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An unexpected storm of reviews hit just as 2009 drew to a close — one that shows no sign of subsiding. Not that we’re complaining!
Along with further opinions on Final Fantasy 13 and Borderlands, we’ve got little-known Enix game R.A.D., Zombie Driver, Alien Breed Evolution, and Valkyria Chronicles creeping into the mix. Frank Anderson and Gabriel Shelnutt compiled their reviews of the year, and covered an impossible number of games in a suprisingly effective manner.
Chris Davidson’s second edition of Unfair Comparisons rounds out the spotlight, throwing Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box in the ring with Afro Samurai. In other news, Brian Shirk is back and prolific as ever — we may need to run a special edition just devoted to his stuff in the near future!
R.A.D.: The Coolest Game You Never Played
By Alex Gagne
Born out of the early PS2 era, before publisher Enix merged with fellow role-playing game specialist Square, Robot Alchemic Drive (R.A.D.) plays absolutely nothing like you’d expect it would. It isn’t an RPG, for one, and you view the game through a remote, second-person view, as your character controls a giant robot.
Final Fantasy 13 – Import Video Review
By Richard Eisenbeis
Richard has had it with import reviews by gamers who don’t understand Japanese or haven’t bothered to even finish the game. He also uses the term “masterpiece” in here, so I think it’s safe to say he likes it.
Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Role-Playing Horde Mode
By Suriel Vazquez
Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot is the second DLC scenario for Borderlands. The quirky movie references and mayhem return in this massive arena challenge. Suriel breaks down the DLC’s worth in terms of single and multiplayer experiences.
Alien Breed Evolution Entertains Exceptionally
By Andrew Galbraith
Alien Breed Evolution takes a large helping of influence from the Aliens films and classic survival horror, but the action-packed arcade feel, controls, and design set the game apart. Andrew seems impressed with this XBLA title — I might have to pick it up for the co-op mode.
Zombie Driver Review
By Eric Majkut
Test your top-down keyboard-driving skills in Zombie Driver, as you rescue survivors throughout an undead-filled city in a number of vehicle types. Think The Last Guy meets Grand Theft Auto.
Valkyria Chronicles
By Allistair Everett
Rather than reimagine the strategy-RPG genre, Valkryia Chronicles combines a distinctive artstyle with streamlined, polished, and classic SRPG staples. It’s a good combo.
Every Game I Played In 2009 Reviewed!
By Frank Anderson
Frank played a ridiculous number of games in ’09. More impressive than that: the quality reviews and quick write-ups he’s done for each one. This is a truly monumental effort.
Merriment Missives from Mesopotamia
By Gabriel Shelnutt
Gabriel played slightly fewer games than Frank did last year, but what he lacks in quantity he makes up in humorous and rage-filled analysis.
Unfair Comparisons Issue No. 2: Afro Samurai vs. Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
By Chris Davidson
Chris’ method of comparing games isn’t exactly sound or scientific, but if it makes sense to him, so be it. This edition of Unfair Comparisons pits Afro Samurai against Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box. Why? Because those are the last two games Chris played. Good enough.