JohnXE
01-28-2004, 01:47 PM
Taking a look at the most anticipated titles for all systems I have used IGN (sadly) here is what I have seen
and what I think. I will also evaulate my GOTY choices for each system, and the overall GOTY. This is literally, the last FULL year for all system according
to a lot of sources, meaning we will see the new systems next year, or so much hype will build around them why the hell would developers release major titles
when all the money is in the new ones? As a result, this is probably the best damned year we have seen in gaming since...ever, I can't think of the last time there was
such a good year. Hell I am guessing some of you might have to get loans from the damned banks to buy all the mind-numbing, IQ point dropping games coming out
this year.
NOTE: I kept out some of the games because I felt, that IGN was just trying to make filler to keep hopes up for the fans of the indivual systems. I also kept out
titles that were going multi-platform like Splinter Cell 2, SH4, while these may be great games it would be amazing to see them actually being GOTY games (PoP came close but no cigar)
GameCube:
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: anticipated but alreayd with faults. multiplayer gaming requires the gimmicky
GBA/GC links, and when doing multiplayer you must stay within an array that the team leader holds. Likely to sell
millions worldwide, and could very well be one of the top 10 best selling games on NGC.
Should you get it: If your a FF whore yes, if not screw it.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes: holy crap. What can I say? MGS1 for PS1 was ridiculed by Nintendo fans, so hey, why not
give it to them? I don't see the logic other than NGC is quickly becoming the unofficial home for remakes. I love MGS1, MGS:TS
I will play through 1000 times I am sure, but because it isn't such an original concept I don't see it being game of the year.
Should you get it: If your a MGS whore (like I) yes, if not screw it.
Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life: CRAP.
Should you get it: CRAP
Killer 7: It is a FPS cel-shaded game like XIII just in a different style of cel-shading, and it seems to have a different, more mature
direction. It is definately great to see Capcom creates 80% of NGC's mature games, and so far other than PN03 they haven't gone wrong
Should you get it: Looking for one of the only "Only on Nintendo" FPSs? Then yes go ahead, I might but GOTY? No.
Pikmin 2: pikmin took a lot of ideas from Lemmings, but that is ok. Pikmin was great and all, but it didn't have that much replay value. I liked it as niche as it was and
thought it was more messed up than Nintendo intended it to be, now they have 2 players in it, with different color Pikmin...holy crap! It is like NIntendo just took the
next logical step, good for them!
Should you get it: If I were you, at least rent, it couldn't hurt, and if you liked Pikmin you will like this crazy game to.
Geist: Geist is a pretty cool concept that I think was in the horribly made (but over hyped) Messiah. The concept is you go through people's bodies
as a ghost and control them--even beter it is a FPS! It is supposedly spooky but from what I have seen it doesn't have enough atmosphere to be spooky.
Hopefully the developed don't mess up such a kick ass concept.
Should you get it: If the concept stays intact...yes go for it..GOTY for NGC? That is a definite maybe.
Resident Evil 4: Holy **** I'll tell you, it seems like all the developers are FINALLY figuring out that the audience
lies within the people with the jobs. All these first-person shooters, bloody kick-ass games--oops, sorry! RE4 makes claim
of having nearly the same highly detailed spooky pre-rendered backgrounds of NGC's RE1, RE0 but in 3D!
Holy crap, I have had dreams of this for like damn..maybe 4 years now? Taking the 3D concept from RE C:V a very well made game, and
in my opinion the best RE game action wise, with a lot of spookyness. It remains to be seen if this is completely
revolutionary as Capcom claims, but you can bet it will at least have all the B-Movie quirks of the other RE titles.
Should you get it: Yes, even if it just remains a 6 hr game with the best damned graphics you will EVER see on the NGC, which might I add
doesn't get it's graphical power used AT ALL (Metroid Prime is as good as it can do then what is the point?) and nothing new at all--get it. GOTY though? Doubtful.
Star Fox 2: I don't know to much, don't care to know to much. Star Fox has always been "eh" as this one will be I am sure.
Should you get it: Sure, if you like flying imaginary planes with the muppet babies who's evil nemesis is a monkey. Yeah you read right chief.
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution: I really don't know, I liked PSO Ep. 1&II alright, but this could be coming to Xbox and PS2 in the near future
especially since well, IT MAKES MORE SENSE SINCE THEY SUPPORT ONLINE GAMING.
Should you get it: wait until it comes for a system with online gamers, not freaks who think having 1 online game, and figuring out how to put Mario Kart online, buying
a $35 ethernet modem, $35 freaky purple GC/keyboard is the full emmersive online experience.
Tales of Symphonia: Holy crap GC is finally catching up to Xbox's 4 RPGs, and PS2's 1,023,902 RPGs. I hear a lot of good thigns about this, although it doesn't hold my interest
Should you get it: You own a NGC, you an RPG fan? Then yes.
Baten Kaitos: much like Tales of Symphonia.
Should you get it: much like Tales of Symphonia.
Legend of Zelda: Four Swords: it is a multi-player Zelda which is more or less a thank you to the fans. It sounds pretty cool, but this is definately not going to be good enough for
the prestige GOTY award.
Should you get it: If you like Zelda, which I would be SO surprised if yo do go ahead and get it.
Super Monkey Ball 3: MONKIES! I have heard one of XE's staff members claim that SMB1 is the best game of this generation! As crazy as it sounds, this is just more
monkey goodness, and is definately a good game to play with all your friends, better yet this one has LAN features.
Should you get it: This is one of those games that you could miss for like a few months until its like $20..sorta like what I do with THPS games..btw is THUG $20 yet?
Metroid Prime 2: Nintendo fans claim Metroid Prime is better than Halo..while of course, they are FULL of ****, and I believe you can't have an opinion about somethign like
that (it is like debating if there are stars or something) it will sure be a good game, and my pick for predicted GOTY for GC. This one even has multi-player.
Should you get it: Sure, this is my GC GOTY...but not my overall GOTY FEWLS!
GAMES: 14
GOTY for GC material: 3, but probably Metroid Prime 2 for most publications
GC Overall this year is going to do great as long as these titles meet the end of the year (chances are they all will come out in November-December) we should be fine.
I would even say this is GC's best year. Good job NGC, you have your best year..now about the N5....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PlayStation 2
Drakengard: It has Square-Enix's name on it so it will sell. I don't know much about it though.
Should you get it: (sigh) you probably will no matter how much it sucks (FFX-2)
Final Fantasy XI: I have a great idea, why not make people pay $100 to play a game they could get on the PC for $50, but better yet we charge them monthly fees
also, for a awkward experience you ahve to force yourself to love!
Should you get it: You should get a punch in the face!
Gran Turismo 4: dude it is GRAN TURISMO that is french for YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT.
Should you get it: Yes, possible PS2 GOTY material also, especially with waaay more tracks, waay more cars, and online support.
Grand Theft Auto: Next Episode: Holy crap..I love the GTA games, definately can't wait to see how thi sone turns out. I thought about not putting it on the list
because it probably will come to Xbox also..but then I thought it will come to Xbox in probably another year or so...
Should you get it: Yes, GOTY for PS2 material indeed.
Killzone: Sony calls this a Halo killer..I say don't play with fire if your bound to get burned. I am sure this will be a great title but no way it could come close to killing Halo.
Should you get it: If your a Sony fan bitching about not having Halo sure.
Kingdom Hearts II: Square-Enix--love them hate them they sell games, and they sell games quick.
Should you get it: If you were one of the millions who bought the first game..then yes.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: GTA is a very, very entertaining game but there is more hype around these MGS games being well done, classy, etc, etc then anything.
MGS2 was a drag story wise, MGS3 has a lot of new crazy ideas, and hopefully it turns out being the best MGS yet.
Should you get it: Yes, if you have an Xbox also though try and wait to see if it comes to Xbox later on, GOTY material, GOTY overall material!
Onimusha 3: 1 was cool, 2 was eh, 3 is supposed to go out with a big bang, it is quick action, and this, much like RE4 for NGC is going fully 3D!
Should you get it: Yes if you like action packed survival horror, or just like Onimusha anyways.
Resident Evil Outbreak: An online RE game set up sort of how PSO is I guess, it has a neat concept but in the end sounds like it could get boring.
Should you get it: I don't really know...I am indifferent on the concept.
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose: The first got mixed reviews, but overall I hear it was good.
Should you get it: Only if you are a fan to begin with
Sly Cooper and the New Nameus Absurdus: A solid platformer
Should you get it: If you like platformers then yea.
Dark Cloud 3: damn level 5 is a busy RPG maker! A breath of fresh air in the sea of Square, it should be any RPG fans buy
should you get it: Yes, if you like RPGs that is.
The Mark of Kri, Part 2: How the hell is Sony making all these damn games? It pisses me off to a point, Mark of Kri got mixed reviews, and this seems a bit rushed
don't you think?
Should you get it: Don't know.
Ico 2 (NICO): Critically acclaimed, but fan acclaim minimal of the first, also we might not see it this year.
Should you get it: Probably not unless you think like a critic.
GAMES:14
GOTY: TIE: MGS3, GTA, also one or the other could make it as overall GOTY.
--------------------------
Xbox
Fable: This game has been talked about for years, something tells me this could be the game that defies RPGs on the Xbox. With 4 player support annoucned,
and possible Live support. It has a unique concept, and is probably one of the most open-ended games every developed.
Should you get it: Yes go ahead and get it! Possible Xbox GOTY also.
BC: Another RPG game, with more simulation in it. You have to help your tribe in prehistoric times get around, and do things for them, sort of like in Black & Wihte
what has been seen of the game is specaular, hopefully it ends up being good.
Should you get it: It seems pretty hardcore, if your hardcore, go for it.
Halo 2: I shouldn't have to say anything.
Should you get it: Yes, Possible Xbox GOTY, overall GOTY possible.
Full Spectrum Warrior: Imagaine playing the movie Black Hawk Down--and it had a lot of strategy involved, and there was another version of the game to train Marines.
How kick ass is that? The buzz around the game is great, and hopefully it becomes the secondary Xbox Live gamer's choice this year.
Should you get it: If it is as good as it seems, yes.
Psychonauts: It is supposed to be a platformer that is completely different from any other-- you go and play the level, but the level is actually inside someone's mind!
The game is long due and I can't wait to try it out, this could be one of the best platformers to date if it lives up to the hype.
Should you get it: At least rent it.
Dead or Alive: Ultimate: Lots of DOA fighting with DOA1, DOA2 online and with extras comign out eventually it will sure keep all 3D fighter fans at bay.
Should you get it: Hell yeah! if you love 3D fighters at all you need it.
Jade Empire: KoToR took a different approach than Bioware usually uses..Jade Empire is supposed to take a different approach also, because of that I believe
it will suceed GREATLY and could take KoToR's place as one of this gen's best RPGs.
Should you get it: Yes, possible Xbox GOTY, overall GOTY possible.
Doom 3: Wow, this game is comign to Xbox? I love Xbox so damn much, with any luck Doom 3 will feature Live support also.
Should you get it: You probably got Xbox for the FPS, so get it.
Half-Life 2: JUst like Doom 3!
Should you get it: Just like Doom3!
TFLO: People have been waiting for this game for years now. This could very well be THE MMORPG to own on consoles. Most Japanese Xbox gamers have an Xbox
just for this game! With Level 5 behind the wheel it will for sure suceed.
Should ou get it: Do you have LIve? Do you like RPGs? Then yes.
Otogi 2: Damn talk about pumping out a sequel! Not as soon as a opened up Otogi 1, and farted I heard info on Otogi 2! Otogi got so-so suport from critics and
gamers a like but this one will have tons more of what made people like it if they did.
Should you get it: Do you like to smash? Did you like the first one? then yes.
Ninja Gaiden: Anticipation for this game goes back to the PS1 days. Gameplay is said to be sort of like DOA3's so it should be easy to catch on, better yet you can fight
people on Live!
Should you get it: Yes, defainately a win for action, and fighting fans.
GAMES: 12
GOTY: Seriously? 3 way tie: Fable-Halo 2-Jade Empire.
So lastly we have the decision to make--which gets overall goty? Here are the choices:
-Fable
-Halo 2
-Jade Empire
-MGS3
-GTA Game
-Metroid Prime 2
You decide my friends!
and what I think. I will also evaulate my GOTY choices for each system, and the overall GOTY. This is literally, the last FULL year for all system according
to a lot of sources, meaning we will see the new systems next year, or so much hype will build around them why the hell would developers release major titles
when all the money is in the new ones? As a result, this is probably the best damned year we have seen in gaming since...ever, I can't think of the last time there was
such a good year. Hell I am guessing some of you might have to get loans from the damned banks to buy all the mind-numbing, IQ point dropping games coming out
this year.
NOTE: I kept out some of the games because I felt, that IGN was just trying to make filler to keep hopes up for the fans of the indivual systems. I also kept out
titles that were going multi-platform like Splinter Cell 2, SH4, while these may be great games it would be amazing to see them actually being GOTY games (PoP came close but no cigar)
GameCube:
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: anticipated but alreayd with faults. multiplayer gaming requires the gimmicky
GBA/GC links, and when doing multiplayer you must stay within an array that the team leader holds. Likely to sell
millions worldwide, and could very well be one of the top 10 best selling games on NGC.
Should you get it: If your a FF whore yes, if not screw it.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes: holy crap. What can I say? MGS1 for PS1 was ridiculed by Nintendo fans, so hey, why not
give it to them? I don't see the logic other than NGC is quickly becoming the unofficial home for remakes. I love MGS1, MGS:TS
I will play through 1000 times I am sure, but because it isn't such an original concept I don't see it being game of the year.
Should you get it: If your a MGS whore (like I) yes, if not screw it.
Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life: CRAP.
Should you get it: CRAP
Killer 7: It is a FPS cel-shaded game like XIII just in a different style of cel-shading, and it seems to have a different, more mature
direction. It is definately great to see Capcom creates 80% of NGC's mature games, and so far other than PN03 they haven't gone wrong
Should you get it: Looking for one of the only "Only on Nintendo" FPSs? Then yes go ahead, I might but GOTY? No.
Pikmin 2: pikmin took a lot of ideas from Lemmings, but that is ok. Pikmin was great and all, but it didn't have that much replay value. I liked it as niche as it was and
thought it was more messed up than Nintendo intended it to be, now they have 2 players in it, with different color Pikmin...holy crap! It is like NIntendo just took the
next logical step, good for them!
Should you get it: If I were you, at least rent, it couldn't hurt, and if you liked Pikmin you will like this crazy game to.
Geist: Geist is a pretty cool concept that I think was in the horribly made (but over hyped) Messiah. The concept is you go through people's bodies
as a ghost and control them--even beter it is a FPS! It is supposedly spooky but from what I have seen it doesn't have enough atmosphere to be spooky.
Hopefully the developed don't mess up such a kick ass concept.
Should you get it: If the concept stays intact...yes go for it..GOTY for NGC? That is a definite maybe.
Resident Evil 4: Holy **** I'll tell you, it seems like all the developers are FINALLY figuring out that the audience
lies within the people with the jobs. All these first-person shooters, bloody kick-ass games--oops, sorry! RE4 makes claim
of having nearly the same highly detailed spooky pre-rendered backgrounds of NGC's RE1, RE0 but in 3D!
Holy crap, I have had dreams of this for like damn..maybe 4 years now? Taking the 3D concept from RE C:V a very well made game, and
in my opinion the best RE game action wise, with a lot of spookyness. It remains to be seen if this is completely
revolutionary as Capcom claims, but you can bet it will at least have all the B-Movie quirks of the other RE titles.
Should you get it: Yes, even if it just remains a 6 hr game with the best damned graphics you will EVER see on the NGC, which might I add
doesn't get it's graphical power used AT ALL (Metroid Prime is as good as it can do then what is the point?) and nothing new at all--get it. GOTY though? Doubtful.
Star Fox 2: I don't know to much, don't care to know to much. Star Fox has always been "eh" as this one will be I am sure.
Should you get it: Sure, if you like flying imaginary planes with the muppet babies who's evil nemesis is a monkey. Yeah you read right chief.
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution: I really don't know, I liked PSO Ep. 1&II alright, but this could be coming to Xbox and PS2 in the near future
especially since well, IT MAKES MORE SENSE SINCE THEY SUPPORT ONLINE GAMING.
Should you get it: wait until it comes for a system with online gamers, not freaks who think having 1 online game, and figuring out how to put Mario Kart online, buying
a $35 ethernet modem, $35 freaky purple GC/keyboard is the full emmersive online experience.
Tales of Symphonia: Holy crap GC is finally catching up to Xbox's 4 RPGs, and PS2's 1,023,902 RPGs. I hear a lot of good thigns about this, although it doesn't hold my interest
Should you get it: You own a NGC, you an RPG fan? Then yes.
Baten Kaitos: much like Tales of Symphonia.
Should you get it: much like Tales of Symphonia.
Legend of Zelda: Four Swords: it is a multi-player Zelda which is more or less a thank you to the fans. It sounds pretty cool, but this is definately not going to be good enough for
the prestige GOTY award.
Should you get it: If you like Zelda, which I would be SO surprised if yo do go ahead and get it.
Super Monkey Ball 3: MONKIES! I have heard one of XE's staff members claim that SMB1 is the best game of this generation! As crazy as it sounds, this is just more
monkey goodness, and is definately a good game to play with all your friends, better yet this one has LAN features.
Should you get it: This is one of those games that you could miss for like a few months until its like $20..sorta like what I do with THPS games..btw is THUG $20 yet?
Metroid Prime 2: Nintendo fans claim Metroid Prime is better than Halo..while of course, they are FULL of ****, and I believe you can't have an opinion about somethign like
that (it is like debating if there are stars or something) it will sure be a good game, and my pick for predicted GOTY for GC. This one even has multi-player.
Should you get it: Sure, this is my GC GOTY...but not my overall GOTY FEWLS!
GAMES: 14
GOTY for GC material: 3, but probably Metroid Prime 2 for most publications
GC Overall this year is going to do great as long as these titles meet the end of the year (chances are they all will come out in November-December) we should be fine.
I would even say this is GC's best year. Good job NGC, you have your best year..now about the N5....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PlayStation 2
Drakengard: It has Square-Enix's name on it so it will sell. I don't know much about it though.
Should you get it: (sigh) you probably will no matter how much it sucks (FFX-2)
Final Fantasy XI: I have a great idea, why not make people pay $100 to play a game they could get on the PC for $50, but better yet we charge them monthly fees
also, for a awkward experience you ahve to force yourself to love!
Should you get it: You should get a punch in the face!
Gran Turismo 4: dude it is GRAN TURISMO that is french for YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT.
Should you get it: Yes, possible PS2 GOTY material also, especially with waaay more tracks, waay more cars, and online support.
Grand Theft Auto: Next Episode: Holy crap..I love the GTA games, definately can't wait to see how thi sone turns out. I thought about not putting it on the list
because it probably will come to Xbox also..but then I thought it will come to Xbox in probably another year or so...
Should you get it: Yes, GOTY for PS2 material indeed.
Killzone: Sony calls this a Halo killer..I say don't play with fire if your bound to get burned. I am sure this will be a great title but no way it could come close to killing Halo.
Should you get it: If your a Sony fan bitching about not having Halo sure.
Kingdom Hearts II: Square-Enix--love them hate them they sell games, and they sell games quick.
Should you get it: If you were one of the millions who bought the first game..then yes.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: GTA is a very, very entertaining game but there is more hype around these MGS games being well done, classy, etc, etc then anything.
MGS2 was a drag story wise, MGS3 has a lot of new crazy ideas, and hopefully it turns out being the best MGS yet.
Should you get it: Yes, if you have an Xbox also though try and wait to see if it comes to Xbox later on, GOTY material, GOTY overall material!
Onimusha 3: 1 was cool, 2 was eh, 3 is supposed to go out with a big bang, it is quick action, and this, much like RE4 for NGC is going fully 3D!
Should you get it: Yes if you like action packed survival horror, or just like Onimusha anyways.
Resident Evil Outbreak: An online RE game set up sort of how PSO is I guess, it has a neat concept but in the end sounds like it could get boring.
Should you get it: I don't really know...I am indifferent on the concept.
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose: The first got mixed reviews, but overall I hear it was good.
Should you get it: Only if you are a fan to begin with
Sly Cooper and the New Nameus Absurdus: A solid platformer
Should you get it: If you like platformers then yea.
Dark Cloud 3: damn level 5 is a busy RPG maker! A breath of fresh air in the sea of Square, it should be any RPG fans buy
should you get it: Yes, if you like RPGs that is.
The Mark of Kri, Part 2: How the hell is Sony making all these damn games? It pisses me off to a point, Mark of Kri got mixed reviews, and this seems a bit rushed
don't you think?
Should you get it: Don't know.
Ico 2 (NICO): Critically acclaimed, but fan acclaim minimal of the first, also we might not see it this year.
Should you get it: Probably not unless you think like a critic.
GAMES:14
GOTY: TIE: MGS3, GTA, also one or the other could make it as overall GOTY.
--------------------------
Xbox
Fable: This game has been talked about for years, something tells me this could be the game that defies RPGs on the Xbox. With 4 player support annoucned,
and possible Live support. It has a unique concept, and is probably one of the most open-ended games every developed.
Should you get it: Yes go ahead and get it! Possible Xbox GOTY also.
BC: Another RPG game, with more simulation in it. You have to help your tribe in prehistoric times get around, and do things for them, sort of like in Black & Wihte
what has been seen of the game is specaular, hopefully it ends up being good.
Should you get it: It seems pretty hardcore, if your hardcore, go for it.
Halo 2: I shouldn't have to say anything.
Should you get it: Yes, Possible Xbox GOTY, overall GOTY possible.
Full Spectrum Warrior: Imagaine playing the movie Black Hawk Down--and it had a lot of strategy involved, and there was another version of the game to train Marines.
How kick ass is that? The buzz around the game is great, and hopefully it becomes the secondary Xbox Live gamer's choice this year.
Should you get it: If it is as good as it seems, yes.
Psychonauts: It is supposed to be a platformer that is completely different from any other-- you go and play the level, but the level is actually inside someone's mind!
The game is long due and I can't wait to try it out, this could be one of the best platformers to date if it lives up to the hype.
Should you get it: At least rent it.
Dead or Alive: Ultimate: Lots of DOA fighting with DOA1, DOA2 online and with extras comign out eventually it will sure keep all 3D fighter fans at bay.
Should you get it: Hell yeah! if you love 3D fighters at all you need it.
Jade Empire: KoToR took a different approach than Bioware usually uses..Jade Empire is supposed to take a different approach also, because of that I believe
it will suceed GREATLY and could take KoToR's place as one of this gen's best RPGs.
Should you get it: Yes, possible Xbox GOTY, overall GOTY possible.
Doom 3: Wow, this game is comign to Xbox? I love Xbox so damn much, with any luck Doom 3 will feature Live support also.
Should you get it: You probably got Xbox for the FPS, so get it.
Half-Life 2: JUst like Doom 3!
Should you get it: Just like Doom3!
TFLO: People have been waiting for this game for years now. This could very well be THE MMORPG to own on consoles. Most Japanese Xbox gamers have an Xbox
just for this game! With Level 5 behind the wheel it will for sure suceed.
Should ou get it: Do you have LIve? Do you like RPGs? Then yes.
Otogi 2: Damn talk about pumping out a sequel! Not as soon as a opened up Otogi 1, and farted I heard info on Otogi 2! Otogi got so-so suport from critics and
gamers a like but this one will have tons more of what made people like it if they did.
Should you get it: Do you like to smash? Did you like the first one? then yes.
Ninja Gaiden: Anticipation for this game goes back to the PS1 days. Gameplay is said to be sort of like DOA3's so it should be easy to catch on, better yet you can fight
people on Live!
Should you get it: Yes, defainately a win for action, and fighting fans.
GAMES: 12
GOTY: Seriously? 3 way tie: Fable-Halo 2-Jade Empire.
So lastly we have the decision to make--which gets overall goty? Here are the choices:
-Fable
-Halo 2
-Jade Empire
-MGS3
-GTA Game
-Metroid Prime 2
You decide my friends!