Gaming Signal: 2005 PC Game of the Year

2005 PC Game of the Year

I've been thinking a lot about my pick for 2005's PC Game of the Year. I had several games I enjoyed a lot this year including Battlefield 2, Civlization 4, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Brothers In Arms, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and Splinter Cell Chaos Theory. However there is one game that I kept thinking about in my mind - wishing for another game as innovating and interesting as it. That would be my choice for my favorite game this year:

Psychonauts, by Tim Schafer. This game delivered on some many fronts - great gameplay, oustanding story, humor, interesting characters, solid audio, and unique graphics. Yes, this game is a platformer. Yes this game is a console port, and as such has some PC issues (like the lake of a save anywhere feature.) But all these things are simply overwhelmed by the uniquess of the gameplay. In a world of sequels and franchises, this game stands alone. Look at the top 10 lists produced by gaming sites around the web. Besides F.E.A.R. and Brothers in Arms, are any of them new? Not really - most are sequels or continuation of established franchises. I know this is safe for the publishers, but I wish there was more like Psychonauts.

Here is my review back in June on the other blog. I stand by that, including using GamingSignal's review policies. This game offers brilliant writing, unique gameplay, has a very high production value, and is loads of fun. I still find myself wishing for another game this fresh and unique.