$$ic RPG, and even though the new voice work is not consistently great, it is still the same great game. Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? stars the beloved tortured penguins, the prinnies, and put them in the spotlight. Though it is not the height of platforming, it is a great entry in the slowly collapsing (unfortunately) genre. The PSP can't stand against the beast that is the DS, but it is still a source of much enjoyment and pure fun.

The console of the year for me, the Playstation 3, has certainly managed to step up to the plate compared to its first few years. Though 2008 had many great PS3 games, 2009 is definitely the year of the PS3. Uncharted 2 is without doubt one of the most amazing games of this year, receiving across-the-board amazing reviews thanks to its amazing visuals and presentation, adrenaline-fueled gameplay and Hollywood-sty1e story. Demon's Souls is a journey back to the days of incredibly punishing games, and is a polished, hardcore RPG with enough appeal to keep the enthusiasts busy for months. Killzone 2 offers realistic visuals and intense firefights in a dystopian environment, and a multiplayer experience that will keep fans hooked for a long time. inFamous is a great blend of super-human powers and moral choices that add greatly to the game's replay value, and it is a truly great addition to the PS3 library. Flower is gaming's equivalent of Prozac, and blends serene audio and beatiful environments to create a soothing experience that will calm the most enraged of gamers. Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time is another quirky adventure with everyone's favorite lombax and robot duel, and its endless variety of weapons will amaze and entertain. On top of all that, the PS3 Slim was released later this year, and with it a great price cut, making the console accessible to a wider audience. A truly strong year for the PS3.

I won't be going in-depth into the PC format, since I have not only little experience in that area, I have next to none. But the PC has been strong as usual, offering some great exclusives and multiplatform games.

The multiplatform area is where the most action happened. Batman: Arkham Asylum is a sterling delve into the Batman universe, atmospheric, exciting and fast-paced, it is EVERYTHING a comics fan wants, and more. Assassin's Creed II improved on the first entry's faults and has therefore become one of the year's most amazing games, having both a great story and fantastic gameplay. Modern Warfare 2, one of the most heavily anticipated games of the year, was, to the surprise of no-one, a polished, if not familiar, experience that gave FPS fans enough to play for ages. Literally ages. Dragon Age: Origins is one of the most expansive and complex RPGs of the decade, and is truly the thinking man's game. Try to get the PC version, but if that is beyond your reach, the console versions are still great in their own right. Street Fighter IVrevitalizes the beloved series to its fullest, and brings amazing gameplay, great balance and an alluring visual style to suck gamers in to its world, and has become one of the biggest fighters of the year. Borderlands uses a clever hybrid of RPG and shooter elements to make a completely unique sty1e that draws you deeper into the game's mechanics, and if you have a pal to play it with, there is nary a game out there that will provide more overall fun.

In conclusion, 2009 has been an incredibly entertaining and varied year, offering enough games for everyone to enjoy. I am 100% sure I have forgotten many, many games in my review of sorts, but this is just an overview, and in no way an exhaustive list, but these are the games I have felt had the biggest impact on the gaming world this year, and what a year it has been. Thank you for reading, and have a happy holiday.

-Calvinsora

Hello again! Well, my last blog was basically my most anticipated games, but Ijust didn't have time to put all the other games up here. Well, that is what I will do right now. Here I will list all games (well, as many as I can) that people are looking forward to next year, and also some games I just forgot to put up here. Now, let's go!

Mass Effect 2 (360/PC)

The Mass Effect series is one of the main reasons I want a 360, and the sequel seems to be set to be an epic adventure. Coming out in January next year, expect sales to be huge. 2010 starts out well, and this game is the prime example of that.

-Is it me or is that a new suit?

Starcraft 2 (PC)

Another game I really want, but can't play. Sad. I loved the first Starcraft, it was a genius game, and one of the few RTSs that I've finished completely without cheats. :P That is just a testament to how well the first game was built, and if the second is an improvement to the first, we might be seeing the best RTS to come forward in a decade. Set you phasers to stun, because Starcraft 2 will blow you away.

-Ooh, lights!

Resonance of Fate (PS3/360)

One of the games I forgot in my last blog, Resonance of Fate is made by one of my favorite developers ever, Tri-Ace. Having made the Star Ocean games, which in themselves are innovative and massively entertaining games, RoF seems to be continuing that thread, offering something new to the RPG scene, and I seriously can't wait. Awesomeness be coming.

-Police should be like this. Cool and stylish.

God of War III (PS3)

I would have put this game on my list, but I haven't played the former games in the series. I will be doing that soon, but until then, I can't say that I am looking forward to the game in that way. However, there is no doubt the game will be good. Very good. It looks amazing, plays well (like the others, ergo, well) and will be truly epic. Another crown jewel in the PS3 exclusive library.

-Dentistry in the old days wasn't as nice. No novocaine, at least.

Star Ocean The Last Hope: International (PS3)

Another Tri-Ace game, another gem. When I heard Last Hope was 360 exclusive, my heart almost stopped. So imagine my relief when I heard the game was coming to the PS3 next year. Anyway, there is nothing left to say. Good old Star Ocean gameplay on the PS3. Oh, the joy.

-There is no IGN logo there, your eyes are lying!

White Knight Chronicles (PS3)

Another game I forgot. Typical me :P White Knight Chronicles has been released in Japan, and to the best of my knowledge, is considered to be a very good game. Seeing as it is made by Level 5, of DQVIII fame, I'm very psyched for the game, even though it is a bit too focused on online. But still, it looks like a must-buy.

-I wish I knew Japanese...

Bayonetta (PS3, 360)

When I think about it, ALL the good games come out in the first three months of 2010. That is weird, and quite unusual. I'm not THAT excited about the game, but it is definitely worth a buy, and it looks like it is doing something new. That is always fun. Bayonetta does look a lot like Sarah Palin, though...

-Isn't that a bit too provocative?

Darksiders: Wrath of War(PS3, 360)

Another game coming out early next year. Man...anyway, playing as one of the four Horsemen of the apocalypse is a genuinely interesting mechanic, and I have to say I'm a bit excited about this game. Hopefully, it manages to turn out well. If not, Dante's Inferno will do it for me.

-The big guy contest: who will win?

MAG (PS3)

Seriously, the January release games are getting tiresome. Anyway, another PS3 exclusive coming out soon, and it seems to be doing something not many games have done this generation: focus COMPLETELY on multiplayer. 256 players at a time sounds like chaos, but lag-free? I must say, that sounds interesting. That is probably as close to war that we'll get, I guess.

-Shiny guns shoot shiny bullets, yes?

Dark Void (PC, 360, PS3)

No, not again. Please, no! Anyway, a shooter where you can fly around on a jetpack? Call me intrigued. If they manage to pull off the flight mechanics, we might have a sleeper hit here. We'll just have to wait and see, now won't we? I believe I can fly!!!!!!!!

-Falcon...PUNCH!

Aliens vs. Predators (PS3, 360, PC)

OK, now I'll shoot someone. Of what I've seen in previews, this actually might be a good game based on the amalgam of Alien and Predator. Being able to play as all three species is certainly intriguing, and if they balance the characters well, this might be a game to look out for. Stay tuned!

-Once again, the IGN logo is a lie. Anyway, I'd be afraid. Wouldn't you?

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (PS3, 360)

Finally, an unannounced release. The CV series hasn't exactly been wildly successful on the 3D front, but I'm very hopeful that LoS manages to pull it off. I know gdw is with me on this. C'mon, we've been waiting!

-Enigmatic camera angles? Check.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)

Big Boss on the PSP. Need I say more? Well, OK, a bit more. It is a new entry into the MGS series, spearheaded by Kojima himself. Now I need'nt say more.

-The coolest beard EVER!

Well, that is all I can remember. Don't tell me I forgot something! My fingers are dead now. I did this for you people you know that? You see what I do for you?! Aaarghh!

Have a happy holiday, GS users!

OK, not exactly the most clever blog title, but I don't have enough time to review this year in gaming, so I'll preview 2010 instead. Anyway, what I mean with the blog is that i will now detail what I'm looking most forward to next year. Yay!

Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360)

To be more specific, the PS3 version. I don't have a 360, but for once, I'm completely sure the PS3 version will be superior. Wait, I'm not a fanboy! I'm just looking at facts here. It will only be released on the PS3 in Japan, the place Final Fantasy has done the best, so much attention has been put into the PS3 version. Second, there would be no reason to not sell the game on the 360 if it was ready at the same time, which hints that the 360 version is a port of the PS3 version. Nothing bad, of course, the quality will be maintained, but it is still a case of one version over the other. You can hate me all you want, but lets look at it from an unbiased PoV, you'll see the truth...muahahahaha.

Anyway, as my avy clearly shows, this is my most anticipated game of 2010, and for good reason. It looks like a blend of FFX and FFXII, two games I LOVE, and that is awesome. Also, it will most likely overshadow FFXIV, which for some reason is an MMO. Seriously, did they not learn their lesson with FFXI? Anyway, this looks like GotY...

-How can you not be excited about something that looks like this?

Heavy Rain (PS3)

After FFXIII went multiplat, the PS3 at the time had really no beacon of light except maybe God of War III...except for Heavy Rain. Definitely my most anticipated PS3 exclusive of next year for me, Heavy Rain looks like a game that will focus on story and just story, blending some clever gameplay twists in there. I don't expect less from Quantic Dreams, but this game looks like it will shatter all expectations. Also, it looks UNBELIEVABLE!

-Wow...just wow.

Dante's Inferno (PS3, 360)

Now, this game just came right out of the left field. Being pretty much a blend of God of War and Dead Space, many speculated that it wouldn't amount to anything. I was in the field of people that were amazed. A journey through hell, with no restrictions to moral and ethical limits, DI will be a game that will disgust as much as it will amaze. I'm hyper-psyched. It looks GOOOD!

-Here, kitty, kitty, kitty...

Bioshock 2 (PS3, 360, PC)

I think I haven't understated how much I like Bioshock. I'm not much of a FPS fan, but I bow down to Bioshock's greatness, and so willingly. Definitely one of my top games of this generation. The sequel seems to be expanding on the first game, and looks like a game that will be among the year's best. I never thought multiplayer was needed (other than fighters and race simulators, I feel multiplayer is just a side-note, personally), but it seems Bioshock 2 will have some of the most intriguing MP experiences yet. MP with a story? Yes, please. And you play as a Big Daddy. What's not to love?

-Just another day in Rapture...

Super Street Fighter 4 (PS3, 360, PC)

Say what you like, this game will blow the original out of the water. More characters, more balanced gameplay, extra stages and a number of new modes, this cannot go wrong! Street Fighter IV is without doubt one of the best fighters of this generation, and this is just a booster pack to the original awesomeness. I'd pay full price for this, and thank you, Capcom, for not making this DLC. I am so very thankful for that.

-Death to El Fuerte!

Dead Space 2 (PS3, 360, PC)

It's DEAD SPACE 2! PERIOD! The sequel to the best new horror IP of this generation is set to arrive in 2010 and I just can't wait. I...can't...wait. Gargh!

Anyway, that's it for now. I might make a second version of this if I forgot any games. Happy gaming, everybody, and if I don't have a chance later on, Merry Christmas. Hohoho. (I'm not Santa Claus)

Well, the name of the blog says it all. I'm not dead, just so you know, I'm taking my midterms. I've been crazy in studying for the exams, so I haven't had much time to do...anything, really. However, tomorrow's exam is English! HAHAHAHA! That easy be! So no worri, I get 10 and rule all. Bye for good. I am winner.

#140: Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS)

Ahh, Castlevania. So sweet. Well, Portrait of Ruin walksa fine line. Dawn of Sorrow was an amazing game that ended the Soma's appearance in the Castlevania series (for...now?), so new characters and a new story was in order. PoR may not be one of the series high-points, but it is still Castlevania done well. It brings subweapons back to the Metroidvania formula, and though the souls will be sorely missed, it manages to amaze with the large number of varied subweapons and main weapons available for use. It also has a beautiful design, and some great music as well. Sure, it's incredibly easy, and sure, there isn't much good new stuff in the game, but it is a fun game, with a fun premise, and great gameplay. What more do you want? Huh?!

GS review:8,3

#139: Mega Man Battle Network 6: Gregar/Faltzer (GBA)

Believe it or not, the Battle Network series was the firstMega Man games I played. I know, I suck, right? Not necessarily (I hope not!). It is a more cerebral experience than theoriginal Mega Man games, and offers a lot for those who love micro-management. Are the good, oldMega Man games better? Yes, but the Battle Network games prove that not all spin-offs are bad. Quite the contrary, MMBN6(long)does nothing new, but it is incredibly fun to play, and the battle system is polished to a pretty sheen. You move Mega Man around a 3X3 grid,attacking theenemy while dodging the relentless onslaught they send your way. Thissounds boring, butthat it ain't. It's fun, fast-paced anddeeper than you'dthink at first glance. The difficulty is perfect, offering challenge in good doses, and the story features some interesting cameos. Maybe it's only grievous fault is it's lack of novelty, butthat doesn't matter when the gameis so fun.

GS review: 6,9

#138: Shufflepuck Café (MAC)

Haha, obscure again! Not only does this rare game have no reviews anywhere on Gamespot (for the MAC), but this version only gives four results on Google. Four! ON GOOGLE! One of them is one of my forum posts, believe it or not. Check it out. Anyway, the game came out 1988 for the Apple Vectronics computer, and boy, is it fun. It's a air hockey simulator that has the quirkiest cast ever. Your opponents are: a nerd, a robot, a drunken lizard, a beefed-up powerman, a dog...thing, a psychic, a dwarf, a hooded figure that is actually two creatures standing on each other's shoulders anda pig that is trying to act tough, but really isn't. The mechanic is simple. You hit the puck, your opponent hits the puck, continue until either player gets 15 points. Simple, yet insanely addictive. Every opponent is unique. For instance, the drunken lizard is almost impossible at first, but wait until he sips his martini a few times, and he gets sluggish anda lot easier. Pure genious! This game is officially abandonware, which means it is completely legal to download the game for free via the internet. What are you waiting for? Get it now!

No GS review available

#137: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare(PS3)

So the controversy begins. Let me get this straight: I value story very highly, and Modern Warfare's skimp story isn't the stuff of legends. However, the fact that the game still manages to impact me,anot-so extreme shooter fan, so deeply is a feat, and thus it more than deserves a spot on the list. Once more, I remind that being low on the list isn't a bad thing. Not at all. MW is one of the most polished, technically brilliant and exciting games this generation. I'm a pacifist to the extreme, so glorification of war isn't something I like. However, MW also tries to focus on the more disturbing aspects of war in good measure. This narrative standpoint is an important factor in separating Modern Warfare from most other war shooters that have appeared in recent years. The story might be short, but it is impressive while it lasts, and that is what's important, at least in the war shooter genre...I guess. The much praised multiplayer is, controversially, not the reason the game is so high on the list. I personally don't like it. I've tried it a few times, and it is just too agressive, too serious, and not much fun personally. I'll stick to Uncharted 2 for multiplayer, thanks. But regardless of the game's brevity, it sets the bar for most shooters that focus on a solid narrative, and that is something to commend.

GS review: 9,0

#136: Space Invaders (ARC)

What? This game is over Modern Warfare? Well...yes. Has anyone really researched the impact of Space Invaders? It is one of those games EVERYONE knows, and its impact can be found in various media and literature. The simple gameplay belies the true beauty of the game's mechanic. It is governed by skill, there is little to no readable shoot pattern, you've just got to learn how to play the game, and play it well. Sure, not everyone has played the game in a real arcade cabinet, but any gaming connoisseur will have played some version of the game. You have, haven't you? Haven't you? For transcending the border of the gaming world, it deserves to be on this list, and here it is, in the respectable 136th place.

No GS review available (for the arcade version, that is)

#135: Jak 2 (PS2)

Naughty Dog seriously took a bold move in making the sequel to the hit Jak and Daxter intoa darker, moodier, more adult game. It was met with some skepticism, for instance from me. However, they seem to have succeede in making a game that is both fun to play and tells a story that sets a mood that is completely unique. Instead of punching and spinning your way through worlds, you use a variety of powerful guns and mean vehicles to save the world once again. However, the police is now a threat, and you must be careful to not cause too much trouble, or the law will beat you to a pulp. You can also turn into a sinister Dark Jak, which grants you a beastly power that is difficult to wield, but destructive in use. Blend these cool additions with the standard Naughty Dog humor and a cast of incredibly varied characters, you won't be bored for the entirety of the game's long storyline. Naughty Dog, you did it again.

GS review: 9,1

#134: The Simpsons: Hit & Run (PS2)

A good Simpsons game is almost impossible to find, and for a Simpsons fan like me, that is a very sad thing. That is why Hit & Run is sucha blessing. It uses much of Grand Theft Auto's gameplay mechanics, but puts it into a much more entertaining and family friendly form, which is something that really expands the overall genre. The fact that this is a Simpsons game adds so much to an already fun game, that it is almost staggering how many laughs this game will inspire. If you like Simpsons, you'll feel right at home. The missions are ridiculous, the locales odd and detailed, the voices terrific and the characters are all stables in the legendary TV series. Hit & Run is not only a testament that good Simpsons games can exist, but also that the "steal cars, hit people" mechanic can actually appeal to a younger generation, and doesn't have to be nearly as violent.

GS review: 8,3

#133: Call of Duty: World at War (PS3)

Oh boy, here we go again. World at War had the impossible challenge of topping the previous installment in the series. As said before, it is virtually impossible...so it doesn't even try. The game isn't as polished or as impressive. It is more about "heroism" in war, and it is full of cheesy moments. However, it feels more like an arcade shooter than anything else. It has a number of different scenarios with different missions and different mechanics. Sure, the WWII scene has been used to death, but I hadn't played a WWII shooter before, so yay for me. The game just focused more on fun than polish, and I value that quite highly. It's all like a cliche blockbuster you'd see in the cinema. There probably is one thing that teeters the scale over to WaW side more than anything else. That is the amalgam of two of the oldest, most used enemies ever: zombies and Nazis; together: Nazi Zombies. Whoever thought of that is a mad genius.

GS review: 8,5

#132: Bleach: Dark Souls (DS)

OK, tell me if this sounds good: a DS Bleach fighting game. It doesn't sound good, does it? However, not only is DS (Dark Souls) good, it's actually brilliant. The first game, Blades of Fate, managed to faithfully transfer the Bleach manga series intoa great fighter on the beloved handhold. DS does the same, except bigger and better. With a huge roster of characters from the manga, even being able to play as the villains, with addictive fighting and an intriguing premise, Bleach: Dark Souls really knows how to keep you entranced in thelovely graphics, great sound and easy-to-learn mechanics. For both Bleach and fighter fans, Bleach: Dark Souls is a game that not only is a must-buy, but should already be tucked into the shelf, finished and ready to play again.

GS review: 8,0

#131: Mario Party 4 (GC)

Remember when Mario Party was cool? OK, maybe you don't, but I sure do. I remember spending hours with friends playing the Mario Party games, getting every minigame, getting all levels, and even going through the single-player. The board mechanic was partly based on luck, but I still ended up winning most matches because of my minigame awesomeness. Heated debates sprouted every time we played, betrayals were in order and the verdict of every match was so filled with tension that the air could be cut with a kitchen knife. Mario Party 4, the series first outing on the Gamecube, is some of the best the series has to offer. A large number of minigames, varied boards and an addictive gameplay mechanic, Mario Party4 was a complete success, and offers some of the most pure fun of any game out there. Play on!

GS review: 7,2

Silly 20000 character limit...

Were you expecting so many games? I'm trying to get as many games out of the way before midterms start next Monday. Anyway, if you had the patience to read it all, PLEASE COMMENT! I'd love to get your feedback on my list. Happy reading! Maybe there will be some more tomorrow...

Hey ho, here we go! This is the start of my new list of my favorite 150 games I've played throughout the years. First, I have to point out some things. There are a LOT of games I haven't played, and I will make sure to make some mentions in my last post of the list. Therefore, if you are surprised about the absence of some games and/or series, wait until the list is over before commenting on it. I would also like to point out that I'm not a very avid fan of shooters, and the shooters I like the most are not very typical. Therefore, expect to see some legendary shooters only reaching the hundreds. You have been warned. I won't have any pictures, for two reasons: some games surprisingly don't have any and the quality my laptop is able to put forth in picture quality is slim. Therefore, I'll stick to simple words. Once more, I will point out that reaching a high number (i.e. "low" place) on the list is not a bad thing. These are all terrific games which I like immensely. Finally, please be patient about the opinion of others. I don't really have to tell you people that, but really only pika is allowed to be mean to me, since I was mean to him on his list :P OK, here we go.

This list shows the games that have kept gaming my favorite hobby, and without them, I would not be playing games as I would be now. Each one of these games has a place in my gaming history, and are important components in the gaming world. I won't stall any further. It starts now!

#150: Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (DS)

Who doesn't know Pokémon? Seriously. It's become more than a phenomenon, it's an entity in and of itself. The everlasting series has given out more games than you can count with the fingers of Goro's hand. And yet, the games still manage to make me go out and buy them. Every time. It is no secret that the games of recent years have a considerable lack of innovative concepts, but Diamond and Pearl show that the series still has some life in it left. With the classic staples; great music, varied monsters and exciting battles, the fourth generation of the mainstream series adds some interesting bells and whistles to the formula, the most entertaining the mining sections you could embark on with friends. Digging for fossils and other stuff with friends is not only addictive, but ingenious as well. The graphics have also been revamped, and with a clever blend of old and new, D/P more than deserves a spot on this list, albeit not a very high one.

GS review: 8,5

#149: Jak 3 (PS2)

Jak 3 is a game that is not that much remembered in retrospect, and in some way, it is understandable. It did little to nothing new, built upon the mechanics of Jak 2 and felt like more of the same. However, if you really think about it, Jak 3 still has a bucketload of incredibly entertaining gameplay and a story more interesting than the other two games had. Taking Jak to his origins, the game tells an intriguing story and puts you into a more free setting, dominated by vehicles and exciting gunfights. The desert setting is only one of the places you'll visit, and the game manages to surprise you from there. A host of colorful characters are present in the game, and Daxter is back with his witty banter and crazy humor. Take into account the polished gameplay Naughty Dog is known for, and you have a game that is definitely worth remembering. A fitting end to the true Jak trilogy.

GS review: 8,6

#148: Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction (PS3)

Who doesn't like to explode alien life forms with huge weapons in colorful vistas? I don't know anyone, and neither does Insomniac. They really know how to keep a franchise alive, and even though ToD uses most of the mechanics of the first R&C games, it still manages to amaze with its addictive gameplay and luscious visuals, along with a great sense of humor that lasts throughout. New weapons and new enemies are what keep the experience fresh, and it has worked every single time. A feat only Insomniac's team of gaming wizards could ever do. It's not only a sweet memory of the past games, but a bold step into the next generation, which could only improve.

GS review: 7,5

#147: Herdy Gerdy (PS2)

Have you heard of this game? I didn't think so. Definitely one of the most obscure games on the list, Herdy Gerdy didn't garner much attention. Maybe it was because of the silly cover, or maybe the ridiculous name (seriously, Herdy Gerdy?), but Herdy Gerdy is a puzzle/action game worth partaking in. It blends really good graphics with an ingenious game mechanic (herding monsters into pens with special methods needed for each monster type). The nonsensical story adds to the charm the game manages to create so lovingly, and it never ceases to come with something new every single time you look away. Sure, the camera can be horrendous at times, and the controls are often imprecise, but the integrity of the game and charm is unwavering. Truly a game that everyone should check out, if not only to see what it's like to play as a guy named Gerdy. Geez, poor guy.

GS review: 6,8
My review: 8,4

#146: Monster Rancher 4 (PS2)

Another obscure one, though now for more understandable reasons. Somehow, this game never made it to European retails (that I know of), and I honestly don't know why. If any of you know me, you'll know I love the Monster Rancher series. Even my avatar is a monster from the Monster Rancher series. I had to order this game off the internet, but it was worth it. This is basically a ranching game, if that makes any sense at all. However, Monster Rancher 4 isn't just a copy/paste of the former entries. Many new things are introduced here, like training your monster in situ, i.e. on the ranch, and being able to have many monsters at a time. This tends to decrease the emotional attachment you got in the former games with the monsters, but it is definitely a gameplay change that keeps the experience fresh. The monster variety is vast, and the battles are as fast-paced and fun as before. If you want to get started on the series, this is at least the most accessible of the lot, and a definite must-buy. A fun game throughout, and it will most likely keep you hooked for days on end.

GS review: 7,4

#145: Bangai-O Spirits (DS)

I just keep on coming with the obscure games, don't I? The first Bangai-O was a side-scrolling shooter on the Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 was only sold in very limited numbers, but was an instant hit among the few who were in the know. Bangai-O Spirits continues the legacy of the first game. Blending some of the most insane action you'll ever see in a game with lush visuals and a great sense of humor, Bangai-O Spirits is definitely one of the most surprising DS games out there. The only downside is the fact that there is no story mode, focusing rather on individual levels that depend on lateral thinking and quick reflexes. If you can get over the almost vertical difficulty curve, you'll definitely find a treasure trove of stuff to do in Bangai-O Spirits. After all, who doesn't like 100 bullets at the same time on one screen. It is insane.

GS review: 8,0

#144: Lego Chess (PC)

No, don't go just yet! This is the last obscure game for a while! OK, I know you weren't expecting a chess game here, even less a Lego one from 1989, but the truth is, I learned chess from this game. It has an extensive tutorial that even teaches en passant, which is super-cool. You can choose a number of teams, from Native Americans to Pirates. Every piece from every team has a special animation for capturing every opponent piece from any team. Yes, that means, for example, that the animation (cut-scenes, really) for a Native American rook capturing a Pirate pawn isa completely unique occurence. This means that every capture is exciting in it's own way, and it helps that the computer knows how to put up a fight. This game transcends the probably overused Lego franchise, and becomesa chess game almost unmatched to this day. A game that is so charming and appealing towards all ages, while maintaining a level of professionalism and educational value deserves a medal.

No GS review available

#143: Ultimate Spiderman (PS2)

I just had to put a Spiderman game here, and when push came to shove, I found Ultimate Spiderman to be the best package. It goes back to the comic book roots of Spiderman, with its cel-shaded look and faithful recreation of what the comics are all about: kicking ass! You havea huge city to swing around, and the sense of adrenaline is incredible when you're at top speeds. Not only that, you can also play as one of the coolest villains ever, Venom. Now isn't that just awesome? I think so, and I never get tired of wreaking havoc in the city as the meanest thing alive. Not only that, but the story is just like a comic book both in presentation and narrative. It gives you a real sense of authenticity and it's also just incredibly cool. For any Spiderman fan, like me, this is a great, great game that isamong the best Spiderman games out there.

GS review: 7,1

#142: Pikmin (GC)

Hmmm, controversial placement, mayhaps, but remember: all games on this list are terrific. Pikmin is definitely a game that tries something new, and succeeds with much aplomb. A basic herding game in nature, it goes even further in making it a game that makes you think while flexing your nerves as much as humanly possible.Controlling the little pikmin is a joy, and attacking with them is a harrowing and lightning fast experience. However, the most troubling part is watching them being gobbled up, drown or burn to death. These deaths are all put forth in a cutesy manner, but it is all very serious, and can be called a genocidal occurence. And yet, these pikmin aremore than willing to help Olimar in his quest to find parts for his ship. They're blind loyalty is almost scary, really. Maybe the games only flaw is the time limit and the intense difficulty, which can still be overcome with some dedication. Note that this is one of the few games on the list I have not completed. The missions got tougher fast, and I ended up losing a shipload of pikmin, a few times even, and spent a few days to build it up again, only to lose them once more. However, I felt it a crime to not put it on the list, though the number is a bit too low for some...maybe.

GS review: 8,9

#141: Meteos (DS)

This game sure was popular back in the day. That's at least what I remember. Meteos might seem on the surface as just another puzzle game in the vein of Tetris and Puzzle League, but it is totally different. By putting together rows of same color blocks, you can rocket them into space (into space!). By creating more color rows by sliding the blocks around, you can lift a larger amount of blocks. This frenetic pace keeps the game endlessly entertaining, and by blending a large number of specific levels, Meteos becomes an incredible game that sticks in your subconscience to arise later and making you crave more intense action. It's colorful, it's inventive, it's unique, and it is FUN! The sad thing is, Meteos was released early in the DS's life span, and therefore, those who got the Lite or DSi as their first DS will have most likely missed this game. If you ever, EVER, see this game in a retail, do yourself a favor: buy it.

GS review: 8,5

I don't know how I did it, but I managed to complete my top 150 games list. Every game has its own place on the list, and this means that you can expect the list to come up here (and in my blog) in the following days. Some prerequisites are necessary here, though I doubt I have to tell you what they are. Firstly, the list is completely my opinion, and only my opinion. There will be many places in the list you will not agree with, and I'm 100% sure of this. Secondly, I have put a lot of work into making the list accountable and unbiased (as much unbiased as a personal list can be, I suppose), literally spending hours making the list. To drive the point home, I have omitted the Kingdom Hearts series (my favorite series, as you might know) from the list, though this is also to make the list not as predictable. Thirdly, I will not be as diligent as pika, and won't be posting the entries with one day intervals (kudos to you pika, that is tougher than it looks). Lastly, I need to note the priorities here. Up to the top 50, the difference in quality between games can be almost negligible, and another important factor is that each of the games on the list is great, being in 150th place is not a bad thing. It is very important to note this, since some incredible games have to be pushed back to the hundreds. Well, anyway, that's all for now.

It truly is difficult to find many series that have influenced the market as much as the MGS series. Innovative gameplay, amazing story, incredible music and a novel premise is some of the amazing content the MGS games possess. I'm here to talk about the music, or to be specific, the main theme of MGS3: Snake Eater (no, not the intro song, Snake Eater). It is, in one word, stunning.

-It doesn't really get any better than MGS, n'est-ce pas?

This song is the de facto definition of epic. It holds so many layers, but each and every one of them feels like it fits the MGS series perfectly, in its own quaint way. It starts off slow, blending eloquence and a sense of a calm before the storm. Then it speeds up, and plays the theme all MGS fans know and love, with a fast and steady beat in the background. It feels patriotic, but not in the cheesy, publicized way you would normally perceive it as. The melody then comes to an abrubt halt, and an underlying sense of mystique and suspense is created, which then transcends into a menacing advent, which then explodes once more into a fast-paced stream of notes. Soon, tribal drums start playing, and a synthesizer is soon put into the mix. This adds a futuristic play on the MGS theme. Once more it halts, followed with a series of chimes, which start to come at an increasing rate, and finally stop completely. At this point, the song reaches a new level of depth in video game music. A serene guitar starts playing softly, accompanied soon with a complete orchestra, blasting the listener with what is one of the best themes of all time. Listening to it with the volume cranked up is something that is unforgettable in every way. It is not only music, it is an experience. And it is incredible.

-If only pictures in real life could be like this...

Though the series is filled with music that is pretty much among the highest degree of excellence, this theme manages to reach the ultimate climax in both the series' legacy and heritage, summing up everything MGS has given us, in both aesthetical and recreational greatness. If you've played MGS3, I dare you not to have noticed this song. And if you haven't...man, you're missing out.

-Calvinsora