Unfettered Blather

In the past on Internet forums I have been a member of, websites I have run, and older blogs I have done a best/worst list of games for the year.

I liked these lists because, well, it’s fun to pontificate on how the year treated my hobby.

This is not like the Oscars though or how Gamespot will pick a game of the year. The rules for the entrants are a little different for me since everything is on my nickel.

Rule #1 - Publish date doesn’t matter.
So long as the game was purchased between Dec 25 of the previous year and up until Dec 24th of the current award year. So, in essence any game I received as of Dec. 25th, 2007 to Dec. 24th 2008 will be eligible for the 2008 list.

Rule #2 - Repurchases do not count.
Occassionally I repurchase a game I had previously owned. Any game I have spent enough time with to form what I consider a an informed opinion that I have also repurchased would not qualify. For example, Battalion Wars, which did not work past mission 2 is still eligible for consideration. Timesplitters 2, which I have repurchased twice now and have played dozens of hours prior to owning my current copy would not qualify for consideration now or in any future list.

Rule #3 - Platform doesn’t matter.
While I will list which platform I am playing the game on, there is no limitations on which platforms will be considered. Incidentally, I try to pick the platform that I think a game will perform best on. For example, I bought Robotech: Invasion for the PS2 because I was told that the X-Box version actually had performance problems. If a game is out on the PS2 and the X-Box 360 (as a surprising number are) I am not going to pick up the PS2 version and then complain about graphics and framerates. In other words, most games will be considered in their best possible light.

Rule #4 - This is all my opinion.
That means I will be biased against platformers and sports games, inclusion of long-running franchise characters like Mario does not boost a game in my opinion, and I have no favorite house. I am not a fanboi of Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft. I will likely not line up with other people’s opinions and when I do it will probably be for different reasons. You can be offended by my selections if it makes you feel better but it won’t change my mind. If anyone feels the need to calmy discuss why they think a game is better or worse than I do I’d be willing to consider your opinion, I am even willing to have my mind changed. However, I will feed on your righteous indignation like most people would a dessert. Just something to keep in mind.

Rule #5 - I reserve the right to change my mind.
(See Rule #4). Throughout the year as I play a game my opinion of it could change. This has happened before. Something that might seem brilliant in January may not feel so brilliant by June. Essentially, in order to “win” this contest a game has to be able to keep my opinion of it high. This is not the same thing as holding my interest, there is no game outside of a very few that have ever been able to capture my attention for a full year.

So there are the rules, the contest for 2008 began as of Dec. 25th, 2007. The first list for December will be out in a day or so. Comment if you like or don’t, I always enjoy a good discussion, just remember Rule #4 before you post.

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