2008 Ex-EGM Awards: The Biggest Disappointments of the Year
(Note: This is the third in a series of 2008 year-end awards as judged on by various ex-EGM editors)
Opening ceremonies + meet the judges
2008: Games of the Year
2008: Most Overshadowed Games of the Year
2008: Biggest Disappointments of the Year
2008: The Other Awards
2008: Hopes and Dreams for the New Year
2008: BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE YEAR
Dan “Shoe” Hsu: Fable 2 and Mercenaries 2
“I had fun with both, but how on earth can the co-op modes be so ass-backwards in terms of function and features? It’s like the developers haven’t played any co-op games made in the last five years.”
Crispin Boyer: Spore
“Trying to simulate life, the universe, and everything turned out to be too much for just one game.”
Andy Baran: Metal Gear Solid 4
“Only a game this technically proficient can replace all the heart, technique and story of its predecessors and replace that content with brain-numbing boredom and still walk away with terrific scores and sales.”
John Davison: LittleBigPlanet
“The disappointment is actually in my own complete lack of ability to get into it. I think the game is beautiful, I just don’t have the patience for it.”
Joe Fielder: Layoffs
“Electronic Arts lays off 10% of work force :)”
Joe Funk: (inside joke alert)
“Still awaiting launch of Firefighter Fighter.”
Kraig Kujawa: No Kid Icarus
“That whole Kid Icarus rumor for the Wii still hasn’t panned out…..which is a shame since I have this thing for dangerous cupid babies.”
Demian Linn: Spore
“Mainly because of the years of pre-release hype. I wish it had been a far more granular and nuanced evolution sim, with less combat and Sporebucks in the Space stage, but I can see why those design decisions were made.”
John Ricciardi: PlayStation 3
“It hurts to see Sony crashing so hard after the greatness that was PS2, but I remain hopeful that they can turn this ship around and bring respect back to the brand. Step 1: Ditch Home and bring back BC. Step 2: Cut the price in half. Step 3: Start thinking about PS4 so you can be ready for the next Xbox on day one. Bonus Step: Hire Shane Bettenhausen to do battle with Major Nelson!”
Kathleen Sanders: GFW
“I was, as ever, let down by the total lack of unicorns in games. However, the greatest disapointment was the shuttering of Games for Windows magazine and the loss of GFW Radio. They kept me company on my commute and now all I’ve got is radio.”
Greg Sewart: Massive layoffs
“Everyone keeps telling us the game industry is recession proof….”
Jeanne Kim Trais: Spore
Jennifer Tsao: “Revenge of the PS3”
“This should have been the year PS3 hit its stride, but now it’s officially tanked. LittleBigPlanet was a mistake as a flagship property (it’s a great game, but it’s just not a system seller). And they should have dropped the price for the holidays (as we suggested in EGM)! I remember when we were working on that cover story, we tossed around the catchphrase “Call it a comeback” and even considered putting that on the cover. But now it’s pretty much safe to follow LL Cool J’s advice as it was originally spoken….”
Next up: Some fun stuff and some nonsense from the ex-EGM crew
