Top Games Of 2003

For the list from a year ago, check out Top Games Of 2002.

The best of the best

First of all, let me start by saying IMHO the clear winner in the console wars in 2003 was Nintendo's GameCube. It may not have been the top seller, and it might not have had the most games come out for it, but man the games it did have were incredible. Of course, a lot of the big games for the PS2 this last year were flawed in some way or another, so it didn't have much by way of competition. Still, the 'Cube had a strong year and some very solid titles.

Top Two Games of 2003

If I had to distill everything I liked that came out last year to two games, these would be those two. One is for the 'Cube and the other is for the PS2. In other words, if you have either of these systems, then these are the games I think you should have come out of 2003 with if nothing else.

The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker for the GameCube: There was some controversy surrounding this game's cell-shading, which was silly. And I may have [had some difficulty in obtaining the title]. But this is game was, hands down, the greatest game of 2003. Excellent gameplay, exquisite graphics, and phenom' sound. My only problem with it was the number of unlockable and collectable items in-game, which tends to drive obsessive compulsives like myself into unhealthy trinket gathering frenzies.

Jak II for the PS2: Okay, the first Jak & Daxter was a great title. And, granted, Naughty Dog has some damn fine developers. But this sequel took me totally by surprise. First of all, [some people] find the game too difficult, which it is. But the thing is, this is not the kind of difficulty that is "cheap" (as some reviewers claim). This is the kind of difficulty that requires skill. You can master this game. In my opinion, this game is really more for the "Hardcore Gamer", and if you ain't hardcore, then you probably wont get very far in this game. Still, I had a blast with this game (and am still having a blast as I am now replaying it ;-) This game has probably the best graphics on the PS2, and the maps and textures in game really push the system to new heights.

The rest of the best

Okay, here (in no particular order) is the rest of the games that I loved from 2003.

Veiwtiful Joe for the GameCube: WOWSY! This game was freakin' hot! Some people think that it deserved to be the best 'Cube game of 2003, and I'll admit it's pretty darn close. This game had excellent retro gameplay and inspired graphics. If you don't have a 'Cube, then I suppose you could wait for the PS2 version due in 2004. But, IMHO, it warrents getting a 'Cube just for it ;-)

Wario World for the GameCube: Hey! This was a game I was excited for in last year's list (Top Games Of 2002), and it didn't disappoint! First of all, the game was done by Treasure (Gunstar Heroes, Ikagura, etc.) so you know it had lots of potential. Second of all, the graphics were top-notch with awesome visuals and effects. Third of all, the gameplay was retro 16-bit platformer with 3D Super Mario Sunshine special levels. Fourth of all, it had downloadable GBA content in the form of WarioWare? demos. The only downside to this game was that it was over way too soon.

The Getaway for the PS2: This is one of those games that will go down in history as a "flawed classic". It has so much going for it: awesome storyline, inovative technology (the magnetic motion capture), great graphics, faithful recreation of a real world city (some 21 square miles of London), excellent driving missions, etc. Unfortunately, it falls on its face in the "on foot" missions due to clunky controls. Even still, this is a divine game. Just don't call it a GTA-ripoff (mainly because it ain't ;-)

Soul Calibur 2 for the GameCube: Okay, forget the XBox version of this game: Spawn sucks as a character and the gummy bear buttons on the controller make for some bad gameplay. Forget the PS2 version of this game: Sure the controls are the best of the bunch, and Heiachi ain't that bad of a character, but forget it anyway. By far the best version of this game is the 'Cube. The controls are great (nearly as good as the PS2), the graphics are great, but the extra character is the absolute best. I mean, how can you beat Link as the extra character? He fits in the environment and all of his classic moves are translated perfectly!

Rachet and Clank: Going Commando for the PS2: Some people say this should beat out Jak II for best PS2 game of the year. I disagree. They both are beautiful with gorgeous graphics and detail. They have excellent audio and top-notch gameplay. But while Rachet and Clank is very fun, it is also relatively easy, whereas Jak II provides an excellent (but not cheap) challenge. I know it's just my personal taste, but for my money, I'd take Jak II any day.

.hack Series for the PS2: Alright, the last one isn't out yet, and, granted, the series is another "flawed classic". But, at it's core, this is a very enjoyable series. Sure the graphics are roughly on par with Dark Cloud 1, and of course it could have been one game fewer, and naturally it didn't have to be so damned repetive. But the way the story is presented and unravels is so novel that it warrents at least checking it out. You might be surprised.

Activision Anthology for the PS2: I'm pretty sure this game came out in 2002, but I could be mistaken. This is, without a doubt, the greatest anthology of classic gaming available on the market. Some 45 awesome Atari 2600 Activision classics in one collection is hard to beat. Couple that with the fact that you have some kick ass unlockables (including commercials, even Phil Hartman's first) and there is an excellent '80s soundtrack and you're in classic gaming heaven. Oh, and there's a new GBA version of this anthology that looks pretty impressive too ;-)

F-Zero for the GameCube: An F-Zero game made by Sega? Three years ago, who would'a thunk it? Well, let's just say this is an awesome game and move on. Just be sure to pack your dramamine ;-)

SOCOM II for the PS2: The sequel to SOCOM I fixed everything that was wrong with the first one, and amplified everything that was right. Pick this puppy up for some excellent single and multi-player action. You may also want to get the new headset (with volume control, yay!) and the [iType2] to round out the package.

Silent Hill 3 for the PS2: This may not have reached the heights of SH2 (which was the pinacle of the series) but it was still very good. Definately better than any RE game out now. The best graphics of the whole SH series without a doubt, and some of the creepiest moments (that other alternate hospital is absolutely terrible, and that cinema with your alter-self and the bloody walls is going to haunt me for a long time).

Beyond Good and Evil for the PS2 or Cube: Okay, I originally forgot about this one. Silly me. Go get the damned thing that was totally over shadowed by Prince of Persia ;-)

Best of gaming on the go

Here's the best portable games!

Mario & Luigi: Superstar for the GBA: Spiritual sequal to Paper Mario for the N64. This is one excellent RPG! Get it!

Boktai for the GBA: Hideo Kojima's first GBA title really sets the bar pretty high, don't it? An action-RPG (always my favorite genre) with MGS stealth and fine graphics. Plus, it makes you get outside!

Medal of Honor Infiltrator for the GBA: Forget the other MOH GBA game- this puppy is where it's at! Classic 2D shooter flair with modern stealth and realism. I can't believe this stupid game plays so well.

What I'm looking forward to

Like I did last year, I'll now tell you what I'm looking forward to for the next year!

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II for the PS2: Sequel to one of my wife and my favoriate games. Ooooo, nelly!

Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest for the PS2 (http://www.1up.com/article2/0,4364,1382243,00.asp): Everquest?! WHA? Yes, I know Everquest sucks... But this game is made by the mad artists at [Snowblind Studios] (the same guys who worked on BG:DA I!). So, in a way, this could be the sequal to BG:DA I instead of the one just above ;-)

Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes for the GameCube (http://www.1up.com/article2/0,4364,1417406,00.asp): MGS retold on the 'Cube! Awesome baby!

Metal Gear Solid 3 for the PS2: Hmmm... why in the world wouldn't I be excited for this?

Next Metroid for the GameCube: No idea what it will be called, but rumor has it that it's already being made.