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PlayStation Blog reveals Game of the Year winners, as chosen by readers
It's that time of year again! No, not when we gather with our loved ones and take a break from working. It's Game of the Year season, meaning we've got a great excuse to look back on games we played in 2013 and tell everyone about our favorite experiences. The PlayStation Blog finished tallying up votes from its readers yesterday, announcing the Platinum through Bronze-worthy victors in a blog post. In regards to their shiny new PS4s, readers most enjoyed their relaxing, sing-along journeys on Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag's Caribbean seas. The Last of Us won over the hearts of PS3 users, presumably for the knee-slappers that came out of Ellie's joke book. Vita fans were most enamored with Tearaway, Media Molecule's crafty platformer made out of paper. Lastly, Housemarque's voxel-jumbling shooter Resogun was voted as the year's best digital release. Looking forward to 2014, fans are most anticipating Infamous: Second Son, the smoky super hero story based in Seattle, which you can expect on March 21. If you're curious about more than just the winners, the full post also lists runners up for each category as well as personal picks from the PlayStation Blog staff.
Massively's Best of 2013 Awards
It's nearly the end of the year, a time for merriment, camaraderie, and cynical evaluation of all the MMO triumphs and tragedies that 2013 provided us. Today, Massively's staff honors the best of the best (and the worst of the worst) for the year 2013. Every writer was permitted a vote in each category with an anything-goes nomination process. No MMO, company, or headline was off the table, as long as it met the criteria. Can WildStar make it to three years in a row at the top of our "most anticipated" pile, or did its delay dampen our enthusiasm? Can SOE repeat its win for best studio? Which MMO is most likely to flop next year? And just what constituted the biggest MMO screw-up of the last 12 months? Enjoy our picks for the best MMOs, expansions, studios, stories, and innovations of 2013... and our most-anticipated for 2014 and beyond.
Halo 4 'Game of the Year' edition drops in October
Microsoft has confirmed a Halo 4 Game of the Year Edition is slated to arrive in October. A spokesperson said the package will include additional DLC , and that more details will be announced "during the live stream of the 'Halo' Global Championship Finals this Sunday." According to information provided to IGN by a tipster, this new version of Halo 4 will cost $50 and include the base game, the first season of Spartan Ops content, a War Games pass, the Champions DLC bundle and content that was exclusive to pre-orders and limited editions.
Best of the Rest: Mike Schramm's picks of 2012
Joystiq is revealing its 10 favorite games of 2012 throughout the week. Keep reading for more top selections and every writer's personal, impassioned picks in Best of the Rest roundups. Puzzle CraftFirst, I'd like to take a quick bow. Last year at this time (while lauding the great Jetpack Joyride), I pointed out that we'd never chosen a first-released-on-mobile game for our top 10 list, and that 2012 might be the year it would finally happen. And as you've seen on our final list, we did finally pick a game that fits that definition in 2012.But it wasn't my pick: For my money, Puzzle Craft is the best mobile game of the year, and definitely in my top five overall. Right now it's free on iOS, and offers a gorgeous and polished mix of casual puzzle gameplay that slowly gets more and more rewarding and complex as you level up and stockpile farm-based goodies. I love the "days of the year" time mechanic, I love the way that the rules change as you grow your town, and I just plain love this game. Hopefully we'll see new content in the new year, because I've been at max level for a while now. Max level, that is, on all three devices I've installed it on.
Massively's Best of 2012 Awards
When game obituaries and studio layoffs start to pile up in the news, Massively can seem like a herald of doom, but the reality is that the MMO industry is stronger and richer than ever. We've got more features to try, more business models to play with, more studios (and indie Kickstarters) to vie for our favor, and more titles to play than most of us could possibly sample in our lifetimes. Today, Massively's staff honors the best of the best for the year 2012. We asked each writer and streamer to vote in each category with an anything-goes nomination process. No MMO, company, or headline was off the table. Enjoy our picks for the best MMOs, expansions, studios, stories, and innovations of 2012... and our most-anticipated for 2013.
Batman: Arkham City Game of the Year Edition headed to Mac
Feral Interactive has a lot of expertise bringing PC games to the Mac, but they haven't quite figured out how to do it quickly yet. Batman: Arkham City was one of the biggest console hits of last year, but Feral Interactive is only now releasing it on the Mac. The game's going to be available in November, so if you haven't played it yet and you've been waiting for the Mac version, the wait isn't quite over. There is a bright side, at least: This will be the Game of the Year Edition, which means that all of the downloadable content will be included -- the Catwoman content that came with the game plus the Harley Quinn's Revenge pack. The game features an open-world environment, lots of thugs to beat up with a really fun combat system and plenty of cameos from your favorite Batman characters. Arkham City's a great game, and it'll be nice to finally have it on the Mac, but man, it would have been even better to get it a little sooner than November.
'Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition' rated in UK
The British Board of Film Classification brings word of a Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition, scratching a June 30 launch date onto the calendar. Contents of the GOTY edition aren't mentioned, but since these things usually include previously released DLC, expect "Ryder White," "Bloodbath Arena" and possibly "The Ripper."The listing was noticed by Siliconera, which grabbed a photo of the horrific rating before it was burned off the internets. When contacted for comment, a representative for publisher Deep Silver simply groaned, went back to eating her fresh tartare and shambled away. Love it or hate it – if you've played Dead Island you certainly have an opinion – but latest sales figures peg Dead Island at over three million units shipped worldwide.
Massively's Best of 2011 Awards
2011 was an interesting year for MMOs. Some of the most anticipated games were launched, one of the strongest MMO communities was left in the cold, and a seemingly untouchable indie developer quickly realized that it needs to listen to its players more than anything else. As is often tradition this time of the year, we, the Massively staff, have compiled our top picks in nine different categories to celebrate what 2011 was for us. Every MMO on this list was either launched, re-launched (as free-to-play), or had some game-changing event affect it in 2011. Read along after the cut for our choices and feel free to let us know in the comments what you'd have picked for each category.
Uncharted 2: Game of the Year edition swings into action October 12
How appropriate! Uncharted 2: Among Thieves -- our 2009 "Game of the Year" -- is finally getting a Game of the Year Edition. The $49.99 package includes the well-received sequel on a Blu-ray disc, as well as a "super voucher" which allows users to download $35 worth of post-launch DLC, including: PlayStation Heroes Skin Pack Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Multiplayer Pack Uncharted 2 Siege Expansion Pack Currency Multiplier which grants Double XP up to level 10 in Multiplayer Golden Guns option for the AK-47 and the 92FS 9mm pistol for use in Multiplayer Early access to "Revenge" Booster – you still have to purchase it with in-game cash! Uncharted: Eye of Indra – Motion Comic Bundle (which includes Episodes 1-4) Uncharted: Eye of Indra – Rika Raja and Daniel Pinkerton Character Skins Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – Avatar Pack 1 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – Avatar Pack 2 Uncharted Avatar Pack 3 Uncharted Avatar Pack 4 Pinball Heroes – Uncharted for the PSP The Uncharted 2: Game of the Year Edition will launch on October 12. The following Saturday, the game's online multiplayer mode will play host to a playlist featuring Naughty Dog's favorite "The Lab" custom gametypes. A few of the developers will also be online to challenge fans, though we imagine their home-team advantage might make playing against them an exercise in futility.
Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition coming to NA in May
Whew, that was a close one. We were really hoping to get another opportunity to purchase Batman: Arkham Asylum again, but it seemed Rocksteady and Eidos had planned to keep the game's Game of the Year edition exclusively overseas. Fortunately, it seems they've changed their minds -- an Eidos press release just confirmed that the expanded version of the game (which includes four extra challenge maps and 3D support) will be getting a stateside release. Whether you missed out on 2009's surprise superhero smash hit, or whether you were just disappointed by its lack of extra dimensions, you'll be able to get your fix when Batman GOTY ships sometime in May.
Big Download picks best PC games of 2009, previews 2010
If you're not already directing your eyeballs to our PC sister site Big Download for all your PC gaming news, well ... why not? Hmmm? That sounds like a personal problem, if you ask us. Anyway, they've recently posted their rundown of 2009's best PC games (as well as writing up a whole mess on what you can expect from 2010), and we figured we'd give you a heads up. Looking for a list of vaporware titles from this year? They've got you covered. How about the top PC games of the past decade? Done. Top 10 consoles games that should be on PC? You betcha! Lessons on how to speak in Na'vi? Okay, not so much. They've gotta draw the line somewhere, right?
Samurai Puzzle Battle getting GotY edition
I hadn't even thought about it, but sure enough, we're coming up on the end of the year, and there'll be quite a few iPhone titles in the running for best mobile game of the year. This certainly isn't the first year we've seen a nice crop of App Store picks coming out, but it's the best so far. One of my favorites, Samurai Puzzle Battle, isn't even waiting for the choices -- they've announced that they'll be releasing a Game of the Year edition very soon, with improved graphics and better online features. The game itself is a Puzzle Quest-style mix of RPG and gem matching gameplay, with extra modes that allow you to play a full campaign, or just jump in and match some gems. It's a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see what the new version looks like. The update will be a free upgrade for current owners, and we haven't yet seen a price to buy outright (though it probably will be less than the original $4.99 price, probably closer to $1.99). I don't know that I'd choose the game for Game of the Year quite yet, but it's great to hear that a good game is getting better.
GDC09: Fallout 3, LittleBigPlanet clean up at GDCA awards
In case you missed out on our liveblog last night (why do you hurt us so?), the list of winners from the GDCA awards is available for your perusal and, just as descriptive headlines would have you believe, Fallout 3 and LittleBigPlanet performed admirably. Fallout 3 walked away with the coveted Game of the Year award, whereas LittleBigPlanet took the "quantity over quality" route, snatching up various awards. Check past the break for the full list of this year's winners.
WotLK nominated for BAFTA, wins one out of three at AIAS
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King has been nominated for yet another award -- this time, Wrath has received a nod for Best Game of the Year by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Videogame awards. UK residents can vote for the game right now over on their site, and a nice set of prizes, including a big TV, a Playstation 3, and copies of all ten nominated games going to one lucky voter. Voting is closed on March 9th, and the winners should be announced soon after that.And in case you've been wondering about the AIAS nominations we mentioned a little while ago, Blizzard is going about 33%. While they did win the award for best MMO game of the year (beating out Warhammer Online), Wrath of the Lich King lost its other two categories -- Left 4 Dead was awarded Best Computer Game, and Metal Gear Solid 4 won for Best Music over the Lich King's silky tones.Guess you can't win them all. But considering that the second expansion of a years-old MMO is still garnering honors, Blizzard has nothing to be ashamed of.[via WorldofWar]
MMORPG readers choose Lord of the Rings Online as best MMO of 2008
'Tis the season for giving awards, and the readers of MMORPG.com have bestowed two honors upon Lord of the Rings Online and one upon Turbine itself, putting LotRO and Turbine over CCP, Blizzard, and Mythic Entertainment.LotRO was named MMO of the year, while The Mines of Moria were awarded the best expansion of the year award, beating out Wrath of the Lich King for the top spot. Also, the readers named Turbine as their favorite MMO studio of the year -- all high praise indeed. The final results in the voting for best expansion and favorite studio weren't even close -- giving Turbine a landslide victory over Blizzard in both cases. In the best expansion category Moria won with 48% of the vote over Wrath's 25%, and for the favorite studio category Turbine achieved 46% of the vote compared to Blizzard's 14%.Turbine has released a press statement which thanks the many fans and players of LotRO, as well as the readers of MMORPG.com. For the full release, check it out at the LotRO main website.
DS Daily: Your 2008 GOTY
We know we asked you about the most surprising game of 2008, but which was your overall favorite? We know this can be difficult, seeing as how the DS was the recipient of many amazing games this year. But, hey, that's how it is for that wonderful handheld. Which of the plethora of great games that released in 2008 would you say was the best of the bunch? Was it on our list?
Wii Warm Up: Your 2008 GOTY
We're quite amazed we haven't asked you this yet, to tell the truth. It's pretty straightforward. What Wii game would you crown as best of the lot in 2008? Is it a WiiWare game? Is it a retail game? Was it on our list?
Super Mario Galaxy gets a few GDCA nods
It's nice when your peers recognize your work. So, Miyamoto and co. must be beaming with happiness to hear that Super Mario Galaxy got the nod in several categories for the Game Developer's Choice Awards. If our opinion means anything (it doesn't), we liked the game a lot.Overall, Super Mario Galaxy gets its hat tossed into two categories, although many* might consider them to be the best two categories: Best Game Design and Game of the Year. It's up against some tough competition, however, as undersea romp Bioshock and Portal, which has seemed to help pie's ugly cousin cake propel itself into the stratosphere of popularity, will undoubtedly give Mario a run for his coin (or stars).Head past the break for all of the nominees.%Gallery-4735%
Making of the Joystiq award: let there be cake
Interested in how we made our inaugural Joystiq trophy? It all started with a friendly online conversation between this writer and Editor Ludwig Kietzmann:JoyLudwig: This year's winner is Portal. Make us a cake.JoyRoss: Or what?JoyLudwig: Or death.JoyRoss: Cake or death. Cute.JoyLudwig: ...Following an embarrassingly long string of horrendous cake puns, we set about cooking an actual cake.
Joystiq's Top 10 of 2007: Mass Effect
If you've ever borrowed a great novel from a library (ask your parents), you would know that all those reams of text can latch on to your thoughts regardless of the tattered, pig-eared and terrifyingly sticky pages they're printed on. Mass Effect is just such an experience, its story spread across technically dubious and slow-turning sheets filled with text that randomly pops in and out of existence. You also have to read several chapters while standing in the world's slowest elevator, for some reason.Still, these are complaints that are best gotten over with in the first paragraph and promptly forgotten, for Mass Effect makes its rich story heard well above the incessant clacking of the Xbox 360's exhausted DVD drive. It may seem strange to place emphasis on the massive universe and nuanced characters over the increasingly vague term of "gameplay," but BioWare's craft has masterfully blurred the lines between plot and play. We can't remember the last time we preferred chatting to aliens as opposed to shooting them in... whatever approximates a face. A laborious inventory system and initially confusing combat certainly detract from the game's (forbidden) planet-hopping journey, but the cinematic ambition on display and tough choices to be made will linger in your memory for much, much longer. In a bountiful year which encouraged us to breathlessly rush from game to epic game, it's remarkable that Mass Effect could make us pause long enough to consider the consequences of our actions.%Gallery-1968% He sounds like a cereal (killer) ->
