Sloppy Potatoes

10 of 2008′s most playworthy games [Xbox360]

Yes, we’re a full month-and-a-half into 2009, so this list is a little late. Luckily, there hasn’t been any game of any worth released yet this year, so you’ll have time to catch these games, and I recommend you do.

I’m no professional game reviewer, companies do not shower me with free games, nor do I complete every game purchased or rented. However, I can guarantee without a doubt, that you will find games you will love on this list. As soon as I spend my money on an overpriced PS3 or an overhyped Wii, I’ll post lists on them. For now, I stick to the less-than-reliable, but Halo-3-giving Xbox 360.

1. Grand Theft Auto – Amazing game. Huge, and simply brilliant. Breaks boundaries, combines game styles and allows you to make decisions and do things you have never done in an action game.
2. Gears of War 2 – Far better than it’s predecessor in so many ways. I wrote a review after completing the game, but still haven’t played any online. You can read my opinion here.
3. Civilization Revolution – This game wasn’t showered with amazing reviews like the previous two games, but I liked it almost as much and have actually played more of it than the other two combined. There’s something about this game of creating cities, building armies (or wealth, science or culture) and becoming the best in the world at whatever you do. You should do warmongering because it’s the most satisfying. There’s a lot of replay value here because you can go back and play as any number of civilizations, including America, Russia, Greece, Rome, Aztec, etc.
4. Call of Duty: World at War – Okay, I’ve played this game the most out of any on this list, I put it low only because I still have not completed the main game. It’s good, but the multiplayer — it mimics Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’s — is where this game is at. If you’re Xbox 360 is not online, you’re results may vary.
5. Fallout 3 – I haven’t played an awful lot of this game, but what I have played is amazing. This shooter/RPG hybrid is great at storytelling and dishing out quests and has been showered with great reviews.
6. Guitar Hero World Tour – Yeah, I’m very late to the boat on the Guitar Hero/Rock Band games, but these things are supremely addictive and entertaining. Great for a game night with friends.
7. Geometry Wars 2 – This game is an acquired taste, but if you’re a fan of old school arcade games, you need to play. It’s got that put-another-quarter-in-the-machine quality that few games today have.
8. Madden NFL 2009 – Because it’s Madden. You do not need any other reason. Just make sure you don’t use the silly rewind feature that allows you to “fix” your mistake. Madden already has an easy level, it does not need to be dumbed down any more.
9. Poker Smash – This game didn’t get great reviews, and it is not exactly easy either. But what this does offer is a completely new way to play a game of poker. It’s a rare game that changes the way you think about something you’ve already mastered.
10. Braid – Speaking of changing the way you think, this time-bending mind-bender is among the most enjoyabe, entertaining and challenging games you’ll ever play. Why is it so low? It’s not going to be for everybody. While poker, old-style arcade games and Madden are well-known commodities, this game is not. It is artsy, and challenging, but worth the effort.

Not all-encompassing by any means, but I’m sure there’s a game or two that you have not played andr eally should. Do you agree with any of the games on the list? Disagree? What games would you recommend? Leave a comment and let me know.

———

Some of you are probably asking, “hey, it’s … videogames?” Others are probably saying, “Hey, it’s videogames!” Either way, check back for more video game news, more on my opinions about the future of media and more on sports and fantasy sports. I promise at least an update a week on www.sloppypotatoes.com and www.chinstrapninjas.com this year, if not more.