There was a time when E3 was a really, really big deal. Now, it’s simply a really big deal. One of the biggest factors of its whole big dealness comes from the console manufacturers’ press conferences. They typically range from the epic (introduction of the Wii) to the horribly, horribly wrong (introduction of the PS3 and real-time weapon changing). So how did this year go for Microsoft?
First, let’s get over with the heartbreaking news. The protagonist of Portal, Chell, is not the mother of Half-Life 2 protagonist Alyx. Well, that might have been of some contention if it panned out so, but Gabe Newell clears that one in a fairly definite manner in an interview with Games for Windows magazine.
Now that such pesky paternity issues are cleared up, the more interesting question is where exactly does Portal fit into the Half-Life world? Newell has an answer, sort of. In the same interview he states, (more…)
10) Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Puzzle games are a dime a dozen these days, and while particularly addictive ones can still get attention, it usually takes something truly innovative that breaks the mold to make everyone sit up and take notice. That’s exactly what this title did.
9) Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Isn’t it just another romp through the world of Ratchet and Clank? Yes, but it’s also an incredibly polished game to be released in a console’s first year of life. The story might be lacking compared to past installments, but if ever there were a game that took us one step closer to controlling a Pixar cartoon, this is it.
8 ) Pac-Man: Championship Edition
The announcement of this game drew laughs from many, including much of the gaming press. Once they played the actual game, however, all opinions changed. It’s the most addictive arcade game in years, and with the minor caveat of the time limits, it’s one of the few “perfect” games released all year. (more…)
Loading ...