It’s never easy compiling a “best of” list when you’ve played more than 300 games this year and reviewed more than 100 of them. The sheer volume of games means that every console and handheld device had at least one stellar title, though. So here are my picks for the game of the year and best games by console.
Prepare to get jiggy with your jigglypuff, go to bat with your golbat and, hopefully, not peak too soon with your pikachu.
"This song is dedicated to Debbie Harry," flinty-eyed Lisa Hsuan purrs into a microphone on the red-lit stage of Hyperion Tavern. It's a cozy dive where patrons drink Coke and beer from bottles and a fading chandelier dangles overhead. Her tribute is intentionally ludicrous: The 30-year-old veterinarian is about to belt out "Call Me," which Harry -- fronting the group Blondie -- released 28 years ago.
Next up on the "Guitar Hero" stage, enter Metallica. The legendary hard rockers are providing the latest riff on "Guitar Hero," with a game based on their music expected in stores during the first half of 2009. "Us being a pretty guitar-oriented band, I think we were pretty much destined to do something with 'Guitar Hero,' " says guitarist Kirk Hammett.
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and into the living room. Cooking simulation video games recreate much of the culinary experience without the need to leave the house and shop for groceries and other things. We put several of the games through their paces to help you decide which ones are worthy of ending up under your tree.
Still looking for that perfect gift for the gamer in your life? Here's a quick run down of several of the games high on my holiday list — including the sweeping action adventure game "Prince of Persia," the full-out rock of "Rock Band 2," the much-hyped "Spore" and "Wii Fit," the perfect remedy for all those pounds you're packing on during the holidays.
THQ Inc. has announced that Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton and Oscar-nominated actor Dennis Hopper are lending their voices to THQ's new action thriller Wii game: "Deadly Creatures." The critically acclaimed game is scheduled to hit retail outlets in February.
