THE PMI 2009 VIDEO GAME AWARDS!!!! PART 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111
We are BACK with the 2nd half of the coveted PMI 2009 Video Game Awards...up first is...
The Lifetime Achievement Award
This is awarded to a company or individual who has exceeded the genre of gaming and has made history with glory and such. The winner of 2009 is.......
Valve
Half-Life 1 and addons, Half-Life 2 and addons, Counterstrike, Portal, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress series, and more. What can the PMI say about a developer that has brought us these classic, genre-defining games? For over 15 years Valve has brought us QUALITY gaming, both single and multiplayer. Valve is one of the few devs in gaming that has YET, in the PMI's glorious opinion, to release a bad game. With that being said, when the fuck is HL2:E3 coming out? Glory be to Valve, winner ofthe first PMI Lifetime achievement award for gaming.
Best Game of 2009
This is difficult....and I know I'm leaving out Uncharted 2 and the Batman game. I haven't been able to play those yet.
Assassin's Creed 2 (X360,PS3,PC) developed by Ubisoft Montreal
Quite possibly the biggest improvement over the original of ANY sequel in video game history. The combat is better, the stealth is better, graphics: better. They cut the stupid padding (flags, templars, peanut butter sandwiches, KGB agents, Hookah pipes, etc..) in HALF, making for an overall enjoyable experience from part 1. Also, Enzio, the protagonist is 10 times more amusing than the guy from 1, I even forget his name. That's all I have to say about that.
Borderlands (X360,PS3,PC), developed by Gearbox Software
FP/RPGS have come and gone (anyone remember Stalker?), but none have had the impact of Borderlands. With it's simple and intuitive interface and fluid FPS mechanics, Borderlands redefines the FPS genre. For the loot whore in all of us, there are literally THOUSANDS of different weapons that can be acquired. The 4 classes also make it interesting in multiplayer, where strategy MUST be used to fight the infuriating bosses. Even though the single player is entertaining, I highly recommend playing this with a friend, or 2, or 3. The fact that Borderlands is entertaining me now more than WoW is telling. If your PC is good enough, and trust me the requirements are high, get it for PC. That goes for most FPS's actually. Sorry, I had to take the shot. No pun intended.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (X360,PS3,PC), developed by Infinity Ward
My one complaint about this game was for the PC version. Everyone remembers IW's RIDICULOUS decision not to have a dedicated server option, basically saying FUCK YOU to all of us that still enjoy LAN party fragfests. Aside from that, MW2 delivered as promised. I'd rate it about as good as the first Modern Warfare game in single player. The SP campaign, much like the first's, is short, simple (ok maybe not), and stupid, 3 characteristics that automatically give it PMI notice. The multiplayer is also fantastic, with an intuitive rank up system, and legions of no-lifers ready to play. MW2 is admittedly the first time I gave CoD multiplayer a shot, and I was impressed. Remember, no russian.
Halo 3:ODST (X360), developed by Bungie
As with MW2, the single player campaign is SSS. I will say however that it IS short, and I do not recommend paying full price for the game UNLESS you don't own Halo 3 (like myself), since ODST comes with all of Halo 3's multiplayer maps and modes, plus a new mode called firefight (think UT). Wait till it lowers price. Basically, the single player experience, short as it may be, is the most fun I've had with a Halo game since part 1. The pistol is back with a vengeance, and the new "world map" is exciting and moody all at the same time. For once, you don't play as Master Chief, or Arbiter, but as a trooper dropped into the middle of covenant hell. There is NO flood, thank god, to deal with in ODST as the scenarios with the covenant are PAIN IN THE ASS enough. Let the PMI also defend the "Halo" series from criticism. I think it does well what it is intended for: mindless CONSOLE FPS. No, Halo isn't as innovative or original as Half-Life, CoD, Bioshock, etc, but it does, in the PMI's opinion, work as intended for what it really is. I can't wait for Halo Reach this fall.
Left 4 Dead 2 (X360,PC), developed by Valve
I find it hilarious that so many people "boycotted" this game, stating that it's too soon, not enough support for part 1, blah blah blah. Once the game came out, everyone shut up. Valve even released a statement that showed the majority of people who pre-ordered L4D2 on Steam were in fact the BOYCOTTERS THEMSELVES, showing that once again, no-lifers are the most hypocritical of all games. Retards. Left 4 Dead 2 is fantastic, and better than the original. With a couple of new zombie horde classes, some new game modes, and more interesting survivor characters than the original, the replay value and entertainment is endless. Already a LAN party classic, L4D2 will continue to give us many great LAN moments. So stick it up your ass boycotters, and Infinity Ward. PILLS HERE!
AND THE WINNER IS.......................................
Borderlands
A difficult choice indeed, but in the end I had to give it to a combination of single player and multiplayer goodness, and hybrid genre eccentricities. Borderlands is a modern classic that should NOT be missed. Jose I'm waiting for you dude, let's kill that traitor please.
Game of decade
What's this, no nominees? What is this BLASPHEMY? The PMI has decided to show mercy upon it's denizens and let YOU express your opinion on game of the decade. This can be done here, or on the facebook link I have provided to here. With that being said, I have to mention 3 games that changed my life for better or worse, that came out last decade. Again, these are games that had an impact on MY life, which doesn't necessarily denote BEST GAME EVAR. I just feel they deserve recognition. I urge you to post games that affected YOU in such a manner.
World of Warcraft (PC), developed by Blizzard Entertainment (2004)
Spare me the cries of "fuck WoW, it ruined my life" or "fuck WoW, it's a simplistic, inferior MMORPG". First off, WoW didn't ruin your life, you did. You could have easily TURNED IT OFF. Secondly, it's a testament to the WORLDWIDE phenomenon it has become, due to it's ULTRA-refined interface, and simple to learn (at first) game mechanics. WoW is the MMO for the common man, and we all know that the PMI represents the COMMON MAN. I have played other MMOs, and seen other MMOs in action, and they personally do nothing for me (fucking Cryptic Studios).
This is a game that has rewarded our time spent with new friends, and even new relationships. Yes, my friend Rick met his future wife Msity in WoW (fucking Warsong Gulch of all places), and they are happily married with children. WoW turned the ordinary joe into a gamer, and helped open up a new world of possibilities to these noobs. Some may think that's detrimental to the medium. I however think it's fantastic, when I can talk to people who I have little in common with about something that we love. WoW's success is incredibly noticed at Blizzcon in California, where horde and alliance GET ALONG and discuss this never-ending game's future, the good parts, and bad. While the game may have gotten convoluted, or made too casual, and the rest of it's negative points, one MUST agree and accept this DEFINING game of the medium, and of pop culture itself. Video games will NEVER be the same again, for better or for worse. I can go on and on about my warcraft stories, but I don't have all night. I'm currently in one of my "WoW breaks". We've all done it. I will say though, BRING ON CATACLYSM. This is the TRUE neverending story.
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme (Arcade,PS2) developed by Konami (2002)
The era of the arcade game has come and gone, however, a holdout for that classic era is DDR. Extreme being the best example of the many, many DDR "mixes". There are many who would QUESTION me giving praise to DDR, calling it ridiculous and so on and so forth. And yes it may very well be retarded, but know this. Without DDR, there would be no Frequency, which begat Guitar Hero, which begat Rock Band, which begat DJ Hero, which begat Jehosephat, which begat Moses, etc....
As far as how it affected my life, I'd like to state that in my DDR glory days (2002-2003), I lost 60 lbs, and achieved things within the game that I would have never thought possible. With many things in life, athletic or otherwise, practice makes perfect. Jose and I would practice almost every friday night, and to this day I believe we were the heavyweight tag team champs of DDR in Miami. We met many great people, much like WoW, playing DDR at Dave and Buster's at Dolphin Mall (before the suck). Other games have come and gone, but DDR Extreme is a game I will NEVEr forget, and owe a debt of gratitude to. I would be amiss NOT mentioning it here. One of my biggest regrets in life is not playing it anymore, I'm paying the price for it now. THAT's a hell of a game.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2,Xbox,PC), developed by Rockstar North (2002)
The majority of us here grew up in Miami. It has always been a love-hate relationship with this city. Grand Theft Auto 3 resurrected the fledgling GTA franchise, but it was Vice City, based on Miami, that put it's place in gaming history. I will never forget when I first saw the trailer for the game on IGN:
To this day, it is still in my top 5 most anticipated releases ever. I was going through a rough emotional patch in late 2002, and had had it up to here with Miami. Once I played Vice City though, I realized with my young, feeble mind that Miami is actually an incredible place. The racial interactions were SPOT ON. The stupid drivers, coded into the game. The soundtrack, lifted almost directly from Miami Vice. Ray Liotta as Tommy Vercetti, one of the first examples of a known hollywood actor doing a voice for a video game. The LEGACY of GTA rolls on, but none for me were as memorable as Vice City. For a few months, it was home. When I beat it and stopped playing, it was still home.
STAY TUNED for the KEYNOTE event of the PMI, The PMI 2009 Movie Awards!!!!!
Good night, and good luck.
The Lifetime Achievement Award
This is awarded to a company or individual who has exceeded the genre of gaming and has made history with glory and such. The winner of 2009 is.......
Valve
Half-Life 1 and addons, Half-Life 2 and addons, Counterstrike, Portal, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress series, and more. What can the PMI say about a developer that has brought us these classic, genre-defining games? For over 15 years Valve has brought us QUALITY gaming, both single and multiplayer. Valve is one of the few devs in gaming that has YET, in the PMI's glorious opinion, to release a bad game. With that being said, when the fuck is HL2:E3 coming out? Glory be to Valve, winner ofthe first PMI Lifetime achievement award for gaming.
Best Game of 2009
This is difficult....and I know I'm leaving out Uncharted 2 and the Batman game. I haven't been able to play those yet.
Assassin's Creed 2 (X360,PS3,PC) developed by Ubisoft Montreal
Quite possibly the biggest improvement over the original of ANY sequel in video game history. The combat is better, the stealth is better, graphics: better. They cut the stupid padding (flags, templars, peanut butter sandwiches, KGB agents, Hookah pipes, etc..) in HALF, making for an overall enjoyable experience from part 1. Also, Enzio, the protagonist is 10 times more amusing than the guy from 1, I even forget his name. That's all I have to say about that.
Borderlands (X360,PS3,PC), developed by Gearbox Software
FP/RPGS have come and gone (anyone remember Stalker?), but none have had the impact of Borderlands. With it's simple and intuitive interface and fluid FPS mechanics, Borderlands redefines the FPS genre. For the loot whore in all of us, there are literally THOUSANDS of different weapons that can be acquired. The 4 classes also make it interesting in multiplayer, where strategy MUST be used to fight the infuriating bosses. Even though the single player is entertaining, I highly recommend playing this with a friend, or 2, or 3. The fact that Borderlands is entertaining me now more than WoW is telling. If your PC is good enough, and trust me the requirements are high, get it for PC. That goes for most FPS's actually. Sorry, I had to take the shot. No pun intended.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (X360,PS3,PC), developed by Infinity Ward
My one complaint about this game was for the PC version. Everyone remembers IW's RIDICULOUS decision not to have a dedicated server option, basically saying FUCK YOU to all of us that still enjoy LAN party fragfests. Aside from that, MW2 delivered as promised. I'd rate it about as good as the first Modern Warfare game in single player. The SP campaign, much like the first's, is short, simple (ok maybe not), and stupid, 3 characteristics that automatically give it PMI notice. The multiplayer is also fantastic, with an intuitive rank up system, and legions of no-lifers ready to play. MW2 is admittedly the first time I gave CoD multiplayer a shot, and I was impressed. Remember, no russian.
Halo 3:ODST (X360), developed by Bungie
As with MW2, the single player campaign is SSS. I will say however that it IS short, and I do not recommend paying full price for the game UNLESS you don't own Halo 3 (like myself), since ODST comes with all of Halo 3's multiplayer maps and modes, plus a new mode called firefight (think UT). Wait till it lowers price. Basically, the single player experience, short as it may be, is the most fun I've had with a Halo game since part 1. The pistol is back with a vengeance, and the new "world map" is exciting and moody all at the same time. For once, you don't play as Master Chief, or Arbiter, but as a trooper dropped into the middle of covenant hell. There is NO flood, thank god, to deal with in ODST as the scenarios with the covenant are PAIN IN THE ASS enough. Let the PMI also defend the "Halo" series from criticism. I think it does well what it is intended for: mindless CONSOLE FPS. No, Halo isn't as innovative or original as Half-Life, CoD, Bioshock, etc, but it does, in the PMI's opinion, work as intended for what it really is. I can't wait for Halo Reach this fall.
Left 4 Dead 2 (X360,PC), developed by Valve
I find it hilarious that so many people "boycotted" this game, stating that it's too soon, not enough support for part 1, blah blah blah. Once the game came out, everyone shut up. Valve even released a statement that showed the majority of people who pre-ordered L4D2 on Steam were in fact the BOYCOTTERS THEMSELVES, showing that once again, no-lifers are the most hypocritical of all games. Retards. Left 4 Dead 2 is fantastic, and better than the original. With a couple of new zombie horde classes, some new game modes, and more interesting survivor characters than the original, the replay value and entertainment is endless. Already a LAN party classic, L4D2 will continue to give us many great LAN moments. So stick it up your ass boycotters, and Infinity Ward. PILLS HERE!
AND THE WINNER IS.......................................
Borderlands
A difficult choice indeed, but in the end I had to give it to a combination of single player and multiplayer goodness, and hybrid genre eccentricities. Borderlands is a modern classic that should NOT be missed. Jose I'm waiting for you dude, let's kill that traitor please.
Game of decade
What's this, no nominees? What is this BLASPHEMY? The PMI has decided to show mercy upon it's denizens and let YOU express your opinion on game of the decade. This can be done here, or on the facebook link I have provided to here. With that being said, I have to mention 3 games that changed my life for better or worse, that came out last decade. Again, these are games that had an impact on MY life, which doesn't necessarily denote BEST GAME EVAR. I just feel they deserve recognition. I urge you to post games that affected YOU in such a manner.
World of Warcraft (PC), developed by Blizzard Entertainment (2004)
Spare me the cries of "fuck WoW, it ruined my life" or "fuck WoW, it's a simplistic, inferior MMORPG". First off, WoW didn't ruin your life, you did. You could have easily TURNED IT OFF. Secondly, it's a testament to the WORLDWIDE phenomenon it has become, due to it's ULTRA-refined interface, and simple to learn (at first) game mechanics. WoW is the MMO for the common man, and we all know that the PMI represents the COMMON MAN. I have played other MMOs, and seen other MMOs in action, and they personally do nothing for me (fucking Cryptic Studios).
This is a game that has rewarded our time spent with new friends, and even new relationships. Yes, my friend Rick met his future wife Msity in WoW (fucking Warsong Gulch of all places), and they are happily married with children. WoW turned the ordinary joe into a gamer, and helped open up a new world of possibilities to these noobs. Some may think that's detrimental to the medium. I however think it's fantastic, when I can talk to people who I have little in common with about something that we love. WoW's success is incredibly noticed at Blizzcon in California, where horde and alliance GET ALONG and discuss this never-ending game's future, the good parts, and bad. While the game may have gotten convoluted, or made too casual, and the rest of it's negative points, one MUST agree and accept this DEFINING game of the medium, and of pop culture itself. Video games will NEVER be the same again, for better or for worse. I can go on and on about my warcraft stories, but I don't have all night. I'm currently in one of my "WoW breaks". We've all done it. I will say though, BRING ON CATACLYSM. This is the TRUE neverending story.
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme (Arcade,PS2) developed by Konami (2002)
The era of the arcade game has come and gone, however, a holdout for that classic era is DDR. Extreme being the best example of the many, many DDR "mixes". There are many who would QUESTION me giving praise to DDR, calling it ridiculous and so on and so forth. And yes it may very well be retarded, but know this. Without DDR, there would be no Frequency, which begat Guitar Hero, which begat Rock Band, which begat DJ Hero, which begat Jehosephat, which begat Moses, etc....
As far as how it affected my life, I'd like to state that in my DDR glory days (2002-2003), I lost 60 lbs, and achieved things within the game that I would have never thought possible. With many things in life, athletic or otherwise, practice makes perfect. Jose and I would practice almost every friday night, and to this day I believe we were the heavyweight tag team champs of DDR in Miami. We met many great people, much like WoW, playing DDR at Dave and Buster's at Dolphin Mall (before the suck). Other games have come and gone, but DDR Extreme is a game I will NEVEr forget, and owe a debt of gratitude to. I would be amiss NOT mentioning it here. One of my biggest regrets in life is not playing it anymore, I'm paying the price for it now. THAT's a hell of a game.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2,Xbox,PC), developed by Rockstar North (2002)
The majority of us here grew up in Miami. It has always been a love-hate relationship with this city. Grand Theft Auto 3 resurrected the fledgling GTA franchise, but it was Vice City, based on Miami, that put it's place in gaming history. I will never forget when I first saw the trailer for the game on IGN:
Click to viewTo this day, it is still in my top 5 most anticipated releases ever. I was going through a rough emotional patch in late 2002, and had had it up to here with Miami. Once I played Vice City though, I realized with my young, feeble mind that Miami is actually an incredible place. The racial interactions were SPOT ON. The stupid drivers, coded into the game. The soundtrack, lifted almost directly from Miami Vice. Ray Liotta as Tommy Vercetti, one of the first examples of a known hollywood actor doing a voice for a video game. The LEGACY of GTA rolls on, but none for me were as memorable as Vice City. For a few months, it was home. When I beat it and stopped playing, it was still home.
STAY TUNED for the KEYNOTE event of the PMI, The PMI 2009 Movie Awards!!!!!
Good night, and good luck.