Phew. What a year for games 2011 was? We saw blockbusters, major disappointments and even a few surprises. We got our PSN’s shut off and a new Xbox Live Dashboard — which may or may not be the best/worst thing ever.  Here’s what we, at Blast Games think was the best of a packed year. Agree? Disagree? let us know! Oh, and just a note, we decided to keep things fair, we would limit the platform specific awards to games that were actually exclusive to that platform — unless of course a game was incredibly better for one platform than the others.

Game of the Year

Nominees: The Elderscrolls V: Skyrim, Portal 2, Uncharted 3, Batman: Arkham City, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Winner: Portal 2

In a year of amazing games, Portal 2 stood out from the rest. It made us laugh, amazed us, and even brought a tear to our eyes. Valve’s followup to it’s critically acclaimed and cult favorite original puzzler was not only better than the original —  it eclipsed it. The writing? Superb. The voice acting? Unparalleled. Oh, and the gameplay? Portal 2 straddles the line between accessible and infuriatingly difficult.

Perhaps what makes Portal 2 so great can best be summed up by Matthew Root’s review, saying “Portal 2 is, simply put, an amazing game. The new gameplay mechanics make for even more incredible puzzle solving; the sense of scale is astounding; and the twisted, dark sense of humor remains hilarious.Buy it without hesitation, play it, and then share it with friends who don’t play games so they can see what they’re missing out on.”

Xbox 360 Game of the Year

Nominees: Gears of War 3, Forza: Motorsport 4, Once Upon a Monster, Bastion

Winner: Gears of War 3

With Gears of War 3, Epic Games has taken the formula set by the first two games and tweaked it ever so much to create the perfect finale for their long running series. Everything you love is here, the chainsaw lancers, the grubs, the brumaks, but there’s also so much more.  The characters are deeper, the story is more engaging and the entire experience is deeply satisfying. Gears of War 3 is undoubtedly Microsoft’s biggest release of the year, and it’s also the best; one that if you own an Xbox – you simply have to experience.

Gears of War 3 is easily the best game in the franchise, and it makes its case for best Xbox 360 game period. It’s a deeply satisfying and at times touching game that takes the formula set forth by the previous iterations and tweaks it in just the right places to make an incredible gaming experience.

PS3 Game of the Year

Nominees: Infamous 2, Resistance 3, Killzone 3, Uncharted 3

Winner: Uncharted 3

I play most games in a predictable fashion. I sit down, play for a few hours and then I walk away. I do anything else. I let the game brew in my head. With Uncharted 3, I couldn’t do that, every time I tried to walk away, I was pulled back. I needed to know what happens next; and that my friends is the mark of a truly excellent game. Uncharted 3 is sure to wow you with its fantastic presentation, thrilling gameplay and all around complete package. This is a game that I can’t recommend enough, and your PS3 library is not complete without it.

Perhaps what makes the game so incredibly riveting to watch is just how well every part of the game works in unison. The story features absolutely brilliant pacing that rivals that of Hollywood movies, and the top notch voice acting combined with the stunning score and remarkable visuals makes for a great experience. With Uncharted 3, Naughty Dog has cemented their reputation as one of the best storytellers in not just the industry, but all of popular culture.  It’s seen in the relationship reveals, the stunning plot twists that make you rethink the entire strategy, and perhaps most importantly, the game’s feeling of resonance players are sure to have each time they step away.

Wii Game of the Year 

Nominees: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Fortune Street, Kirby

There weren’t a ton of AAA games for the Wii this year, but there was one that changed everything. One that represented what motion control can do and gave a long established franchise a brand new identity.

When Nintendo introduced the Wii, and motion control to the world, it made some hefty promises. Now, nearly six years later, with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, those promises have been delivered on.  This isn’t just the best Zelda game or the best Wii game, it’s also the first game that makes motion controls make sense. With its incredible production values, new gameplay ideas and most importantly heart, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is simply one of the best games I’ve ever played.

It’s only fitting then that after 25 years and a lot of gaming, I’ve finally got that same feeling back – and it’s another Zelda game.  With incredible production values, bold new mechanics and a wonderous sense of exploration; The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword feels an awful lot like falling in love with gaming again. Each time I booted it up, I found something new that I made it not only the best Wii title or the best motion controlled game but the best Zelda in franchise history – and that’s truly saying something.

When Nintendo introduced the Wii, and motion control to the world, it made some hefty promises. Now, nearly six years later, with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, those promises have been delivered on.  This isn’t just the best Zelda game or the best Wii game, it’s also the first game that makes motion controls make sense. With its incredible production values, new gameplay ideas and most importantly heart, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is simply one of the best games I’ve ever played.

Best Art Direction/Visuals

Nominees: Skyward Sword, Skyrim, Uncharted 3, Batman: Arkham City, Rayman Origins

Winner: Rayman Origins

In a day of computer generated graphics, pixels and rendering,Rayman Origins stands out for its hand drawn animation, charming visuals and fun and original score. It may sound cliche, but they simply just don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

Rayman drips with charm and color. Each of the game’s worlds features remarkable hand drawn animation that literally pops off the 2D canvas. The detail in the levels are absurdly well done, and shows a remarkably varied palate. In one level for instance, you’re gliding through waterspouts in lush jungles, then the next you’re in a fiery volcanic level – -and each of them looks remarkably stunning. The game’s score is also remarkably well done, as I would do certain things in the game just to hear some of the game’s sound effects. It harkens back to a time that’s long gone bye in gaming, and perhaps most importantly, it’s packed with content.

Best Sound

Nominees: Batman: Arkham City, Uncharted 3, Skyward Sword, Skyrim, Bastion

Winner: Batman: Arkham City

This could have been the toughest category of the year, but we just couldn’t get past how well done Arkham City’s score and voice acting really is. Sure, you can say that there’s a bit too much Nolan North, but every character, whether it be major, supporting, or just background is voiced so superbly. The work by Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill..and yes, even Nolan North stands out as not only believable, but unforgetable.

What sealed Arkham city’s win? The joker infused symphony that plays while you hunt down thugs in the Steel Mill.

Biggest Disappointment

Nominees: Duke Nukem Forever, Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3, X-men Destiny

Winner: Duke Nukem Forever

How could it not be?

Right from the get-go, Duke Nukem Forever looks ages behind most modern day shooters. Textures are messy and undetailed, there’s a ton of slowdown and screen tearing and the entire game just looks unpolished.Character models look robotic and outdated as well. Okay, I get it, Gearbox wanted to keep the spirit of the original game intact, they wanted it to look like it’s still from that era of gaming, but they better hope that the rest of the world, and not just the gaming public is in on the joke, and are willing to pay $60 for a game that looks like it’s decades old.

Of course, the appeal of Duke Nukem has always been it’s take no prisoners in your face adult humor. It’s here (the first  two minutes feature quicktime events of the game’s protagonist peeing and then ability to pick up poop and throw it), but unfortunately it too feels dated. Remember movies like Team America: World Police and the famous political scandals of the 90s? Because Duke Nukem and Gearbox sure do.

Most Anticipated Game

Nominees: Diablo III, Mass Effect 3, Bioshock Infinite

Winner: Bioshock Infinite

Looking back at 2011, one event sticks out, seeing the behind closed doors demo of Bioshock Infinite. I wrote the following words in my notebook regarding what I saw : “Amazing, outstanding, complelling…HOLY SHIT.”

Yes, Diablo III and Mass Effect 3 are going to be amazing, but every time we see more of the game, the wait until it comes out (no date has been announced, so it’s even worse) seems longer. With Bioshock Infinite, Ken Levine and Irrational Games are not only looking to redefine the series, but create their own revolution in the process.

We can’t wait to actually get out hands on it.

There’s a natural order to most things. Take buying stuff online. You place your order, your money and the product gets shipped to you. Except, that’s not what happened when one man ordered controllers from the makers of The Avenger controller, and his situation with what could be the worst Public Relations agent in not just all of gaming but the world has become internet legend over night. Dave shared the conversation below to a number of sites including Blast, and it’s amazing how far it goes and so fast.

Our story picks up with Dave questioning Paul Christoforo, a PR rep from Ocean Marketing whether the product he ordered would be available before the Christmas Holiday as promised, look for our comments in italics throughout the conversation.

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 16, 2011, at 1:34 PM

I ordered 2 of the upcoming PS3 controllers (invoice xxxxxxxxx—Nov 3, 2011). Any chance of getting an update of when these items will ship? I’m not really happy about being forced to pay upfront then have the advertised date of “Early December” be completely missed without any sort of update on availability. I really need one of them for a X-mas present as well. Anyways, looking forward to finally using one of these bad boys. Thanks and happy holidays.

-Dave

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 16, 2011 2:45 PM

Dec 17

- Paul Christoforo

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 19, 2011, at 11:02 AM

Thanks for the reply Paul.  Can you clarify whether my particular order already sent or if Dec 17 was the first day shipments went out?  I have not received any sort of shipping confirmation email or tracking information.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 19, 2011 11:21 AM

They still haven’t shipped yet on the way here from china

Blast: We’d just like to point out that we deal with a ton of gaming PR Reps on a daily basis, and if they had the grammar and spelling of this guy — we’d probably just end the conversation.

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 20, 2011 4:29 PM

So then delivery to customer doors by December 24th is no longer likely correct?  Do you have an estimated date of when units will arrive in California? Thanks.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 20, 2011 5:11 PM

They are in the USA now in customs so its wither before or after Christmas.

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011, at 9:47 AM

I noticed the updated info on the webpage, and I don’t understand why there is absolutely no benefit given to those like me who have already ordered, and paid their money.  You’ve had my money interest free for nearly two months, yet now ANY new order will get $10 off….meaning I should just cancel my order for 2 controllers, get my money back, then re-order.

My other questions is regarding item compatibility.  Ocean Marketing seems to be involved with the Xtendplay controller holder, so I was wondering if the Avenger N-Controller can be used in conjunction with the Xtendplay (for both Xbox and PS3)?  Thanks

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 26, 2011 10:14 AM

Yes it can be used with xtend play if you remove the stand and no one is allowed to cancel and re order if we catch anyone doing it we will simply just cancel your order all together and you can buy it retail somewhere else.

Things happen in manufacturing if your unhappy you have 7 days from the day your item ships for a refund. You placed a pre order just like any software title the gets a date moved due to the tweaks and bugs not being worked out and GameStop or any other place holds your cash and im sure you don’t complain to activision or epic games so put on your big boy hat and wait it out like everyone else. The benefit is a token of our appreaciation for everyone no one is special including you or any first time buyer . Feel free to cancel we need the units were back ordered 11,000 units so your 2 will be gone fast. Maybe I’ll put them on eBay for 150.00 myself. Have a good day Dan.

Blast: And this is where things start to get ugly

From: Dave 

To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 12:11 PM

Then cancel my order if you want to.  I’m making a legitimate complaint about your poor communication and you’re the one stooping to childish levels, a patronizing attitude, and threats.  Hell you can’t even get the spelling of my name right.

And Gamespot pre-orders…wow what a terrible comparison.  Retailers take a couple dollars IF THAT for you to guarantee your game availability on the release date, whatever that is. That’s the understanding and that’s what you get.  Plus, I don’t have to complain to Activision or Epic games about these issues because they’re usually not missing the street dates for their AAA titles.

Now let’s take YOUR situation:
1) You’ve promised a new product based off the design for an existing, working product
2) For the longest time, you’ve stated on your website (your failure to update regularly is another issue) the initial/special/limited batch of your new product by early December, obviously in time for the all-important holiday gift-giving season.  I and thousands of other customers GIVE YOU OUR MONEY, INTEREST FREE on the promises you made online.
3) I reach out to you, on Dec 16 (AFTER you have FAILED TO MEET YOUR ADVERTISED DEADLINE AND FAILED TO COMMUNICATE TO ANYONE WHAT THE SITUATION IS) obviously a little frustrated but more curious about when I and other customers can expect the product we paid for.
4) Your reply to me is a cryptic “Dec 17” with absolutely no explanation of what that means.  In the mean time you having been using funds from pre-paid customers to complete Research & Development, product redesigns, and manufacturing mis-steps.
5) You force me to follow-up with an email asking for clarification about what “Dec 17” means since the day has passed and I have yet to receive any new information about my order.  Now you instead of ANSWERING MY QUESTION OF WHAT THE NEW DELIVERY DATE IS, you tell me the goods have yet to leave China…  Why are you telling me this?  I’m not your employee I’m your goddamn customer!  TELL ME WHAT THAT MEANS IN TERMS OF MY TIME AND WHEN I CAN EXPECT MY PRODUCT I PAID FOR.
6) So great…I have to email you AGAIN trying to get a CLEAR answer from you whether a Dec 24th delivery date is possible and if not, what the new date is.  Rinse & repeat: You give me an update of the delivery process (wow, thanks…you haven’t told me anything I don’t know about the order of international shipping procedures) but instead say “…so its wither before or after Christmas.”  WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?  GIVE ME A DATE!?  One that you’re actually going to follow, because I already see “late Nov to early Dec”;  “Dec 17”; and now “CHRISTMAS” in my rear-view mirror.
7) So I guess what’s left for me to do but just wait?  Oh but what’s this, you’ve updated your website…Ok at least you’ve clarified the dates more, I can expect my controller my latest first week of January.  But now as a “token of our appreciation” to all your “loyal customers” (you mean like customers who put up cash for you hold an use?) you’re giving a $10 coupon.  Let me get this straight…so you held my money interest free for 2 months to help bring this product to market, and now some new customer can place an order and pay $10 less than what I paid?  You have financially penalized me in two ways for being a “LOYAL CUSTOMER.”

I’m SURE you’re getting tons of other inquiries and I’m sure you’re not enjoying the fact that your product is not out when you wanted it to be.  I and everyone else understands that “sh*t happens,” but if you want us to be understanding of that, then you need to keep us in the loop.  You’ve already set yourself up for failure by making explicit promises that aren’t even “likely” given that the design and manufacturing are still be refined.  Then you make sure you’re going to fail by actually taking all of our money, Not just a little bit….THE WHOLE F*CKIN BEEFALO.  Why wouldn’t we trust that you’re going to deliver our merchandise on time?  Besides…it’s based off an existing product so how hard can it be?  Well as your youtube video shows, making any consumer device is hard and requires many iterations and improvements.  But I’m not going to apologize for holding your feet to the fire.  You created these expectations by acting like the release was already a done deal and by hiding the fact that it was faaaar from it.

I want my two n-controllers.  I 1) PAID FOR THEM   2) WAITED   3) DEALT WITH YOUR UNHELPFUL ASS.  I also didn’t want to feel like my trust and loyalty as a customer was being abused and then actually punished in comparison to other customers.  But I guess we can’t have it all… so right now I’ll settle for getting my merchandise and hopefully never having to deal with you again.  I’ve spent enough time writing this email which I hope you gain some insight from.  If you actually do want to screw me over by not fulfilling my order, then I assure you be hearing more from me or people representing me.

You show a surprising lack of business polish for someone who’s quite established, AND an lack of awareness of your customer base: Hardcore gamers.  We’re a demanding, vocal customer but the flip side is we’re loyal and eager to spend.  It’s lucky for you that I really want this product because it seems really deliver on making the gaming experience more effective and enjoyable.  Hell, I want to combine the aventer-controller with the xtend play to make the ugliest, most comfortable, most awesome controller ever.  And I’ll still buy the xtend, so let that be a testament to your products, the rise above your poor representation.

-DAVE with a V

p.s. You look really douchy be having one youtube video complaining about the noise of traffic next to your home and then another video showing off your obnoxiously loud rice rocket (which is nice, I gotta hand it ya).

p.p.s. Welcome to the internet, bitch.  That’s how I roll.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 26, 2011 2:19 PM

LOL Thanks for the Free PR I know the Editor N Chief of Kotaku , IGN , Engadget I’ll be meeting them at CES .The noise complaint was for people high up on the food chain in a corporate world of real estate you have no clue about.  Thanks for the Rice Rocket Compliment too love me some motorcycle . Send that over to Engadget you look like a complete moron swearing and sending your customer service complaints to a magazine as if they will post it or even pay attention do you think you’re the first or the last what are they going to do demand us to tell you were your shipment is or ask for a refund on your behalf … Really … Welcome to the Internet ? Son Im 38 I wwebsite as on the internet when you were a sperm in your daddys balls and before it was the internet, thanks for the welcome to message wurd up.  Grow up you look like a complete child bro. I Don’t have my controller so im gonna cry to the world … Really ?? Hey take that free time and do something more productive. All you had to do was check the like everyone else , people have inquired but you’re the douchiest of them all J

To all our pre-order customers looking for information on the status of their orders after a busy couple of months The PS3 Avengers are on their way from our Manufacturing plant overseas. We are aware that everyone is anticipating having their Avengers under their Christmas Tree and were doing our best to get these orders shipped out as fast as possible. We appreciate you as loyal customers and for supporting our company. Customers will start receiving their products this week before Christmas and After Christmas and into the New Year. As a token of our appreciation we are offering all our pre-order customers and new customers 10$ off your next order with us just enter Avenger1001 at Checkout. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Oh and FYI When a street date gets pushed by a publisher on a video game you pre ordered do you cry to them too ?

You just got told bitch … welcome to the real internet check kotaku in 2 weeks when they are reviewing free PS3 Avengers we send them as well as G4 and all the other majors hell yeah , don’t forget to check Amazon, gamestop.com, play n trade , Myers , Frys and a ton of other local stores coming your way you think you speak for billions son your just a kid you speak for yourself no one cares what you think that’s why were growing and moving 20-50 thousand controllers a month. We do value our customers but sometimes we get children like you we just have to put you in the corner with your im stupid hat on. See you at CES , E3 , Pax East ….? Oh wait you have to ask mom and pa dukes your not an industry professional and you have no money on snap you just got told.

Blast: If you’re going to namedrop, make sure you know what you’re talking about. At this point Penny Arcade steps in and things get funny.

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Dave, Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:45 PM

Holy shit this is unbelievable. Dave, if this guy has a booth at Pax east we will cancel it.

From: Dave
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:53 PM

Hey thanks Mike.  It’s truly a shame because I think this device is great for gamers with disabilities and problems.  I think of Child’s Play and if anyone’s gonna need greater accessibility when using complicated gamepads…it’s sick kids!  Shit man, I’m really gonna feel bad if I think that sick children may somewhere down the line have fewer avenger controllers because I got into a pissing match with a sad old man.  Please don’t cancel their booth on my account.  As much as I hate this asshole, I still WANT his product and think it should be out there.  GAH, I wish I was in a position to make a competing product to really stick it to guy.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:54 PM

Hey Mikey,

We’re not renting a booth at pax east this year , bigger and better shows to be at we got nothing from the show . Oh so you know this guy has sold over 500 thousand dollars of product in Dec and is my main distribution arm landing us in GameStop , fry’s , Myers , Best buy , Activision , MLG , play N trade and a lot more . Were in 6 countries and you’re not going to take my money for a booth that’s a crock I can guarantee I’ll get a booth if I want one money buys a lot and connections go even further.  He’s a native Bostonian from Little Italy . Who are you again ?

Oh Teh Noes!

-Gabe

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:08 PM

I am mike krahulik, Pax is my show. Feel free to google me=) I can promise you that you will never have space at any future Pax event.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:33 PM

OK Mike whatever you say lol , are you sure hour not in Boston I spoke to the person who ran the show in Boston last year. If you let some little kid influence you over a pre order then we don’t want to be a your show ,Ill be on the floor anyway so come find me , I’m born and raised in Boston I know the people who run the city inside and out watch the way you talk to people you never know who they know it’s a small industry and everyone knows everyone. Your acting like a douchbag not that it matters pax east pax west , e3 , CES , Gamer Con , SSXW ,Comic Con, Germany I’m all over the place. If we want to be there we will be there with industry badges or with a booth you think I can’t team up with turtle beach , Callibur or Koy Christmas , I can’t get Kevin Kelly to pull some strings or G4 , Paul Eibler Ex CEO of take 2 ,  Rich Larocco Konami , Cliff Blizinski Epic who were working with on a gears version , Activision who were working with on a MW3 and Spider man Bundle , The Convention Center Owners themselves , Mayor of Boston come on Bud you run a show that’s all you do and lease a center in Cities you have no pull in its all about who you know not what you do.  I’ll see space where ever I want , with who I want when I want and where I want so many ways around you and so many connections in this industry its silly. Anyway , I have no issue with you Sean Buckley Engadget, Scott Lowe IGN and the list goes on and on. Little kids unhappy with a PRE ORDER starting trouble and you email that to us , he’s a customer unless you’re his boyfriend then you should side with the company not the customer. Be Careful

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:40 PM

I do run Pax, but I also run a website called penny arcade. It’s kinda popular.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:41 PM

Love penny Arcade !!

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:42 PM

I’m glad you like it! You will be on it tomorrow:)

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Great !! Love PR

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Mike I’m not trying to fight with you I’m really not , you should give me the benefit of the doubt before judging over one person’s bitching . Did I feed into his emails a little bit too much yeah ok . But it’s one person dude for real. No disrespect intended for you , My name is good in this industry and I know a lot of people. I’ll be at CES are you going ?

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:47 PM

Please remove me from this mailing list

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:57 PM

Your spamming me you’re not on a mailing list you idiot ! You sent me an email remember . Make sure you stir up a lot of controversy about us the more the better we needed some drama gets good blood flow going about the new product launch .  Your sites amateur at best my son could put together a better site than yours and you run PAX ?? Wow , Ill put my marketing team on a smear campaign of you and your site and your emails , I have about 125 dedicated people to run PR , Blogs , Articles , Videos you have no clue who I am . Thanks again

Blast:  The PR rep has apparently lost his job, and good has triumphed over douchery. Let it be known kids, even in this day of video chat and other modern marvels, the golden rule still holds true: don’t be a dick.

Hey, remember Prey? The 2006 shooter that featured Tommy, a native American mechanic turned bad ass alien killer? If you don’t, it’s not a problem, as Bethesda has officially announced that the game’s long anticipate sequel will hit stores in 2012 — just don’t expect it to resemble the original game much.

Reports are that Tommy is long gone from Prey 2 in favor of the character seen blasting off at the end of the original game. Apparently he’s a bounty hunter. Pretty bad ass.

Bethesda is working directly with Human Head games, the studio that created the original Prey to helm the sequel, and the team couldn’t be more excited.

“We are thrilled to be working with Bethesda on Prey 2,” said Chris Rhinehart, project lead. “Prey 2 will provide gamers the opportunity to explore a new facet of the Preyuniverse, one that offers fast-paced action in an open, alien world. We’re excited to show gamers the title we have been working on and hope they will be as excited by this title as we are.”

Further details on Prey 2 are to be revealed in the next issue of Official Xbox Magazine.

It is Friday. And that means that the next few days are ones of freedom and relaxation (unless you work weekends, and in that case, I am sorry). For all you “budget conscious” people out there, the weekend is also a time of conflict. You want to hang out with people, but the usual “dinner and movie” plan will, in all likelihood, annihilate your budget. Fifty bucks down the road, all you’ll have to show for your good time is a full (or in my case, aching) stomach and a tattered movie stub.

Do you want more from your weekend? If you answered, “Yes” then read on! (Am I starting to sound like an infomercial? If so, mission accomplished!)

Twister

Rule #1: Pick a game (or two) appropriate to the size of the gathering. For 4–6 players you can go ahead and pick something with more complex rules or involved thinking.

Suggestions: In a Pickle, Last Word, Scattergories, Apples to Apples, The Game of Things or even go “old-fashioned” and play a card game (Nertz is a great choice among good friends).

I‘ve played all of these in a Game Night setting to varying degrees of success. WARNING: When tried with more than 10 people, these games will become trying and boring to most. So make sure you follow my advice OR ELSE. Also games that require knowledge about the other players (Imaginiff, I’m talking to you) aren’t very fun if you are playing with a new group. Again, consider your audience, and you will be fine.

For 6 or more players, Catch Phrase is my favorite way to fly. But I’ve also played Buzz Word or Taboo with a larger group and had a great time. Bottom line, the game needs to be easy to understand. Bonus points for one that involves shouting out answers which will maximize participation.

Rule#2: Decide that winning is far less important than getting to know people.

Please don’t be ultra-competitive at Game Night! Nobody wants to be or play with “that guy/girl.” Friendly banter: yes. Battle of the sexes: perfect. Making everyone uncomfortable as you punch your best friend and shout, “You’re going down, you idiot!” Not allowed. Get the picture?

The idea is to have fun. You can keep score for bragging rights, but just make sure that no one is getting emotionally invested in the results or else mayhem will ensue.

Rule#3: Provide great snacks.

This is where a small cost may come into play. However, you can still go cheap. Most people will be impressed with baked goods and an assortment of drinks. A game night at my house would most likely include brownies or cookies (or both, if I’m feeling generous). I might even throw in some chips and salsa/cheese dip/guacamole for those (weirdos) who enjoy salty snacks more. Play to your talents. In my experience even slice-and-bake cookies will kill. You could even ask people to bring stuff and create a mini-potluck. The sky is the limit, my friend. Remember, no food won’t ruin game night, but cookies will make it that much more fun.

I hope I’ve inspired you to try your hand at hosting a game night. It really is a great way to spend time with people without spending your future children’s college funds.

Come back here on Monday to find out how to stretch your dollar the most when it comes to groceries — I’ll tell you how menu planning can be your friend! Comment below if there are any budget questions YOU want to Ask Alexis, Blast’s very own budget expert.

Rockstar Games’ upcoming Wild West action/adventure game, “Red Dead: Redemption” got its finalized box art style today and it’s a menacing beast.

The cover shows main character John Marston, wielding some sort of double barreled shotgun with rallying horses and a flag draped across the background; kickass.

Red Dead: Redemption comes to PS3 and Xbox 360 May 18.

Women are starting to beat men at video games.

It’s not something you hear very often, but it is now a rising fact in the video game industry. Women have been rising in the “extreme gamer” category by 5 percent over each of the last two years.

Walk into any GameStop of EB Games and you will see more women on the demo’s than guys lately, and men are not sure what to think.

"Its surprising to see a girl rock out on games as good as guys can," said video game player Nick, who declined to give his last name. "But damn, they’re getting really good!"

As an avid gamer, and a woman, I took on gamer Nick at a fighting game. We were evenly matched, and Nick gained a greater respect for women in the gaming world.

"I have to giver her props, man,” he said. “thought girls only liked to play those model games and fashion games.”

Well that is far from the truth. Other ladies in the store listed their favorite games. We’ve got: Prince of Persia, Resident Evil 4, Final Fantasy 7 and 8, Legend of Zelda, Ninja Gaiden, and many, many more. So don’t be alarmed when you here a woman request God of War or another hack-n-slasher. We girls got game.

One of the most exciting titles headed to the PSP this year has got to be Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. The first gameplay trailer was posted by konami on youtube yesterday. There is some pretty rad stuff shown in this trailer, especially the Dark Knight-esque parachute used to airlift incapacitated enemies out of the combat zone called the Fulton Recovery Device. You also have an invisibility blanket, a scanner for disabled bodies and a slew of tranq darts.

The storyline for Peace Walker bridges the gap between MGS3 and MGS, if that makes sense. The chronology goes MGS3, Portable Ops, MG, MG2, MGSolid, MGSolid2, MGSolid4.

The point is that this time you play as Big Boss, and there’s like an army of Snake clones that can play the game with you via online co-op (up to 4). You’ll play through what happens between MGS3 Snake Eater, and the original Metal Gear.  This one is personally directed by Kojima as well.

After watching the trailer, you’re likely to move this one to your must-buy list. No matter how corny it gets, there’s just always something special about Metal Gear. Peace Walker is available May 25th in the US…

Less than a week after Apple introduced the world to the iPad, Microsoft unveiled a much less revolutionary product, albeit one that could have major implications for PC gamers. Many gamers are plagued by ghosting, a visual problem that occurs when the pixels on their monitor cannot switch on and off fast enough to keep up with the action in their game and controls, preventing them from seeing critical pieces of the game or having them obstructed by older images.

This source of aggravation for PC gamers could be a thing of the past with Microsoft’s new gaming keyboard, the SideWinder X4, which, according to Microsoft’s accompanying press release, possesses "the industry’s most advanced anti-ghosting technology." The keyboard could save millions of frustrated PC gamers from throwing away their old monitor or smashing it into oblivion in favor of a much more expensive alternative.

Developed by Microsoft’s Applied Science’s Group, which worked on the Xbox 360, the keyboard’s anti-ghosting technology allows gamers to press up to 26 keys at once without incident because the keyboard’s advanced hardware detects each keystroke individually. By comparison, the standard keyboard utilizes row and column wires that react to each other when pressed, which is fine for typing usage but leaves much room for error when complex key combinations necessary for PC gaming are administered. This allows fast-fingered gamers to execute complex commands without fear of ghosting, providing a truer gaming experience.

The keyboard’s macro recording feature will also be important to the PC gamer, allowing them to program a string of keystrokes into one key, and to repeat these combinations as quickly as possible. That’s right, Street Fighter IV fans. Now you can unleash as many of Abel’s Ultra Head Twirl Throw as your heart desires (better in a game than at your little sister). The SideWinder X4 also features adjustable backlighting and "mode and profile switching", allowing users to customize keyboard commands between games and each other. Aesthetically, the keyboard is jet black with blood red backlighting, making the SideWinder X4 look a lot like the official keyboard of Satan or Jack Bauer (Diablo fans rejoice!). Microsoft’s SideWinder X4 will be released in March 2010 for $59.95, a reasonable price given it’s anti-ghosting technology, and even more so because PC gamers will have saved money by not having a significant other to spend on for Valentine’s day (I jest, I jest).

There are two big names in professional baseball simulators; The Show and MLB2K, both of which afford users a truly-great baseball experience, but as competing franchises, one will always try to one-up the other.

This year, MLB 2K10 might have that edge. The game will give $1,000,000 to the first to throw a perfect game and with its new pitching mechanic and over-the-top gorgeous presentation, 2K10 will look to steal some of The Show’s thunder this year.

Released today are 15 new shots from the game showing off the game’s new mechanics and how darn pretty it looks.

Click each image in the gallery to make larger and more wallpaper-ready.

MLB 2K10 releases for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii March 2.

Apple unleashed its revolutionary new device today, the iPad, at a press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco. Apple CEO Steve Jobs called the iPad,"our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device, at an unbelievable price. We think this is going to be a really great combination." The tablet, which ranges in price from $499, $599, and $699 for the 16GB, 32GB, 64GB WIFI-only models respectively, to $629, $729, and $829 for the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB 3G and WIFI models respectively, is what Apple perceives to be a third category product in between a smartphone and a laptop.

Aside from the ill-conceived name, which sounds closer to a feminine hygiene product than a state-of-the-art technological breakthrough (I personally favored the name iSlate), the iPad is downright cool. Only half an inch thick and weighing a pound and half, the 9.7-inch multitouch display is stunning and futuristic, looking like the iPhone on crack. There is also no correct way to hold the iPad; it adjusts itself to how the user is holding it. It runs on Apple’s own A4 chip, which Jobs said in the press conference is so fast it "screams." The iPad is a web-browser, an e-book reader (Apple unveiled an e-book application and store called iBooks), a gaming device, a productivity tool, an HD video player, a map and an e-mail client (complete with on-screen QWERTY keyboard and two pane interface). It can run apps out of the box in iPhone size or can be blown up to fill the iPad’s screen. Apple has also announced the iPad SDK platform, which will allow developers to create apps especially for the iPad. The iPad sports a 10-hour battery life, and can be on standby for more than a month. Jobs claimed in the conference that he could watch video on the iPad for an entire flight from San Francisco to Tokyo.

One noticeable feature missing is a camera, but many would gladly trade this feature for the ability to put any SIM card from any carrier into the iPad. Apple also introduced AT&T 3G plans for the iPad, starting at $14.99 for 250MB per month, or $29.99 for unlimited monthly usage. These plans are pre-paid, so iPad owners will not have to deal with the hassle of a contract, and owners can simply choose to use WIFI, especially if they have a WIFI card already.

One has to wonder if the low price is an effort to generate more revenue from content (iTunes store, App Store, and now the iBooks store). The iPad’s inception also affects two products specifically; the MacBook Air (which, with the iPad’s new keyboard dock, is now effectively dead) and e-book readers such as the Kindle and Nook. The iPad benefits from how closed the content on these e-book readers are in that the iPad can already do more than these products will ever be able to do. Some may point to the difference in price (the cheapest iPad is $499 and a Kindle is $259) as a reason that the Kindle and other e-book readers might still live on as is, but I think many people will spend the extra $240 for all the extra features.

Apple also introduced iWork for the iPad, a suite of productivity applications including Keynote and Pages, making the iPad a fully functional tool for anyone who needs to work on business or personal projects on the go.

However, the question remains, is there truly a need for a third category? As Jobs said in his closing remarks, "Do we have what it takes to establish a third category of products? An awesome product between the laptop and the smartphone. The bar is pretty high." Is Apple wondering this, possibly a reason for the iPad being priced at half what many pundits believed it would be? It is unfair to compare the iPad to netbooks, but isn’t a netbook essentially the middle ground between a phone and a laptop? And netbooks haven’t exactly taken off, because although more convenient, it’s money that the average consumer, especially in this economy, just doesn’t need to spend if they have a laptop. But then again, we’re talking about Apple. The company whose name is synonymous with technical innovation has released a new product that goes beyond the boundaries of any product on the market by far. No doubt, countless consumers will line up and gladly shell out $499 to $829 for their own iPad.

Will you?

The days are getting cold, but the heat of winter gaming, as Nintendo wants us to believe, is just beginning to warm up.

The company today detailed its early 2010 software release plans today, and the most exciting releases are few and far between but include Pokemon remakes, a download only Mega Man 10, Ubisoft’s No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle, No More Heroes 2 and Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom for Wii.

Call me crazy, I don’t care, but this list looks entirely underwhelming.

Wii

2K Sports
Major League Baseball 2K10 – March

Activision
How To Train Your Dragon – March 23

The American Game Factory, Inc.
Build-A-Bear Workshop — Friendship Valley – March 17

Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Shiren the Wanderer – February 9

Capcom
TATSUNOKO VS. CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL-STARS – January 26

City Interactive USA
Combat Wings: The Great Battles of WWII – February 16
Chicken Riot – February 9

Collision Studios
City Builder – February

D3Publisher
Family Party: 30 Great Games Winter Fun – February

Deep Silver, Inc.
Let’s Play Ballerina – March
Let’s Play Garden – March

Disney Interactive Studios
Alice in Wonderland – March

Hudson Entertainment
Rooms: The Main Building – Spring
Calling – Spring
Walk it Out – January 10

Konami
Yu Gi Oh! Duel Trancer – Q1
DanceDanceRevolution – Q1

Majesco Entertainment
Data East Arcade Classics – January
The Daring Game of Girls – February
Pizza Delivery Boy – March

Nintendo
Endless Ocean: Blue World – February 22

SEGA of America
Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll – February 9
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing – March

SouthPeak Games
Sled Shred featuring the Jamaican Bobsled Team – February 1

Storm City Entertainment
Fast Food Panic – January 5
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral – February

UFO Interactive Games, Inc.
Arcade Shooter: Ilvelo – Q1
Rock Blast – Q1
Jaja’s Adventure – Q1

Ubisoft
No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle – Late January
Sleepover Party – January 12
Racquet Sports – March
Red Steel 2 – Q1

XSEED Games
The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces – January 5
FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON – March 16

WiiWare

Akaoni Studio S.L.
Zombie Panic in Wonderland – Q1

Broken Rules
And Yet It Moves – Q1

Capcom
Phoenix Wright:Ace Attorney – January
Mega Man 10 – March

Ghostfire Games
Rage of the Gladiator – Q1

Hudson Entertainment
Military Madness: Nectaris – Q1

Nabi Studios
Toribash – Q1

Nintendo
WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase – Q1

Press Play ApS
Max & the Magic Marker – Q1

Team Meat
Super Meat Boy – Q1

Nintendo DS/Nintendo DSi

2K Sports
Major League Baseball 2K10 – March

Activision
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Feb. 2
How To Train Your Dragon – March 23

Aksys Games
World Cup of Pool – Feb. 9

The American Game Factory, Inc.
Build-A-Bear Workshop – Welcome to Hugsville – March 17

Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey – March 10

Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth – Feb. 16

City Interactive USA
Animal Country: Life on the Farm – Feb. 16
Art of Murder – March 16

Deep Silver, Inc.
Let’s Play Flight Attendant – March
Let’s Play Ballerina – March
Let’s Play Garden – March

Disney Interactive Studios
Sonny With a Chance – Spring
Alice in Wonderland – March

GameMill Publishing
Escape the Museum – Jan. 12
Hidden Mysteries: Buckingham Palace – Feb. 9

Hudson Entertainment
Rooms: The Main Building – Spring
DECA SPORTS – Spring

Konami
Scene It! Twilight – Q1
Puzzle Chronicles – Jan. 10

Majesco Entertainment
Super Speed Machines – February
The Daring Game for Girls – February
Dawn of Heroes – February
ATV Revolution – March

Nintendo
Glory of Heracles – Jan. 18
Pok©mon HeartGold Version and Pok©mon SoulSilver Version – March 14
WarioWare: D.I.Y. – March 28
America’s Test Kitchen: Let’s Get Cooking – March 28

Natsume Inc.
Squishy Tank – February
Cheer We Go! – March

PopCap Games
Bejeweled Twist – Q1

SEGA of America
Sands of Destruction – Jan. 12
Infinite Space – March
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing – March
Sonic Classic Collectionâ„¢ – Spring

SouthPeak Games
Crime Scene – Feb. 1
Dementium II – Feb. 2
Fast Food Panic – Jan. 5
Sushi Go Round – Feb. 1
Montessori Music – March 1

Storm City Entertainment
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral – February
Myst – February
ATV Quad Kings – March
T.A.C Heroes: The Big Red One – March

TECMO
Monster Rancher DS – March
AGAIN – March

Telegames, Inc.
Puzzle Overload -Spring
Solitaire Overload Plus – Spring

THQ
Daniel X: The Ultimate Power – Jan. 12

Tomy Corporation
Lovely Lisa and Friends (enhanced Nintendo DSi content) – February

Ubisoft
Imagine Reporter – Jan. 20
Imagine Party Planner – Jan. 13
Imagine Sweet 16 – Feb. 10
Imagine Gymnast – March 10

XSEED Games
KORG DS-10 Plus – Jan. 19
Ragnarok DS – Feb. 16

Nintendo DSiWare

EA
Downtown Texas Hold’em Poker – Q1
Surviving High School – Q1

Gameloft
Legends of Exidia – Q1
Let’s Golf – Q1
Real Soccer 2010 – Q1
Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A. – Q1

Nintendo
Trajectile – Jan. 4
Number Battle – Jan. 25
Starship Defense – Jan. 18
Touch Solitaire – Jan. 11
X-Scape – February
Link ‘n’ Launch – February

Subatomic Studios
Fieldrunners – Q1

WayForward
Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Q1

If you’re a PC gamer and prefer to purchase your goods digitally you’re likely already well aware of the deep catalogue of games available on Steam, the leading digital warehouse, and the service added 6 new Electronic Arts titles to its ranks today.

The titles are Need for Speed: SHIFT, Battlefield 2: Complete Collection, Medal of Honor: Airborne, Godfather, Godfather 2, and Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, and are all available right now.

After the addition of today’s half-dozen, the total number of EA games on Steam jumps up to 20 in the price range of between $10 and $50.

Steam Games via Kotaku

I love competition. Most sports fans do and so when fantasy was conceived most sports fans‚ saw their‚ wildest dreams answered. I have never played fantasy before (although next year I’m definitely getting in a football league), but last baseball season I used to play Beat the Streak on MLB.com.

The premise is simple. Each day you pick a player that you think will have a hit that day. The site shows you the pitching/hitting match up and you choose who, it can be any player in the league, you think will produce a hit. One hit- that’s all you need. The next day you do the same thing. You can pick a different player everyday if you want. There is really no restrictions to who you pick, just that you have to pick someone. Your streak continues until the player you selected doesn’t produce a hit and then your streak ends and you start all over again. The objective is to have a streak of 57 games. The MLB hit streak was set in 1941 and is 56 games.

It may seem easy, but trust me folks- it isn’t. There are all different strategies to try: riding a hot player, basing it on who is pitching that day, where the game is being played, etc. There is always something that causes your streak to combust. It can be frustrating and addicting. Plus who doesn’t want to win a million dollars?

Well, it’s not quite baseball season yet, although spring training is looming, so today I decided to start playing ESPN’s Streak for the Cash. It is the same concept except there are random games with random questions asked. Will this player score more than this player? Who will score first? You start building a streak and with the goal of a 27 pick streak by the end of March.

The whole thing seems like it was stolen a bit from MLB.com, which I believe offered their version before ESPN came out with theirs, but fun nonetheless. I like the fact that it features many sports situations and you don’t have to play every day-you can pick and choose as you please.

So here I go. Wish me luck! Let me know- have you played before? What is your highest streak?

Recently, I had the chance to write the Boston Globe’s 2008 video game and video game accessories gift guides.

Building off that, here is my list of the top 10 video games of 2008.

11. The Honorable Mentions:

Mega Man IX — Platformer

(PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii) Ladies, want to buy your 20-something man a gift that will make him giggle like an eighth grader? Spend 10 bucks on Mega Man 9, a new take on the hyper-challenging classic video game that requires quick reflexes to battle a horde of evil robots and their sinister master.

AND — Final Fantasy IV for DS, Call of Duty: World at War, de Blob for Wii

10. The Witcher Enhanced Edition — RPG

(PC) This Atari title’s beautiful visuals and compelling supernatural story will remind you why you love to play computer games. The Enhanced Edition builds in an already good game, making it a great game.

9. N+ — Platformer

(DS, PSP) Atari had a hell of a year. N+ is a sickly addictive, graphically simple platformer where you do what good platforming good guys do — jump around and collect gold.

8. Resistance 2 — Action

(PlayStation 3) This might be the best multiplayer game on the list, with as many as 60 players getting together online and shooting the bejesus out of anything that moves. There is also a gripping alternate history storyline.

Resistance 2 also boasts the best trailer.

7. Dead Space — Action

(PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC) Electronic Arts stepped way out of its comfort zone of sports games and The Sims to put together a haunting sci-fi action game that will suck you in until you’re completely addicted.

Bottom line: EA’s balls dropped this year, and they put out some sick games that are better than 18 or the last 19 Maddens.

6. Guitar Hero: World Tour — Music

(PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii) This is comparable to the first Rock Band, with players jamming on drums, guitars, and a microphone. There’s one important difference, though: With Guitar Hero: World Tour, you can compose your own songs.

Activision finally made a music game that’s as good as Rock Band, a year later. The jury is still out on the studio mode. I’m just waiting for them to put out a Rammstein track pack so I can relive high school.

5. LittleBigPlanet — Platformer

(PlayStation 3, PSP) Users create downloadable content for this game, in which you guide players called Sackboys through a variety of levels and tasks.

Xbox 360 may be killing PS3 in sales again, but PlayStation has the most best games.

4. Fable II — RPG

(Xbox 360) This cerebral game starts with a magic box that grants wishes to your character – who begins as a poverty-stricken orphan and grows up to be whoever you want him to be – good or evil, even straight or gay.

Ok, here’s where I swallow hard, because we’re at #3 and it’s an Xbox exclusive. Fable II is also one of our highest rated games.

3. Rock Band 2 — Music

(PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Wii) It looks, feels, and plays a lot like the original Rock Band, the four-player phenomenon with guitar, bass, drum, and microphone. But Rock Band 2 has more than 80 new songs and plenty more available to purchase, plus an 18-song AC/DC concert you can buy or download.

2. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots — Action

(PlayStation 3) The only argument I might find here is that it’s not #1, which GameSpot may insist on. They gave it a perfect 10/10.

1. Fallout 3 — Action/RPG

As my review said, not only is Fallout 3 the best game o f the year, but it’s one of the best games ever made. Blast’s Best Game of E3 is also Blast’s Best Game of 2008. Fallout 3 is the best game of 2008, and may not be beat for a long time.

Aftermath

Missing Wii-only games? Yeah. We are. And it’s not just because I said Wii would fail back in 2006. You can make the case for Mario Kart, and you can argue Brawl into the mix, but 2008 was a disaster for the Wii. Nintendo also did a belly flop at E3, and we were there to see it. Funny thing is that 2007 was huge for Wii, 2008 was a write-off, and 2009 might be another huge year if the Motion Plus takes off, and I do like the Motion Plus.

Leave it to a Swede to think completely outside the box.

You’ll see this if you’re attending the the Games Convention in Leipzig, but for the gaming denizens who won’t be able to make it to Germany, you should know about the jDome.

“The jDome is a half-spherical rear projection system which immerses the gamer inside the game world,” says John Nilsson, the “J” behind the jDome. “Combining the jDome with off-the-shelf hardware
and software, the jDome gives a low cost Omnimax-like gaming experience at home.”

This is an amazingly simple concept — but someone just had to think it up!

The idea is to immerse the gamer and make you turn your head and interact rather than just stare at a comparatively small monitor.

If you are going to Leipzig, make sure you check this out!

There are some kinks to be worked out, like a $6,000 price tag and the assumption that you’ll be standing while gaming, as Engadget explains, but it still gets points for the cool factor.

More information can be found at http://www.jdome.com

Deep Silver, Inc has released their game lineup for the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit for both PC and consoles. Although Deep Silver publishes games for all platforms, this year their big console releases are solely for the Nintendo DS and Wii.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is a survival first-person shooter game released for the PC based on an alternate scenario of 1986′s nuclear reactor incident in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union. Clear Sky is the official prequel to 2007′s S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, released by GSC Game World studio. The prequel introduces an alternative look onto the events of the original game and allows the player to be a mercenary stalker in search of his own path. The game is expected to be released worldwide on August 29, 2008.

The PC-hit Secret Files: Tunguska was released for the Nintendo DS and Wii in May. Secret Files was the most successful adventure game of 2006, Deep Silver said in a recent press release. The game delves into the mystery of Tunguska where, in 1908, a massive explosion of unknown origin triggered a flaming inferno caused massive amounts of death and destruction. Players follow a kidnappers’ trail through ancient secret passageways in Irish castle ruins, through the flickering heat of Cuba, and aboard the legendary Trans-Siberian Railroad to discover the truth behind the catastrophe.

On December 31, 2008, Deep Silver will release Gravity simultaneously for the DS and Wii. As a puzzle game, it has over 100 levels that can be completed in multiple ways, plus 10 “sandbox” levels and a custom-level editor, allowing for hours of replayability.

Pet Vet: Down Under for the Nintendo DS uses the stylus functionality to allow players to interact with six different Australian animals as a veterinarian. The game’s target audience is young children. It contains extensive information about Australia and its wildlife, which players can read in order to treat the animals and successfully grow their veterinarian business.
Deep Silver develops and publishes interactive games for all platforms. Working with its various partners, their products are designed to appeal equally to all video game lovers.

Since 2003, Deep Silver has published about 40 games. Their internal development studio, Deep Silver Vienna, opened in 2007.

Due out July 15, EA Sports’ NCAA Football 09 will feature Cal’s DeSean Jackson and West Virginia’s Owen Schmitt on the covers. Jackson will appear on the PlayStation 2 version, while Schmitt will be featured on the cover of the PSP game.

Jackson was drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles. Schmitt was tagged by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth.

If you ask Gametap, they’ll give you a great variety of video games parents can play with their children. Including Lego Star Wars and other Nintendo DS games — which is odd considering that would require both the parent and the child to have their own Nintendo DS.

They are also quick to warn parents against violence and swearing in video games.

We’re just going to list the best fucking games. K? Thanks.

Blast’s top five PlayStation 3 games of 2007

5. Assassin’s Creed

It didn’t live up to expectations, but it’s visually stunning and shows what’s possible. Hopefully someone will take the concept and make better game from it.

4. MotorStorm
This one came out early in the year and it’s emerged as one of the top PS3 games out there — it even comes with the system at a lot of stores.

From our March 1 review: "We wanted to harness the power of the PS3," said Nigel Kershaw, lead game designer for Evolution Studios, the game’s developer. "PS3 is a very very very powerful machine. We had to learn its power and what it could do."

3. Rock Band and Guitar Hero III
It’s a tie. You’ll never have a better time not actually playing the guitar.

2. Heavenly Sword
Chick swings swords. Kills. Hot.

1. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
The best game on the PlayStation 3 so far. With the recent game releases, we have to hope there’s a ton more like this in store for 2008.

Biggest letdown: Lair.
Best PlayStation 2 game: God of War 2

Blast’s top five Xbox 360 games of 2007

5. Bioshock
September 3 review: “The world is Rapture, an underwater paradise created to avoid the problems with the world above the ocean line. Free of political influence and censorship, it should have been perfect. By the time the player arrives, it’s in disarray. Burning, leaking, and filled with psychotic inhabitants, the secrets of this once perfect civilization are breathtaking in their depth.”

It may seem odd to find this at the bottom of the list, but there’s a lot of competition.

4. The Orange Box.

3. Oblivion
I’m personally not a fan, and I love RPG’s. But I felt, on the PC at least, that Gothic 3 had better controls. For the 360, however, Oblivion reigns supreme.

2. Halo 3
It’s awesome.

1. Gears of War
Gears of War is hard, but it’s the epitomal Xbox 360 action game and one of the best ever.

Biggest letdown: Phantasy Star Universe. Someone needs to be arrested for assault or rape or something because they’ve completely ruined one of the best RPG’s ever.

Blast’s top five Nintendo Wii games of 2007

5. Super Mario Brothers (NES)
Yeah so we’ve all been playing it on Emulators for years, but it’s good to see it back in the mainstream. Still waitin for Mario 3…

4. Zelda
You can play all of them…but the one made for the Wii is pretty good too.

3. WarioWare: Smooth Moves
It’s how we all learned how to use the Wiimote.

2. Wii Sports
It was free. It came with your Wii. You play it more than any other game.

1. Super Mario Galaxy
From our upcoming review: Mario is once again trying out a new career field — one not only entertaining and addictive but which should prove to stand the test of time as one of Mario’s greatest adventures ever.

Biggest letdown: Super Paper Mario. I don’t care if Gamespot gave it an 8.8. It wasn’t an RPG. The story sucked. It was schmultzy even by those standards. Flipping was cool though…

Best multiplayer games

5. Carnival Games (Wii)
The most underrated game of the year. This low-budget Wii title got terrible reviews from the major players in video game journalism.

But have a few beers (or smoke’em if you got’em), have some friends over and tell me this isn’t totally frigging awesome.

4. Kane and Lynch: Dead Men
What GameTap said: If you’re worried about your kids being exposed to violence, rough language, and suggestive themes, these are games you will absolutely want to avoid

This game makes my top five multiplayer list because it’s the most amount of times anyone’s ever said “fuck” in a video game. The multiplayer is hard and some of the maneuvers are tricky, but once you get used to it, this one is very entertaining. “Fragile Alliance” multiplayer mode is innovative also — you have to rob a bank and you can choose to be loyal to your friends or kill them and take the loot yourself.

3. Madden 2008
It’s still fun to compete as your favorite teams — and Madden lets you pick up and go in two minutes.

2. Rock Band
Sure you have to get four people together all the time to make it really work…so?

1. Halo 3
Still the best time you can have shooting short, stupid aliens.