I am a shadow

Video games. My only addiction that can rival my writing addiction. It is an expensive addiction too, one which I am trying to control. I write about video games and movies because they are a large part of my life. My life, not being easy or stress free, is very dificult so most of the time I need something that I can use for escape. Video games have done that for me, they are my escape and keep me sane to some degree. Make me forget of who I am for at least a bit and I value that highly. Anyways, read on if you like or interested in video games and if not, well, don’t.

Another year of great games has come and gone. This year also saw my first purchase of a console outside of Nintendo. No, the PS1 I owned is borrowed from a friend. I bought a PS2 of course. I’ve always wanted to play some games I never got a chance to because of my allegiance to Nintendo and its high quality. Also, I had money this time around and that is very important. I also got to play the Xbox 360 thanks to my roommate and Bioshock…which is one of the best games. I can’t really have a category for that system since I don’t own it and aside Bioshock, the only other game I played on it was Halo and that is certainly not the game of the year.

So, console of the year I’ll give it to the Wii. The Nintendo 64 I have has brought me great nostalgia moments, such as beating Jet Force Gemini for the first time and replaying Rayman 2 but it is not number 1. The PS2 brought me the opportunity to play God of War, God of War 2, FFXII, Shadow of the Colossus, Ico, and other games. Those games were great but stood no chance against the Wii for the following reason. Super Mario Galaxy. That is all I need to say right there. That game is by far one of the best games I’ve ever played, it is the definition of fun and craziness. The musical score is excellent as well.

64 Game of the Year will be Jet Force Gemini, it is the reason I have the console in the first place. Sorry Perfect Dark, the other RARE game won it.

PS2 Game of the Year will be Shadow of the Colossus. It is short, there isn’t that much to do in it. There is slowdown and camera problems. But it is an experience worth having. It is the only other game that I can put in the same sentence as a Legend of Zelda game. For those who know me and the video games I play, that is saying a lot.

Wii Game of the Year. Super Mario Galaxy. That is all. It is the definition of fun. Metroid, Strikers, Zak and Wiki, Galaxy Wars just do not cut it.

Most addictive game. There were only real 2 choices in this category. One is Galaxy Wars for the Wii. Hardcore game. Easy to learn, hard to master. Great fun. But as always, with addiction there is a game that stands above the rest. Civilization. Or Civilization IV in this case. The process of starting with one individual to conquering the entire planet is just…addictive. Can’t really say much else.

There is much to look forward to in 2008. Wait, who am I kidding. I’m only waiting for one game, Super Smash Brothers Brawl. That game will probably be the only game I’ll need for the rest of the year after February.