2007 was an exceptional year for games, and especially for shooters. Even Mass Effect, my favorite RPG of the year, shares elements in common with third person shooters like Gears of War and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Luckily, I'm a shooter fan so all of that is fine with me.
The breakdown of the list (when you consider multi-platform availability of all titles) goes down like this:
PC games – 6
Xbox 360 games – 4
Playstation 3 games – 3
Wii games – 1 (almost 2, I can't stress how close Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was to making this list, and perhaps it should have)
Playstation 2 games - 1
So, without further ado, here is the list of my favorite games of 2007.
10. God of War II (Playstation 2)
The original God of War was triumph of art direction, amazing action set pieces, and well integrated puzzles. It proved, along with Shadow of the Colossus, that the Playstation 2 still had some life left in it. Two years later, God of War 2 has arrived, and though it would have undoubtedly been quite a treat on the Playstation 3, it's still a terrific game on the trusty old Playstation 2.
The story begins with Kratos acting as the God of War, his rewarded position after defeating Ares in the original game. However, due to the trickery of Zeus, Kratos eventually finds himself stripped of his godly powers and eventually, by way of his own death, ends up in Hades. He is rescued by Gaia, a Titan, who informs him of the poor treatment of the Titans following their defeat at the hands of the Olympians. The price for Kratos to rejoin the land of the living and eventually the land of gods, lies in his quest to enact revenge on Zeus for both himself and the Titans.
As in the original, you will have your trusty main weapon, Athena's Blades, and you will discover new weapons as the game progresses, including the Barbarian Hammer and the Spear of Destiny. All of these weapons have special moves that can be pulled off by hitting certain button combos. They can all be upgraded as well, simply by spending Red Orbs that you have collected. You will also earn various spells over the course of the adventure, including Cronos' Rage and Atlas Quake, which can be upgraded in the same way.
9. Mass Effect (XBox 360)
Though I'm not a fan of BioWare's work in general (especially the endless expository dialogue in Jade Empire), they really did a fine job with Mass Effect. This is a terrific adventure that shines despite its flaws, and is certainly the best RPG of the year (though The Witcher deserves some credit too, and I could see some people preferring it). Xbox 360 owners have no excuse for not picking this one up immediately.
Like many RPGs these days, the player gets to create their own hero. You can be male or female, you can alter your appearance in various ways, and you can choose your class (Soldier, Adept, Engineer, Vanguard, Sentinel, or Infiltrator). Each class has various starting abilities, and other talents they can learn based on where the player chooses to allocate points. Soldiers, for instance, can become skilled in the use of any weapons and can eventually wear heavy armor. Adepts, on the other hand, are more like the mages of other RPGs, so their offense consists of pistols, various biotic powers, and lighter armor.
The conversation system is well implemented, and represents BioWare's best work in this area as well. Actually, this is BioWare's best work in almost every category, but it isn't without its flaws. The framerate isn't entirely consistent, screen tearing is quite evident at times, textures take about five seconds to load up after your saved game loads, the Mako can be a burden to handle, and so forth. But overall, this is the best RPG of the year in my opinion, and the best Xbox 360 exclusive of 2007. Halo 3 will outsell anything, but when it comes to actual quality, Mass Effect has it beaten.
8. World in Conflict (PC)
The best strategy game of the year is also one of the best games of the year, regardless of genre. Oddly enough, Massive Entertainment (the studio behind the game) achieves greatness here despite doing away with many of the genre's conventions. Neither base building or collecting resources play any part in World in Conflict and the enemies have units that are essentially the same as your own. Sounds kind of boring, doesn't it? Well, it isn't at all. In fact, the end result is some of the best real time strategy gaming around, even when compared to last year's equally wonderful Company of Heroes.
The single player campaign tells an engaging and well written, if somewhat implausible, story. Narrated by actor Alec Baldwin, the year is 1989, historically a time of economic troubles in the Soviet Union and the year the Cold War came to an end. The game spins reality with an alternate take on events where the Soviet Union launches a sneak attack on Seattle, Washington. By the end of the campaign you will have fought on battlefields in the U.S. and Europe, and you will know and appreciate the characters and their sacrifices.
Graphically, this is the best RTS so far. It's a beautiful game that conveys well the effects of war. Environments are heavily destructable, the smoke and explosion effects are splendid, and the units are detailed and well animated. Sound effects also play a key role in the presentation, and the musical score is nicely done.
Gameplay consists of mission objectives that must be completed, including staples like “destroy these buildings” or “control that point”. To achieve your goals you begin with a number of Tactical Points which are spent like currency to buy units. More Tactical Points are gained by capturing objectives, destroying enemy units, etc., and you will also see points gradually return when you lose a unit.
Multiplayer is a blast if you find yourself on an organized team. In this mode, you can only choose one branch of units to specialize in (infantry, tanks, helicopters, or artillery). You will have weaknesses that can not be overcome alone. Your teammates will have to play other unit types and you will have to work together to win, as in a real war. The feeling can be quite exhilarating when the teamwork aspect is moving like clockwork. More than any other RTS, World in Conflict feels like a true action game, as if it were a more strategic entry in the Battlefield series. This is a must buy.
7. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Playstation 3)
The presentation is exquisite, with production values that are through the roof in virtually every category. After Crysis, Uncharted has the best graphics of any game, on any platform, this year. The shadow and lighting effects are fantastic across the board, the water is beautiful, the character models are superb, the animation is top notch, the foliage moves and reacts believably, and the textures are quite detailed for the most part. The artists and programmers at Naughty Dog have created a treat for the eyes, that's for sure.
The music and voice acting are both wonderful as well. Even the story is nicely written in the style of old serials (think Indiana Jones), and will surely keep most gamers interested in what happens next. It begins simply: A treasure hunter, Nathan Drake, who believes himself to be a descendant of Sir Francis Drake, and a female television reporter, Elena Fisher, are on a boat in the ocean documenting their new discovery; Sir Francis Drake's coffin. As it turns out, the coffin is empty except for Drake's diary, which comes in handy after our heroes narrowly escape an attack by pirates. After meeting up with Nathan's old friend, Victor Sullivan, the race is on to find El Dorado with Francis Drake's clues. Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it sounds, and they aren't the only ones willing to risk it all to discover the same prize.
So what about the gameplay? Have no fear, Uncharted is a blast. People have said this game is like a mix between Gears of War, Prince of Persia, and Tomb Raider. That's a pretty accurate description, I suppose. I would also like to add that the game reminded me, on a few occasions, of the Playstation 2 classic, Ico, and the well known first person shooter, Far Cry (more specifically, a blend between Far Cry and its console counterpart, Far Cry: Instincts). Still, regardless of the games that inspired it, Uncharted stands on its own. Rarely has a platformer/puzzler/shooter been executed so perfectly.
The action sequences are exciting, with many types of cover to utilize (some of which can be destroyed by enemy weaponry), a “stop and pop” style, and some occasionally useful melee attack combos. There are also some thrill packed set pieces that have you shooting from the back of a jeep or driving a jet ski (though the jet ski controls are probably the only frustrating thing in the game, I must admit). Exploring the environments is a blast whether you are jumping, running, rolling, climbing, swinging, swimming, or whatever. The puzzles also add to the experience and are never too difficult, with the game offering hints if you get stuck.
Lastly, I feel I should mention that this game does “secrets” and “achievements” right. Unlike most other games these days where “achievements” just add points to a silly Gamerscore on your LIVE account, Uncharted rewards you in game. Killing a certain number of enemies with a specific weapon, getting a certain number of headshots, etc. will earn you achievements that give you Reward Points. You also get Reward Points by finding up to 60 hidden treasures throughout the game. These Reward Points can then be spent to unlock several different costumes for various characters, weapons with unlimited ammo, various movie clips from the making of the game, different visual styles like “Black and White” and “Sepia”, etc. This really gives players an incentive to discover all the achievements and treasures. Frankly, this game is one of the finest single player experiences to be had this year, and Playstation 3 owners owe it to themselves to pick this one up.
6. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC, XBox 360, Playstation 3)
I didn't think Infinity Ward would ever top the original Call of Duty. I was wrong. While the original is still the best World War II game out there, there is a new sheriff in town when it comes to the pinnacle of the series. Set in the present time, Call of Duty 4's single player campaign grabs you from the very beginning and never lets go. The visuals are terrific, the set pieces are exceptional, the weaponry feels perfect, the sound and music are top notch, and even the story is quite good.
Of course, being a Call of Duty game, all of this amazing presentation has its drawbacks. Players are still led by the hand through the game's very linear levels, most of the action is heavily scripted, and at times enemies will endlessly respawn until you cross a certain point on the map. Also, you still can't control any vehicles, but there are “rail shooter” sequences where you fight from choppers or trucks and so forth (an especially memorable level has you controlling the firepower of a Spectre Gunship).
Regardless of the game's shortcomings, it works. Boy, does it ever. Even the multiplayer got a lot of attention from the designers at Infinity Ward. It's deeper than the multiplayer components on most games, and will keep you coming back for more with its EXP system, tempting unlockables, and the ability to customize your character by choosing weapons and perks. Additionally, with 16 multiplayer maps and several quality game modes to choose from, there's plenty to see and do here. This is an amazing package.
Recommended Version: Any version (PC, Xbox 360, or Playstation 3) is fine. The PC version allows for better graphics, 32 players in multiplayer instead of 18, and the ability to lean left or right to shoot around corners. Other than that it just comes down to the player's preferred method of control. Basically, you can't go wrong.
5. Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (PC)
First of all, I absolutely love Battlefield 2 on PC (not Battlefield 2: Modern Combat which is a very different and lesser game). There is also no denying that the original in that series, Battlefield 1942, has inspired countless team shooter games over the years. Credit shall be given where credit is due. However, in my opinion, Quake Wars has become, for now, the ultimate teamwork-based, class-based, objective-based multiplayer shooter. There is something about games like this that is just more thrilling and exciting to me than games with smaller maps, fewer players, no classes (so everyone is essentially the same), and more of a deathmatch style. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Unreal Tournament 3, Call of Duty 4, and Halo 3 multiplayer, but Quake Wars has a whole different feel that is ultimately more satisfying.
The brilliance of Quake Wars is balance in every aspect, and if I went into detail this would be four pages long. Suffice it to say that every class, weapon, vehicle, deployable, etc. has its pros and cons, and the two sides are very different, but well balanced. For instance, the GDF assault rifle feels slightly more powerful than the Strogg Lacerator, but it has to be reloaded often and has more recoil. Vehicles in this game are also very helpful, and yet they don't dominate maps as they did in the Battlefield games since they are easier to take down.
Also, each class, on both sides, is just plain fun to play. In Battlefield 2 I had a strong preference for the Medic and Spec Ops kits, but in Quake Wars I love every single class. Not to mention the fact that the deployables (anti-vehicle turrets, anti-infantry turrets, artillery, etc.) in this game make Quake Wars feel somewhat like a fast paced real-time strategy game. Lastly, the design of the missions is extremely effective at concentrating the battle in certain parts of the map, while still feeling like a huge warzone. This isn't like Battlefield, where people are randomly running around capturing nodes, losing nodes, and then recapturing nodes. And the EXP system, in which you can actually gain levels and receive new abilities over the course of a three level campaign, is added incentive to keep playing one more match.
The first patch released for the game improves it by fixing various issues and adding VOIP support, which should have been in at launch and certainly counted as a strike against the game since it was not. After all, this game is all about teamwork and without being able to talk to your teammates, you end up with a big disorganized mess. The problem is solved now, but it's disappointing that all the reviews were done prior to the patch. Ultimately though, Quake Wars raises the bar for games of this type, but the learning curve can be steep and appreciating the game's depth only comes with many hours of playtime. Needless to say, it's well worth it.
4. Bioshock (PC, XBox 360)
An exceptional experience. Not only does this game possess one of the best storylines in the genre, but its setting, the underwater city of Rapture, is equally rich in art direction and superb design. The technical aspects of the game are top notch, from the terrific visuals and haunting sound, to the quality A.I. and responsive control.
Like System Shock 2 (its spiritual predecessor) and Deus Ex, this is a game about exploration and freedom. Players can use Plasmids (special powers like Telekinesis and firing lightning bolts) or weapons for various situations, and both can be upgraded. Weapons also have different types of ammunition. There are items to buy and invent, Gene Tonics that can be equipped to give permanent stat boosts and abilities, plus moral decisions to make.
The amount of choice given to the player is almost unprecedented in the genre. Sure, one could say the game is a bit too easy due to both the high availability of money and ammunition, and the Vita Machines that revive you right after you die...but those are really small issues in a game this wonderful.
Recommended Version: The graphics are a little better with higher resolutions and DirectX10 effects on PC, but really this is the same game on PC and Xbox 360.
3. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
The question everybody asks is, “Is it better than Super Mario 64?” My answer would be, “I can't decide, but it is definitely close.” That's right, Nintendo has found their way again in the Mario franchise after a misstep of sorts with Super Mario Sunshine on the GameCube. Super Mario Galaxy has the most innovative and clever level design in any game this year, and offers the best experience to be had on the Wii (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is close though).
Like all the Mario games before it, Galaxy isn't about a deep storyline. In fact, that part of the game is downright goofy. Galaxy is about something very simple in concept, but hard to actually achieve in interactive entertainment: great gameplay and pure fun. This game adds yet another entry to the long list of legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto's triumphs. He has a genius for this stuff, there is just no denying it.
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is one of the most visually pleasing games of the year, and it's a lot of fun too. In a head to head match, however, Super Mario Galaxy dominates it in all the ways that really matter. Mario is still the king of platform gaming.
The use of gravity in this planet hopping adventure has such an enjoyable effect on the overall gameplay that the experience is difficult to put into words. You just have to play it to understand why it's so much fun to explore these levels and discover all of Galaxy's secrets. Add into the mix a bunch of enjoyable boss fights and 60 optional stars to collect (to reach the possible total of 120), and the only complaint I have is that the game is just a bit on the easy side. Beyond that, it's bliss.
2. The Orange Box (PC, XBox 360, Playstation 3)
There isn't a better deal to be had on a game this year. The Orange Box contains a former Game of the Year (Half-Life 2) that is still one of the best first person shooters ever made. The other game in the bunch that was around prior to 2007 is Episode I, which is another great addition to the Half-Life franchise. Then there are three brand new games, all of which are wonderful.
Episode II picks up right where Episode I leaves off, and for about six hours you'll be glued to your seat. This is a wonderfully paced, exciting ride that contains more open areas than the previous games. It's still pretty linear, but there are secrets to be found and some nice puzzles along the way. The new vehicle is awesome and the latest weapon (which I won't spoil) is a ton of fun to use in the final, climactic showdown. Speaking of that last battle, it's one of the best sequences in any game this year.
There is also Portal, one of the most original and enjoyable games of 2007. The only flaw of this masterpiece is its ridiculously short length of about three hours. Let me tell you though, those hours are packed with gaming goodness. There is some really inventive design here, and solving the various rooms is an absolute blast. GLaDOS, the HAL 2000-esque voice that guides you through the game, turns out to be a very memorable villain. “The Cake is a Lie” will surely be the most famous single line in a game this year, and the ending song is an instant classic.
Last but not least, there is Team Fortress 2, a very enjoyable multiplayer game. With nine classes to choose from, each with their own abilities, there are many different styles of play you can employ to aid your team. Personally, I'll take an engineer or a spy. Some people think this is one of the best FPS multiplayer games of the year, and while I would choose Quake Wars: Enemy Territory, Unreal Tournament 3, World in Conflict, or Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat over it, TF2 is still extremely solid.
Recommended Version: The Orange Box on any format (PC, Playstation 3, or Xbox 360) is a must have. However, it must be said that the vehicle controls on the two console versions are somewhat frustrating. Also, the Playstation 3 version has some framerate issues and the longest load times of the three versions. If it is possible for you to get The Orange Box on the PC or Xbox 360 over the Playstation 3 version, do so. Otherwise, the PS3 version will still do.
1. Crysis (PC)
In short, it's a game that is as brilliant or as boring as you want it to be. How many other games can you say that about? Crytek puts you in huge “sandbox” levels with a multitude of choices to make and toys to play with. If the player's style is boring, the game will be equally boring. If the player's style is exciting, the game will be equally exciting. This game is truly what you make of it. In my first playthrough, I didn't make enough of it. I played boring by sneaking around far too much, and not really experimenting with all the options at my disposal. In my second playthrough, I mixed it up and found out how terrific the game really is. The difference was like night and day.
However, I suppose I should also mention that it really is a shame in some ways that Crysis is PC-only. It's a good thing in the sense that it allowed Crytek the freedom to create the game they dreamed of making without the RAM constraints and other limitations of current consoles. However, the PC is without a doubt the least mainstream of all the hardcore gaming platforms (“hardcore” does not equal Solitaire or Minesweeper), and as such it receives the most flak from gamers that don't partake in its offerings. Some simply prefer consoles, others can't afford a gaming PC, but either way, many people in those two camps criticize PC games unjustly. They blame Crytek for making a good game they either can't or won't play.
There are also those who are simply upset because the game won't run on a 4 year old computer. How unfair is that attitude? One can certainly try to play Assassin's Creed on the original Xbox, but it isn't going to work. Unfortunately for Crytek, Crysis WILL run on PCs up to about three years old, but only at low settings. This is a negative because people who play at those settings will judge the game based on a level of quality that isn't indicative of the game as is it is truly meant to be played.
The graphics at low settings aren't just unimpressive, they also affect the gameplay. There is a lot of pop-in. You might see an enemy in the distance, shoot at him a few times with no result, and when you move closer a rock or tree will appear between you and the enemy. That is what your bullets were hitting, but you didn't even know it. This is one of the sacrifices Crytek made to allow more people to play the game, and yet some people are actually whining about it. I've seen numerous complaints about how the pop-in is terrible and makes the game “suck”. Well guess what, there is no pop-in on High or Very High settings, and the game looks incredible.
My point is, Crysis won't perform the same for everyone, nor will it look the same for everyone. Being a very demanding PC game, one has to inject human error and human stupidity into the mix. “This game has a horrible framerate!” Ok, then lower your settings or resolution. “This game has annoying pop-in! Horrible!” Ok, then play on higher settings or play something your PC can run correctly. Crysis could not be put on consoles without being scaled down severely (like Far Cry: Instincts on the XBox), but because Crytek pulled no punches, we have a game that isn't the same for each player the way a console game is. I had more fun with Crysis than I did with any other game this year, but it's impossible to intelligently debate this point with someone who just played the demo on Low settings at a terrible framerate and insists the game is “pwned by Halo 3”. Not everyone is getting the most out of Crysis, and that's a real shame.
