PLOOB.COM - Gaming 2.0: Ploob Games of the Year (2006)

Jan 2, 08:25 PM

Ploob Games of the Year (2006)

2006 was a big year for video games. The next generation of consoles began, with the launch of the PS3 and Wii. The Xbox 360 hit its stride, recovering from its many troubles that started at launch. Beyond the hardware, we also saw many interesting developments in the games in terms of both graphical and design achievement. Here, we’ll go through the most significant games of the year that was.

Brain Age (DS). Definitely one of the most unique games ever created, Brain Age proved that video games aren’t just for kids – they can appeal to a much wider audience. It was the first game and probably the best example that really embodied Nintendo’s new mass-market casual-gamer strategy. The sales figures and media coverage sent the strong statement that, hey, even though the company has really failed the past couple generations, maybe they’re on to something here. While I estimate that most everyone got bored with Brain Age about a month after they bought it, the game has its place in history as a significant step in game design for non-traditional markets.

Okami (PS2). Imho one of the most visually stunning games ever created, Okami was the counterpoint to all of the fanboys who had then jumped on Nintendo’s bandwagon of “graphics don’t matter.” The beautiful art and unique visual style showed us that graphics indeed do matter, and, when done right, can elevate the gameplay experience to a whole different level. The celestial brush and use of a wolf as the main character in a RPG were contributions in the area of incremental innovation in game design.

World of Warcraft (PC) While a lot of the gaming world was distracted with the excitement over the new consoles, WoW continued to chug along, gaining massive amounts of subscribers and pretty much kicking everyone else’s ass. I’m not sure what I can say that hasn’t beed said about this game already. It just dominates the video gaming at the moment.

Pocketbike Racers, Big Bumpin’, and Sneak King (Xbox/360) Funding quite possibly the greatest advergames ever made, Burger King took a risk and was rewarded with sales of over 2 million copies of these games at $3.99 a piece. I played Pocketbike Racers as much if not more than any of my other game purchases this year. These titles were an example that video games are an ideal medium for branding and advertising, and can facilitate a more intimate relationship with your target customers. Simplicity, fun, and silliness.

Gears of War (360) With all of the hype and media coverage surrounding the Wii and PS3 launches in November, the Xbox 360 could have been very easily lost and forgotten. It needed something big, something epic, something truly badass. That something was Gears of War. Gears made it apparent that the 360 wasn’t going down without a fight. The fight didn’t come in the form of AARP-approved motion-sensitive controls, massive computing power, or blu-ray. It came in the form of chainsaw bayonets, torque bows, and copious amounts of splattering blood. And it came in the form of flawless execution. Gears sent a strong message: it’s hardcore gamers who have brought this industry this far, and companies who work hard to serve the hardcore will be rewarded in kind.

... so those are my picks – what are yours?

-Jon

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