Well, tomorrow is going to be Spike's 2011 Video Game Awards Show, or as I like to call it, "Game Trailers With A Crap Show In Between Them".
Yeah, I know the show sucks, but hey, there's going to be plenty of premiers, plenty of trailers, and admit it, you kinda want to know who's gonna take home the big awards. And who knows, maybe the show will improve, with Zachary Levi hosting......... and what does he do for gaming?
*checks*
Ah. He voiced "Trooper #4" in Halo: Reach.
F**k.
Well in any case, here are my predictions and preferences for who will take home what awards.
Game of the Year
Batman: Arkham City
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Portal 2
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Skyrim
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
I've already made my case clear multiple times in this forum as to why Arkham City is such a masterpiece. And recently I had a chance to play Skyrim. No denying that it's a great game, but here's what REALLY bugged me about it: Bethesda did it again. They released a game before it should have been released. They did it with Fallout, they did it with New Vegas, and they've done it here. There's glitches left and right, crashes on various consoles, and supposedly, the PS3 version becomes virtually unplayable after 60+ hours, with Bethesda having yet to give a reason as to why. Arkham City was not only a fantastic game, but it was POLISHED as well. It doesn't matter what I think though, as there is no doubt in my mind that Skyrim is going to take this award home.
Studio of the Year
Bethesda
Naughty Dog
Rocksteady
Valve
Who Will Win: Valve
Who I Want To Win: Valve
Whether you thought all of their games were great or not, whether you like the PS3, 360, or PC, everybody has I thing in common: everybody loves Valve. And why shouldn't we? Every game they have delivered is incredible (Left 4 Dead may be debatable though, IMO). Their Steam service is incredibly user friendly. Most of all, you just get that feeling that they really do care about what the consumers think, and don't just put out games for the money and say "Screw the customers!" (looking at you, EA). In any case, I see no reason as to why Valve won't take the award.
Best Xbox 360 Game
Batman: Arkham City
Forza Motorsport 4
Gears of War 3
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Arkham City
Who I Want To Win: Gears 3
Now I know that whoever's reading this thread is probably going "Wait, what? But you said AC should be the GOTY." Yes I did, but hear me out. There is no denying that Arkham City is, IMO, a superior game to Gears, and that it will probably take the catagory for this year. However, I believe that the "Best ________ Game" should go to a console exclusive, and out of the exclusives on the list, Gears is EASILY the best of the bunch. I'm not a huge 360 guy, but even on my Best of '11 list, I was heavily debating on whether Gears should earn a spot there. While it may not be the best of the bunch, it's definitely the best exclusive, and that's what I'm looking for.
Best PlayStation 3 Game
inFamous 2
LittlebigPlanet 2
Killzone 3
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Uncharted 3
Who I Want To Win: Uncharted 3
...alright, maybe the reason that the 360 list had 2 exclusives was because not a lot of good exclusives came out for it, I dunno. The PS3 I think took the crown for this year, and all of these games are great in their own ways. But let's face it, this catagory was clinched before it was even announced. Uncharted will win. You know it. I know it. And we all agree on it.
Best Wii Game
Epic Mickey
Kirby's Return to Dreamland
Lost in Shadow
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Who Will Win: Skyward Sword
Who I Want To Win: Skyward Sword
'dat competition. While I stand by my beliefs that Kirby is the undisputed badass of the gaming world, the choice here is even more obvious than the Best of PS3 catagory. And that's saying a lot.
Best PC Game
Battlefield 3
Minecraft
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Battlefield 3
Who I Want To Win: Minecraft
'dem Battlefield fanboys. Alright, this catagory was actually hard to choose. While I would be the first to admit that PC gaming really isn't my thing, Battlefield was made to be on the PC, and Minecraft has been out for over 2 years now (in Beta / Alpha form sure, but still). While Minecraft may be the best of the bunch, more people will probably have Battlefield on their minds, which is why I think Battlefield 3 will be taking the award home.
Best Handheld / Mobile Game
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Infinity Blade
Super Mario 3D Land
Jetpack Joyride
Who Will Win: Mario 3D
Who I Want To Win: Mario 3D
While I find the lack of Dissidia 012 on this list disturbing, I must point out my Rule of Life #8: If Mario doesn't get an award for Best ______, this planet is not worth living on.
Best Shooter
Battlefield 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Gears of War 3
Rage
Who Will Win: Battlefield 3
Who I Want To Win: Gears 3
Battlefield's a solid game, and it will probably get the award, but not for the right reasons. Not because it's of higher quality over the other games, but out of spite. Remember, gamers vote for these winners. I'VE voted. And if the internet has taught me anything, it's that the Battlefield fanboys will stop at nothing to make sure that CoD will not walk away with anything tomorrow. I had the most fun with Gears out of the other games, but I've accepted that it won't win, and that either Battlefield or MW3 will.
Best Action / Adventure
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Batman: Arkham City
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Arkham City
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
My inner AC and Uncharted fanboy wanted to strangle me for saying that. But as much as it pains me to turn against all of these other amazing choices, it was the right thing to do. It will be a race between Uncharted and Arkham City, but in the end, general concensus was that Arkham was fantastic, and while Uncharted was too, it was also mildly disappointing, and that will give Arkham the slight edge it needs.
Best RPG
Dark Souls
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Dragon Age II
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Who Will Win: Skyrim
Who I Want To Win: Deus Ex
I'm not even going to pretend that this will be a close decision. It will be a landslide. Skyrim will destroy all of the other games on the list. While I've gotten more enjoyment out of Deus Ex, I know that I'm fighting a losing battle.
Best Multiplayer
Battlefield 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Gears of War 3
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Battlefield 3
Who I Want To Win: Portal 2
I'll first start by saying that AC: Revelations got f**king snubbed. While that's out of the way, I think they just copied the Best Shooter list and threw in another game for fun, knowing it won't win. While Portal made the best and more innovative use of its multiplayer, this is another catagory where I have no doubts as to who will win.
Best Individual Sports Game
Fight Night Champion
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters
Top Spin 4
Virtua Tennis 4
Who Will Win: Who Gives A F**k?
Who I Want To Win: Who Gives A F**k?
There's only one way to make me lose interest in talking about video games: bring up sports games.
Best Team Sports Game
FIFA Soccer 12
NBA 2K12
NHL 12
MLB '11: The Show
Okay seriously? Two catagories for SPORTS games? You know what? I'm voting for MLB '11. Why? Because it knows in what year it is coming out.
Best Driving Game
Aaaaaaaand couldn't care less.
Best Fighting Game
The King of Fighters XIII
Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
Mortal Kombat
WWE All Stars
Who Will Win: Mortal Kombat
Who I Want To Win: Mortal Kombat
This SHOULD have been MvC's from the beginning, but it was oh so very disappointing, and MK was oh so very GOOD. It's a shame that such a lengendary series won't take the title this year, but let's face it: Capcom realeased a lazy product, and now they will lose for it. MK was packed to the brim with content, solid gameplay, and most surprising, a GOOD STORY. Hear that, Capcom? A GOOD STORY. SOMETHING YOU PROMISED YOUR GAME WOULD HAVE. BUT IT DIDN'T.
Best Motion Game
Child of Eden
Dance Central 2
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Gunstringer
Who Will Win: Skyward Sword
Who I Want To Win: Skyward Sword
I'm usually pretty fair when it comes to opinions, but let me put it this way: if you firmly believe that Dance Central was better than a LoZ title, please leave this thread.
Best Independent Game
Bastion
Minecraft
Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery Ep
The Binding of Isaac
Who Will Win: Minecraft
Who I Want To Win: Minecraft
Questions?
Best Adapted Game
Back to the Future: The Game
Batman: Arkham City
Captain America: Super Soldier
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Who Will Win: Arkham City
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
Questions?
Best Original Song In A Game
"Build That Wall" - Bastion
"Exile Vilify" - Portal 2
"I'm Not Calling You A Liar" - Dragon Age II
"Setting Sale, Coming Home" - Bastion
"Want You Gone" - Portal 2
Who Will Win: Want You Gone
Who I Want To Win: Want You Gone
Was it as funny as "Still Alive"? No, but overall, it was better as a song. I haven't heard the other songs on the list, so I admit that I shouldn't be placing confidence on what will win, but I know that Portal's soundtrack is among the best of the year.
Best Original Score
Bastion
Batman: Arkham City
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Portal
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
Man, I guess I really need to play Bastion some time, or at least listen to the soundtrack. While I just said Portal 2 had one of the best soundtracks of the year, so did Arkham City, which was IMO, also very underrated. I think that Portal will pull ahead with the votes, but while I think that they were neck and neck, the credits of Arkham City clinched my vote.
Best Graphics
Batman: Arkham City
LA Noir
Rage
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Uncharted
Who I Want To Win: Uncharted
I mentioned this when I reviewed Uncharted 3, but a lot of reviewers have called this one of the best looking games ever made. I still don't think that's quite true, but I will instantly say that it was the best looking game of the year, and definitely deserves this award.
Best Performance By A Human Male
J.K. Simmons as Cave Johnson - Portal 2
Mark Hamill as The Joker - Batman: Arkham City
Nolan North as Nathan Drake - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Stephen Merchant as Wheatley - Portal 2
Who Will Win: Nolan North as Nathan Drake - Uncharted
Who I Want To Win: Mark Hamill as The Joker - Arkham City
Now some of you who've played AC may think "How can Mark Hamill NOT win this award?" Well, in 2009, he managed to get beaten out by Jack Black, so I'm not ready to get my hopes up for THIS year. And without a doubt, EVERYONE here deserves the award, but I think Nolan North will edge this one out just a bit. I'm ready to say that I will most likely be wrong in this catagory, but whoever wins, I won't honestly be able to say that they didn't earn it.
Best Performance By A Human Female
Claudia Black as Chloe Frazer - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Ellen McLain as GLaDOS - Portal 2
Emily Rose as Elena Fisher - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Tara Strong as Harley Quinn - Batman: Arkham City
Who Will Win: Ellen McLain as GLaDOS - Portal
Who I Want To Win: Ellen McLain as GLaDOS - Portal
Another group where every voice actress deserves this award, I think it will be between Claudia Black and Ellen McLain. What does Ellen do, though, that Claudia doesn't? She CARRIES the entire game on her shoulders. Without a doubt, Portal wouldn't be what it is now without the voice of GLaDOS in our ears, insulting us every step of the way, and I know that many others believe this as well. That's why I think Ellen will take this one home, though again, I wouldn't be upset with any of these choices.
Best Downloadable Game
Bastion
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
Stacking
Trenched
Who Will Win: Bastion
I haven't played or heard of any of these titles, so I can't say which I'm rooting for, but I think Bastion will get it for the sole reason that it has been nominated for a lot of stuff on this show.
Best DLC
Fallout: New Vegas - Old World Blues
Mass Effect 2 - The Arrival
Mortal Kombat - Freddy Krueger
Portal 2 - Peer Review
Who Will Win: I dunno
Who I Want To Win: The Arrival
A map pack, a character, and a broken mess of a game vs Mass Effect 2. My choice was pretty clear to me.
So those are my opinions on what will win what, and what I want to win what.... what? Anyway, what do you think will win? What do you want to win? Do you even care? Let me know.
Well, tomorrow is going to be Spike's 2011 Video Game Awards Show, or as I like to call it, "Game Trailers With A Crap Show In Between Them".
Yeah, I know the show sucks, but hey, there's going to be plenty of premiers, plenty of trailers, and admit it, you kinda want to know who's gonna take home the big awards. And who knows, maybe the show will improve, with Zachary Levi hosting......... and what does he do for gaming?
*checks*
Ah. He voiced "Trooper #4" in Halo: Reach.
F**k.
Well in any case, here are my predictions and preferences for who will take home what awards.
Game of the Year
Batman: Arkham City
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Portal 2
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Skyrim
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
I've already made my case clear multiple times in this forum as to why Arkham City is such a masterpiece. And recently I had a chance to play Skyrim. No denying that it's a great game, but here's what REALLY bugged me about it: Bethesda did it again. They released a game before it should have been released. They did it with Fallout, they did it with New Vegas, and they've done it here. There's glitches left and right, crashes on various consoles, and supposedly, the PS3 version becomes virtually unplayable after 60+ hours, with Bethesda having yet to give a reason as to why. Arkham City was not only a fantastic game, but it was POLISHED as well. It doesn't matter what I think though, as there is no doubt in my mind that Skyrim is going to take this award home.
Studio of the Year
Bethesda
Naughty Dog
Rocksteady
Valve
Who Will Win: Valve
Who I Want To Win: Valve
Whether you thought all of their games were great or not, whether you like the PS3, 360, or PC, everybody has I thing in common: everybody loves Valve. And why shouldn't we? Every game they have delivered is incredible (Left 4 Dead may be debatable though, IMO). Their Steam service is incredibly user friendly. Most of all, you just get that feeling that they really do care about what the consumers think, and don't just put out games for the money and say "Screw the customers!" (looking at you, EA). In any case, I see no reason as to why Valve won't take the award.
Best Xbox 360 Game
Batman: Arkham City
Forza Motorsport 4
Gears of War 3
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Arkham City
Who I Want To Win: Gears 3
Now I know that whoever's reading this thread is probably going "Wait, what? But you said AC should be the GOTY." Yes I did, but hear me out. There is no denying that Arkham City is, IMO, a superior game to Gears, and that it will probably take the catagory for this year. However, I believe that the "Best ________ Game" should go to a console exclusive, and out of the exclusives on the list, Gears is EASILY the best of the bunch. I'm not a huge 360 guy, but even on my Best of '11 list, I was heavily debating on whether Gears should earn a spot there. While it may not be the best of the bunch, it's definitely the best exclusive, and that's what I'm looking for.
Best PlayStation 3 Game
inFamous 2
LittlebigPlanet 2
Killzone 3
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Uncharted 3
Who I Want To Win: Uncharted 3
...alright, maybe the reason that the 360 list had 2 exclusives was because not a lot of good exclusives came out for it, I dunno. The PS3 I think took the crown for this year, and all of these games are great in their own ways. But let's face it, this catagory was clinched before it was even announced. Uncharted will win. You know it. I know it. And we all agree on it.
Best Wii Game
Epic Mickey
Kirby's Return to Dreamland
Lost in Shadow
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Who Will Win: Skyward Sword
Who I Want To Win: Skyward Sword
'dat competition. While I stand by my beliefs that Kirby is the undisputed badass of the gaming world, the choice here is even more obvious than the Best of PS3 catagory. And that's saying a lot.
Best PC Game
Battlefield 3
Minecraft
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Battlefield 3
Who I Want To Win: Minecraft
'dem Battlefield fanboys. Alright, this catagory was actually hard to choose. While I would be the first to admit that PC gaming really isn't my thing, Battlefield was made to be on the PC, and Minecraft has been out for over 2 years now (in Beta / Alpha form sure, but still). While Minecraft may be the best of the bunch, more people will probably have Battlefield on their minds, which is why I think Battlefield 3 will be taking the award home.
Best Handheld / Mobile Game
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Infinity Blade
Super Mario 3D Land
Jetpack Joyride
Who Will Win: Mario 3D
Who I Want To Win: Mario 3D
While I find the lack of Dissidia 012 on this list disturbing, I must point out my Rule of Life #8: If Mario doesn't get an award for Best ______, this planet is not worth living on.
Best Shooter
Battlefield 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Gears of War 3
Rage
Who Will Win: Battlefield 3
Who I Want To Win: Gears 3
Battlefield's a solid game, and it will probably get the award, but not for the right reasons. Not because it's of higher quality over the other games, but out of spite. Remember, gamers vote for these winners. I'VE voted. And if the internet has taught me anything, it's that the Battlefield fanboys will stop at nothing to make sure that CoD will not walk away with anything tomorrow. I had the most fun with Gears out of the other games, but I've accepted that it won't win, and that either Battlefield or MW3 will.
Best Action / Adventure
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Batman: Arkham City
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Arkham City
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
My inner AC and Uncharted fanboy wanted to strangle me for saying that. But as much as it pains me to turn against all of these other amazing choices, it was the right thing to do. It will be a race between Uncharted and Arkham City, but in the end, general concensus was that Arkham was fantastic, and while Uncharted was too, it was also mildly disappointing, and that will give Arkham the slight edge it needs.
Best RPG
Dark Souls
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Dragon Age II
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Who Will Win: Skyrim
Who I Want To Win: Deus Ex
I'm not even going to pretend that this will be a close decision. It will be a landslide. Skyrim will destroy all of the other games on the list. While I've gotten more enjoyment out of Deus Ex, I know that I'm fighting a losing battle.
Best Multiplayer
Battlefield 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Gears of War 3
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Battlefield 3
Who I Want To Win: Portal 2
I'll first start by saying that AC: Revelations got f**king snubbed. While that's out of the way, I think they just copied the Best Shooter list and threw in another game for fun, knowing it won't win. While Portal made the best and more innovative use of its multiplayer, this is another catagory where I have no doubts as to who will win.
Best Individual Sports Game
Fight Night Champion
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters
Top Spin 4
Virtua Tennis 4
Who Will Win: Who Gives A F**k?
Who I Want To Win: Who Gives A F**k?
There's only one way to make me lose interest in talking about video games: bring up sports games.
Best Team Sports Game
FIFA Soccer 12
NBA 2K12
NHL 12
MLB '11: The Show
Okay seriously? Two catagories for SPORTS games? You know what? I'm voting for MLB '11. Why? Because it knows in what year it is coming out.
Best Driving Game
Aaaaaaaand couldn't care less.
Best Fighting Game
The King of Fighters XIII
Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
Mortal Kombat
WWE All Stars
Who Will Win: Mortal Kombat
Who I Want To Win: Mortal Kombat
This SHOULD have been MvC's from the beginning, but it was oh so very disappointing, and MK was oh so very GOOD. It's a shame that such a lengendary series won't take the title this year, but let's face it: Capcom realeased a lazy product, and now they will lose for it. MK was packed to the brim with content, solid gameplay, and most surprising, a GOOD STORY. Hear that, Capcom? A GOOD STORY. SOMETHING YOU PROMISED YOUR GAME WOULD HAVE. BUT IT DIDN'T.
Best Motion Game
Child of Eden
Dance Central 2
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Gunstringer
Who Will Win: Skyward Sword
Who I Want To Win: Skyward Sword
I'm usually pretty fair when it comes to opinions, but let me put it this way: if you firmly believe that Dance Central was better than a LoZ title, please leave this thread.
Best Independent Game
Bastion
Minecraft
Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery Ep
The Binding of Isaac
Who Will Win: Minecraft
Who I Want To Win: Minecraft
Questions?
Best Adapted Game
Back to the Future: The Game
Batman: Arkham City
Captain America: Super Soldier
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Who Will Win: Arkham City
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
Questions?
Best Original Song In A Game
"Build That Wall" - Bastion
"Exile Vilify" - Portal 2
"I'm Not Calling You A Liar" - Dragon Age II
"Setting Sale, Coming Home" - Bastion
"Want You Gone" - Portal 2
Who Will Win: Want You Gone
Who I Want To Win: Want You Gone
Was it as funny as "Still Alive"? No, but overall, it was better as a song. I haven't heard the other songs on the list, so I admit that I shouldn't be placing confidence on what will win, but I know that Portal's soundtrack is among the best of the year.
Best Original Score
Bastion
Batman: Arkham City
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Portal 2
Who Will Win: Portal
Who I Want To Win: Arkham City
Man, I guess I really need to play Bastion some time, or at least listen to the soundtrack. While I just said Portal 2 had one of the best soundtracks of the year, so did Arkham City, which was IMO, also very underrated. I think that Portal will pull ahead with the votes, but while I think that they were neck and neck, the credits of Arkham City clinched my vote.
Best Graphics
Batman: Arkham City
LA Noir
Rage
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Who Will Win: Uncharted
Who I Want To Win: Uncharted
I mentioned this when I reviewed Uncharted 3, but a lot of reviewers have called this one of the best looking games ever made. I still don't think that's quite true, but I will instantly say that it was the best looking game of the year, and definitely deserves this award.
Best Performance By A Human Male
J.K. Simmons as Cave Johnson - Portal 2
Mark Hamill as The Joker - Batman: Arkham City
Nolan North as Nathan Drake - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Stephen Merchant as Wheatley - Portal 2
Who Will Win: Nolan North as Nathan Drake - Uncharted
Who I Want To Win: Mark Hamill as The Joker - Arkham City
Now some of you who've played AC may think "How can Mark Hamill NOT win this award?" Well, in 2009, he managed to get beaten out by Jack Black, so I'm not ready to get my hopes up for THIS year. And without a doubt, EVERYONE here deserves the award, but I think Nolan North will edge this one out just a bit. I'm ready to say that I will most likely be wrong in this catagory, but whoever wins, I won't honestly be able to say that they didn't earn it.
Best Performance By A Human Female
Claudia Black as Chloe Frazer - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Ellen McLain as GLaDOS - Portal 2
Emily Rose as Elena Fisher - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Tara Strong as Harley Quinn - Batman: Arkham City
Who Will Win: Ellen McLain as GLaDOS - Portal
Who I Want To Win: Ellen McLain as GLaDOS - Portal
Another group where every voice actress deserves this award, I think it will be between Claudia Black and Ellen McLain. What does Ellen do, though, that Claudia doesn't? She CARRIES the entire game on her shoulders. Without a doubt, Portal wouldn't be what it is now without the voice of GLaDOS in our ears, insulting us every step of the way, and I know that many others believe this as well. That's why I think Ellen will take this one home, though again, I wouldn't be upset with any of these choices.
Best Downloadable Game
Bastion
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
Stacking
Trenched
Who Will Win: Bastion
I haven't played or heard of any of these titles, so I can't say which I'm rooting for, but I think Bastion will get it for the sole reason that it has been nominated for a lot of stuff on this show.
Best DLC
Fallout: New Vegas - Old World Blues
Mass Effect 2 - The Arrival
Mortal Kombat - Freddy Krueger
Portal 2 - Peer Review
Who Will Win: I dunno
Who I Want To Win: The Arrival
A map pack, a character, and a broken mess of a game vs Mass Effect 2. My choice was pretty clear to me.
So those are my opinions on what will win what, and what I want to win what.... what? Anyway, what do you think will win? What do you want to win? Do you even care? Let me know.
baylaust out.