Now This is a Big Deal

So this holiday season I pitched a shutout for the first time I can remember.  It was the first year in almost forever that I didn't receive a single video game.  Not one.  Now granted I'm a new husband and new homeowner so there are other things that were a priority this holiday season.  But still, when the calendar turned to 2011, I was sitting in my new home wondering what games should I play. 

Last week, Best Buy came to my aid.  They offered a not so public special where you can buy 2 games and get a 3rd game for free.  I had to jump all over this offer.  But then came the decision.  If you could purchase any 3 games over any of the major systems, which 3 games would you choose?  I had to create a list.  It's a list of games that I've wanted to play but haven't for whatever reason over the past 6 months.  There were single player games, multiplayer games, sports games, and role playing games.  Here was my list:

* Call of Duty Black Ops - 360
* FIFA 11 - 360
* Mario Galaxy 2 - Wii
* Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - 360
* Final Fantasy 13 - 360
* Goldeneye - Wii
* Deadrising 2 - 360
* Fallout New Vegas - 360

I had to choose 3 out of 8.  This was too much to do in the store, so I had to do some research ahead of time and eliminate some choices.

First, Call of Duty Black Ops was a definite.  I've always been a Halo guy.  I just like the game more.  It suits my gameplaying style better.  I do love the Call of Duty series and couldn't wait to play this one, so it definitely makes the list.  Which leaves 2 out of 7.

FIFA 11 was a game I really wanted during the World Cup and would still love to play it.  But I fear that I would play the game for a few hours and never touch it again once I've scratched that itch, sort of speak.  So it was out.  2 out of 6

Mario Galaxy 2 I've heard great things about.  However the first Mario Galaxy was also really good but lost my interest early in the game.  While everything was good (graphics, controls, etc) it just seemed like it was aimed at a younger audience.  Which was when I realized I had outgrown Mario.  Sad but true.  2 out 5

Final Fantasy 13 has an awesome trailer.  I couldn't wait to play the game.  Then I read a review which said the game starts to get good about 25 hours into it.  What?  I don't have that kind of time.  Pass 2 out of 4

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood was a game I was originally going to pass on.  But I played and loved the first two games.  I considered the AC2 to be one of the best games of all time.  The trailer for this game looks great and the reviews have been awesome.  OK, I'm sold.  1 out of 3 remaining.

So I went to Best Buy looking to choose one from Goldeneye, Deadrising 2, and Fallout New Vegas.  I first picked up Fallout and was interested.  I like dystopian stories and love Vegas, so it was an early front runner.  Then a Best Buy associate came by and said that the game was full of glitches and he's heard customers complain a lot.  He had played it and said the graphics also looked a little dated.  Back to the shelf it went. 

I walked around with both Goldeneye and Deadrising in my hand for about 15 minutes, switching back and forth between the two.  I loved the original Deadrising and Goldeneye 64 was my 2nd favorite game of all time (before I played Mass Effect 2).  I really wanted to play Goldeneye again, I love Daniel Craig as the new Bond, and miss my Wii.  Goldeneye won out!

So I left Best Buy last week with Call of Duty Black Ops, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, and Goldeneye Wii.  Best Buy saved my winter and spring.  Now the only question is, what game do I play first?

Until next time,

 - The 30 Year-old Gamer