5 Things Gamers BETTER Support in 2011

We're close to a quarter of the way through 2011 and have already seen some high quality releases.  This list has nothing to do with high profile titles that I'm sure will be supported *cough* Pokemon *cough* but instead focuses on lesser known titles that I'm sure not as many people will be buying.  Hopefully I can bring your attention to these gems (or soon to be) and encourage people out there to dig a little deeper to see what they've been missing. 

Fact: By consistently supporting yearly franchises and shunning new IPs we are encouraging developers to just rehash and repackage the same material over and over (see Call of Duty, Madden).  Also, by doing so, many developers are scared to take risks because great titles will be undersold due to lack of marketing and ignorant consumers.

Because I don't really want each game to be rated by it's importance, I'm just going to be listing each title out, giving a brief description as to why you should support, and a projected launch date.  These are most likely 'A' grade titles but may be at risk of getting looked past for more higher profile titles like LA Noire or Elder Scrolls V (both of which I'm excited about by the way).

NUMBER 1

OKAMIDEN

NINTENDO DS - 3/15

 Okami, also known as that game everyone should have bought but no one did, and now the game that the dog/wolf thing from Marvel vs Capcom 3 comes from is getting a second chance on the Nintendo DS.  Boasting an incredible art style and gameplay akin to the Legend of Zelda, Okami should have been loved by consumers.  Critically acclaimed yet tragically undersold, it's amazing that it's sequel Okamiden is being ported to America.  Due to it's poor sales, Okami's developers Clover Studios closed down.  Please don't make the same mistake and shun this title.  I've actually seen copies of Okami (on PS2 and the Wii) being sold as cheap as $10 new so there's no excuse not to own it.  In fact, for $20 less then you'd pay for a new Xbox 360/PS3 title, you can go pick up a used PS2 and a copy of Okami!  Go!  Go now!  Or if not, preorder Okamiden for your DS.

NUMBER 2

BEYOND GOOD & EVIL: HD

XBLA - 3/2
PSN - MAY

Originally released in 2003 for all platforms, BG&E was destined to fail.  Lack of marketing plus the fact it was released alongside major titles like the Prince of Persia insured that many would overlook this gem, but for the few that bought it, we were treated to a very creative game.  Just like Okami, this was also a Zelda-esque adventure starring the style-challenged Jade and her uncle Pey'j.  The creator Michael Ancel (Rayman) originally envisioned it as a trilogy and even released a teaser trailer for the sequel.  Due to underwhelming numbers though, the project was put on hold indefinitely.  Thankfully the game is seeing a second life on XBLA and at $10 you're definitely getting your moneys worth.  Either that or you could spend your money padding Activision (Cod Map Packs = $15?) or Capcom ($10 for 2 characters already on the disc?).

NUMBER 3

CATHERINE

XBOX 360/PS3 - 7/26

As perverted as the covers for this title look, don't let that affect your thoughts on this game.  From the team that brought you the Persona series, you play Vincent who is having strange nightmares after meeting a woman named Catherine.  Gameplay shifts from daytime to night with the former having players balance Vincent's relationship between the two women Catherine and Katherine.  Here Vincent can buy drinks, play minigames, and interact with others.  During nighttime however, is where the game truly takes form.  Players must guide Vincent through these nightmarish worlds where he must solve puzzles and is at risk of dying.  Actions and decisions during the game affect the plots outcome and there are supposedly multiple endings and a quest lasting close to 20 hours.  Atlus already released the game in Japan and Famitsu scored it a solid 35/40 so hopefully the game delivers and YOU ALL SUPPORT IT. 

NUMBER 4

JOURNEY

PSN - 2011

While most believe Xbox Live is the better online experience (myself included), I'd definitely argue that PSN gives XBLA a run for it's money.  One of my favorite PSN titles was thatgamecompany's Flower.  Journey is the newest game they're releasing and is a title that encourages gamers to explore a land online and make memories with strangers they meet.  While Journey seems simple in concept, I don't doubt that thatgamecompany can create a unique experience that will have gamers chirping this year.  They released a game that had players practically controlling the wind and directing flower petals around and gamers loved it so I have high expectations for their follow-up and will update readers with information as soon as I attain it. 

NUMBER 5

THE LAST GUARDIAN

PS3 - Q4 2011

How many of you supported the PS2 titles ICO or The Shadow of the Colossus?  Lucky for you (yes all of you because I'm sure you didn't buy them) they're releasing an HD collection for the PS3 very shortly.  After you pick the collection up, make sure you pre-order Team Ico's new title The Last Guardian set to release later this year (I wouldn't be surprised if they pushed it to '12 though.)  The story follows the relationship between a boy and a griffin-like creature named Trico.  Gameplay will be puzzle-oriented with an action-adventure feel and many have said it's a mix of Team Ico's two previous efforts.  This means gamers should expect an engaging story, emotional attachment, and a game that many will wax nostalgic about years from now.

These are the 5 games that I felt we should support this year and hopefully my readers actually purchase these.  There are tons of other great titles being released along with others most likely flying under the radar so feel free to bring some to my attention.  Thanks for reading and here's a list of some other titles I hope we support this year:

*Gunstringer - Kinect
*Battleblock Theater - XBLA
*Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Xbox 360/PS3
*Brink - Xbox 360/PS3
*Fez - XBLA/PSN
*The 3rd Birthday - PSP

iPhone Games pt 2

I've owned my iPhone for over a year and have purchased dozens of titles ranging from average ($1) to outrageous ($14.99).  When I first got my iPhone I downloaded a few games and listed my top 5 at that time and while some have retained their longevity (Doodle Jump and Words), I find that I'm not even touching the other titles (sorry GTA).  Here is a new list of my favorite iPhone games of the past year.

Note: I'm not necessarily stating that these games came out in 2010, but that these are currently my favorite games on the iPhone or ones that I still find myself playing for lengthy periods at a time.

NUMBER 5

PIX'N LOVE RUSH

For fans of classic arcade style platforming I highly recommend Pix'n Love Rush.  The premise is as follows: You are a cat who must collect coins while destroying bats and protecting angels.  As outlandish and simple the story may be, the addictive nature comes from trying to attain a higher score while keeping a combo going.  The levels start out simple enough but quickly test your skills and surprisingly the controls are superb.  While this game looks near the same as Xbox live Indie Title Arkedo Series 03: Pixel, the gameplay is strictly meant to be played arcade style meaning no true story or ending.  But I mean, who wants to play a sprawling adventure on the cell phones anyways right?

*answer: I do!  See Chaos Rings...

NUMBER 4

NINJATOWN: TREES OF DOOM

I honestly love Shawnimals and anything remotely related to Ninjatown.  Besides the obvious fact that the characters are awesome, it truly helps that the two games released from this franchise are awesome (the other of which being Ninjatown on Nintendo DS.)  While I was bummed out that Ninjatown wasn't being ported to iOS, Trees of Doom surprised me with how much fun it was.  You guide your Wee Ninja upward between two trees avoiding enemies, collecting powerups, and swinging from branches.  Fans of Doodle Jump should definitely check out TOD because while it's similar in concept, it's gameplay style is definitely unique and you can easily lose tons of hours trying to best your last attempt.

NUMBER 3

GAME DEV STORY

This game is awesome and there is a lite version on the app store.  Read THIS for more reasons why I love this game (and why I'm not elaborating more thoroughly here.)

NUMBER 2

CUT THE ROPE

I've always been a sucker for puzzle games and the App store has given me hundreds upon hundreds to choose from.  Perhaps you've heard of another title that this developer made known as Angry Birds?  While I can't deny the popularity of that game, I truly feel that Cut The Rope is a better overall game.  You're tasked with feeding a little monster candy while collecting stars and cutting ropes.  Through the many levels you must avoid traps, spiders, manipulate gravity, levers, and bubbles.  I had a lot of fun with Cut The Rope and even though I beat it pretty quickly, the developers have already released two new free level packs and promise to create more.  If you need further convincing, check out their free Cut The Rope Holiday Gift app. 

Some pretty good games up there right?  Number 1 has gotta be a big hitter then huh? 

You're probably thinking Angry Birds?

Or maybe Infinity Blade huh?

drumroll please...



ratatatata

NUMBER 1

THE IMPOSSIBLE GAME

I don't know what it is about this simple game that continues to make people try to beat it.  Already available on the Xbox Live Indie Marketplace, the iPhone brings quicker controls and 1 exclusive level.  While the first two levels are fun, the map pack really tests your reflexes.  The songs are so catchy and I guarantee that after a few tries, you'll almost become obsessed with wanting to beat the game...almost like it's mocking you.  I've beaten 3 out of the 4 levels and still find myself replaying the others.  Every person that I've heard of that has tried to beat it has failed and most of them have given up (with attempts upwards of 2000 times.)  I still enjoy this game and continue to play it every so often while some other apps are left untouched on my iPhone.  I highly recommend you download this game and see what the fuss is all about.  Also, good luck on beating it because it's gonna take a lot of patience.

I wouldn't be surprised if most iPhone owners disagreed or have yet to even try most of these games.  I just felt like giving my honest opinion on games that I enjoy and to bring some of these favorites to your attention.  Any games you think deserved a spot on my new list instead?  Thanks for reading!

Other notable titles:

Dead Space

Robot Unicorn Attack

Chu Chu Rocket

Spider the Secret of Bryce Manor
Slice It
League of Evil
Fragger
Tilt To Live
Texting of the Bread