Best And Worst Games Of 2008

31 Dec 2008 at 11:34:02 by

Instead of the same old "Top 10" games of the year, we thought you, our more enlightened readership, would be more appreciative of what we thought were the best and worst games of this year.

Our trusted reviewers have outlined the games they've enjoyed most this year, as well as the worst game of the year for them.

Feel free to comment, make remarks and even add your own best and worst games of the year in the comments section below and you never know, you might just be a part of our readers best and worst games of 2008 which will go live in January.


Tamer Asfahani

Best: Boom Blox (Wii)

This game combines all the great features the Wii has to offer.  Not only does it feel like a real party game where everyone can get involved, it’s also fantastic fun.  For a first outing in videogames Spielberg has offered family fun on a platform which wouldn’t necessirly be associated with destruction.  Fun destruction no less.  And if you’re not up for taking out the blox, then why not aim for some of the animal spectators in the background?  All good fun.

Worst: Too Human (360)

Considering Silicon Knights had been working on the story for around 10 years it's only fair to say that an epic game of all proportions was expected.  Instead we were given a story and a game which made as much sense as Rumpelstiltskin, but lacked the narrative finesse of the aforementioned fairy tale.  Or any tale for that matter.  The game lacks soul and the gameplay is boring.  Hordes of enemies fill your screen, but hardly any of them present a different challenge.  Although some of the game's forest-based puzzles are visually impressive, they're pretty pointless.
10 years.  That’s the bit that I can’t get out of my head…with three years developing for 360.  Not good enough.


Andy Alderson

Best: FIFA ‘09 (Multi-platform)

In a year spilling over with AAA titles, FIFA ‘09 is perhaps not the most obvious choice for game of the year, but 2008 saw EA finally deliver a glorious middle finger to the perennially lazy Seabass. With lush visuals, realistic gameplay and the genre-busting Be a Pro mode (football meets RPG?), FIFA ’09 has barely been out of my disc tray for more than a couple of days.    

Worst: Turning Point: Fall of Liberty (Multi-platform)

Spark Unlimited’s alternative history FPS is so bad that the confines of genre no longer seem appropriate - it could feasibly challenge Hollyoaks, tofu and the smoking ban for the title of ‘Worst thing ever.’ A decent idea (Nazis invade US mainland) is buried under layer after layer of half-arsed design and the result is about as enjoyable as smashing yourself repeatedly in the groin with a rusty hammer.


Jim Diaz

Best: Fallout 3 (Multi-platform) 

Bethesda takes its core Oblivion gameplay, adds V.A.T.S. targeting and packages it in a post-apocalyptic world.  If this is “Oblivion with Guns,” then I will take it since the end result is a highly entertaining and compelling RPG.   

Worst: Haze (PS3)

A heavily hyped shooter that was supposed to be a “Halo Killer” for the PlayStation 3.  That's an insult to Halo.  This piece of dreg should be used in video game development as a case study on how not to make a FPS.


Spanner Spencer

Best: Boom Blox (Wii)

The Hindu god Kali is often branded as evil, but she’s the bringer of destruction and change – the redeemer of the universe, presenting us with the opportunity to improve through simple necessity. That’s what Boom Blox did for the Wii – it upheld Nintendo’s family friendly accessibility, and proved that destruction could be pleasant. Also, square sheep are funny.


Worst: GTA IV (Multi-platform)

To be fair, the game was fine – to begin with. But it became impossible to enjoy due to the suggestion that it was the perfect game before it was even released. GTA IV became the gaming equivalent of the Oscar nominees – its position acquired through the media’s fear to disagree with an assumed general consensus. It forced me to resent it, and soon there was nothing left to enjoy.


Peter Parrish

Best: Barkley, Shut Up & Jam: Gaiden (PC)

Few games are funny. Even fewer are funny all the way through. Which is why this b-ball inspired indie production is the best of '08, ahead of Left 4 Dead. A vicious parody of JRPG titles, internet subculture and overly serious narratives - plus an outstanding soundtrack. It's free: go and slam with the best.


Worst: Assassin's Creed (PC version)

Not a terrible game, certainly, but one overflowing with missed opportunities. PC owners waited six months for a port and got crappy escort missions plus the same old problems. Entertaining rooftop antics, ruined by baffling AI, tedious cutscenes and a dreadful future subplot. Takes about an hour to quit the thing, too.

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