Oversaturated, overcrowded, overpopulated and other words that are prefixed with over, pretty much all them could have been used to describe one of the most popular genres within the industry. Luckily though, that trend seems to be dying down to leave, only, the best of the best. So let’s run-down the top first person shooters of 2009
Modern Warfare 2 was easily the Western Worlds most anticipated game of all time. Gamers, whether they loved or hated the original, were caught up in the pre-release wave of excitement. Even non-gamers knew about it thanks to ‘that’ scene and the media’s uproar about it. I know people who ordered copies online but still found themselves outside GameStop at 1 am trying to get a copy. No matter what preparations were made, shops could never have expected the queues.
After all the furore had died down and the caffeinated clouds began to clear, just how good is it? It’s actually very good. The single player, although flawed and full of holes, is a Hollywood action film extravaganza with some amazing set-pieces. At 6 hours long it won’t take you long to beat, but it will leave you gasping for breath and wanting more. There is always the prospect of besting it on veteran mode to draw you back. The thirst can be quenched by the online multiplayer and new co-op mode, Spec-ops, which sets tasks for you and a friend to complete. Spec-Ops is the surprise hit of Modern Warfare 2, despite being frustratingly hard, in short level format it can help give it that added replay value.
The multiplayer is as big as ever boasting 16 new maps to lose yourself in and despite going through some recent hiccups – javelin glitch, infinite ammo – it still continues to draw in high numbers of players. MW is one of the few games that pleases the hardcore gamers and even draws in the more casual gamers. The pick-up-and-play gameplay combined with good support from Infinity Ward – patches and DLC – means that MW2 will be about for a long time to come.
Modern Warfare 2
Halo ODST
Halo ODST abandoned the mighty Master Chief for a shieldless rookie, focusing more on stealth than brute force, the game asked something different of the Halo player. You were left to explore the abandoned city of New Mombasa with nothing but a rogue AI and a hefty pistol to protect you. Marty O’Donnel was here once again to lay down another classic Halo soundtrack that had tinges of Blade Runner.
The game took an interesting narrative that involved flashbacks, but you got to play out your team mates story rather than watch it. Boasting an impressive cast the game felt much more human than previous Halo titles, getting to follow the characters through the story left you with a connection to them. Bungie also jumped on the success of Gears of War 2’s horde mode with Firefight mode, letting upto 4 players take on waves of covenant in a fight to the death. If that was not enough, you also got the complete Halo 3 multiplayer with 3 new maps, making Halo ODST great value for money. A game that pleased the fans and even turned some of the Halo haters into fans.
Killzone 2
Just look at it, would you just? Killzone 2 is easily one of the best looking games ever and let’s be honest here, it’s not a bad shooter either. With near incomparable multiplayer on it’s platform, Killzone 2 is an excellent lesson in what six extra months can do to a game.
Assault on Dark Athena
Incredible value with two games for the price of one with The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. Exhilarating stealth segments along with believable characters made this one hard to put down.
Stay tuned to Nidzumi all week for more Best of 2009 Awards as we celebrate the past 12 months in gaming
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