ANOTHER ONE BITS THE DUST!!!

Hello fellow game-spotters, welcome to another New Year (HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!).
2011 has certainly been an interesting year for games. The year has brought up some exciting conclusions, a few great newcomers, and interesting ideas. Like every other year previous to this, i've also experienced some disappointing games that i was so looking forward to.
Unfortunately, i didn't have time to make my "Game of the Year" blog as i did last year for 2010, so this year i'm just going to keep it simple at state my top 10 games of the year, following up to my number one.
To start the blog off, today, i'm going to recap the games i've played throughout the year; games i enjoyed, games i didn't enjoy, and the ones that disappointed me. Tomorrow i'll post my top 10 games of the year, then following to my best game of the year 2011 the day after.

Games that didn't make "My game of the Year Nomination List"

Ilomilo

Released in January for the XBOX 360 arcade

Ilomilo is a puzzle game where you have to move through each level solving environmental puzzles in order for Ilo and Milo to be reunited together. The game is innovative and very charming. The visuals and stuffed with cuteness and vibrant colours it's hard to really dis the overall design. It's not a groundbreaking game that must be played, but it is a satisfying puzzle game that will sure to please anyone that likes this type of game.

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Little Big Planet 2

Released in January exclusively for the PS3

Little Big Planet 2 is a community based game exclusively for the Sony PS3. Following the same principles as it's predecessor, LBP2 is a much bigger adaptation to the first game adding more level creations, and customisations. LBP2 is a fun game, and it's even more fun playing with a group of friends.

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Mass Effect 2 (PS3 Version)

Released in January for the PS3

Mass Effect 2 is the PS3 version, which was released for the XBOX 360 and PC early last year 2010. Mass Effect 2 is an amazing game that i was happy to play through again with the PS3 version.

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Dead Space 2

Released in January for the PS3, XBOX 360 and PC

Dead Space 2 follows up for where the first game left off back in 2008. Dead Space 2 was created by a different company; Visceral Games (Dead Space Extraction - Dante's Inferno) and continues the story of Isac Clark as he finds himself yet again in another nightmare. Dead Space 2 is a more action based survival horror game that features more intense shooting than that of the first installment. It may not be better than the first, but Dead Space 2 is certainly an enjoyable game nonetheless. With the PS3 version, Dead Space 2 comes with Dead Space Extraction that utilises the PlayStation Move functionality.

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The Undergarden

Released in February for the PS3, XBOX 360 and PC

The Undergarden is the PSN arcade version of the XBOX 360 and PC release back in November 2010. The Undergarden is a humble little game where you take control of a mysterious creature. The aim of the game is to solve environmental puzzles that revolves around you blooming flowers and rescuing musician. The game is pretty simplistic, but very charming... and kinda cute.

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Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

Released February for the PS3 and XBOX 360

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the long awaited beat em up from Capcom. It's a much easier, more faster kick ass fighting game that is sure to please anyone who's a fan of the series, and of 2D fighting games.

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Killzone 3

Released in February exclusively for the PS3

Developed by Guerrilla, Killzone 3 continue the story from the previous game. Unfortunately, Killzone 3's single player campaign is rather dull that tells a rather dimwitted story. Killzone 3 doesn't offer much from what we've already seen before in Killzone 2. Aside from the rather disappointing plot and single player experience, Killzone 3's online multiplayer is definitely something to look into indeed, which follows the same concept as it's former predecessor.

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Bulletstorm

Released in February for the PS3, XBOX 360 and PC

Bulletstorm is an over the top shooter developed by People Can Fly and Epic Games. The aim of the game is to go through each level killing your enemies in as many different and stylish ways as you can. The story and characters are pretty ridiculous, but the overall game-play is indeed satisfying, challenging and very enjoyable.

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Gray Matter

Released February for the XBOX 360 and PC

Gray Matter is a game i found interesting but unfortunately, the game-play let it done, which is a shame. To me Gray Matter started off quite good, but as i got further into the game i found mediocre puzzles to solve, and irritating game-play controls. It's an ok game, just not what i was expecting.

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Homefront

Released in March for the PS3, XBOX 360 and PC

Homefront is a first person shooter developed by Kaos Studios. Homefront resembles a lot of other modern FPS games out there (Call of Duty mostly), which doesn't really have any unique aspects. The story is pretty interesting, but the characters and voice talent felt slightly underdeveloped. It's a decent game, nothing more.

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Crysis 2

Released in March for the PS3, XBOX 360 and PC

Crysis 2 is a First Person Shooter that you can play in stealth or all out guns blazing. Your suit allows you to physically run faster, jump higher, boost maximum strength, as well as turn invisible all for a short period of time. It's a cool game, and it is rather enjoyable. The enemy A.I. however isn't very challenging, and boss fights aren't as epic as i was expecting. The single player campaign is pretty decent, with a somewhat decent story. The online multiplayer is a blast though, which is sure to please anyone who enjoys online play.

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Mortal Kombat

Released in April for the PS3 and XBOX 360

Mortal Kombat makes a kick ass appearance with tuns of additional content. It's a solid fighting game any fan will enjoy. I certainly did.

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Brink

Released in May for the PS3, XBOX 360 and PC

Brink was one of my most anticipated games of 2011. Unfortunately, Brink is nothing more than a disappointment. It's a decent game that doesn't live up to the promises that was stated. Playing this game solo is very redundant. Playing the game with friends is pretty fun... for a while. Now, it's just dust.

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That's it from me today guys. Let me know what you guys think of the games listed above, if you've played them. Also, let me know what games you have played that are not on this list. Till tomorrow :)

Hello fellow gamespoter and welcome to another exciting week of gaming. This week I've been playing ICO and Shadow of the Colossus HD, new downloadable content on the PlayStation Store, as well as getting my ass brutally kicked in this weeks new game release by Bandai Namco, Dark Souls.

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ICO & Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection

I continue dragging and pulling Yorda through the castle in ICO, as well as slaying each of the 12 Colossi's in Shadow of the Colossus. Both games are a great walk down memory lane. The games just look beautiful in HD and it's well worth playing them again. Come on Last Guardian!

Dark Souls

"Prepare to die indeed."

Hell has never looked so beautiful. Dark Souls follows the same concept as its predecessor Demon's Souls… if not better. It's not a direct sequel to Demon's Souls, but fans of the original will know what to expect. To you new players, you better get used to dieing… a lot. Dark Souls is not for the faint of heart. If you don't like getting your ass handed to you multiple times then this game is not for you. Dark Souls is a challenging game that resolves around patients, determination, and finding the best solution to help you produced. It's a game that you're meant to play and fight enemies over, and over again to gain more souls to better experience yourself. It's also a game that will punish you for your mistakes (which will be a lot) and will leave you in a heap of sweet and rage, but it is extremely rewarded and satisfying when you finally overcome your adversaries. It's a beautiful looking game with a fantastic game-play experience that mixes RPG elements in with action. Create your character, build up your performance and abilities, and prepare to die over, and over, and over again for your just rewards.

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This week on the Store we have great c.l.a.s.s.i.c full game releases such as the re-release of Crytek's PC hit, Crysis, Shift 2: Unleashed, trials and arcades, minis, trailers, DLC's, and PlayStation One c.l.a.s.s.i.c.s such as the Japanese import of Cho Aniki and Arcade Hits: Sonic Wings Special, GEX 3D: Enter the Gecko, as well as some nice free contents for you Plus members such as the Uncharted 3 online multiplayer BETA, and free downloadable games.

Borderlands Game of the Year Edition

Borderlands Game of the Year Edition has made its way as a downloadable content this week, featuring the full game, as well as DLC's for a very reasonable price. If you have not yet played this game, now you have no excuse because, it's a game worth playing.

Uncharted 3: Multiplayer BETA (Plus Members)

The Uncharted 3 multiplayer BETA arrives on the PS Stone again for the second time for you Plus members (if you somehow missed it last time). Naughty Dog has giving us yet another chance to experience the online multiplayer before the big game release next month, and it looks good. To be fair, I'm not looking forward to the single player more though.

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition

I'm not much of a basketball fan, but NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is actually a rather fun arcade game. A basketball game developed by EA Sports features a traditional 2D two-on-two arcade-s.t.y.l.e game-play.

Costume Quest (Free full arcade with Plus)

Costume Quest is this month free downloadable game on the PlayStation Plus, and if you have yet to play or purchase it, the free game is now there for you to download. Costume Quest is a humble wee RPG game that revolves around kids going out trick or treating for Halloween when they find themselves in a whole heap of trouble. The game-play is rather simplistic (and can be quite boring to start with), but it is fun nonetheless and relatively easy. The cartoony visuals add to the charm of the overall game. If you are a PS Plus member, it's worth a download definitely.

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What does "fan" mean to you?

I like having debates and generally talking about games with people. This topic is something I had with my brother. The topic in hand this week is "What does 'Fan' mean to you?"

There are many types of fans. There are general fans that like a game series, excessive fans that devote their lives in their desired game series, and fan that I call "Blind Fan" who like a game or a series, but really know nothing or very little of the game. You can always notice (I can anyway) the difference between the real fans, and the blind ones. Excessive fans talk passionately about their desired game, and even get upset when someone criticises or ridicules it. Blind ones basically play online multiplayer rather than playing the single player campaign, and experience the plot. A good fan of a game or series to me is someone that obviously loves a game, but can still point out faults and accept another experienced gamer's opinions as to what they think are the negatives, and or how to make the game better.

There are many games and games series I consider myself a fan of. I consider myself a fan of the Metal Gear Solid series but just because I have yet to play Peace Walker on the PSP, Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, does that me not a true fan? No! I may not have played Peace Walker and the others, but I know and read the story using the wonderful world of the Internet. I've played all the Halo games... does that make me a fan? I don't think so. I may have played all the Halo games, but I don't consider myself as a fan of the series. The same goes with Assassin's Creed. Being a fan of a game basically mean to me that you have a love of the game, story, character's etc. I consider myself a fan of the Silent Hill series because I love the story, characters and game-play. I've played pretty much all the Final Fantasy games, but I consider myself more of a Final Fantasy VII fan more than the rest. Liking a game purely for it's online multiplayer isn't what I would call being a fan of the game, unless the game is purely online. Thoughts?

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There is literally no games I've got my eyes on or any I would consider looking into next week The next big game is Batman: Arkhan City, which is released the week after. More on that next week.

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Well, it's it from me this week. See you next week. I'm off to go get some serious demon slaying done… or should I say, get seriously done in by demons. Death is sweet!

~ Editor, Simon.

Hey fellow gramespoter, I'm back and this time, I'm back big time with a series of weekly game blogs of games I've played, and what I general think are worth talking about.

Today I'll be talking about games I've been playing throughout the previous week, as well as upcoming games, first impressions, what's hot and what's not etc. During the week I've been battling it out against the Chimera in Resistance 3, diving into the disturbing world of Wonderland in Alice: Madness Returns, fighting some alien b*******s in Duke Nukem Forever, gearing it up in Gears of War 3, sneaking through lots of air vents in Deus Ex: Human Revolution, blooming flowers in the beautiful arcade game The Undergarden, and delving into the world of Outland. Plus online multiplayer, my chosen game of the month, as well as upcoming games I've got my eyes on.

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The Big Games!

Resistance 3

"I just want a hug"

What a nice way to start the blog with Insomniac's big release, Resistance 3. I've played through the rather short single player campaign, as well as getting down and gritty with it's online multiplayer. Resistance 3 follows up from Insomniac's last instalment in the series, Resistance 2. With no Nathan Hale, you play Joseph Capelli as he embarks on a journey to stop the Chimera from reeking havoc on humanity (more havoc I should say), and save what little hope there is left. Like the last instalment, Resistance 3 features innovative weapons and a more aggressive A.I. system. Sadly the single player campaign is rather short (which you should be able to finish in one sitting), but it's satisfying to say the least.

After the 4 and a half hours put into the single player campaign, I dove into what Resistance 3 had to offer in it's online multiplayer. And what I've seen, it's pretty good. Resistance 3 features a great hand full of traditional game mode, but the one I've been playing the more is Team Deathmatch. It's a fun experience, so tune in next week with more info.

Alice: Madness Returns

"Pretty!"

Alice returns and is more disturbed then even. This hack and slash platforming game will put you in the shoes of Alice as she embarks yet again to Wonderland in order to figure out what she has forgotten. The game-play is rather simplistic and features mediocre puzzles, but the story and overall art design is rather dark and disturbing, which I find rather intriguing.

Duke Nukem Forever

"So the plan is, we go in and emm, do something with emm. F*ck it! Just kill em' all!"

After many years of hiding away, Duke is back… but that isn't really saying much. Duke Nukem Forever still has the cocky and cheesy charm it always has, but it just felt as if they we're trying a little too hard with this one. Sadly, it's not what I was expecting. The game-play and online multiplayer are both outdated, which doesn't necessary mean it's a bad thing, but it doesn't stand a chance with the other big boys. Sorry Duke, but this time, you're out.

Gear of War 3

"Can't we all just get along?"

I managed to get some time into playing Gear of War 3 in co-op. Like the previous two instalments, Gears of War 3 is an exceptionally fun game. I just wish they turned down the in game story moments a bit and just let me saw up some bad guys. I have yet to really get into the heart of the game, and the online multiplayer, but I will do soon enough.

Dues Ex: Human Revolution

"Badass!"

Next up is one of my highly anticipated games of the year, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, developed by Eidos Montreal. Deus Ex is a tactical stealth shooter where you can either play through the whole game in stealth, or all out guns blazing... or a bit of both. Stealth killing a enemy with your augmentations is sweet. The overall A.I. and boss fight are rather tedious and disappointing, but the stealth, voice talent and story are pretty intriguing to say the least. At least, that's what I think anyway. Expect a full on thought of the game in my upcoming review.

ICO & Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection

"Mummy daddy it's beautiful!"

The best for last. After months of waiting, I finally get my hands on my most anticipated PS2 HD collection release (possible ever)… ICO & Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection, and it's beautiful. The game tiptoed its way in right at the last knockings prior to this week's blog but be sure to tune in next week for more on the game as if you need to weeheey!

Check out reviews for each game listed in this blog at a later date.

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PlayStation Store

It's been an interesting month never mind week at the PlayStation Store with the release of some really exciting downloads including big demos such as the Resistance 3 online multiplayer and single player demo (if you haven't already purchased the full game), FIFA 12, Battlefield 3 online multiplayer BETA, and Assassin's Creed Revaluations online multiplayer demo. Full game releases such as the God of War Collection Volume 2, From Dust, Resident Evil 4 and Code Veronica X HD Collection, Burnout Crash, Call of Duty: Black Ops Game Pack, Fallout: New Vegas Downloadable Contents, Free Realms, Mercury, Max & the Magic Marker, Child of Eden, Rochard, Dead Nation Downloadable Contents, and so much more including themes, trailers etc. There's quite a lot of content to cover, so I'm just going to talk about the ones that matter most (to me anyway), what I've played, what's hot and what's not.

My two purchases of the week are Outland, and The Undergargen.

Outland

"Creepy spider!"

This week on the store I delve into the beautiful world of Outland. Outland is a action platforming side scrolling game where you have to switch between two different coloured powers (blue and red) in order to make your way through each level solving puzzles, and killing enemies that stand in your way. The visual artwork is sublime with beautiful background level design and slick animation.

The Undergarden

The Undergarden is a cute arcade side scrolling game that puts you in control of a mystical creature as you move through each level blooming flowers, finding crystals, and rescuing musician. The game-play is very simplistic with no threat of enemies throughout the game, but it's a satisfying and charming puzzle game indeed.

Dead Nation: Road of Devastation

"Here we go again!"

Dead Nation's downloadable content arrives on the store with week for some more zombie killing fun. The downloadable content features new levels, zombies, and weapons. If you enjoyed fighting through hordes of zombies in Dead Nation, Road of Devastation is out now on the store for a reasonable price.

Free Realms

Free Realms is a massively multiplayer online role player game you can play with your friends and strangers alike. Create your character, complete quests to gain experience points, and make new friends in the world of Free Realms. The game is free to download as a trial, but you will be limited from the full game access. To access the games full content, you can either choose to pay a set number of days ranging from 30, to 365 days membership fee, or a lifetime fee.

Free Realms is a decent arcade role playing game. It's fun, but it does have its problems. The game suffers from minor lagging problems, and the customisations aren't that exciting but, it's worth looking into the trial. More on the game coming next week.

StarDrone

StarDrone puts the player in control of Drones throughout the galaxy to collect parts of 'Exuilibrix' that is supposedly meant to stabilize the universe and prevent the expansions of 'G-Noids'… whatever that means. Rather than putting you in direct control of your ship, you simply press and hold down the X button as the ship move forward on it's own, to bind the ship to an onscreen hub unit, which causes the ship to circle the hub until you release the button in the direction you want the ship to travel in. The game mechanics are pretty simple, but the level designs can make the game challenging to say the least. The game features over 50 different levels, each featuring different objectives etc. The game consists of winning points where the aim of the game is not just to complete the level, but also to complete the levels by gaining high points, better times, and collect gems. It's not the best game on the store, but it's not the worst thing either.

Mercury

Mercury is a PSP title that's now on the PS Store. It's a puzzle game featuring 80 levels where you have to tilt the level platform, change colour, and split up a blob of metallic liquid (or mercury) to complete the level. It's a nice game, but it can make you feel a bit dizzy after a while.

Max and the Magic Marker

"Now, how do i get up there?"

Max and the Magic Marker is a humble side scrolling game that focuses on the PlayStation Move feature, which allows you to pretty much draw anything you want on screen in order to help Max proceed through each level You can ofcourse play the game without the move. Each level features a series of ink blobs that you have to collect in order to use your marker to draw bridges, paths, circles, or obstacles etc. Like I said, it's a humble game, and a game good for the kids.

Child of Eden

"Pretty colours."

Child of Eden is a rhythm action game created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, known for Rez back on the PlayStation 2. The game consists of you shooting various objects that come onto the screen that produce musical effects when destroyed. It's a mesmerising game, and quite fun to say the least.

Rochard

Embark on a gravity-bending journey across the solar system. Join the amazing exploits of John Rochard as he discovers proof of extra-terrestrial life. Rochard is an epic story of villains, a damsel in distress and an alien civilization that features hours of action, mind-bending gravity game-play, exploration and puzzle solving in a humorous, side scrolling adventure.

Resident Evil: Code Veronica X

"It's too quite?"

Code Veronica X makes it's way in stunning HD new to the store this week, and if you're a fan of the Resident Evil series, you can't go wrong with this one. Also, with the release of Resident Evil 4 HD Collection, it's a good week for Resident Evil fans indeed.

Battlefield 3 BETA

"Awesomeness!"

The biggest content this week on the store will have to be the Battlefield 3 online multiplayer BETA. Whilst the online server does suffer from minor lagging issues (naturally for a BETA), Dice has given us a nice little preview of what to expect for the online experience. It may not be much to go on yet, but I'm enjoying the wee tease indeed, and I'm looking forward to the full game release at the end of this month. Maybe I'll see you online.

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Game of the Month!

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Outland

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Upcoming Big Games!

This year has certainly flown by. The new year of 2011 feels like it was only last week. So far I've taking on the Darkspwan in Dragon Age 2, experience the creative world of Little Big Planet 2, survived the nightmare in Dead Space 2, crushed the Helghast army in Killzone 3, kicked alien but in Crysis 2, jumped through countless portals in Portal 2, solved murder cases in L.A. Noire, as well as others, all highly anticipated games of mine. It's funny thinking back to last year about games I was so looking forward to this year, that now (most of them anyway) I've already played. I've played so many good games, as well as a few disappointing one. It may be the last quarter of the year, but there is still a hand full of games that is sure to shine.

The next few months are going to be interesting indeed with the release of many highly anticipated games such as Uncharted 3, Skyrum, and more.

Next weeks game is Dark Souls, which is sure to be something special. I'll be looking forward to getting my ass handed to me several times playing this game.

If you haven't seen or heard anything about this game (why wouldn't you have?), check out the trailer below.

[video=6316918]

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Well, that's it from me this week. I'm away to play ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. See you next week.

~ Editor, Simon.

Day 08 – Quotations you repeat and remember the most from a game

Metal Gear Solid

There are many quotations from Metal Gear Solid that I love, but instead of me listing them all (and making this blog longer then necessary), I'll list out some of my favourites and most memorable quotes.

"How strong is that exoskeleton of yours?" ~ Liquid Snake

"That's it, Snake. I remember that punch. Hurt me more. Make me feel alive again." ~ Grey Fox

"Snake. We're not tools of the government, or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing... the only thing I was good at. But... at least I always fought for what I believed in." ~ Grey Fox

"Six bullets. More than enough to kill anything that moves." ~ Revolver Ocelot

"So the Snake's finally come out of his hole? Are you ready now... my brother?" ~ Liquid Snake
"Why are you calling me brother? Who the hell are you?" ~ Solid Snake
"I'm YOU. I'm your shadow." ~ Liquid Snake
"What?" ~ Solid Snake
"Ask the father that you killed. I'll send you to hell to meet him." ~ Liquid Snake

"I want to ask you. Do you think love can bloom even on a battlefield?" ~ Otacon
"Yeah. I do. I think at any time, any place, people can fall in love with each other. But if you love someone, you have to be able to protect them." ~ Solid Snake

"A cornered fox is more dangerous than a jackal!" ~ Grey Fox

"Have at you snake!" ~ Liquid Snake

"Can you really shoot Snake? You'll kill him to!" ~ Liquid Snake

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The 30 Day Game Challenge Rules

Day 07 – A game you know the most (if not everything) about

Silent Hill Series (1,2,3,4)

Possible the most over looked game series I've ever played. The Silent Hill series (1,2,3,4) is a series I willing put so much of my time and thought into its plot. Even today I still think about the games, characters, events, occurrences, music, atmosphere etc. Reading pretty much everything I could find on the Internet about its story and taking to account each possible endings and their meanings etc. To bad the series went down hill after the 4th instalment.

Day 06 – A game you'll always remember

Super Mario Bros 3

Quite possible the best game ever made…but not my all time best game ever. Super Mario Bros 3 is not a game I'd conceder best game ever, nor would I say to anyone (if anyone asked me "What is your best game ever"), because it's so much more special than that. It's a c.l.a.s.s.i.c, but even calling it that doesn't justify the game. Super Mario Bros 3 is more than just a game to me. It was part of my childhood, and it's a game I'll never forget. Even years of not playing I still remember everything about it, and I still enjoy playing it today.

Day 05 – The most memorable game you've played

Final Fantasy VII

There are many reason why Final Fantasy VII is my most memorable game, which leads to everything about the game.

Day 04 – The most emotional game you've played in the last five years

Shadow of the Colossus

Who said games can't be emotional? Who said games can't have rich captivating storytelling with unique memorable characters?

Shadow of the Colossus is differently one of my -- if not "THE" -- most emotional game I've played. It has such a rich -- yet simplistic -- storyline about love and sacrifice. It's a game that truly struck me when I first played it -- both in the emotional and enjoyment factor -- and I still consider it to be one of my best and one of the most creative game's i've played.

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The 30 Day Game Challenge Rules

Day 03 – A game that made you feel good after finishing

Metal Gear Solid 4

It's been a long road, and Metal Gear Solid 4 lifted so much weight from my shoulders. A fitting end to a great series.

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The 30 Day Game Challenge Rules

Day 02 – Your least favourite game from last year.

Last Rebellion

Definitely one of my least favourite games of all time, nevermind just from last year. A game i don't ever, and will never, play again.

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The 30 Day Game Challenge Rules