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BEST PS3 GAME |
| Previous Winners 2012: Journey 2013: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch |
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It’s become a bit of a tradition that we open the awards with a system in the twilight of its run. Two years ago, it was the Nintendo DS. Last year was the PSP. This year, the honor goes to the PlayStation 3. A lot of good games came out on this system, despite its more powerful brother getting a full year of releases under its belt. Here are the five games we deem worthy of the Best PS3 Game title.
A remake, yes, but one that fully deserves recognition. Issues from the original version were addressed and plenty of new content was added to make a second purchase worth it. The graphics are also upgraded and features a soundtrack that is customizable. Also available on the Vita for you portable gamers.
- Drakengard 3
The first game in the series developed by Access Games, Drakengard 3 is a prequel to the original Drakengard. Like the other games in the series, it features a mix of hack ‘n’ slash gameplay and aerial battles as you take Zero on her journey to kill her sisters. While it received some mixed reviews, its story, ground combat and music are strong points worthy checking out.
Concept designs by Yoshitaka Amano, music by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, character designs by Tsunako, story by Toshiki Inoue… It’s quite a pedigree for a new IP. It should also be noted that this is the first of the Galapagos branded games. As for the game itself, the music is gripping, the story is enjoyable, and combat that should seem familiar to fans of the Neptunia series.
The latest mothership game to release in the West, Tales of Xillia 2 is a faithful sequel to the original Xillia. A new set of characters take the lead while you catch up with old friends. Combat gets an upgrade from the original. A choice system for conversations is added. And the interaction between characters adds great atmosphere to the game.
This is a new dungeon crawler from Nippon Ichi Software. The game features art work by Takehito Harada — an artist known for his work in the Disgaea series. The story centers around the Swamp Witch Metallia as she summons a familiar known as the Hundred Knight to explore the world for her, since she can’t do it herself. The visual design is interesting, the music seems pulled straight out of Disgaea, and the story will keep you grinding through to the end.
AND THE WINNER IS…
Tales of Xillia 2
Xillia 2 completes the job Xillia couldn’t and captures the award for Best PS3 Game. This is the second win in the category as publisher for Bandai Namco with the first coming last year with Ni no Kuni. Congrats to Hideo Baba and his team for creating such a great experience.
Next, we bring in Review Manager Josh Speer to present the award for Best Downloadable Game.
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BEST DOWNLOADABLE GAME |
| Previous Winners 2012: The Walking Dead 2013: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies |
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JOSH:There were a lot of diverse titles for Best Downloadable Game for this year’s oprainfall Awards. From platformers to rhythm games to RPGs to retro remixes, they were all over the map, and covered a wide range of interests. With that out of the way, let’s go over our nominees, in alphabetical order.
I’m honestly a little surprised this title was even a nominee for this category. I mean, sure it’s a beautiful and atmospheric game, but against some stiff competition, it seemed an unlikely choice. That said, it did garner a lot of interest on multiple platforms, which is saying something for an indie game like this. Maybe Aurora found her way into the hearts of our staff with her winsome and magical ways?
NES Remix 2 was a delightful retro romp that elicited fond memories of games long past from Nintendo’s golden age of games. The way it managed to make these classics feel new again was incredible, and NES Remix 2 will always hold a fond place in my heart. The question is whether or not nostalgia is enough to garner a gold for this great Nintendo title.
Senran Kagura: Bon Appetit is a tremendous rhythm fan service game that has kept fans coming back for more ever since it released. Tons of DLC enriches the experience, which itself is a wild romp that never takes itself too seriously, but looks and sounds fantastic the entire time. I’m glad the Senran Kagura series is making such a name for itself, and who knows? Maybe all it will take is a great game with fantastic fan service to win over our staff of niche afficionados?
I talked about retro with regard to NES Remix 2, but dare I say Shovel Knight was even more fantastic at hitting that solid retro vibe? I mean sure, NES Remix 2 shows retro love, but Shovel Knight innovates in that domain. Better yet, it’s pixelated, has a rocking soundtrack and has lots of replay value. It might not be as breathtakingly beautiful as Child of Light, but nevertheless I think the blue knight might have what it takes to bury the competition…
- Strider
Sadly this next game was the only one in the running I didn’t have the personal pleasure of playing for myself. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve played any games in this classic series, but the latest one looked mighty cool to me. I love games that embrace and cherish their old school roots, and Strider looked to do so with style, being a frenetic and over the top platformer. The question is, was that enough to sway the hearts and minds of our staff?
AND THE WINNER IS…
Shovel Knight
Oh Shovel Knight. You will always have a special place in my heart. After all, this tremendous retro platformer was the very first Kickstarter I ever backed, and well worth the price of admission. Graced with beautiful pixelated art, an amazing soundtrack, tight gameplay, a surprisingly interesting plot and great replay value, it’s little surprise that the blue armored knight took first place. Now I just will have to anxiously wait and see what Yacht Club Games’ next masterpiece will be.
