Top Games Of 2004

So, without further ado, I present the best and the worst games from 2004.

For the list last year, see Top Games Of 2003.

The best of the best

First, let's take a look at the very best games that came out in 2004. This short list was actually very hard to narrow down because 2004 was such a very good year for games. But these are the titles that really stand out on my mind as the best best games.

Final Fantasy XI for the PS2. In a word, "wow". I have never been a big fan of Square's (now Squeenix, excuse me ;-) RPGs in the past. I could see their appeal, but they just weren't for me (with the rare exceptions of Secret of Evermore, Secret of Mana and Brave Fencer Musashi). So I approached FFXI with much trepidation. If you look at what I was looking forward to last year, this game wasn't even on the radar. Basically, I bought the game for my ex-wife, but because of the divorce, I wound up being the one who played it. And I was quite surprised at how incredible this game is. I think the fact that I purchased the game in March 2004 and yet still play it almost nightly in December 2004 should speak volumes.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the GameCube. I was a big fan of Paper Mario for the N64, and I was twitterpated at the thought of another one for the 'Cube. But HOLY COW! I had no idea it would be as incredible as it was! If you buy one, and only one GameCube game from this last year, let it be Paper Mario. Of course, don't limit yourself to just that... there were plenty of other great 'Cube titles in '04.

Burnout 3 for the XBox. What the hell?! An XBox game on this list? Well, you can technically get this game for other systems, but why would you want to? The XBox version of this absolutely incredible game is, hands down, the best version there was. Graphically it is slightly better than the PS2, but where the game really excels is the ability to import your own playlist from the HDD. That alone is worth price of admission. And as a game, Burnout 3 is just about everything you could want in a gimmick racer. The gameplay is fast and crazy, the crashes are spectacular, and the controls are tight. Get it!

The rest of the best

And now, the rest of the best of 2004.... presented in no particular order.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes for the GameCube. Some people complained that this felt like "more of the same". Well, those people are idiots. How can you complain for more of the same when the original was so excellent? Graphically, this is still the best FPS on the market (sorry Halo 2) and the gameplay is, again, top-notch. The inclusion of multiplayer is nice, but what you come for is the great single player experience, and MP2:E wont disappoint.

Katamari Damacy for the PS2. FREAKING HELL! If you have not played this bizarre title from the land of the rising sun then you have not yet lived. Go out and pick up this $19 title if you haven't already. Every second that you do not own this game, God kills a kitten... PLEASE THINK OF THE KITTENS!

Jak III for the PS2. Jak II was one of my top-two from last year, and Jak III is a very worthy sequel of last year's title. It isn't on the top list this year only because there have been so many great games that they somewhat overshadowed it. Regardless, it is a great game, and worthy of a look if you are a hardcore platformer nut like me.

Hitman: Contracts for the PS2. The Hitman series continues to be the pinnacle of stealth action games with this years release of "Hitman: Contracts". Pliskin who? Splinter what? There is no other stealth games that demand the sort of excellence that Hitman does. Plus, the story is always excellent. Contracts is actually a wonderfully horrifying thrill ride of Agent 47's best hits, and it has twists in it long time fans will not believe. Graphically, this game is beautiful with a style all its own. Play it first or third person, they are both good... How many games can you say that about?

Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest for the PS2. Wowsa! Talk about a surprise! The Baldur's Gate sequel turned out to be trash, and this game turned out to be the bomb! Play it with a friend for best results, or level up and take your characters online. My only complaint is that the difficulty is a bit steep unless you spend a lot of time levelling up your character. But since the game rewards you with such great hidden stuff, it's worth it.

Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes for the GameCube. Sure, it's just a remake of the original PS1 MGS game, but what a remake! New graphics and new abilities from MGS2, this game has it all. The only complaint I have is that the new abilities tend to make the game too easy (Revolver Ocelot's first fight is a joke now). Otherwise, a superb title.

GTA: San Andreas for the PS2. From a technical standpoint, GTA:SA has it all. Still, it didn't quite draw me in as much as the previous games. I think it may be that I was recently divorced and trying to get my virtual persona laid (the irony of sitting in my underpants on a Friday night while having my virtual persona work out so he can "get the girl" was not lost on me). It could also be how much more complex this game was over the last ones (the turf wars seem cool at first, but start getting really grating until you control most of the town). Still, I can't deny that this was one of the best titles of the year. Just a slight step down in the series. Loved the story though... Wow what a difference having a more "mature" storyline can make.

Honorable Mentions

Here are some games that were good, but didn't quite make it into my top list.

Metal Gear Solid 3 for the PS2. This actually was a very good game. It's just hard to go back to the clunky controls, camera and the hokey dialog after playing Hitman: Contracts. It's a great game... just not great enough ;-)

The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords for the GameCube. This is the ultimate party game. Unfortunately, when playing solo it leaves much to be desired.

Star Ocean III for the PS2. This is actually a very good RPG. It takes some bold steps in bold directions, has some great graphics, and ultimately a very gratifying storyline. Unfortunately, it does tend to get slow in places. Get through the slow parts, and you have a great game.

The worst of 2004

And now, the games that sucked.

Outlaw Golf 2 for the PS2. When the best thing you can say about a game is that the narrator is pretty freaking funny, you know you are in foul waters. The game has the worst load times, the most obnoxious controls, and some rather jarring gameplay. At least it has realtistic bouncing boobs.

Space Raiders for the GameCube. Wow. I have had colonoscopies that were better than this. Spiritual successor to Space Invaders my ass.

Fight Club for the PS2. Actually, the game isn't that bad. But when you take one of the finest nihilistic novels of the last ten years, turn it into a fairly faithful movie, and then turn it into a "Blockbuster Game" there has got to be something wrong.

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 for the PS2. Man, what a steaming turd of a game this was. What a let down, too, considering how awesome BGDA was. Get Champions of Norrath and spit on this pathetic excuse for a game.

Stuff in 2005 I am looking forward too

The PSP! Wow am I ever! The DS has been pretty freaking cool, but I can't wait for the PSP.

Metroid Prime: Hunters for the DS. The demo actually pisses me off.... simply because it isn't the full game. It's like a lapdance in a strip club: titilating, yes, but ultimately frustrating.

Mercenaries for the PS2. GTA meets the Military? Where do I sign up?!

Area 51 for the PS2. I am excited to see this, but am aprehensive. It has a lot of potential for suck.