2009/10 - Let's Make Super Review Fun Go!

So, we end another year. Last year, I posted, and Terry posted, some end-of-the-year round-ups. From my post, I listed what I was looking forward to the most for 2009:

#1: Half Life 2: Episode 3 (PC) (In keeping with tradition...?)
#2: Dawn of War 2 (PC)
#3: Demigod (PC)
#4: Halo 3: ODST (360)
#5: Diablo 3 (PC)
#6: Alan Wake (PC)
#7: Gran Turismo 5 (PS3)
#8: Aliens: Colonial Marines (PC)
#9: Starcraft 2 (PC)
#10: Killzone 2 (PS3)

Amazingly, 4 of my most wanted for 2009, weren't even released in 2009. And even then, I only own one of them (Dawn of War 2, which I haven't finished yet). Killzone 2 had amazing graphics, Demigod is still on the 'to do' list, as is Halo 3 ODST. 

As for the rest, the 2 Blizzard titles are edging closer (at least Starcraft 2 is), Alan Wake and Gran Turismo 5 are looking to actually see 2010, I cant remember whats happening with Aliens - leaving the joker entry - Half Life. Yeah, maybe pencil that in for 2011...

As for 2009 as a review:

Batman Arkham Asylum and Dragon Age: Origins get honourable mentions, as does Scribblenauts. However, the big hitters for me were Borderlands and Left4Dead2. The latter wasn't even announced this time last year, with an extremely quick (and controversial) turn-around from 1 to 2. It mostly improves on the original in almost every way. The friendly AI leaves a lot to be desired (try playing Dead Centre Center in singleplayer, and prepare for major irritation). Borderlands on the other hand, seemed to tick every box for me. Decent pacing, half-decent storyline and good blend of RPG and FPS made it one of my favourite games by far of the year - I rarely play a game from beginning to end in one week.


Technicalities: 
Mass Effect - released in 2008 - but played by me this year was thoroughly enjoyable, and almost ruined Dragon Age for me, as I continually compared the two. It also gave me respite from my dissertation, which is a wonderful, wonderful thing.
Grand Theft Auto IV - released on the PC in December 2008, and almost makes it as a 2009 release, was also bloated, buggy and struggled to run on just about anything; but still captivated me until completion.
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King - I somehow missed out this from last year, but remains the most played game on my PC. Simple as that.
Guitar Hero World Tour/Rock Band - I simply have to give this game a nod, as it literally defined the time I spent with my housemates at University - one of the best games to bring people together and pretend we can all play instruments. Also, nothing beats standing in the kitchen with Chris, out of line-of-sight from the TV, and still being able to play Everlong on expert. That's right ladies, form an orderly queue please...


2010: Most Wanted - A relatively self-explanatory list:


#1: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
#2: Mass Effect 2
#3: Final Fantasy XIII
#4: Bioshock 2
#5: Starcraft 2
#6: Gran Turismo 5 
#7: Diablo III
#8: Red Dead Redemption

#9: Star Wars: The Old Republic
#10: Halo: Reach


Yeah, was #1 really that surprising? Though I will probably regret saying this; I am quite confident that at least 9 of these games will have been released by December '10.


JB

Goodbye 2009

Morning all, a comic is unlikely this week due to other commitments but check back in the next few days for mine and Johns opinions of games in 2009, and the last decade.

Hope you all had a good holiday relevant to your soci-political situation and theological preferences.

T/K

Comic: Merry Christmas

Not so much a comic, more a postcard:

This will be our last post before Christmas, so, a Merry one to all. I will be playing Rock Band as soon as humanly possible, so expect me to drop off the radar, and if you do see me - expect my hands to be withered bony talons.

Also, I will be visiting relatives next weekend, so expect a delayed comic - if at all - for the 28th.

JB

Comic: Merry Christmas, from Ben

Okay, it's late posted, and also not strictly canon to anything we have done, however, a promise is a promise, and here is my 'friend' killing me with a bazooka for wearing a Santa hat:

I'm not going to explain or justify this. It just is. And Terry had nothing to do with it - so don't blame him.

JB

Computing Creatively

No comic today, for reasons John has mentioned so instead here's a little something different.

Alot of you maybe aware John and I attended Coventry University, we have mentioned it now and again. While we were not at that time a part of the Creative Computing department we had alot of support and guideance from within the department, even going so far as to allow dotGif to appear in the Creative Degrees film show in 2009.

Well now to return the favour I urge you all to watch the below video, it tells the tale of the new approach to teaching first year students employeed by the faculty this year. We know alot of you out there reading this are students, or considering doing courses related to multimedia computing or game design, so why not watch the video and start asking your university why they dont do this also.

Being ethical about hacking, serious about games, and computing creatively

T/K

Please Wait While Comic Loads...

Due to other things this weekend, the comic will be posted later on this week.

(I was going to have a go at it tonight, but thankfully, a lorry driver decided to jack-knife and piss diesel all over the M25, causing a 2 hour delay for myself and my passenger.)

Stay tuned... And hope Terry has written it...

JB

Comic: Ian's Outburst (Honey)

A comic based on true events and words, overheard by Terry:

Poor Ian. He's 39, works as management in a videogame store, and works with some truly academically nourished individuals. My time in retail has left me as a scarred husk of humanity, and I wish a swift exodus/death to those currently trapped within its foils.

Also - my parents let slip what I'm getting for Christmas. Once I've posted this, I'm off to pre-order Gran Turismo 5 and Final Fantasy XIII... ^_^

JB