10.0
GotY Awards 2010 – Best Action/Adventure Game
Amnesia: The Dark Descent - As you may already know, no game has freaked me out more than Amnesia did. As you may have also heard, my search for a genuinely scary game started and ended with Amnesia. Voice acting was a little hokey, and the story telling wasn’t great either (unless you were willing to sit and read everything presented to you, which you really should). But man, the simple gameplay combined with the atmosphere, great sound design, and the game’s ability to make you say ‘Shit! I want to go home, I want to go home, I want to go home!’ out loud make Amnesia a sweet, sweet game. If you’ve got a Steam account, and haven’t bought this game, then you’ve missed out on it being incredibly cheap; and shame on you for being that stupid! If you’re thinking you don’t have the balls to play this game, then please, give it a try. Just take a deep breath, and play. Just remember to play it in the dark with a good set of headphones, like the game suggests. Also, don’t fight. Run.
And in Close Second…
Bayonetta – This is another game that you could argue, if you know me, that I really haven’t played enough of. But all the awesome craziness I’ve seen so far, as well as slick graphics, tight gameplay, and yeah, craziness, Bayonetta is a great game. I’ll also admit that if I hadn’t only picked up a copy of Red Dead Redemption yesterday, then I would have probably give this award to that game, as I’m picking up a good vibe from that game so far. But don’t misinterpret that – Bayonetta is a great game in all areas, and it’s probably one you haven’t played. Hell, you may have not even heard of it. It’s Devil May Cry, but with witches that run alongside buildings that are free-falling while killing stuff. Awesome.
God of War III – This is a difficult category to choose a winner in, as so many games can be considered action or adventure these days. But what really defines a great action/adventure game? For that matter, what are the criteria? Well, first and foremost, the combat has to feel just right. There should be a certain depth that will take time and effort to master, but anyone should be able to jump in and find success with the basics. This combat should also be tested against epic boss battles which incorporate quick thinking and large-scale set pieces. Progression is crucial, as you don’t want to be doing the same techniques or use a single weapon for hour after hour. And all of this tight game play must surround a compelling narrative and be set in interesting environments. Upon breaking down what defines this genre, God of War III stood out as a golden example. Kratos showed what an action game should be back on the PS2, and everything still shines in this generation. Incredible boss battles, precise combat, a deep progression system, and a story that is strong throughout; God of War III has set a standard that few can compete with. There have been multiple clones over the years, but none can match what Kratos brings to the table as the quintessential action god.
And in Close Second…
Red Dead Redemption – I usually find the action and shooting in Rockstar games to be sub-par at best, and neither game play aspect has ever been the reason I continue to flock back to their releases. Their games have been great because of the colorful characters, expansive settings, and breathe of mission variety. Yet, there was something about pulling out John Marson’s revolver or hopping behind a Gatling gun that just felt right. Red Dead is an action packed game where the quality of the usual Rockstar features matches that of the combat. A complete package that rarely falters, Red Dead Redemption is an adventure game that appeases all types of gamers. You won’t forget the tale of John Marston after putting the controller down.
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GOD OF WAR!
I have never played any of the God of War games besides the first one. When I played the first one I felt as though it was a button masher and I much preferred Devil May Cry 3. I have not played any other God of War games because I thought the first was a button masher…