2005 gaming

Holy mackerel. There were some incredible video games this year. Check:


MERCENARIES

Great mix of action, strategy and some good, old-fashioned North Korean wartime humor. I loved Mercenaries mostly because I played it for months before finishing. Any game that lasts months deserves a place, and thankfully this one was awesome anyway.


GRAND THEFT AUTO: SAN ANDREAS (XBOX version)

Speaking of taking months...I had gotten as far as the last mission on the PS2 version when the XBOX released theirs, and I had to start the love all over again. Surely the pinnacle of GTA games (really, what else can they do?), San Andreas was a joy to play...again. For months.


NINJA GAIDEN BLACK

Wow, even on easy this game kicks your ass. But it is huge fun, beautiful to gaze upon, and did I mention it kicks your ass? Good stuff!


SSX: ON TOUR

Long before Amped 3, there was a snowboarding game with an arty twist, and it was by the king of boarders, SSX. Great game, great look.


HALF-LIFE 2 (XBOX version)

I don't care what they say, this was a great game. Gorgeous graphically, fun to play and, despite its HALO 2-style cold ending, highly satisfying as a gaming experience.


BURNOUT: REVENGE

Wow. I mean, wow.


...and the game of the year award goes to:

RESIDENT EVIL 4 and GOD OF WAR (tie)

Two massively satisfying games. Intensely good graphics, strong stories, great characters, terrific, entertaining experiences. Both deserve the highest honors in 2005.



and now...
What My 16-Year-Old Son Played:

Halo 2
Prince of Persia 2
Star Wars Battlefront 2
Peter Jackson’s King Kong
Star Wars Knights of The Old Republic 2



Next: MOVIES, Part 1