The editors at DSA have played a lot of games this year. Over the last twelve months, the DS team has reviewed handfuls of DS software and played a number of other titles on other platforms. While AMN will hold its very own Best of 2005 awards in early January 2006, a few of the DSA editors have come up with their own personal picks for 2005.
Below, Miguel Yanez, Stephen Smith, and Jeff Rivera name their favorite games of 2005.
Miguel’s Top Ten:
1. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
With Resident Evil 4 in everyone’s head, it’s probably hard to understand why I selected Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance as my game of the year. That is, unless you’re one of the lucky souls who got a chance to play it. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is one of those games that feels complete from start to finish, and nowadays, that’s quite a task. But Intelligent Systems is a company of geniuses, and they always aim high with each game release. Path of Radiance follows their tradition of quality gameplay, and infuses it with a deeply developed storyline, and soundtrack that has yet to be topped this year. And did you see that gorgeous box-art? Add to that a quest of epic proportions, and you got a game so good that once you cross its path, you will never look back.
2. Resident Evil 4
Okay, okay, okay, before you start sending me hate mail, here’s Resident Evil 4. No, this isn’t just an answer to any possible future threats, this is the real deal. Resident Evil 4 was the game that surprised me the most this year, simply because it had graphics that no other console game could present at the time (before the Xbox 360 arrived). The gameplay was fantastic, the storyline was actually clever, and Capcom even fixed the annoying trademark voice acting! To say the least, Resident Evil 4 was the most intense, atmospheric game experience of 2005, and I simply cannot wait for the inevitable next-gen sequel. Capcom, Revolution owners want some tasty zombie action too.
3. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Link’s adventures are always special, even when they get shrunk down for the portable realm. If you can believe it, they can actually get even smaller, and that’s what happened with The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. But don’t you worry, because even though the adventure is now pint-sized, the world of Hyrule is still as big as ever. Nintendo and Flagship teamed up in one of the year’s greatest stories, and the game has some of the best boss fights and puzzles in Zelda history. It’s ironic that a game this “small†made the wait for Twilight Princess even harder. Nintendo, hurry up, will ya?
4. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
What can I say? I’m an Intelligent Systems’ whore, and these guys really went all out this year. The Sacred Stones may not be that much different than its predecessor, but it’s still a great game with a fantastic storyline that had a few quibbles that made it accessible to anyone who had never tried a strategy/RPG game before. The Royal story of friendship, trust, and betrayal was richly told through the game, and it never got boring because of the brilliant (and freaking addictive!) gameplay. It’s been out since May, so you have no excuse to not to pick this one up.
5. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Is this an Intelligent Systems’ Top Ten list? It sure looks like it! But let’s face it, very few companies release this number of quality titles within the same year, and the Dual Screened version of their hit series Advance Wars is one of the highest rated games of the Advanced Media Network — naturally, it had to be here. With its fantastic campaign mode, tons of features, and addictive multiplayer focus, this one title should be in everyone’s collection. The map editor is one of the things that couldn’t be done better on any other system; and the history mode? Brilliant! Where’s my dual-screen Fire Emblem, though?
6. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
The adventures of Mario & Luigi are always crazy, and Partners in Time is no exception. The duo is now part of yet another quest of craziness and… babysitting? Yes, you have to play to understand why it’s so fun to take care of Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, and why fighting against a group of shroobs is so rewarding. The script is the real star of the show (can you tell I’m a sucker for good storytelling?), and the gameplay mechanics are fantastic for anyone who doesn’t play RPGs because of the somewhat boring fighting system. If you needed any more convincing, baby Peach is just super-cute! Aww.
7. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
When you have a game that features characters like an elderly lady whose name is actually “Oldbagâ€, and an Internet Geek Director who is teaching you the l33t sp34k, you know you have something special on your hands. Phoenix Wright is one of the most fun and unique games this past year, with a script that’s as hilarious as they come. You follow the steps of rookie attorney, Phoenix Wright, as he tries to uncover clues and defend the innocent in the final trial. It is rumored that Capcom may be discontinuing the game because of the low sales, so you best act quickly and pick up this gem. If you’re not interested… I object!
8. WarioWare: Twisted!
If you thought the other games on this list were crazy enough, you’ve seen nothing yet. WarioWare: Twisted! is the craziest game this year, and one that’s as fun as it is weird. Where else can you shave a person, cut their hair, find an empty bathroom stall, and finish up with some Metroid hunting, all within 20 seconds? In Wario’s crazy world, that’s where. Intelligent Systems created over 200 games in this crazy package (do these guys even sleep?), and if you get tired of them (you won’t, but let’s use our imagination), you still have hundreds of souvenirs to keep you occupied until the Revolution edition hits stores! Talk about service!
9. Battalion Wars
Battalion Wars is one of those games that throughout its development, skepticism was the only thing on the outlook. Gamers should fear not, because the final version of the game was a fun adventure with intuitive controls, and a great single player mode. The frantic nature of a the game sets this title apart from most other War games, with its fun, cartoon-like presentation, and its strategy-like controls worked wonders in comparison to other games in the genre. The developers at Kuju proved themselves with this gem, and I can’t wait to taste their revolution recipes.
10. Animal Crossing: Wild World and Dr. Mario/Puzzle League
Okay, so it’s probably not fair to pick two games in the same spot, but both of them offered some of the best gameplay ever found this year. With Animal Crossing: Wild World, you took your life to a whole new level, and experienced what it would be like to move to another town, and start your life all over again. Add to that the inclusion of online gameplay, and you got yourself one of the best games this year. Dr. Mario/Puzzle League, however, are totally different games, yet the share something that makes them a match made-in-heaven: Their addictive nature. Personally, I played the hell out of Puzzle League (no way, another Intelligent Systems game?), and found it to be my favorite puzzle game ever. That’s not an easy task, mind you, but Puzzle League fits the bill.
Flip the page for Stephen’s picks
The editors at DSA have played a lot of games this year. Over the last twelve months, the DS team has reviewed handfuls of DS software and played a number of other titles on other platforms. While AMN will hold its very own Best of 2005 awards in early January 2006, a few of the DSA editors have come up with their own personal picks for 2005.
Below, Miguel Yanez, Stephen Smith, and Jeff Rivera name their favorite games of 2005.
Stephen’s Top Ten:
1. Shadow of the Colossus
Why is Shadow of the Colossus such a great game? I can simply answer this question with one sentence. Everything in the game is designed to put the player in a surreal immersive environment. Not just that but Shadow of the Colossus design focuses squarely on discovery and exploration. Where the experiences you have during your adventure tell the story; instead of overly dramatic dialog.
2. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy Dawn of Sorrow as much as I did. Once I got my copy, I causally placed the game in my Nintendo DS, and wouldn’t you know, I didn’t play ANYTHING until I finished it entirely. The designers took everything Aria of Sorrow was, and expanded on it, making Dawn of Sorrow a worthy sequel, and a better game. My only complaint is Ayami Kojima wasn’t involved with this project, and therefore the art suffered, but a fantastic game none the less.
3. Mario Kart DS
No matter how universally loved a series can be there will always be people on the fringe that just don’t enjoy it. The Mario Kart series just happened to be the one I “didn’t getâ€. I have played them all, and before the Nintendo DS version had professed to not really enjoying this coveted kart racing game. But all of this changed when I got my grubby hands on Mario Kart DS. What I didn’t realize is how good a multi player game Mario Kart really is. All thanks to the new online component. So in the end Mario Kart: DS made me a convert.
4. Kirby: Canvas Curse
Kirby has stared in some hit and miss titles. The biggest miss has to be the forgettable Air Ride *shivers*. But with the Nintendo DS Kirby easily redeems himself with a game that not only ingeniously incorporates the touch screen, but also manages to capture the creativity and charm that makes the franchise so beloved by gamers and critics alike. Kirby: Canvas Curse is a real show piece for the verging handheld.
5. Battalion Wars
After playing Advance Wars: Under Fire at E3 2004, and later when it was renamed Battalion Wars at E3 2005 I really thought this game would turn out to be the biggest flop on the GameCube. Boy was I surprised when I got a chance to log in some time with the final build. The control in Battalion Wars is still a little clunky, and the notable absence of multi player brings this experience down a little. Though, the design proves to be extremely well balanced, and despite its shortcomings it has managed to stay in my GameCube more than any other title this year. Even now as I type this it is out of its case, and nestled inside my purple Nintendo GameCube. I can’t think of a better way to acknowledge my fondness for a game title then this.
6. Animal Crossing: Wild World
Tom Nook and company have been shrunk down, and ported to the Nintendo DS in Animal Crossing: Wild World. One of the most impressive aspects of Wild World is how it manages to retain almost every aspect of the original Game Cube version. This is no small task considering how richly detailed its console counterpart was. The design I feel really benefits from being on the Nintendo DS. For one the portability seems to fit well with the free roaming structure. The touch screen makes communicating so much easier, and finally the online aspect opens up an entirely new facet to the already bountiful game play found in Animal Crossing: Wild World.
7. Gunstar Super Heroes
Treasure drops yet another two dimensional masterpiece on the Game Boy Advance with Gunstar Super Heroes. Reviving the age old classic from the 16-bit era, Gunstar Super Heroes takes a fresh approach with new enemies, and vehicles to deliver a non-stop action. Gunstar also boasts some of the best graphics found on the Game Boy Advance.
8. We Love Katamari
How much do I love Katamari Damacy Let me count the ways, oh heck with that! Why ogle We Love Katamari Damacy when you can enjoy its crazy, and addicting game play. Complement that with zany music, a crazy art direction, and you have an experience unlike any other.
9. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
What? An Advance Wars game in a top ten list? Yeah, I am personally pretty sick of having to include these games in a best of list, but they are so damn good! Anyway, Advance Wars: Dual Strike is a expansion of previous Advance Wars games, but with touch control. You can also use two Command officers, in a tag team style of game play. You can use each officer’s powers separately, or combine them into a monstrous assault. Dual Strike is easily the best game in the series, and the package even includes a real time strategy game for multiplayer.
10. WarioWare: Twisted!
I thought it was odd when Nintendo choose to release WarioWare: Twisted! months after they released WarioWare: Touched!. But once I got to play both the evidence was clear. Twisted is such a better game in concept and execution. They both feature mini games, but Twisted takes full advantage of the tilt sensor, while Touched doesn’t seem to do the same Nintendo DS touch screen. Twisted is easily the high water mark of Wario on the Nintendo Game Boy.
Flip the page for Jeff’s picks
The editors at DSA have played a lot of games this year. Over the last twelve months, the DS team has reviewed handfuls of DS software and played a number of other titles on other platforms. While AMN will hold its very own Best of 2005 awards in early January 2006, a few of the DSA editors have come up with their own personal picks for 2005.
Below, Miguel Yanez, Stephen Smith, and Jeff Rivera name their favorite games of 2005.
Jeff’s Top Ten:
1. Resident Evil 4
It’s hard not to pick Resident Evil 4 as my favorite title for 2005. From the moment I popped the game into my GameCube I was hooked. The atmosphere of the game is incredible, the storyline is interesting, and the gameplay is truly outstanding. It was nice to see Capcom revamp the Resident Evil formula; it saved a series that was beginning to feel stale. Resident Evil 4 is one of those rare videogames that never suffers from a dull moment or from questionable gameplay execution. Anyone that owns either a GameCube or PlayStation 2 owes it to themselves to experience Capcom’s masterpiece.
2. Mario Kart DS
It’s not too often that a kart racer (especially on a handheld) gets strong consideration for being the best game of the year; but Mario Kart DS is something special. Nintendo was able to achieve several great things with Mario Kart DS; most notably the inclusion of online play. With Mario Kart DS, Nintendo was able to bring a franchise that had been slightly tarnished in the past year or two back to the revered status it once held. The huge variety of gameplay modes, the smooth online play, and the unlockable content will keep you hooked to this title for some time to come.
3. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
It was a massive year for the Nintendo DS and Advance Wars Dual Strike was a large part of that success. No game released on a handheld as ever exhibited a more addictive and hectic strategy experience. Not only did Nintendo give fans another installment in the beloved Advance Wars franchise, but they also managed to improve on every aspect of the game in this version. The use of the two screens was simple but very effective, and the new dual strike CO powers add a new layer of depth to an already wonderful strategy game. If you are the type of gamer that must complete games 100%, Advance Wars Dual Strike will keep you busy for countless hours as there is much to the game besides the main story.
4. Burnout: Revenge
While many criticized Burnout Revenge as only being a slight improvement over Burnout 3, it still provided me with endless hours of entertainment. While I did have some trouble getting online (PS2 version), it was well worth the experience once the wrinkles were ironed out. This is a great title for those that are a bit apprehensive about playing games in the racer genre as it plays more like an action title than anything else. With slick visuals, nice sound effects, and extremely tight gameplay, Burnout Revenge is one of my top picks for 2005.
5. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Ever since I finished the first Mario and Luigi game I have been eagerly awaiting a sequel. Partners in Time is the perfect follow up to my favorite RPG game of 2004 with the added characters and the smart use the dual screens on the Nintendo DS. This sequel manages to retain the humor and charm of the original and the gameplay is solid enough to demand several revisits after the initial completion of the game.
6. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Once it was announced that Twilight Princess was being delayed, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance became the most anticipated game for the Fall/Winter season on the GameCube. The soundtrack is truly something special and should be considered for best of ’05 awards no matter where you look. It was a great thing to see Nintendo successfully bring the Fire Emblem franchise to the GameCube. As releases for the GameCube are starting to dry up, Fire Emblem is a Nintendo fan’s oasis.
7. Call of Duty 2
Whether you experience this World War II shooter on a PC or Xbox 360, you’re in for quite the wild ride. Call of Duty 2 features frantic and loud gameplay with excellent level design. Call of Duty 2 has been my most played game of the Xbox 360 launch by far, and it is easily the best first-person shooter you’ll find on the 360 at this point in time. While the online modes have a few issues that are hopefully dealt with soon, the single-player FPS experience (especially in Veteran) found here is second to none in 2005.
8. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Any time a new Zelda game is released I make sure I’m first in line to get mine. It’s amazing how the same Zelda gameplay formula can be revisited countless times and still provide a fresh and unique experience. The environments and bosses in The Minish Cap are gorgeous, and the puzzles are fun and challenging. The Minish Cap is full of sidequests and optional collectibles that really extend the replay value of the title; make sure to find a way to get this game into your collection if you haven’t by now.
9. Lumines
Lumines was the biggest breath of fresh air that has been seen in the puzzle genre since Puyo Pop was first introduced. I spent every second of each break at work pulling my PSP out of sleep mode to continue on in Lumines for weeks. The music, style, gameplay, and strategy of Lumines kept me addicted to my PSP for months. With many stores selling this game at $19.99 or less, there is simply no excuse for passing on the best puzzle title to be released in years.
10. Dead or Alive 4
I guess my surprise pick for 2005 would be Team Ninja’s Dead or Alive 4. While the series has been criticized often in the past by hardcore fighting fans, Dead or Alive 4 is taking great strides towards making believers out of the skeptics. With a deeper fighting engine, amazing graphics, online play, interactive environments, a good variety of play modes, and a robust stat tracking system, Dead or Alive 4 is a complete package worth your hard-earned cash.
— Miguel Yanez, Stephen Smith, and Jeff Rivera
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