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GOTY Selections:

***SPOILER***

  • 16Dec 12

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    Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so.

    Part 1 - Most disappointing, favourite unplayed and top old game.

    Part 2 - Favourite HD remake, best range of costumes and top virgin sacrifice.

    Part 3 - Platform awards.

    Now for Part 4, my GOTY, or GOTPFMSICRTWY, which stands for my game of the past few months since I can't remember the whole year...

    In third spot - The Unfinished Swan (PS3)

    I loved the fairy tale story, I loved the unique gameplay and I loved the creative visual presentation. For some, it may even be one of those games that strikes an emotional chord, everyone else will probably say it sucks.

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    Runner up - The Walking Dead Series (Mac)

    I've purchased many of the Telltale episodic games, but none had me waiting so eagerly for the next installment, or in fits of rage when an installment was delayed...

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    THE WINNER - Gravity Rush (Vita)

    Atmospheric, beautiful, exciting, challenging, emotional and refreshingly original, especially in a year full of so many sequels and remakes. I know there's some complaints about the controls and combat, but I think it just takes a little more practice to appreciate.

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    One of the most impressive things about Gravity Rush is the amazing world it is set in. It's beautiful, detailed, busy with activity and easy to get sucked into.

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    As I said above, once you get used to the controls, you'll have a blast with Kat's ability to shift gravity. It makes exploring the world and combating enemies a blast.

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    That's it from me. Thanks for those who read and commented. Be sure to share your favourite game of the year as well, but remember only my choices count ... because I said so!

  • 15Dec 12

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    Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so.

    If you missed Part 1, check it out to see my 2012 choice for most disappointing, favourite unplayed and best old game. If you'd prefer to see which game had the best set of costumes or virgin sacrifice, Part 2 is where it's at.

    On to Part 3, the platform awards. My GOTY will emerge from this list, so be sure to pay close attention!

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    WINNER - Sleeping Dogs

    Everything just worked in Sleeping Dogs and worked really well. Coupled with the beautifully detailed backdrop of Hong Kong and you've got yourself an awesome game.

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    RUNNER UP - Spec Ops: The Line

    It seemed like any other shooter at first, but then the story takes a horrible twist and becomes deep and dark.

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    WINNER - The Walking Dead Series

    I've purchased episodic games before, but few had me eagerly awaiting the next episode as The Walking Dead did. I've never read the comic or watched the TV show, but now I'm a fan.

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    RUNNER UP - Guild Wars 2

    Until Guild Wars 2, EverQuest 2 had been the only other MMO I'd given any decent attenton to. It's so good I'd almost agree to pay a monthly subscription if they asked...or not.

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    WINNER - Mass Effect 3

    Despite the whole "revised" ending scenario, I was quite satisfied with how it ended and never bothered to download the updates. It was a great way to wrap up the series.

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    RUNNER UP - Halo 4

    It's a space shooter about this dude in armor who kicks alien butt. I thought it was pretty fun.

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    WINNER - The Unfinished Swan

    I loved the fairy tale story, I loved the unique gameplay and I loved the creative visual presentation. If you're lucky, it may even be one of those games that hits you on an emotional level. Everyone else will probably say it sucks.

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    RUNNER UP - Yakuza 4

    While the story isn't quite as good as the previous game, the gameplay improvements were a welcome change. I love the series and can't wait for Yakuza 5. Oh, that zombie spin-off wasn't too bad either.

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    WINNER - New Super Mario Bros U

    New Super Mario Bros U feels like a step back in quality from the latest 3DS Mario game, but you can forgive it thanks to the beautiful HD.

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    RUNNER UP - Assassin's Creed III

    Once I realised I could play this on the gamepad, I traded my PS3 version in for the Wii U version. After a disappointing experience with the Vita's AC Liberation, it almost feels like I got the handheld AC I deserve.

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    WINNER - Gravity Rush

    Atmospheric is the best word to describe this game. I was sucked into the world, the story, the characters and the music. It was so refreshing in a year full of so many sequels and remakes.

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    RUNNER UP - Uncharted: Golden Abyss

    Not quite as stunning as the console versions, but quite an achievement for a handheld game.

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    WINNER - Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask

    I'm a sucker for Layton games and as long as they keep releasing them, they'll continue to be on my end of year list.

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    RUNNER UP - New Super Mario Bros. 2

    The whole coin collecting thing was a touch of genius. It gave me a reason to explore every bit of a level, rather than doing a power run through as I usually do.

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    WINNER - McPixel

    One of the few games released this year that lets you sacrifice virgins, piss on anything and kick every person in the groin.

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    RUNNER UP - The Act

    An interactive game from a team of guys who once drew for Disney. You can see it in this game and it looks fantastic.

    That's it for Part 3. Keep an eye out next week for Part 4 where I'll announce my NUMBER 1 (and probably 2 and 3) GAME OF THE YEAR! Be sure to share your favourites below, but just remember mine are what matter...because I said so.

    • Posted Dec 15, 2012 8:05 am GMT
    • Category: Editorial
  • 11Dec 12

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    Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so.

    If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out to see my most disappointing, favourite unplayed and favourite old game were for 2012. Part 2 is made up of some miscellaneous categories, all which I feel should be standard in every end of year game awards! Be sure to let me know yours!

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    WINNER - NIGHTS INTO DREAMS (PSN)

    NiGHTS was my GOTY for 1996 and remains one of my favourite games of all time. I still pull out the Saturn and Xmas Special Edition every holidays for a play. With this beautiful HD remake, I no longer have to dust of the Saturn and I still get the same great game, but in full HD glory.

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    RUNNER UP - JET SET RADIO (VITA)

    So close, yet so glitchy. Another of my favourite Sega classics. This one would have taken top spot had it not been for the constant crashing on the Vita. Luckily I love the game that much I persisted through this annoyance.

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    WINNER - SLEEPING DOGS (PC)

    Not only do the outfits in Sleeping Dogs look awesome, some even give you added bonuses such as extra XP or melee damage. In any case, that Bruce Lee Jumpsuit alone is enough to justify the win!

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    RUNNER UP - FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 (PS3)

    Ignoring the corny Mass Effect 3 costume, Serah and Noel's fantastic wardrobe selection come in a close second. It's just a shame these cost you real $$$.

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    WINNER - MCPIXEL (iOS)

    The blonde, the cow or the bone? I'm not going to tell, you can figure it out for yourself. Possible spoilers in the image below.

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    RUNNER UP - Umm...

    That's all for Part 2. Keep an eye out for Part 3 next week!

    • Posted Dec 12, 2012 1:32 am GMT
    • Category: Editorial
  • 7Dec 12

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    Now in its fifth year, Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so. Each year I select my favourite game, along with a few others in categories such as favourite unwrapped, most dissapointing and prettiest Final Fantasy costume. If you're interested what I chose last year, you can check it out here.

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    Games in this category don't necessarily suck. They either didn't live up to my hype or I felt they could have been so much more.

    WINNER - SYNDICATE (PC)

    I couldn't even guess how many hours I sank into the original 1993 classic strategy version. It was such an accomplishment at the time and still holds up as an excellent game today. I didn't mind too much that this reboot was taking a different direction, mostly because it had a look similar to my 2011 GOTY, Deus Ex Human Rev. Unfortunately, the weak story made it difficult to fully enjoy what was an amazing looking game.

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    RUNNER UP - ASSASSIN'S CREED LIBERATION (VITA)

    The prospect of the full Assassin's Creed experience on a handheld was exciting, but ultimately let down by a few seemingly minor issues. It looked great and handled well, but an uninteresting story and horrible sound meant I was unable to fully immerse myself in the experience.

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    The winner of this category is either still shrinkwrapped or awaiting download on Steam. I know it's good, as many people tell me so, but I just haven't had the time to kick it off yet.

    WINNER - FARCRY 3 (PC)

    With such a large unplayed shame pile, I now try to avoid buying games until I've finished whatever I've got going. However, at AU$28 for a new digital version from Ubisoft, I couldn't pass this over. I don't expect to kick it off until around the Xmas holidays, but I know I'm in for a treat.

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    RUNNER UP - PERSONA 4 GOLDEN (VITA)

    I'm pretty sure Persona 4 was on this list last year or the year before as one of my favourite unplayed PS2 games - and this remains true as I'm still finishing off Persona 3. Anyway, I decided I'd probably have more luck finding time if I picked up the portable version, so I'm waiting on slow shipping from the UK to bring me a Vita version.

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    We don't all have the time to play each and every new game released within the year, so here I give you the top game I played for the first time, but came out before 2012.

    WINNER - FINAL FANTASY IX (PSN/PSP)

    Being the massive Final Fantasy fan I am, this one is a little embarrassing. I picked this game up brand new when it was first released on the PS1 in early 2001. However, I think Metal Gear Solid 2 got in the way and I never finished it off. It wasn't until recently that I decided to start from scratch and wrap it up. It's a true classic and one that should be played by all RPG fans.

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    RUNNER UP - COSTUME QUEST (XBLA)

    I'm a big Tim Schafer and Double Fine fan and I feel guilty I put this one off for so long. It was such a great little game, I only wish I had played it closer around Halloween than earlier this year.

    That's all for now, but keep an eye out for Part 2 and be sure to share in the comments if you've started posting your own GOTY selections!

    • Posted Dec 8, 2012 7:34 am GMT
    • Category: Editorial
  • 27Dec 11

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    If you'd like to know my Most Disappointing, Top Sealed Game or Favourite From Times Gone Past, check out Part 1.

    Below is my choice game per platform, followed by my game of the year, 2012.

    Xbox 360

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    Gears of War 3 - I haven't played any competitive multiplayer and don't really intend to, but the single player campaign was a solid addition to the franchise.

    PlayStation 3

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    Alice: Madness Returns - Also winner for most surprising, I didn't expect to enjoy this title as much as I did, but the atmosphere of the game just sucked me in.

    Wii

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    Kirby's Adventure - A more recent release, I'm not sure why I decided to start Kirby before Zelda, Xenoblades, Muramasa and Goldeneye, but I'm not complaining. Very fun game.

    PC

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    Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Having not played the first two games, I wasn't sure what to expect here either. While it's not graphically impressive, the music, story and characters made it a winner.

    PSP

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    The Third Birthday - I was hoping for a sequel to Parasite Eve 2, but instead got this. I can't complain, it was a fun game and one of the few titles that saw me drain the PSP battery multiple times during the year.

    3DS

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    Resident Evil: The Mercenaries - At first I was disappointed as I thought this was a full RE game. It turned out to be more of an arcade shooter, but boy did I get sucked into it.

    DS

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    Professor Layton and the Last Specter - You can't go wrong with a Layton game. I hope they keep making these forever.

    The Winner of GOTY...

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    • Posted Dec 28, 2011 3:43 am GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 23Dec 11

    GameSpot, IGN, Giantbomb, Gametrailers...they all have their GOTY awards, but only one matters - mine. Why?

    Because I said so.

    For part 1 I will give you a run down on my top choice from the following three categories:

    Don't get me wrong, games in this category don't necessarily suck. They either didn't live up to the hype or I felt it could have been so much more.

    WINNER - Assassins Creed Revelations- 16th century Constantinople was pretty awesome, but I was hoping to see the story of Desmond advance further and something more special from Ezio's final outing.

    This title is one of the many that is still shrink wrapped and yet to get any attention. I know it's good, many people tell me so, but I just haven't had the time to open it yet.

    WINNER - Xenoblade Chronicles - I was too impatient to wait for this to release in Australia, so I imported it from the UK at full price. I just hope I get to it before it hits the bargain bin!

    We don't all have the time to play each and every game released within the year, so here I give you the top game I played for the first time, but came out before 2011.

    WINNER - Mafia 2 - I got this cheap from a digital download store and it's also winner of the best bargain for the year. I had so much fun with this game that had it been released this year, it definitely would have been a contender for my GOTY.

    That's all for now. Keep an eye out for Part 2 and I hope you all have a great Christmas!

    • Posted Dec 23, 2011 12:23 pm GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 26Dec 10

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    2010 presented a super line-up of games, but there was one that managed to entertain me longer than any other, couple fantastic story telling with well executed game play, exceed its predecessor is almost every way, and see me once again waste money on buying a second copy for no good reason.

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    Valkyria Chronicles II is Sega's sequel to the PS3 hit, Valkyria Chronicles (duh) - an under appreciated game which I have no doubt would have topped my 2008 list had I got around to playing it sooner. This PSP sequel looks just as amazing and plays just as well as its predecessor. You'll sink well over 60 hours into the game and side missions, plus there's DLC if that's not enough to satisfy you.I won't go into too much more detail, so check out this reviewif you'd like to know more about the game.If you are interested, be sure to check out the PSN store as Sega are currently offering it for 50% off. While playing the first would give you a good background to the world of Valkyria Chronicles, you don't need to have played it to enjoy this sequel. Don't miss it

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    • Posted Dec 27, 2010 3:14 am GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 19Dec 10

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    Before I get to Part 3 - GOTY, I thought I'd try a new section I like to call Genre Awards!

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    Winner is AMNESIA

    I watched a number of reviews and YouTube videos claiming that Amnesia is the scariest game of all time. I laughed at the claim and decided to go purchase the game and a decent set of headphones and proceeded to play it on a stormy dark night. I'm having trouble sleeping now...

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    Winner is DEATH SPANK

    There simply aren't enough games where you get to shoot stoopid chickens. Thank goodness for Death Spank. You even get an achievement at 100 chickens!

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    Winner is HOPE from FINAL FANTASY XIII

    I liked FFXIII, but Hope can really get on your nerves. Sometimes you just want to run up and give him a good slap, but I've learnt to stop beating my flat screen TV.

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    Winner is the MINI GAMES in YAKUZA 3

    There are a stack of mini-games and even a Club Sega with some arcade games in the world of Yukuza. I'm hoping we soon see a game within a game within a game!

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    Winner is TRINE

    Trine's graphics are simple yet stunning. Sure, there are plenty of A+ graphic games out there at the moment, but trust me when I say you need to check out Trine on maximum setting.

    That's it. Thanks for reading and keep an eye out for Part 3 where I choose my Game of the Year.

    • Posted Dec 19, 2010 10:13 am GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 10Dec 10

    Did you miss part 1 where I discussed my favourite three games for each platform?

    For part 2 I will give you a run down on my top 3 games from the following three categories...

    Don't get me wrong here. These games didn't necessarily suck, they either didn't live up to the hype or I felt it could have been so much more.

    Crackdown 2- I played the first during a time when I was very ill and out of action for quite some time. It made be feel like superman - i loved it. Crackdown 2 seemed to take the first and dumb it down. While I tried me best to like it, I couldn't get into it and in the end was really disappointed with it.

    Left 4 Dead 2 - This one came out on Mac in October. It wasn't until after I played it, shot a zombie and saw him vanish before hitting the ground that I remembered that the game had been stripped of all fun to bypass the strict Australian censors.

    Sam & Max Episode 1: The Penal Zone - I was quite shocked at the poor effort that was made to port this to the iPad. Graphic glitched, audio bugs and shocking lag continuously plagued this version of the game. I'll have to get it for PC.

    These are a few of the many that are still shrink wrapped and yet to get any attention at all. I know they are good, many people tell me so, but I just haven't had the time to open them yet.

    Persona 4- Vigilant readers of my blog will note that this was on the same list last year. Yeah, I'm a tad behind in my games.

    Enslaved- I was drawn to this one because of the constant praise it receives. It's actually next on my list to play!

    Death Spank- I was a little misled by Steam on this. They had it on sale recently and said it was available for both Mac and PC. After downloading it, I soon found out that it is scheduled to be unlocked on Mac mid-December. I await eagerly!

    I didn't get a chance to play every awesome game released in previous years. So here I give you the top 3 games I played for the first time, but came out before 2010.

    Machinarium- Originally released on Mac last year, this is a lovely looking adventure/puzzler with a great story to accompany it.

    50 Cent: Blood on the Sand - Very cheesy and short, but damn it is fun!

    Samba de Amigo- I had this one on the DC, but never got into it. I decided to pick it up for the Wii to try again. It's a blast and I love the music.

    So there you have it. Thanks for reading and I hope you will join me for Part 3.

    • Posted Dec 11, 2010 12:54 am GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 3Dec 10

    So returns the only game awards you should care about, mine. Because I Said So is now in its third year running. The awards cover categories such as favourite game, not so favourite game, coolest unwrapped game and much more. If you're wondering who took out the major prize of favourite game last year, you can find out here.

    Part 1 is where I choose my favourite three games for each platform.

    - I only include games I've played thoroughly during the year.
    - Some are multiplatform, but I've listed the game/platform that I played on.
    - My list supersedes any other list out there, because I said so!

    iPad

    1) Monkey Island 2 Special Edition - Re-release of my favourite game of all time

    2) Mirror's Edge - Works amazingly well in iPad

    3) Osmos - Best puzzler out there

    iPhone/iPod Touch

    1) Chaos Rings - Looks stunning on iPhone

    2) Street Fighter IV - Actually playable!

    3) Quick Hook - Very addictive and fun

    DS

    1) Last Window - Sequel to the best DS game ever

    2) Layton and the Unwound Future - I hope they make Layton games forever

    3) Sonic & Sega Racing - Super fun

    PSP

    1) Valkyria Chronicles 2 - Better than the original (that was on PS3!)

    2) Persona 3 Portable - Never finished on PS2, glad to see a portable release

    3) MGS Peacewalker - More Metal Gear is always good

    PC/MAC

    1) Trine - Absolutely stunning game. Very clever as well

    2) StarCraft II - Sequel to one of the best PC games of all time

    3) Amnesia - Too scary. I only play in the day now

    Wii

    1) Goldeneye 007 - New take on an old cIassic

    2) Tatsunoko vs Capcom - How fighting games should be made

    3) Epic Mickey - Yet to play much, but very promising

    360

    1) Mass Effect 2 - Twice as good as the original

    2) Halo Reach - Love Halo, Love Reach

    3) Alan Wake - Refreshingly new

    PS3

    1) Yakuza 3 - Super story and immersive world

    2) Final Fantasy XIII - A great addition to the Final Fantasy library

    3) Heavy Rain - Unique and well executed

    There you have it, the definitive top 3 games for each platform, because I said so!

    What's coming up?

    Part 2 - Most Disappointing, Best I'm Yet to Play, Old Games I Finally Played, Best OST

    Part 3 - Top 3 for 2010

    Thanks for reading and be sure to share your favourites or not so favourites for 2010 in the comments!

    • Posted Dec 4, 2010 12:58 am GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 14Dec 09

    Did you miss part 1 where I discussed old, unwrapped and disappointing games?

    Did you miss part 2 where I discussed my top 3 for each platform?

    Part 3 covers my top 3 and ultimately my personal game of the year.

    Remember, the following are the top 3 for the year - Because I Said So! (Trademarked)

    3) Red Faction Guerrilla (Xbox 360)

    The story may have been lacking, but the excitement of smashing things didn't stop as more elaborate ways of destroying the world around you opened up as you progressed through the amazing world of Mars.

    2) The Secret of Monkey Island SE (iPod Touch)

    It's been almost 20 years since I first played it and since then I think I've travelled to Monkey Island more than a dozen times. To see it remade was like a dream come true. I crazily got it on the 360, PC and iPod Touch to see which version would be best, and found the Touch was the best way to go.

    1) Flower (PS3)

    I fell asleep playing this game...twice. And you know what? I was rewarded with a trophy for taking a break! Flower is one of those games I can just pick up and play without worrying about what to play when I'm in one of those indecisive moods.

    So that wraps up my "Because I Said So" awards. Thanks for those who read and commented

    • Posted Dec 14, 2009 12:34 pm GMT
    • Category: General
  • 12Dec 09

    Did you miss part 1?

    Welcome to part 2 where I choose my favourite three games for each platform.

    - I only include games I've played thoroughly during the year.
    - Some are multiplatform, but I've listed the game/platform that I played on.
    - My list supersedes any other list out there, because I said so!

    1) Red Faction Guerrilla - breaking stuff is fun
    2) Batman: Arkham Asylum - unexpected pleasure
    3) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - short but sweet

    1) Flower - it's ok if you fall asleep during this one
    2) Infamous - provided me with a crackdown fix
    3) Assassin's Creed 2 - much like the first, but still a solid title

    1) New Super Mario Bros. Wii - lots of multiplayer fun
    2) Wii Sports Resort - lots of party fun
    3) Wii Fit Plus - because my wife said to add it

    1) Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box - because layton rulez
    2) GTA Chinatown Wars - perfectly executed for the handheld
    3) Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor - different, but fun

    1) LittleBigPlanet - perfect for the handheld
    2) Dissidia - shakes up the fighting genre
    3) Persona - an oldy but a goody

    1) Tales of Monkey Island - because it's monkey island!
    2) Company of Heroes Tales of Valor - short but sweet
    3) Mirror's Edge - I'd buy this on every platform

    1) The Secret of Monkey Island SE - like I said, because it's monkey island!
    2) Simon the Sorcerer - great to see this cIassic return
    3) Peggle - you can easily waste many hours with this one

    There you have it, the definitive top 3 games for each platform, because I said so!

    Keep an eye out for part 3 where I'll choose my favourite for 2009.

    • Posted Dec 13, 2009 1:33 am GMT
    • Category: General
  • 10Dec 09

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    It's that time of year again for my annual 'Because I said so' awards. Last years awards (pt 1, 2 & 3) drew in crowds of millions of viewers - or so I assume. Let's see how I do this year.

    For part 1 I will give you a run down on my top 3 games from the following three categories...

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    Don't get me wrong here. These games didn't necessarily suck, they either didn't live up to the hype or I felt it could have been so much more.

    1) Halo ODST

    Wow, this game is pretty goo....bwah? It's finished already!?

    2) Demon's Souls

    Wow, this game is pretty goo...bwah? I'm dead AGAIN!?

    3) Scribblenauts

    Haha, I can't believe it has llama...ok...I'm bored now.

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    These are a few of the many that are still shrink wrapped and yet to get any attention at all. I know they are good, many people tell me so, but I just haven't had the time to open them yet.

    1) Dragon Age

    A few people are meh over this one, but many go gaga. So I'm pretty keen to give this one a shot. I only got it last month, so it's not too overdue.

    2) Persona 4

    I got this one earlier this year after I fell in love with Persona 3. I'm still getting plently of love from Persona 3 so it'll have to wait its turn.

    3) The Last Remnant

    I've installed this on my 360's hard drive twice but am still yet to even play it. I'll get to it...one day.

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    I didn't get a chance to play every awesome game released last year, or even earlier still. So here I give you the top 3 games I played for the first time, but came out before 2009.

    1) Banjo Kazooie

    This title was one I've my 'Best I am yet to play' from last year. Thankfully I got to play this year and enjoyed it immensely.

    2) Valkyria Chronicles

    If it had been released this year, it would have probably been my game of the year.

    3) Prince of Persia

    I'm actually in the middle of playing this now and am having a blast.

    So there you have it. Thanks for reading and I hope you will join me for Part 2 where I will go over my favourite 3 from each system.

    • Posted Dec 11, 2009 4:49 am GMT
    • Category: General
  • 12Dec 08

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    Part 1 covered my top 3 fav games for each system for 2008.

    Part 2 covered my top 3 for various other categories for 2008.

    Part 3 covers my top 3 and ultimately my personal game of the year.

    Remember, the following are the top 3 for the year because I said so!

    3) Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)

    Few games maintain my attention to the degree I put aside all other games until I complete it. Layton did this. A very fulfilling game in which I can't wait for the sequel.

    2) Mirror's Edge (PS3)

    Short but sweet. The music, the perspective and story were all so absorbing for me and this made it one of my all time top rated games.

    1) Mario Kart Wii (Wii)

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    I've been with my wife for over 10 years now and despite my best efforts over this decade, I've never been able to her her into games. That was until this came out...

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    Personally, I am not a fan of the Wii Wheel, I opt for the Gamecube controller. But it has finally given me someone to play a local multiplayer game with.

    But Mario Kart Wii doesn't win GOTY because it got my wife gaming, nor because I finally have someone to play with. It is also because I found it to be the game that gave me the most enjoyment this year.

    I've managed to play a decent amount of single player, an online multiplayer community games night thanks to GameSpot AU and a heck of alot of local multiplayer. The game feels perfectly balanced for a new player like my wife, and a regular such as myself. And yes, I do pretend to lose at times just to let her win from time to time.

    So that wraps up my "Because I Said So" awards. Thanks for those who read and commented

    • Posted Dec 12, 2008 12:06 pm GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 9Dec 08

    Welcome. In part 1 you got a look at my top 3 games for each system for the year of 2008. For part 2 I will give you a run down on my top 3 for various other categories before moving to part 3, the grand event of Game of the Year.

    Don't get me wrong here. These games didn't necessarily suck, they either didn't live up to the hype or I felt it could have been so much more.

    3) Dark Sector (PS3)

    Visuals, Check.
    Sound & Music, Check.
    Combat, Check.
    Story.....oops.

    2) LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

    Hype, delay, more hype and over moderation of user levels. These are the things that shot this title in the foot for me.

    1) Dead Space (PS3)

    About 3 hours in and it is yet to capture me. It just feels so ....generic. A shame, I really loved the prequel movie as well. I intend to give it another chance later.

    These are a few of the many that are still shrink wrapped and yet to get any attention at all. I know they are good, many people tell me so, but I just haven't had the time to open them yet.

    3) Sins of a Solar Empire

    A space RTS that will get some attention as soon as I finish up Red Alert 3. I promise!

    2) Fable 2

    Just one of those big titles that requires some time and dedication. Hopefully after Christmas?

    1) Banjo Kazooie

    This game looks simply amazing. Can't wait to get into it.

    I didn't get a chance to play every awesome game released last year, or even the year before. So here I give you the top 3 games I played for the first time, but came out before 2008.

    3) Bully (PS2)

    I don't know why I left this one for so long. It's GTA but with a school bully. What isn't to love?

    2) Trace Memory (DS)

    Hotel Dusk left me wanting more of the same. Trace Memory was the closest to it, and it didn't disappoint.

    1) Company of Heroes (PC)

    My old PC lacked the power when this one was released. It tops the list of PC games I played after finally upgrading.

    So there you have it. Thanks for reading and I hope you will join me for Part 3 where I will give a special tribute to my personal GOTY.

    • Posted Dec 10, 2008 12:32 am GMT
    • Category: Games
  • 8Dec 08

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    That time of year again where I narrow down my favourites for the year. Some things to know...

    - I only include games I've played thoroughly during the year.
    - Some are multiplatform, but I've listed the game/platform that I played on.
    - My list supersedes any other list out there, because I said so!

    To kick things off, here are my top games for each system for the year of 2008.

    goty360.png

    1) Lost Odyssey (X360)
    2) Fallout 3 (X360)
    3) Braid (X360)

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    1) Mirror's Edge (PS3)
    2) Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)
    3) Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)

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    1) Mario Kart Wii (WII)
    2) No More Heroes (WII)
    3) NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (WII)

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    1) Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)
    2) The World Ends With You (DS)
    3) Bangai-O Spirits (DS)

    gotypsp.png

    1) Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP)
    2) God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP)
    3) Secret Agent Clank (PSP)

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    1) Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (PC)
    2) Left 4 Dead (PC)
    3) Spore (PC)


    There are some games like Banjo, Saints 2 and Fable 2 which I considered but have yet to play enough off (if any at all). And while there is some time left in the year, there is zero chance I will get to give any of these a good play before 2008 wraps up.

    But never fear because I give recognition where it is deserved. The same thing happened last year and because of that, I give you my Top game from 2007 that I only got around to this year...

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    1) World in Conflict (PC)

    Keep an eye out for Part 2, due out soon

    • Posted Dec 8, 2008 10:16 pm GMT
    • Category: Games