Everyone is doing their GOTY article so I figured I’d do the same only with a little bit of a spin. These awards will not be pitting games against each other, but rather celebrating their uniqueness.
The “Little Indie Title that Could” Award: SteamWorld Dig
Like indie powerhouse Cave Story before it, SteamWorld Dig has more love poured into it than most $40 retail titles. In a post-apocalyptic future, a courageous robot named Rusty must dig into the earth’s crust to find enough supplies so his small town can survive. If the description sounds like the game is full of personality, it’s because it is.
The game is a little Mr. Driller, a little Metroid, and a little all it’s own. The only bad thing you can say about SteamWorld Dig is that it’s too short.
The “Zelda I Didn’t Know I Wanted” Award: A Link Between Worlds
I have to admit that a non-linear Zelda was a concept that never appealed to me. I never, ever liked the very notion of an adventure that deviated from the formula even in the slightest. However, after only a few hours with A Link Between Worlds my doubts were shattered and I had to re-evaluate everything about what I thought made a Zelda title fun.
It’s not only a Zelda I didn’t know I wanted, it may just be my favorite Zelda to date. And no, I don’t say that lightly.
The “Yes I’m in my 20s and I Will Proudly Play this in Public” Award: Pokemon X and Y
Here’s a stark truth: one day, we’ll be able to ask potential presidential nominees who their favorite Pokemon Red starter was. I’m not sure I could ever see myself voting for a dude or lady who couldn’t answer that question. And yes, despite that fact that kids that got into the franchise when the Generation 1 made it’s debut in 1998 are in their 20s, I can’t count how many times I saw proud Pokemon fans playing this game in public.
And because Pokemon is a franchise that has remained consistently fun, I can easily see myself and fellow life-long Pokemon trainers playing this game in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. But 60s? I don’t know. We’ll see.
The “Ten More Minutes….” Award: Animal Crossing New Leaf
The newest iteration in the almost always addictive (Animal Crossing Wii is the exception) franchise is perhaps the most addictive one yet. I can’t think of a game more endless, more satisfying, and more sleep-depriving than New Leaf.
Mind you, the addiction is a little more under control for me since it’s release in June. But it’s hard for me to pick up this game and not play for at least an hour.
The “You All Doubted Me!” Award: Super Mario 3D World
Sure, everyone can’t stop singing the praises of 3D World now. But where were all of you at E3? My twitter and tumblr feed were packed full of naysayers making fun of clear pipes and calling Cat Mario a trite idea. Some even dared compare the game to the lackluster New Super Mario Bros. series. All of you may be on the bandwagon now, but it was a pretty lonely place back in the Summer.
And while I don’t personally believe in GOTY because many games are great for different reasons, I will also say that Super Mario 3D World wasn’t the best game I played this year, but it comes with the most positive memories.
Don’t underestimate successfully executed multiplayer in a 3D platformer.
Buy: Link Between Worlds, Super Mario 3D World