The GIRLs of 2008

In listening to all the game of the year announcements from different places, I have decided to declare what is surely the most unimportant game awards list of the year - the Games I Really Liked (or GIRLs).  This list stems from games that I played to completion (if they could be completed) or saw all I needed to see (if they had no definite ending).  Using this criteria, games from other years, not only games that debuted in 2008, are eligible.

And here we are! 

GIRL that was most the fun to touch (Best Gameplay)

Left 4 Dead was a game that is was hesitant to buy, but am thoroughly glad that I did.  It continues to draw me back while other games rust on the shelf.  The AI director is hailed as the critical component that makes the game so damn unique in that it makes each run of the campaign different. That's only 1/2 of what makes this game great - the other half comes from the people you play with - you never know how good your team of 4 will be and who will be the weakest link, exaggerating all that previously mentioned variation.  I've played with a person that single handely destroyed a tank on expert and a team of three others that struggled to make it through the first section of No Mercy.  This is a game that I just can't keep my hands off! 

GIRL with the best personality (Best Story)

Metal Gear Solid 4 is an choice for best story.  The game had more cutscenes than gameplay! My play time during my first run in which I watched all the cutscences was 10hrs 45mins whereas, playing through a second time while skipping all the cutscences reduced my play time  to 5hrs 10mins.  I've been a huge fan of this series since MGS1, when I had to do research on the just budding internet to learn what the hell everyone was talking about and figure out why I never met big boss.  This is a game that I could stay up late talking all night with.  

GIRL that is best for a long term relationship (Most Played)

During Christmas time, I returned to my parents' home for 6 looooong days.  The length of time was compounded further by no familiar faces being in town.  So how did I make it through this visit? By logging 50+ hours in Fallout 3.  I think that makes this game my common law wife. 

GIRL that I just don't get why my friend is into (Most Overhyped)

GTAIV has been a very interesting story in the press - from its extreme praise to its now "its so cool to hate" status.  I don't want to be a part of the latter group, so I won't.  My problems with the game stem from the mission structure and controls.  I could not stand the "drive here, kill these people, then chase this person in a car, and finally evade the police" structure of nearly every mission.  What contirubted to my disdain was the terrible control system.  All developers should learn that relyings on pressing a trigger 1/2 way down as 1 input and all the down as a 2nd input is absolutely horrid.  Also, I felt the shooting while driving mechanics were desperately in need of a lock on mechanic.  Lastly, the revenge themed story did not resonate at all and led me to commit a personal form of blasphemy - skipping cut scenes.  In the end, I feel as if GTAIV is giving those who like it the best blowjobs of their lives because I can't see why they stay.

GIRL that I don't want my friends to know I'm sleeping with (Most Embarassing)

I have a strong affinity for the Lego Games and let's be honest - they are pretty well done and Lego Star Wars is the best.  However, its a game that I would prefer to take to out of the way places with lots of dark corners so that I'm not seen making out with it.  

GIRL that I most enjoyed getting in every way possible (Most Fun 1000/1000 points)

Dead Space does what it intends to do extremely well and you can even move while aiming!  The achievements were challenging rather than frustrating and came at appropriately paced intervals.  Grabbing the full thousand was a to of fun even as I played through it a second and third time (although I was glad to put it down when I was finished).  All in all, I'm proud to say that I bagged this one.  

GIRL that I would just not let me hit it from behind (Had to walk away from the 1000/1000)

Multiplayer achievements continue to be the bane of my exsistance, especially those that force me to play game types that prevent me from achieveing them! Ulimately, I could not "Beat the Meatflag" because of the rarity with which submission pops up AND the difficulty of capturing the flag.  As such, gears 2 will be one that wouldn't let me go all the way. 

GIRL I never want to see again (Least Enjoyed)

I'm a huge fan of Diablo style games and was intrigued by Too Human's "epic story" and different approach to combat.  In the end, I don't remember or care what happened and have zero desire to ever touch this game again.  In fact, I wrote a prior post about how this game turned me away from getting achievements.  This game rubbed me in the wrong way, the way that requires me to now take valtrix.  

GIRL that got away (Wished I had owned)

How appropriate that the game I wish I had played most actually features a girl, and an appropriately proportioned one at that.  Ultimately, the mixed reviews that Mirror's Edge received pushed me away from paying for it, but hopefully I will have an opportunity to take this one out soon.  

GIRL that I will settle down with, at least until next year (My personal game of the year)

I'm surprised that I chose this one, considering the time I've spent with many other games this year.  However, the continued draw of L4D's gameplay and co-op experience makes it the game that brings me to one knee.  

GIRL that I will be cheating on the previous award wth starting next week (First Game of 2008 for 2009)

There was just not enough time to get around to this game, despite it being a day one purchase.  I'm glad to say that as of this writing, I'm already far along in the game and have mostly positive things to say.  Although, its not gripping me the way fallout or other RPG-esque games have and its one that will probably not get a call back when its be used to its full potential.