Holiday Games 2008

Jobydrone · October 22, 2008, 05:25:38 PM

It's that time of year again, when the game companies explode with the best of the year to compete for our holiday dollars, and this year is no exception, with some of the best games ever threatening to break my bank account and make my wife divorce me if I bring home one more darn game. Here's a few I've been noticing alot of hype about over the past few months:

Dead Space
All the reviews I have been seeing for this game make me anxious to give it a try. Seems like a groovy combination of Aliens, the Thing, Sunshine, and that Patrick Stewart space vampire movie, I forget the name. Gameplay seems reminiscent of Gears of war and Resident Evil 4. Anyone seen or played this yet, it's been out for about a week I think, I might give it a rental. It seems like it's right up most of our alleys.

Fable II
I just rented this today at Blockbuster, hope to finish it in about a week before the next game on this list comes out. I've played about 20 minutes and so far I've enjoyed the visuals and sense of humor this game offers. I haven't even begun to delve into the combat system yet so I can't really report on what I think of it yet, but I've heard that's the best part about this game that is pretty good in all areas, so I can't wait to play it more. It's a swords and sorcery morality play, with serious consequences and repercussions to your actions that affect the way the world develops.

Fallout 3
This is a definite purchase for me, I am so excited about this game. Oblivion was by far my favorite game on the XBox 360, and this is coming from the same company. Can't wait, the story looks excellent and the environments of post apocalyptic USA seem scary and perfect for this type of exploration RPG.

Gears of War 2
I enjoyed the first one, but not enough to buy the sequel. I will definitely rent it, probably not until next year sometime. It's probably going to be fun and exciting but these kind of shooters just don't excite me as much these days. I really prefer games that push the envelope with new ideas and new mechanics. This seems like just another ultra violent shooter.

Guitar Hero World Tour/Rock Band 2
I understand the appeal of these music games, and think it's cool and fun that so many people enjoy them. I cannot play them however. The problem is, for me, that in order to become good at these music games, and play them anywhere beyond the casual level, you have to practice. I utterly refuse to practice playing a fake guitar...the whole time I would be thinking "I should be practicing my real guitar." All these games are a blast at parties though.

Spider Man Web of Shadows
Early reviews of this game were less than kind, and the last two Spiderman games were simply awful. Hopefully this will be a bit of an improvement. Another rental for me. (man I am cheap!)

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
This just seems like it could be so funny and fun. I hate having to memorize stupid button combos to see the awesome animate finishing moves, but the many many internet sites that list these things now makes this alot easier to do. I'll be renting this one for sure.

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
The only other definite purchase for me this holiday season. I will be at the midnight launches wherever they are having them, installing the game by 12:20am, and hopefully hitting Northrend not long after. Can't wait to ding 71, create my Death Knight, see the new instances, get our guild progressing again...so much fun to be had.

Those are just a few that interest me this holiday season. Strange, I notice nothing coming for my Wii or DS that interests or excites me at all. What do you think about all the great games coming out before the end of the year? Did I miss anything that you guys are looking forward to?

MSUFan · October 23, 2008, 07:31:26 PM

I'm gonna fail due to Fallout 3 and Woltk

celestialteapot · November 04, 2008, 06:12:01 PM

I got addicted to 'Fallout' around 1997 and 'Fallout 2' when it came out a year later... I've been waiting ten years for this sequel and because I really want to play it I've bought an Xbox. I'm going to miss playing it on the PC but one day I can play it like it's siblings :)

billybob476 · November 05, 2008, 04:53:58 AM

I have WotLK on pre-order from Amazon.

I never had an original xBox (PS2 at the time) so I downloaded the original Fable from the live marketplace. I'm playing that to tide me over for awhile. Then I'll pick up either Fable 2 or Fallout 3 depending on how I feel. I was also a bit of a Fallout nut back in the day.

However I guarantee that WotLK will take up the bulk of my gaming time.

Rico · November 05, 2008, 08:01:24 AM

Both my sons are enjoying "Fallout 3" quite a bit. I'm still in WOW mode and am looking forward to the expansion.

MSUFan · November 05, 2008, 11:21:05 AM

DUDE I Study DAD! =)

Rico · November 05, 2008, 11:23:58 AM

Quote from: MSUFan on November 05, 2008, 11:21:05 AM
DUDE I Study DAD! =)

I know you do - I just said you like "Fallout 3." Now get off the computer and back to studying! ;)

MSUFan · November 05, 2008, 11:25:27 AM

I'm in lab waiting for crap to happen lol.

Rico · November 05, 2008, 11:27:45 AM

Quote from: MSUFan on November 05, 2008, 11:25:27 AM
I'm in lab waiting for crap to happen lol.

Hey - so am I! Now I have to go next door and add a special chemical to our 4000 gallon tank. And then my day will be done and I can go home and play games!

billybob476 · November 05, 2008, 11:29:39 AM

I make websites do stuff.

So much less impressive.

:)

Jobydrone · November 06, 2008, 09:16:16 AM

I've been playing Fallout 3 for a few days now. It is awesome and fun. It's a little been dark and depressing though. The environments are so bleak and miserable. It's not a place where I see myself wanting to spend a whole lot of time. The quests are great, epic stories, and the combat really fun and original.