Originally Posted on February 26, 2013
Hint: This game is not one of the ones included, despite it being cool and all. Yeah, it just wasn't quite polarizing enough. Seriously.
The title of this blog, as per usual with the vast majority of my sixty-some blogs, should be overtly self explanatory to you. The method to my madness however might not be, so allow me to explain how I decided to choose the three particular games that I am about to reveal- and why I am not catering to any particular series, established as it may be.
I purposely chose each game from one of the three little segments, or eras, of the current generation consoles. And none of these were chosen for console exclusivity, although they may only be available on one particular console or another. Note, I am saying the word console, as well- so that means no PCs were harmed in the making of this blog. I'm a PC gamer too, and I wouldn't want to leave you guys out if I could avoid it, however, PCs always have a particular leg up on other games, so I didn't want any unfair advantages here.
Back to the three eras hoopla, I chose one title from the 2005-2007 initial 'launch' era, one from the 2008-2009 'harvest' era, and also one from the 2010-2012 'golden' era. Yes, the names were made up spur of the moment, but it's the game content that counts- so don't argue with me over mnemonics please. For my sanity's sake. Now, without further ado, allow me to unveil a few sequels that sure nailed things down... I've tried my best to include well-founded games, and none from the glorious 2012 year, seeing as that just recently happened anyway, and is hardly enough time to call excellent games such as Borderlands 2 and Halo 4 masterpieces...yet.
▲▼▲
For the Years of 2005-2007...
Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
Yes, I know. You're probably thinking that I've already reneged on my 'no catering' deal, but please, here me out on this one. I never said that I wasn't going to include one of those big name titles merely because of it's popularity, and how could I be so unfair and unjust to such a dignified legend as this? Halo 3 made the Xbox 360 the multiplayer destination that it is today. Sure, the PS3 might have Microsoft beat in terms of exclusives (their many over the few we have here such as Halo and gears), however, Halo 3 brought to the table, not only Chief's continuing (and supposed end of a) saga, but hot multiplayer and competition with Call of Duty as well. While it inevitably died out in it's final days a tad, Halo 3 is still played online even today, with the few but proud players unwilling to simply move on to Halo 4 and forget it's current-generation roots. Can you say that Call of Duty 3? I don't think so buddy. Halo 3 defines shooting as an art, and is the FPS equivalent of Journey- because it is a sojourn for Chief and Arbiter, together, as friends in one final stand...
▲▼▲
For the Years of 2008-2009...
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
I know, I know... You guys will probably want to hate on this one, and that's okay with me- give me all the burn you want, just be sure to give me a better pick as well. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune may have started this series off on it's well-beaten track, and been the spark for something bigger and better to come, but Uncharted 2 is really where that spark well...sparked a fire that roared into an inferno. Many would argue that Uncharted 3 was just as good or better than Uncharted 2, and I could see where you might think that... However, my reasoning behind Uncharted 2 beating out the plethora of great games released in 2008 and especially in 2009 (with the like of Borderlands...) is simple: look at the gorgeous details. This was 2009 folks. And there were virtually no loading screens (actually, none), no lag to speak of, and a great story as well. With a charmingly hated villain, (though not quite as much as 3's, I concede) an attention to realism and stun factor, and also the brilliant mechanics and responsive control now established in the third installment as well as other, copycat games- I'd say Uncharted 2 was deserving of ever speck of 10/10 points that GI gave it back then... Nate drake might be an arrogant and not always so charming guy, but Uncharted 2 pushed the envelope for the 'hero' regardless of his moral...dilemmas... Which earns it it's place here, for this era of gaming...
▲▼▲
For the Years of 2010-2012...
Mass Effect 2 (Multi)
Oh heck, I've already sparked some controversy probably, so why not take the cake with this excellent gem, eh? I bet you were expecting me to purposely choose a game from a different system, eh? Such as the Wii maybe? (Yes, I did love Skyward Sword, but more on that later...) I know I'm skirting the edge and cutting this one close mainly because the game only released a month or two into the 2010 year, but I mean, come on! What an excellent sequel! In my own mind, and in many of you here (as I've come to realize through my ME2 v. ME3 blog series), Mass Effect 2 was and is in many ways the highlight of the series! How could I not include it for best sequel in this category? Sure, 3 was excellently crafted as well, and granted each ME game has had it's flaws... But ME2 is where the most changes occurred, where the most story was fleshed out, where the most action found itself, and where you had the biggest, best, and brightest party ever seen in a BioWare game to date. For those reasons alone, and without dragging this out, I've got to give that cake to the Shepard that deserves it. Well done BioWare, controversy aside... Well done...
▲▼▲
Here are some Honorable Mentions...
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
Left 4 Dead 2 (Multi)
God of War 3 (PS3)
Gears of War 3 (360)
Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
Fallout 3 (Multi)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Multi)
Thanks to you all, I've manged to find the courage to write another blog, for another day, and save my ideas for other times to keep you occupied as well. I hope you will enjoy this and be sure to leave me scathing/glorifying comments as you see fit. I bid you a fond farewell until the next time...