Best of 2007 #6: Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition

Resident Evil 4: Wii EditionResident Evil 4 was definitely the odd one out of the (fantastic) series. The over-the-shoulder perspective, an Umbrella-less plot, and more action-based game made for a completely new- and chilling- experience.

Released in early June, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition was practically a direct port from the PlayStation 2- only better. It took the best of both worlds; the exclusive PS2 content and the superb GameCube graphics were meshed together to create the ultimate Resident Evil 4 experience. The control setup was fantastic very intuitive, and most of all, what you would expect. Controlling the shooting reticle with the Wiimote, moving with the Nunchuk..it all pieced together perfectly. All of this combined with the original terrifying RE4 story and gameplay puts Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition as the sixth best game of 2007.

If you’d like to know more about the game, you can read my review on it.

Best of 2007 #7: Pokemon Diamond/Pearl

Pokemon DiamondIf you compare this game to the original Red, Blue, and Green versions, you can see how far handheld games have come in the last 10 years. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl is not only now in color, but also in partial 3D, and touch-screen enabled on the DS. The variety and creativity of the creatures are very well done, and the three powerful starters (Turtwig [grass], Chimchar [fire], and Piplup [water]) make for interesting playback.

Team Galactic, the control-driven team that you’re set to defeat, are fun to beat and comical, and this time there are 3 main characters: You, your friend from your hometown, and Lucas/Dawn, the Professor’s assistant. With the aid of Lucas/Dawn (depending on your character’s gender) and your friend, you battle your way through Team Galactic (while beating the gym leaders on your own) to stop them from controlling Sinnoh, or even the galaxy!

This game definitely isn’t the hardest thing to beat, but it’s not the easiest, either. Either way, it’s fun.

Best of 2007 #8: Ace Combat 6

Ace Combat 6Another Namco/Bandai game on the list that escaped the clutches of the Sony consoles is Ace Combat 6. Yes, Ace Combat. That series where you fly around in the most coolest jets and fire a ton of rockets. Yes. That game. You might criticize me for saying this, but this game beats a lot of others to the spot of #8. Why? Because it just does.

I am normally not a fan of Flying simulator games or whatever flying games genera go in, but this is an exception. It allows you to play with easy controls on any difficulty setting. So those who can’t fly planes will have an easier time playing. Finally.

While the game’s story has its cheesy moments, it makes up in graphics, gameplay and levels. The graphics, which you would think would have the quality of Google Earth due to the mention of the Imaging technology used, aren’t that bad at all. In fact, they are better then any aerial map I’ve seen. The explosion effects are done well, and it’s so awesome when you blast an airplane just 2 feet in front of you and fly through the debris that ensues. The levels are awesome with realistic weather and changing fight patterns, so most of the levels, the enemies don’t fight the same way. The game itself is just spectacular. And I really think it’s deserving of #8 on the list.

Best of 2007 #9: Sam & Max Season 1

Sam & Max Season 1Sam & Max seems somewhat silly to put here. But in the end it really deserves it. The game plays funny, where it’s mostly point and click. Games of that sort tend to get boring easily. However, Sam & Max’s humor keeps the game going. TellTale, the makers of the game, did a great job making the world cartoonish.

To say the least, it’s a great series. And to give away one episode for free, was a very awesome thing to do. The game is filled with classic humor and great songs like the War Song sung by giddy Secret Service Agents. The game goes on as you try to solve mysteries as to who is hypnotizing people. You can pretty much interact with everything in sight, from talking computers who make byte jokes to things like mounted moose heads. Yeah, it’s that bizarre, and it’s worth picking up. If you don’t feel like spending money, you should at least play the free game.

Best of 2007 #10: Beautiful Katamari

Beautiful KatamariWhen people first heard of the crazy Japanese idea of a little guy rolling a ball around, many found it quite silly and childish. For several years it was confined to the PS systems, this year, however, it escaped from the clutches of the Sony enterprise and joined up on the Xbox 360.

Beautiful Katamari was quite unexpected, when I played it, I had no idea that it would flow naturally on the 360. The controls were really made to fit the 360, though really awkward at first. It’s childish, but in a way that’s fun but not harmful. I, myself, am not embarrassed to say that I loved the game. Racing to pick up every item in the world was a challenge to beat the clock and make the biggest ball of crap ever seen. It’s techno music really helped out the levels and added to it’s replayability. Games shouldn’t be put down on the assumption that it looks too childish. If you think that, you are missing out on quite a few games.