2004 in Review
Ben's personal look back over the gaming rollercoaster that was 2004
And there endeth another year. And here cometh another yearly roundup. 2004 was a great year for gaming. There were some disappointments of course, such as the way licenses and gaming franchises dominated the sales charts again and how it seemed that more than ever original IP's are increasingly a thing of the past. However, it would be downright rude to not celebrate the many good things that 2004 bought us. Yes, sequels should be boring but when they are as good as the likes of Halo 2, Half Life 2 and Burnout 3 then you won't find too many folk complaining. This year also saw the handheld market take the spotlight in the most spectacular fashion. In one year we both saw the announcement and launch of two fantastic handhelds, albeit not on European shores. As if that wasn't enough, it wasn't just Sony and Nintendo battling away; a few other companies wanted a piece of the action too.
Yet despite all of this the real winner was the games themselves this year as gamers found themselves treated to some fantastic titles with a few companies making great strides to take console gaming further than it has ever gone before. So, without further ado, here are my personal gaming awards for 2004. It's worth noting, before you all shoot me down in flames in the comments section, that these offerings are purely my own. Don't get angry. If you don't agree with me, then feel free to politely let me know but please bare in mind that I am not you and therefore have slightly different tastes. If I was you things would get complicated; there would be two of us and all sorts of existential complications would undoubtedly arise. Celebrate our differences and, if there are any, also the views on which we agree.
Talk of the Year - Driv3r
Oh, controversy. How we love it so. There are no weapons of mass destruction? Lying swines! Michael Jackson knobs kids (allegedly)? Filthy beggar! Certain review scores were somewhat inflated in return for early and exclusive review code? Burn them all! Yes, it's the Driv3r fiasco. Lots of folk would like us to forget it but unfortunately for them the whole debacle is already part of gaming folklore forever.
Now, so far after the event, we can all see clearly that Driv3r was a huge disappointment. It also seems that Atari felt this way too. Knowing it was releasing what was fundamentally an unfinished and severely flawed game, we not only had review embargos slapped on websites but most magazines were refused receipt of review copies. Other than a couple of select Future Publishing magazines that is, who as it happened both heaped praise on the game and granted it 90% ratings. Now, in fairness there were a few websites that subsequently also rated the game highly but on the whole it was clear to see that the title was far from a classic. Of course, no actual evidence of bribes or payments ever emerged but there are few who believe nothing untoward occurred. Maybe one day we will know for sure but until then let's just savour the sweet aroma of the succulent juice of controversy.
Comments
I know you set out the rules at the start of your piece that we are individuals and as such have different views and opinions, I accept that fully, but I am confused because you say that Pro Evo 4 could have been so much more but yet you still give it as your Xbox game of the year! In my opinion Pro Evo 4 sucks ass and is a massive massive disappointment (don't get me started on Driver3!!) and is some way behind Fifa 2005 for Xbox footballin fun,
Cheers
Yes, PES4 could have been so much more but that's not to say that it isn't brilliant as it stands. Something can still be superb even without achieving its full potential. As for your Fifa comment, I shall pretend I didn't read that...
OMG! "Future Publishing magazines... granted it [Driv3r] 90% ratings". I'll be damned. I didn't even know that. No, no more Sissy Gamer for me. Definitely, never.
The PSP looks good, so wins hardware of the year. What a joke.
? - since it's obvious that you've neither read or understood what I've written, I shan't bother trying to correct you.
Also, try reading our PSP article before you comment again.
I had read your article Ben. Im not denying that the PSP is a fantastic piece of hardware, but best of 2004 - You only played the one game. Its too early to make that kind of statement. Does the PSP really offer anything new, something thats not been done already? Will it change the way games are played or made? Both DS and PSP are fantastic but Ninty have been the more creative and the more original. Ninty have gone for innovation and will change the way games are played in future.
Yes, I've only played one game, but it's the hardware I was reviewing and the potential it offers, not the games. The PSP vs DS argument has been done to death already, and yes, the DS has loads of potential and is a great machine. But after playing with both extensively it's the PSP that's left a far bigger impression.
Have you tried both machines?
I hope the DS does well, but I don't believe it will "change the way games are played in the future". Sure, games can be played in a different and exciting manner on the DS, but I don't think these innovations will become the norm with all machines. Also, the more I play the DS the more I feel it sufferes critically from lacking analogue control aside from the touch screen.
The PSP, however, offers the first real glimpse of next gen gaming on the move. OK, it is basically a PS2 in your pocket but the GBA is basically only a SNES in your pocket yet it has done tremendously, and has been critically accliamed as well. I don't think the PSP should be slated for lacking innovation. The DS took that route and good on it, but Sony's decision to opt for raw power is none the less creditable, merely different. The PSP is a remarkable machine and I'm sure it will become the next power in handheld gaming. I know as a Nintendo lover (which I class myself as, incidentally) it's tough to hear. But after playing (and owning) both machines that is the conclusion I have come to. To say anything else would be a lie.
I play a lot of games during my time off and I rather enjoy the RPG games , But some times they can get to be to complicated or to easy ,its realey rard to tell what is going to be good. I reacently aquired the new Nentendo DS and I do like the Mario, do you have any sudigistions
what in the hell is a phantom
i thot gta sa andreas was awesome
hayirli olsun
j3BPkv
interesting post thx
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