We stepped into the Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep presentation and were surprised to be face to face with none other than Tetsuya Nomura who was sitting there with an entourage of translators.  Both Stephanie and Dave had assumed that we were in for a demo of the game itself just like all of our previous appointments had been thus far. So when we sat down with Nomura, we flipped out our notebooks and prepared to absorb in any juicy information we could pry about the upcoming PSP Kingdom Hearts title, Birth by Sleep.

The first question asked in the interview was a simple one:

Why the PSP?
Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 had both been on the PlayStation 2 and there has been a spin-off on the DS and GBA so far, but with the apparent speedy delivery and quality of the Birth by Sleep, it was a fair question to ask why they decided to head to a portable system instead of on the next generation consoles.  Nomura’s answer to this was a technical one.  He explained that the similarity in the development process and performance between PSP and PS2 games is quite similar, thus making Birth by Sleep a PSP game, it streamlined the technical processes.

Since Birth by Sleep is the first prequel to enter the franchise, are there any plans for more prequels to the series? I.E. To explain the Keyblade Wars?
He answered with a rather indefinite response; he wasn’t sure as of yet, but did explain that the possibility certainly exists because Birth by Sleep’s ending leaves the story open to such a possibility.  The ending will likely leave you hanging and wanting to know more of the future rather than more prequel-type information.  There are no plans as of yet to explore the Keyblade Wars via a prequel title.

Are there many new worlds to explore that we will see in Birth by Sleep that are new to the Kingdom Hearts series?
Yes, there would be both new worlds and you will also be able to explore the worlds of some of the princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and the universe of Lilo and Stitch, since Stitch was featured as a summon before, but the actual Lilo and Stitch universe has yet to be featured in a Kingdom Hearts game.

The next question brought on probably the most conversation.

What changes or additions will the North American version of Birth by Sleep see?
His answer was that there would be many changes and additions.  For one, there would be several completely original, optional bosses for North American fans to tackle.  These bosses would also be significantly more difficult than anything the Japanese players had gotten to experience in their release.  Nomura said something that surprised us all as well, he told us that North American gamers expected harder games than the Japanese, who he said were almost more casual in their approach to difficulty in video games, that there were more “hardcore gamers” in American than there are in Japan.  I think this surprised everyone in the room who wasn’t actually Japanese.  In the West, we tend to look at Japanese gaming as the Holy Grail of gaming history.  They have the harder games, the longer games, the crazier games.  Japan has historically been the center of our universe in regards to hardware and software, and while the West has seen a significant rise in the past decade, to hear someone say that our games are more difficult was a bit surprising.  Aside from the new bosses, Nomura explained that there would be new items, new mini-games, and even new difficulty level settings.

He brought up that one of the optional bosses though that was added into the North American release, the Japanese testers found it so ridiculously difficult that they would cringe and complain about how excruciatingly challenging it was to fight them.

Will there be a Final Mix version of Birth by Sleep like some of the previous Kingdom Hearts games?
The answer was that no plans had been announced yet, but that Nomura thinks some Japanese gamers might appreciate a Final Mix version that mirrors the North American version due to the additional optional boss fights and new items involved.

The interview ended with a photo-op, bows all around, and some very surprised members of the media exiting the room.  Look for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep in North American retail outlets on September 7, 2010!

I know you know us at Spawn Kill. If there’s any Xbox Live Arcade/PSN game we’ve been excited about lately, it’s been Konami’s revival of their jetpacking possum icon, Sparkster, in Rocket Knight. Never having played the original myself, discovering that Konami had an iconic furry mascot of their own during the 90’s piqued my interest after reading Eric’s hands-on from the Konami Gamer’s Day event, and pushed us to pry an interview out of Tomm Hulett, the Associate Producer on Rocket Knight at Konami Digital Entertainment. Next up? Rocket Knight 2: Possums Gone Wild – Piloting Mechs.

For our readers who haven’t played the original Rocket Knight, can you tell us a little about its history and maybe what inspired you to create an updated version?

Tomm Hulett: Back in the early 90’s, SEGA created a character called Sonic (maybe you’ve heard of him) that could compete with Mario. For the next several years, every game company created some sort of cartoon animal mascot as their entry in the genre. Konami released a game called Rocket Knight Adventures, featuring Sparkster—a possum with a jetpack. But Sparkster was different from the cartoon mascot masses; for one, he didn’t have ‘tude. He was a pretty sincerely little guy, earnest in his desire to save the kingdom of Zephyrus despite his inexperience at the time. He represented Konami at the time very well—the company was making a reputation for really awesome licensed 16-bit games like Tiny Toons and Animaniacs. Sparkster’s game was similar, but obviously wholly original and created by Konami.

I was a big fan of those three games (RKA, Sparkster on Genesis, and Sparkster on SNES) and I felt like Sparkster never got a fair shake. All three of his games felt and controlled differently, and he’d kind of vanished to time… But there was definitely something there, because the game is fondly remembered. So I wanted to bring Sparkster back and give him another shot at stardom.

Other than the visuals, what else can fans of the original look forward to in Rocket Knight?

Tomm Hulett: Really solid gameplay. Sparkster can rocket through the air, and if he hits a wall, he ricochets off it. So you can literally bounce your way up narrow vertical passages. This is a great gimmick! Similar to the pogo jump in Duck Tales or the bionic arm in Bionic Commando. The rocket pack lends itself to attack, exploration, and speed running, so it’s literally the perfect game mechanic for a varied platformer. I wanted to take this element of the original and fully polish it, building the gameplay around it and making sure players could exploit it on many different levels. In the old games the rocket was dangerous, and kind of an “experts only” move. I wanted to open it up and make it simple enough that anyone could feel like they were the ROCKET Knight. (Naturally it will take an expert hand to truly master its potential!)

What challenges, if any, did you come across when updating the classic title?

Tomm Hulett: One of my biggest challenges was just getting it greenlit. Rocket Knight is a project I have always believed in, but a lot of people have to believe in something before it can get made into a game. It’s been a long process that I’ve been hard at work during my entire Konami career. It’s honestly a little strange now that the game is finally out. A big challenge for the whole team at Climax, and something we were all very aware of, was that despite the 3D graphics, our game had to feel 2D. To stay true to the series, we simply couldn’t have the weird floatyness or hit detection issues that are common in 2.5D games. They pulled off a few tricks, but I can say this is a sharp, snappy, tight game. When you need precision, the game lets you have it.

There are a lot of people who love these remakes for the nostalgic music, platforming or simply because of the adorable iconic mascot. What would you say is the one thing that draws you into Rocket Knight?

Tomm Hulett: Two things have always drawn me to Rocket Knight. The first is the general feel of the whole setting and characters. As I said, Sparkster is very earnest and sincere, and he lives in this quaint fantasy kingdom… and then three doors down are the Devotindos (Pigs) and they’re in a huge industrial city. They drive jeeps and mechs and stuff. And the story is all conveyed via pantomime cutscenes (another thing we kept!). I don’t know, it’s very quaint—but not cliché of the time period. It wasn’t ripping off its contemporaries at all. The second thing I like is the potential of the rocket pack mechanic. It’s just a great, really cool idea. In my pitch it said “Rocket packs are the motorcycles of flying.” Who wouldn’t want a rocket pack? We just needed to fully polish and develop how the rocket pack should work. So it was potential in both the gameplay and world that drew me to revive Rocket Knight, and that’s why developing both more fully was my primary goal. Hopefully I can continue doing so in the future!

With the portable systems being able to download games titles like Rocket Knight seem to be a great fit for the portable systems but we normally only see them on Steam, XBLA or the PSN. Was there ever a point where you thought about bringing this title to the DS, PSP or the various Apple products?

Tomm Hulett: When we began this, the DSi hadn’t been announced yet, so that’s one factor. But the bigger factor is game size. Since Rocket Knight was such a hard-fought revival, we didn’t have room to do episodic content or a proof of concept style game. Sparkster only got one shot, and I wanted him to give it everything he had – bold, colorful graphics presented in HD, expansive levels that could be lazily explored or frantically speed-run. Flight stages with cool camera tricks, etc. With everyone’s help, Sparkster could be presented in a variety of formats in the future, but this was his one chance to impress the gaming world at large. Hopefully everyone checks it out.

Finally, what does the Rocket Knight team have in store for us in the future? Will we ever be seeing another Rocket Knight game, another remake of a different classic title, or something all-together fresh from the well?

Tomm Hulett: I’m always working on a variety of things. I would love to do another Rocket Knight. I already know what the story and setting would be! …and maybe a giant robot or two?

So get crackin’!  The contest ends on midnight of next Saturday!

I love to hear my characters speak, whether it’s a short battle cry or a simple repeated phrase throughout gameplay. I certainly can appreciate the omission of voice from quintessential characters such as Link or Gordon Freeman for the sake of the story, but I must say that I prefer hearing my avatar interact in their own way, even if I’m choosing the very lines they will utter. It gives me a fleeting sense of purpose and less of the “who am I?” feel that washes over me in MMORPGs or the like where you can be anyone you want to be. I like to be given a personality and a role to fulfill in a title unless I’m specifically looking to create my own. It enhances the story entirely if I feel as though I’m in control of a real person with real thoughts and a voice all their own.

In Pokémon, it’s always been frustrating to never be able to reply to those around me. It’s an aspect that I have always felt could improve the game by adding branching dialogue paths, or the calls/friends you’re able to make within the game. And who hasn’t wanted to come back with a snappy response to their rival? And at the same time, I can understand how leaving out such details go so far to put you in the very shoes of whomever you’re playing as. For neurotic gamers such as myself who need a purpose, explicit instructions, and details down to the letter of what needs to be accomplished and why, I’ve always preferred protagonists who can speak for themselves without me having to wonder what they would say, or what they “said” in response to NPCs, bosses, and whatnot. Some of my favorite titles include these silent heroes, but even the smallest smidgeon of personality makes me giddy.

How about you? Do you prefer silent protagonists or do you want to know what your character is thinking and saying? Is it a mechanic you’d like to see perpetuated and continued on? Why? And does it change your gameplay experience at all? Let us know!

Opinions. Everyone’s got ‘em. Especially the staff of Spawn Kill. And we know every single one of you wants to share your own as well. So we’ve put together a way that you can give us your two cents — you know, other than leaving a comment or getting in touch with us in some other manner. Every Wednesday, we’ll be bringing you a hot topic that’s been cracked wide open for discussion. Your job is to load up and deliver your best opinions on the subject at hand in Spawn Kill’s Agree to Disagree column.

When I’m given the power over my own destiny in a video game, I feel a stronger, more personal connection to the narrative unfolding at my hand. It’s a chance to break away from the annihilation of characters I don’t quite care about or the destruction of a town I have no ties to. When the choices I make end up affecting the outcome of a story that I’ve helped create, then you better believe I start letting my real-life judgment take over.

Take Heavy Rain, for example. As full of plot holes as it was, I simply couldn’t make “the ultimate sacrifice” because I felt it was morally wrong and simultaneously detrimental to the sake of my quest. For those of you who have experienced the game in its entirety, I’m sure you wrestled with that decision as well because of its implications and the fact that it could change the happy life you may spend with your son, if you ended up finding him after all.

In Mass Effect, was it right to leave any squad member behind to face certain annihilation and did you feel remorse for either choice you ended up making? I felt the consequences hit home when I realized that Kaidan was no longer the ally I thought he would be in Mass Effect 2, though I offed Ashley out of pure revulsion. It made me wonder if I had truly done the “right” thing in the context of the game, and not in my twisted sense of justice and real-life morals.

Are games pushing the envelope far enough to really make us question our in-game decisions or are they merely tools for writers to leave things open for interpretation and to lazily have the audience fill in their own blanks? Personally, I appreciate wholeheartedly the gift of choice in some of my favorite narratives. Recently, Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love demonstrated the finer points of the system quite well and made me hunger for the days of “choose your own adventure” books.

How about you? Are we ready for more moral implications and real hard-hitting choices, or are our games doing a fine job as it is? Have older games done it better? Why or why not? Comment below and weigh in with your two cents!

Opinions. Everyone’s got ‘em. Especially the staff of Spawn Kill. And we know every single one of you wants to share your own as well. So we’ve put together a way that you can give us your two cents — you know, other than leaving a comment or getting in touch with us in some other manner. Every Wednesday, we’ll be bringing you a hot topic that’s been cracked wide open for discussion. Your job is to load up and deliver your best opinions on the subject at hand in Spawn Kill’s Agree to Disagree column.

So, how did you get the idea for Frobot?

Andrew Lum: The game was originally titled, “Robot Wars”, and was actually a grand space opera with robots fighting in a great war. Then the game got scaled down to a story about a robot that had to stop a spaceship’s AI that had gone amuck. A few months later, our casual games team was brainstorming tiles for a Match 3 garden game we were working on. We ended up calling the game Flower Paradise. Jonah, our casual games programmer, laughed noting that we had a fixation with the letter F. Fugazo had already developed Fashion Fits, Fishco, and then Flower Paradise. “Let’s add an F and call the game Frobot!” Jonah exclaimed.  Everyone burst into laughter at such a ridiculous concept. Naturally, we ran with the idea and redesigned the entire game.

Why did you decide to use the isometric view for battles rather than first-person or third-person?

Andrew Lum: The primary inspiration for Frobot was Wii Play’s Tank mini-game. I loved the simple single screen battles. The isometric view was part of the game challenge as you can hide mines and even yourself behind objects as you battle. The single screen interface allows you to see all enemies and objects on screen at once which really works for this game.

How do you hope to stand out from the countless party games out there with Frobot’s unique brand of multiplayer?

Andrew Lum: Honestly, I don’t think Frobot’s Mulitplaya Mode can be compared to the countless party games out there. Typically party games are fun in short bursts but don’t have enough depth for multiple play sessions. Our Multiplaya has a lot of unique elements like force fields, moving platforms, and teleporters. When you add in all the special weapons each player can develop their own strategies and techniques.

Your gameplay obviously draws comparisons to Wii Play. Was this intentional?

Andrew Lum: Most definitely! Eric (one of the designers) and myself played a lot of Wii Play’s Tanks together. The Single Playa mode also takes a good deal of inspiration from the original Legend of Zelda dungeons as well.

It’s obvious you’re a diehard Nintendo fan, as your reputation precedes you! Even though Frobot is headed for WiiWare, could you see it on a platform such as PSN or XBLA with the upcoming Natal and Move control schemes?

Andrew Lum: I haven’t tried out Natal yet so I have no idea how Frobot could work with it. I have tried the PS3 Move and I have to admit it’s pretty decent. That being said, we have no plans to bring Frobot to PSN or XBLA at this time.

Disco robots — are you a disco fan at all, or did you find that juxtaposition particularly hilarious?

Andrew Lum: I like disco but I’d be lying if I said I was a fan. We really found the concept of disco and robots hilarious and just ran with it. However, we have done a good deal of research into disco music when building the tracks for Frobot.

How much mileage are you expecting players to get out of the single-player campaign?

Andrew Lum: I think it’s safe to say the average player should get 6-8 hours out of Frobot on their first playthrough. We also have Speed Runs that unlock extra Mulitplaya Maps and Hair Picks that unlock new Frobot abilities that extend gameplay.

We’re looking forward to giving the full release of Frobot a spin once it hits the WiiWare stage. Hungry for more? Visit the official website to tide you over and keep checking back at Spawn Kill for more hot interviews like this one!

The Spawn Kill crew recently got a hold of several Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo codes, and though we gave many of the codes away, Snarkasaur, TheHerp, and K-Tuck couldn’t help but check it out for themselves. The multiplayer itself was met with some mixed results both in terms of gameplay and game mechanics, so the crew took it upon themselves to run through the previously released co-op demo and compare the results between the two.

And, for the first time, these good fellows have come together to forge Spawn Kill’s very first Three Brains Podcast! Check it out below.

Music credits for the podcast go to the talented Ronald Jenkees.

As always, let us know what you think of this particular formula, as well as any thoughts on the demo!

The main campaign of BFBC was as hilarious as it was action-packed. Did you decide to continue that trend with this game or has the focus shifted more to the intricacies of combat?

Lo Wallmo: We are trying to move more toward a serious tone in this game compared to the last game. I think some people were a little bit put off by the humor. Some people thought it was a little bit too corny, maybe. We tried to move toward a more serious military game, but still maintain the essence of the characters, which is pretty funny. They’re supposed to be funny guys and you’re supposed to feel like they’re real people and not like crazy killing machines.

So you think that’s to create more attachment to the characters, to give them more personality?

Lo Wallmo: I would think so, yeah. The characters have real hearts. You’ll like to experience this adventure together with them.

Has the health system been revamped in any way? It became cumbersome to keep using the shot over and over.

Lo Wallmo: It was a decision we made pretty early to remove that [the shot] and go for a more standard rejuvenating health system, where you duck into cover and recover your health.

Is there a set level cap for the multiplayer? And what of perks, leveling up, etc. like in MW2?

Lo Wallmo: There is a cap at level 25. Our perk system is customizable. You select the kind of bonuses you would like to apply to your character as you unlock them, so for instance if you have more health, you can have that, but you don’t get to do more damage with your explosives. So there is an either/or system, where you select one perk that is available to you — you might want to scope out your gun or you might want more ammo. You can select the perks you want.

Was the same graphics engine used in the original game implemented this time?

Lo Wallmo: Yes, it’s the same, just optimized. There has been a lot of work done to improve the rendering so we can show more cool stuff on the screen.

Can we expect to see a little more character development? I grew to love the characters and hoped for more intimate departures into their personalities with the original game.

Lo Wallmo: The characters have their own ride, each and every one of them, throughout the campaign. You’ll see that they have their ups and down. They’ll definitely be different than they were at the beginning of the game near the ending.

With the popularity of ME2’s Cerberus Network, since you’re launching day-one DLC quite similar to that, can players expect to see any free maps or characters?

Lo Wallmo: Absolutely. There is a pack of maps being announced for launch that are free, but there is also going to be paid DLC, which we will make sure is not as game-changing. There will be more things to supplement the game with later on.

What about BFBC2 should attract players scorned by the bugs and various annoyances brought on by MW2? What are you anticipating will draw in that audience? The multiplayer? A mindblowing campaign?

Lo Wallmo: We really feel like players should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the game and not be bugged by cheaters. That’s why we feel strongly about dedicated servers for this game to keep the important parts of the code away from the players. That’s something we feel strongly about. It should be fair for everyone.

Do you feel that BFBC2 is trying to bring in people with a mind-blowing campaign or is there a focus on one or the other? Or is there a good balance of effort put into both pieces?

Lo Wallmo: Hands down, we are most focused on the multiplayer aspects, as we have a lot of pedigree there from the Battlefield franchise in the past, but we also love creating single-player games and put more focus into it this time around, so I would hope that it’s 50/50, but our heart has been in the multiplayer and online. “Online vehicle warfare” is kind of our tagline. It’s what we like.

How long do you think the campaign is?

Lo Wallmo: About 6 to 10 hours, depending on how you play.

Thanks for doing the interview with us! It was a pleasure!

Thank you.

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@Tigresa – @Snarkasaur – @K-Tuck – @The Herp – @Molotov Cupcake

Best Retro Throwback: Retro Game Challenge

Cuatro Chihuahuas:
If you haven’t heard of this game, I wouldn’t be surprised.  It was a bit of a sleeper, sadly, but a great game nonetheless.  Especially if you grew up playing the NES until your hands cramped up, you will definitely want to check out this gem.  Rather than remaking or doing sequels of hit games from the 8-bit days, Retro Game Challenge is set up in a creative way.  You are transported back in time so that you are a kid again, and you must complete various game challenges in order to finally be able to get back to your present adult form.  Sounds a little weird, but it works.  You get to play various games throughout the adventure that are completely original and new, yet will feel very familiar: space shooters, racers, and even an old-school RPG all appear, and for the most part, they are as much fun to play as any of the games they are tribute to were.  One other neat thing is you get access to various issues of game magazines in order to read about upcoming releases as well as learning tips and tricks (not to mention cheat codes) to help you achieve your challenges.  Once you make all the challenges for a particular game, you can then play the game in free mode whenever you like.  This game was one of the freshest and most fun games I played all year, and I cry a little tear each night that we haven’t gotten the sequel localized.

Game That Freaked You the @!$# Out: Demon’s Souls

K-Tuck:
Demon’s Souls, the PS3 exclusive RPG from From Software, aims to provide something no other game on the market can. It strives to intimidate, to dishearten, and to terrify its player. In this regard, Demon’s Souls excels. Every interaction the player character has with a base-level enemy is a potentially fatal one. Of course, this is to say nothing of the larger, more powerful foes littered around every unsuspecting corner. How should a player feel, dodging death at every step forward, when he is suddenly facing massive Tower Knight, an epic fire-breathing dragon, any of the Archdemons, or the invading force of a Black Phantom? Freaked out, of course.

Game Hardest to Categorize: Brütal Legend

K-Tuck:
Brütal Legend, Tim Schafer’s love child between games and heavy metal, was tracked closely by fans of many different mediums: anything from music, Schafer’s past work, Jack Black himself, to the promise of an open-world game where the environments were inspired by classic metal album covers. Curiously, how the game was actually played didn’t get much coverage before release, and when the game finally hit store shelves gamers were a bit befuddled. The title brings bits of adventure games, action games, car combat and racing games, rhythm games, and real-time strategy games into one ambitious mixture. Although the blend leans more towards specific aspects, Brütal Legend does so many things that its hard to discern which of them were the developer’s original intentions.

Scariest Monsters: House of the Dead: Overkill

Tigresa:
Not only is House of the Dead: Overkill my personal favorite Wii game of 2009, it had some impressive monster models for “just a zombie game.” The insanely wild ride of a story the game takes you on leads you to confront some seriously fudged up boss battles. From Total Recall’s creepy Kuato look-alike with the fetus’ head extending from a monster’s body to the crazy screamer hiding in corners and running up to you to the mindschlock ending boss fight that I refuse to spoil because it’s so damn outrageous and freaky — makes for some a mix of some creepy, some disturbing and some scary fights.

Game That Made You Swear: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Molotov Cupcake:
I’m very impatient. Patient when it counts, but when it comes to douchebaggery and unacceptable online behavior, I can get downright nasty. Plenty of vitriol was spewn out of my mouth when it came to what was possibly my biggest letdown of the year regarding the multiplayer department (I found it to be a superb single-player endeavor) — Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. I’m sure I’m not alone in the fact that that game singlehandedly elicited more foul language out of my mouth due to cheap deaths and unbalanced gameplay than I’ve ever heard myself allow. Chants of the “gamer’s prayer” did abound as people traipsed around with ridiculous perk and weapon combinations, and the overall frustration with that game grew and grew with every day that passed until finally I decided I’d forget about the multiplayer entirely and never unleash that much anger again. Not worth it. And I’m sure many of you are wanting to follow suit for more greener pastures and cleaner mouths.

Most Unattractive Characters: Dragon Age: Origins

Snarkasaur:
This definitely requires some explanation, because for the most part Dragon Age is a great-looking game, particularly on the PC. It’s not stellar by any means and doesn’t compare to some of the visually gorgeous work we’ve seen this year, but it does the job. But where it gets unattractive are in its portrayal of “nudity” and a few of its nastier bosses. The brood mother is quite possibly the grossest thing we’ve seen in a game, with her multiple protruding teets and weird appendages. And the darkspawn in general are just a nasty looking bunch. Being unattractive in that capacity is a good thing because it adds to players wanting to kill these monstrosities. The half-baked nudity in Dragon Age, particularly during sex scenes and whenever a character sheds his or her armor is where the unattractive part really hits. The human body in prime condition is a beautiful thing. BioWare’s portrayal of that body was unappealing to say the least.

Most Narcissistic Game: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Molotov Cupcake:
For me, graphics do not make the game. I am just as impressed with flat, polygonal characters as I am with fleshed-out organic beings who mirror the human form with finesse and unbelievable polish. Unfortunately, many titles sacrifice engaging and solid gameplay for glossed-over looks and a plastic exterior to mask the ugliness underneath. Luckily, one shining example this year proved that we could have our gorgeous, expansive landscapes and fluid gameplay as well. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was home to some of the most breathtaking expanses of land, mythical setpieces, and gorgeous scenery I have seen in my 18 years of gaming. Where it excelled in providing impeccable interaction between characters and solid gunplay, it mastered the art of presentation. Snowy cliffs, ornately decorated sacred grounds, and lush jungles dotted the landscape in-game, and each time I arrived at a brand new location I was floored by the exhaustive attention to detail and the obvious amount of dedication it took to bring the game to live. An absolute pleasure to play and even more of a visual treat, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is most deserving of the Most Narcissistic Game award, and it should be proud.

Best Music Game: The Beatles Rock Band

The Herp:
Ever since Harmonix stepped onto the scene of music games they have always delivered the best that the genre has to offer. Don’t forget that they were behind the first couple Guitar Hero games before branching off to create Rock Band. It was a surprise to me that they were able to snag the rights to The Beatles tracks and after seeing what they did with it, I don’t even want to think about how it would have ended up if were in Guitar Hero’s hands. Harmonix could have easily coasted when creating this game, riding the coattails of The Beatles’ expansive library, but they didn’t. The style, presentation and storytelling in The Beatles Rock Band stands out in a genre that is flooded with throwaway titles. Even though the core gameplay remains the same, they were able to bring a brand new experience for all gamers. The Beatles: Rock Band could not be more deserving this year for Best Music Game of 2009

Least Hype, Most Delivery: Borderlands

The Herp:
Though some were following Borderlands from the beginning, many of us were not. The most I heard about the game was regarding the insane amount of weapons you can find and shift in graphics. The decision to change them from hyper-realistic to cel-shaded was done very late in production. I didn’t hear much else and I’m sure that had something to do with the media not being too impressed by its early iterations. Borderlands seems like such a simple concept. It’s a first-person shooter mixed with MMORPG elements. It wasn’t until after I played it that I realized how much fun the game actually is. It brings together a ton of MMORPG elements to create a very exciting game, not to mention the art style and the story work so well together. I can’t imagine the game being any different. With all the loot-gathering, the different classes and skill trees, the ability to play the game entirely via co-op, Borderlands is a very unique experience for anyone who wants just a bit more from their shooters. I always describe Borderlands as “baby’s first MMORPG” but it definitely is a game that had very little hype and definitely delivered.

Most Hype, Least Delivery: Scribblenauts

Snarkasaur:
Before E3 of 2009, very few people had heard of Scribblenauts.  After E3, it was about the only thing people could talk about.  Final Fantasy XIV?  Cool, but what ridiculously off the wall thing can I write in for Scribblenauts?  So it was that we all boarded up the hype train, strapped in, choo choo’d, and took off for a few months.  Then Scribblenauts released in September and everyone kind of smiled and looked around and realized that the train had stopped and our tea was cold and we hadn’t been eating fillet migon just now but Manwich.  In fact, what might have been lauded as a fantastic game this year was marred by the praise it received before its release.  If nothing else, the experience proved that bringing new concepts to a show floor isn’t always going to bring positive results.

Best DLC: Batman: Arkham Asylum

Snarkasaur:
Arkham Asylum’s DLC did right just what the game did right. It kept everything similar to the challenge modes that came with the game, but mixed it up a little, threw in some extra difficulty, and best of all was totally free. And if you had a PS3 version, you were granted access to actually controlling the Joker himself. Most people would probably assume they’d take Batman and just re-skin him, but Rocksteady surprised everyone yet again by giving him his own methods and feel entirely. The Joker maps were a treat and a great departure from the style players had been used to while controlling the Batman.

Worst Game of the Year: Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga

Cuatro Chihuahuas:

Read my review, and you will know why this game won in this category.  I have played a few stinkers on the Wii, but undoubtedly this is one of the worst games I’ve ever played on any system.  The combat is shallow and boring, the sound is annoying, and the graphics aren’t just bad, they make the game painful to play.  Overall, the game has the feeling of being rushed out the door about half-way through, which is disappointing, as it has some deep elements.  Nevertheless, you shouldn’t ever play this game for any reason.

Second Opinion

The Herp: While I didn’t play all the terrible games this year, NBA 2K10 was one of them. The core gameplay was as solid as ever and did offer the best basketball experience; however the amount of bugs, the constant crashing, the horrible online play, the frame rate issues and the fact that 2K Sports thought it was ok to not release a patch until a month after release definitely makes me feel that 2K10 deserves this tag. For a company that has been enjoying being the #1 basketball game for so many years, you don’t have to look too hard to see how 2K Sports can turn something you love into something you despise.

Game of the Year: Dragon Age: Origins

Tigresa:
Dragon Age: Origins had such an immersive world worth getting into. BioWare put so much into the lore of the universe that it was hard not to get completely sucked in. I grew so fondly attached to all of my party members, when in most RPGs there are always possibly two good teammates tops worth making it into the ranks of your battle-going party. In Dragon Age: Origins, since they God-blessedly all level up simultaneously, I constantly found myself strategizing on which teammate to take for which mission, since the majority of them were so likable. The game is phenomenal and so intricate in that every little choice you make has many an outcome on the story to come. With a handful of epic endings to experience, it makes me wonder if there is anything that is considered true “canon” if we are ever lucky enough to receive a sequel.

Dragon Age: Origins does something so well, better than any game I’ve ever played to date. BioWare has outdone even themselves with this one. There is no plain and simple paragon/renegade decisions to be made in the game, there is no “right” and “wrong” points to be attributed. Because of that, you really feel more inclined to make decisions you feel are truly “right” for each individual situation, not simply making “good” choices for the sake of being a paragon. Also, there is no official paragon/renegade path in any sense of the terms, because to some of your teammates they become pleased and approve of your actions when you take matters into your own hands and kill off people during quests, while others might be neutral about some situations, lest others may ask you to be kind and rational. Those are decisions you have to make on who you want to please and who you want on your side, because you will find yourself in many a situation where your teammates will be at each other’s throat in disagreement over what should be done. Everything you do has a consequence both in the game and with your relationship with each character.

I actually am typically more of a sci-fi nerd over the lore of dragons and elves, so I was excited to get into the decision-making shoes of my character, but I didn’t expect to get very “into” the world itself because the times of ye olde don’t usually feel very engaging to me. Being as the making choices and leveling up my devilish Miss Blood Mage was what I was looking forward to, I was more than impressed. The world itself? It must have taken years to craft the depth and histories behind all of the different races, characters, and places to visit in Dragon Age: Origins, and it totally had me at “Hello… Grey Warden.”

Honorable Mention: Batman: Arkham Asylum

Blehmeng:
My heart was set on voting Batman: Arkham Asylum for Game of the Year for taking a franchise that sorely needed a makeover and making it one of my favorite games of all time. With the stealth, fighting, exploration, and fully developed characters in one of the best game worlds I’ve seen in a “sandbox” game, it surpassed all my wildest expectations for it, and made it a game that I intend to devote time to each year to play, much like my favorite games from every generation.

Second Opinion:

The Herp:Personally my game of the year was Killzone 2. When you add everything together, the graphics, the story, the huge battles, the excellent class based multiplayer, the clan system, the voice acting, the great music and sound, the environments, it all comes together to offer an amazing FPS experience unlike anything else released this year.

Third Opinion:

Molotov Cupcake:I played many a fantastic game this year, and some equally terrible abominations. However, throughout this tumultuous year of gaming, one title stuck out to me the most: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. As a staunch naysayer in the beginning, I simply could not fathom the trance this game was putting many a journalist and layman gamer in…after all, it’s just a third-person action/shooter title that has elements derived from plenty of games before it. However, after sitting down with it, I found myself unable to look away from the screen. My daily ritual became one of getting off work and heading over to my newly-acquired PlayStation 3 Slim for some quality time with Nathan Drake and his motley crew. Nate, Elena, Flynn, Chloe, and even Lazarevic made this a journey I won’t soon forget with their believable and undeniably human personalities and agendas. I formed genuine bonds with this cast of characters, ones that grew stronger with each twist and turn of the epic plot, and ones that brought tears to my eyes near the game’s climax despite its positive (yet not absolutely finite — we could see more Drake) conclusion. The cinematic presentation, superb voice work, tight controls, and charm of Uncharted 2 won me over from start to finish, and I’m not too proud to say I was absolutely wrong about this game. It’s without a doubt my personal game of the year, and a title that I can only hope inspires upcoming releases to do what’s been done before much better. And then we’ll talk about throwing innovation into the mix.

And there you have it. This concludes the first annual Spawn Kill Game of the Year Awards! Did you agree or disagree with the nominees elected to reign supreme? Did we miss anything? What were your personal picks? As always, we’d love to hear what you think so don’t be shy and let us know in the comments below. Happy 2010, everyone!

Don’t forget to check out our companion podcast, episode 5 of the Kill Kast, found here and on iTunes for your convenience!

Unfortunately, Molotov had to drop out not too long into the discussion due to technical difficulties, so if you’re curious as to the rest of her picks regarding the Game of the Year awards, she’d be more than happy to discuss them with you via e-mail or her Twitter.

Thanks for your interest in the fifth episode of the Kill Kast, and we hope you enjoy the show! Download or stream the podcast below. We are also now on iTunes!

If you want to follow our GOTY podcasts’ individual voices on Twitter, everyone is listed below!

@Tigresaa – @Snarkasaur – @MolotovCupcake - @TheHerp80

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Platform(s): Wii
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

I have to confess I debated about including this game on the casual list, because it’s actually pretty challenging, especially for inexperienced players or those who have never played a Mario game before. Still, I decided to include it after all, because it’s fun to play, and for those who stick with it, can be an educating experience. It’s absolutely hilarious to play with friends and family. It just might get your girlfriend, roommate and anyone else who isn’t much of a gamer to find the same joys you do in video games.

Tales of Monkey Island

Platform(s): PC, WiiWare
ESRB Rating: E10+ [Everyone 10+]

The Tales of Monkey Island series is one of the best point-and-clicks I’ve played, especially in recent memory. The best news is that now that the full game has been released (all five episodes), you can purchase it from TellTale’s online store and get it all on DVD, meaning that even if your friend/family member has a download-phobia, they can still enjoy the game by installing it the old-fashioned way. You can also purchase a gift card for the season, if you’d prefer. Pirates apparently love options.

Scribblenauts

Platform(s): Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: E10+ [Everyone 10+]

Scribblenauts is a clever game that’s perfect for playing in short bursts.  So if your dad wants a little puzzle game to entertain himself on his way to work each day (hopefully he takes public transport or carpools: Spawn Kill is not responsible for any accident or injury that may occur if one games while driving), then this may just hit the sweet spot. Plus, you can snag it for about $25, which certainly won’t break the bank.

Cooking Mama 3

Platform(s): Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Cooking Mama 3 is the latest in the line of cute, culinary delicacies on the Nintendo DS. What I love about Cooking Mama that makes her an easy recommendation is that she is fun when you’re 7, she’s fun when you’re 15, and she’s still fun when you’re 20+. I love Cooking Mama and so do most of my twenty-something aged friends. Her cute accent, and extremely interactive recipes you will participate in will have you wanting the skills of a chef by the end of the night. Retails for about $29.99 at most locations and online stores.

Hasbro Family Game Night 2

Platform(s): Wii
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Hasbro Family Game Night 2 is made up of five games you and your family are sure to be familiar with: Operation, Jenga, Bop-It, Connect 4×4 and Pictureka. Jenga is a tough cookie for those with a shaky hand, but Pictureka (one of Hasbro’s newer board games) translates extremely well to the Wii. It’s an addictive game that’ll have your senses heightened to the max with the need to defeat your competitor. It’s playable alone, but it’s nothing compared to playing against your significant other or family members. Plus, I’ve lost most of the pieces to my Operation game from years past… You can bring your Miis into the mix as well, so feel free to have Miley Cyrus duke it out against your Jonas Brothers Miis for a bonus, haha.

But what if your friend or family member already owns the above games, or perhaps you’d like to get them something different, perhaps something you know they’d never buy themselves? Consider, if you will, some of the items below that might pique the heart of the casual gamers in your life.

Wii or Xbox 360 Aspect Gaming Tower

There are a few of these on the market, but this one is especially nice because it has a place to store your plastic guitar, in case your friend is a Guitar Hero or Rock Band junkie. The best thing is you can find them on sale for $39.99 at JCPenney, and you’ll help keep your friend’s collection organized. It has have room for the console, games, and up to four sets of controllers, plus one guitar.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a place to store the balance board, but it’s still one of the best storage solutions you can find, especially for the price.

Chloe Dao Mobile Technology Handbag

OK, let’s face it: a large number of “casual” gamers are female. In fact, if you’re reading this you may have a wife, girlfriend, or daughter who has a DS, but prefers to play Nintendogs over Grand Theft Auto on it. If so, she may love you forever if you get her one of these. Available in several prints, this bag is fierce when it comes to carrying your DS Lite, DSi, or PSP on the go. I have one and I adore it. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments, since it not only looks like a purse, it is one. Inside, there’s a large pocket for your DS or PSP, plus sleeves for credit cards, a pocket for your cell phone, and more. It’s great if you (or your female friend) enjoy having your handheld with you, but still wants to keep it secure without having too much to lug around. For a while, this item was hard to find, but doing a quick search on eBay shows quite a few have popped up since I scrambled to buy mine. It’s a great gift, and better than most other cases you’ll find on the market. Sexy? Check. Fashionable? Check. Practical? Check. Affordable? Hmm. Maybe I’ll buy another one…

We hope you’ve enjoyed our gift guides.  Perhaps they’ve helped you find that perfect gift or accessory for every gamer on your list, or at least they’ve made you chuckle!  Happy Holidays and we hope to see you all in 2010!

As always, thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy the fourth episode of the Kill Kast!

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All you need to do is listen to the latest podcast (find it here) and comment this post with your thoughts regarding our staff discussion about Modern Warfare 2. Please register with a valid email and remember to speak coherently in full sentences. Otherwise, your entry will not be considered. Do not beg for a code and do not enter multiple times. One entry apiece, please. The winner will be announced December 12th at a time of our choosing, and the winner will be contacted via e-mail.

So what are you waiting for? Go listen to that podcast and enter to win!

But wait, there’s more! If you listen now you’ll have a chance to get in on a swanky contest. See an upcoming post for further details, or just have a listen at the third episode of the Spawn Kill Kill Kast: Why Modern Warfare 2 Is Not Game of the Year.

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