Forum M 2010 Year-in Review: Games, computers, TV shows
2010. What an interesting year it was. Filled with more and more motion-based controllers, add-ons and games, the holiday season found itself littered with an overdose of PlayStation Move and Microsoft Kinect games and advertisements. It was also a big year for sequels such as Bioshock 2, The Force Unleashed 2, Dead Rising 2, Mass Effect 2, Star Craft 2 and of course, the big threes: Fable 3 and the epic finale that was God of War 3. Not to mention the soon-to-be-released Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
With all these games on the market, it would seem to be a big year for video games. And in truth it was, mostly for owners of the PS3 and Xbox 360. Great games like Bayonetta and Vanquish by Platinum Games really took the gaming world by storm. And in big ways with their dynamic characters, memorable bosses and fantastic scenery. Even the PC got a bit more life with Star Craft 2 and World of Warcraft Cataclysm.
Really. There were some really amazing games to come out on the 360 and PS3. Call of Duty Black Ops, Red Dead Redemption, even the Sims 3 on consoles, and that’s only some of the gems. But what about the grandfathers of gaming over in Japan? I mean Nintendo? What did they do? 
Hate to break it to you, Nintendo fanboys, but your beloved company has gone the way of Metallica and Linkin Park and have sold out. And with selling out, there are normally some sell-outs. Pun intended. Remember how hard it was to find a Wii a few years ago considering how they sold like hotcakes? Well, not anymore. There is hardly any reason to really own the console anymore, and mine has been collecting more dust than Tiger Woods’ trophy collection. I mean, this year they had Metroid Other M come out on the Wii, along with Donkey Kong Country Returns and Golden Eye, but none of those games were good enough to be on the top of anyone’s list for game of the year.
I had the same issue with Nintendo last year, and it’s the same this year too. They just don’t care anymore. They made their money. They sold their product. But the wheels have come off and this thing is not moving anymore. The lack of online play and overall online experience places Nintendo as being the weakest of the 3 companies console-wise. In fact, in every category: graphics, sound and gameplay, the Wii falls flat. Right on its face. Horrible.
Meanwhile, with the 3DS coming closer and closer, this means that the old DS is going to be obsolete. Now if only everything with the initials DS would be obsolete… but anyway, there is a plus to this new handheld set to be released, and that would be… STAR FUCKING FOX IN 3D!!!!
They’re remaking Star Fox 64 in 3D! Do you have any idea how epic that is? Epic if they don’t fuck it up. But as a huge Star Fox fan, when I heard they were remaking that game in 3D, I needed to change my pants, because I old meme’d all over them. But indeed, props to Nintendo for that, however, one good move can’t overwrite the plenty of bad ones. Tisk tisk, Nintendo.
If Nintendo thinks that making one brilliant move can win me over, they should think again. None of their franchises have stolen the show for about three years and even though they tried to hit me where my heart is with Star Fox, there’s no way I can respect them after this completely horrible performance in 2010. Nintendo needs to go back to the drawing board.
Gaming in general took a huge step forward this year with more and more people getting into broadcasting tournaments, matches, and multiplayer spectacles with the best the gaming world has to offer. It’s amazing seeing fans such as GLHF.tv (good luck, have fun) providing great commentary for Star Craft games.
It really sets the gaming world on fire and makes things just so much more dynamic in the long run. 
It’s a blast watching skilled players go against each other, and even better when you have commentators who know what they’re talking about put on a pro performance calling the action. With more and more people getting into this, it’s no wonder why gaming in general is passing the boxoffice for revenue.
Meanwhile, in the realm of computers, Apple continues to appeal to little girls and Twilight fans everywhere by continuing its cringing marketing campaign. A game I like to play in university now when I’m sitting down during a lecture has become ‘count the people using Macs. It’s much more fun than the game I used to play in high school, which was called ‘count the people writing with their left hand’. I’m left-handed, by the way. But really, if you haven’t already, check out my Apple rant for some epic lawlz.The worst thing about Macs is that they give n00bs a perfect place to play FarmVille.
On the sports game side of things, NHL 11 is probably once again the top sports game in the world as far as coming close to providing a realistic representation. Other games such as NBA 2K11 are also top of the line for providing the best experience for their respected sports. However, once again, I have to say that EA’s NHL series hits the nail right on the head. Fantastic stuff by EA. 
And finally, if you’re a fan of TV shows, then you probably heard of The Walking Dead, which took the world by storm. There’s a pun there if you think about it. And of course, Dexter, which had its fifth season, yet turned out to be a disappointment at the very end. It’s too bad.
So, in the end, 2010 proved to be a good year for video games. Some real gems were found amongst the piles of finales and sequels, and gaming in general is the best it’s ever been as far as profit goes. This means good things for the future. And I can’t wait to see what 2011 brings for us. May the force be with you.
