Looking back at 2006
As my first year as a reviewer draws to a close I’ve cast a winsome eye over all the delights that have been under my thumbs and shuddered at the hours spent playing the rest of the dirge - just so you dear reader can avoid buying it. It’s not a job, it’s a public service.
For me, 2006 has been the year of the 360. With its succession of quality releases, the pinnacle of joypad design and the absolutely integral online experience, it’s fast becoming my favourite console of all time. But then i’m a sucker for pretty games and multiplayer battles.
The DS has also been filling my lunch breaks with plenty of touchscreen joy with gems like the sublime audio-doodling beauty of Elektroplankton.
Stinker of the year goes to Shadow the Hedgehog for attempting to revitalise a franchise by doing everything it should avoid. A number of film tie-ins could also easily earn the honour but then that’s an unwritten requirement of film adaptations.
These are my top five titles of 2006, cheers to Paul for letting me join the party.
Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS)
Such sweet and surreal treats lie in this never ending game of decorating, fishing and designing. Remixing the Gamecube classic with an innovative online experience, Wild World showed what was possible with the DS in almost every way.
Dragon Quest: The Journey of the Cursed King (PS2)
Building on years of RPG domination in Japan, Dragon Quest survives it’s English translation with award winning voice acting and a hilarious approach to character design. Proving that staying to the formula can still pay off, DQ continues its well crafted tradition with enough panache to shame most contenders to the crown.
Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
It’s rare for a game to make you question your oft genocidal actions but Shadow of the Colossus did just that. Taking a Jack and the Beanstalk approach to puzzle design and the most naturalistic horse riding seen, Fumito Ueda’s spiritual sequel to Ico takes you on an emotional journey that makes you wonder just who the bad guy really is.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (360)
In sharp contrast to Dragon Quest’s staunch line in linearity, Oblivion is an absolutely massive, open ended RPG that months later I still feel I’ve barely scratched the surface of. With a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ mechanic you really can be the hero or villain you’ve always wanted to be.
Gears of War (360)
Not since Halo has a game’s co-op play grabbed me so immediately. Built from the ground up for two player action, GoW’s tactical innovations, handheld style camera work and beautiful environments proved that there are more brains than brawn behind this sci-fi shooter.