I've played a lot of games this year, but not that many exceptional games.
Of the 67 titles I reviewed, only 13 earned "A" status, and, of those, three were late '05 releases: "Shadow of the Colossus" (PS2), "Animal Crossing: Wild World" (DS) and "Project Gotham Racing 3" (Xbox 360). But of the 2006 releases, these titles outshine the rest:
1. 'Gears of War' (Xbox 360, Epic Games/Microsoft, 11.09)
One of the most-hyped games of the year, "Gears" delivers on its promise of next-generation gaming. Its attention to detail and crazy-good graphics put other next-gen titles to shame. To top it off, the gameplay gives new meaning to the word "intense." Plus, nothing beats chainsaw guns in both effectiveness and being totally freakin' sweet .
2. 'Kingdom Hearts II' (PS2, Square Enix, 03.28)
Balancing saccharine Disney movies with wistful "Final Fantasy" characters set to a heartfelt epic about friendship is hard enough, but to package it together with fast-paced hybrid-RPG action is another "Beast" all together. No other game had the depth of story that kept me glued to the controller. It dares to be sincere and somehow manages to excel at button-mashing mayhem. But for the love of Triton, enough with the "Little Mermaid" songfest.
3. 'Okami' (PS2, Clover/Capcom, 09.20)
Capcom's decision to shut down the studio behind this visually breathtaking title remains one of the most puzzling mysteries of '06. Clover managed to combine traditional Japanese art with a "Zelda"-inspired quest action-adventure. The result is a stunning journey through ancient Japan steeped in mythology. At a time when next-gen titles get all the press, "Okami" proves there's still plenty of muscle in the PS2.
4. 'Prey' (Xbox 360, Human Head/2K Games, 07.11)
The field of sci-fi alien shooters is packed with ho-hum trite titles, but "Prey" resuscitates the genre with its dead-on "what's-around-the-corner" creepfest that PC titles like "Doom" and "Half-Life" have long dominated. Not only do the levels seep with suspense, but when the main character Tommy suddenly gets attacked out of nowhere, he's likely to be saying the same thing you are: (Expletive)!
5. 'Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin' (DS, Konami, 12.06)
The Nintendo DS library is chock-full of quirky, experimental titles, but it's nice to get down to some serious gameplay with "Portrait of Ruin," which marks 20 years for the Dracula-hunting "Castlevania" series. Konami proves classic sidescrolling action isn't dead ... or is that undead ?
6. 'Final Fantasy XII' (PS2, Square-Enix, 10.30)
True, I haven't reviewed this game yet, but I've been clocking some serious time on this title. Trust me, it's going to get an "A." "XII" has got all the beauty and atmosphere the series is famous for, only this time, the turn-based battle system takes a Darwinian step forward in evolution with an updated hybrid battle system. Love it or leave it, the gambits system gives you greater control over strategy.
7. 'Guitar Hero II' (PS2, Harmonix/Red Octane, 11.06)
The music ranges from totally awesome to totally ridiculous -- I'm pointing at you, Warrant -- but you can't help but rawk out when you've got that plastic guitar controller strapped on. Goes to show that what sounds dumb on paper can be a huge hit in actuality. Rock on.
8. 'Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth' (PSP, tri-Ace/Square-Enix, 07.18)
You recruit and train the souls of the dead to fight in the realm of the gods on the eve of the end of the world -- and there's a time limit. Heavy stuff. You gotta have smarts and you gotta have strategy to conquer this challenging RPG.
9. 'Grandia III' (PS2, Game Arts/Square-Enix, 02.15)
I had completely forgotten about this title until I dug through my reviews to compile this list. But it only took me a moment to remember why I loved this game: The combat. The turn-based battles move in quasi-real time thanks to a gauge that allows you to time strikes for combo attacks or counter a foe's imminent assault. And the graphics are top-notch, too.
10. 'Tekken: Dark Resurrection' (PSP, Namco/Bandai Namco, 07.26)
Sometimes, you just want to kick and punch. And to look this good while hurting your opponents so bad ... now that's style. Finally, a PSP title that lets you rage while on the road.
Honorable mentions
GRADE A: Age of Empires: The Age of Kings (DS)
GRADE B+: Tetris DS (DS); Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime (DS); Lumines II (PSP); Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony (PSP); Gunpey (DS)
GRADE B: Black (Xbox); The Godfather: The Game (Xbox); Daxter (PSP); Tomb Raider: Legend (360); New Super Mario Bros. (DS); LocoRoco (PSP); Scarface: The World Is Yours (PS2); Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (PSP); Mystery at Mansfield Manor (online); Gunpey (PSP); Activision Hits Remixed (PSP); Viva Pinata (360)
GRADE B-: Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop (DS); Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (DS); Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked (PS2); Magnetica (DS); Hitman: Blood Money (Xbox); Break 'Em All (DS); Gradius Collection (PSP); Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie and the Amp (DS); The Legend of Heroes II: The Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch (PSP); Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (PS2); F.E.A.R. (360); Every Extend Extra (PSP)
