Video Game Best of 2005

I orginally wrote this for Just Press Play but due to the Holidays and issues with a working editorial page, there may not be time to put it up there. I've posted this on Kfan's Rube Chat and Sportsrumormill and figured it would make a good blog entry as well.

Welcome to my inaugural Best of the Year piece for Just Press Play. As you will notice, this is not as in-depth as some Best of the Year articles out there. That’s because instead of an entire staff that was able to play every game under the sun - it’s just me, covering what I was able to play during the ever so fast moving 2005.

Here at Just Press Play we pride ourselves as regular gamers, just like most readers. We all have our day jobs, school, and families, but still like to take a little time to cover this wonderful industry. Hopefully, if all goes right, you’ll see some comments or lists from a staffer or two to help broaden this little article.

So without further ado, I give you my Top Ten Games of 2005 (remember, based off what I had the chance to play):

1. Resident Evil 4 (GC/PS2) – If you looked at this release as just another Resident Evil filled with poor controls and nightmarish inventory control, you really missed the boat on this one. RE4 is sure to change the way survival horror titles are developed with its intuitive controls, great storyline, incredible graphics, and unsurpassed atmosphere.
2. God of War (PS2) – The game that inspired me to start my first novel. Never before have I controlled a character with Kratos’ ferocity, yet beautifully orchestrated ways of death bringing. Add to that an incredible story centered on brutal ancient Greek Mythology, and you’ve got a game no one can resist. Did I mention the gameplay is second to none in this one?
3. World of Warcraft (PC) – I know, I know, it came out last year and won awards across the board on every website and in every gaming publication possible. But, the way Blizzard keeps cranking out patches that add content inundated enough to be considered expansions, the game becomes endless (and sucks away many hours of potential sleep). And the true Expansion comes out next year. Do I sense another Game (Expansion) of the Year for Blizzard?
4. Half-Life 2 (PC/Xbox) – This game has it all – an engaging story, incredible graphics, and wonderful FPS gameplay. If your computer is unworthy when it comes to games like Half-Life 2, the Xbox port is perfect.
5. Call of Duty 2 (PC/Xbox 360) – The first Call of Duty was amazing, and the second is even more so. Sure there’s way too many WWII shooters out there, but don’t let that turn you off from missing one of the best games ever.
6. Ninja Gaiden Black (Xbox) – If you missed out on Ninja Gaiden when it first came out, now’s your chance to redeem yourself. This game has the best presentation ever seen on a home console. Even if you played it the first time around, there’s enough new stuff to keep your interest (like unlocking the original 8-Bit Ninja Gaiden….woot!). Did I mention you can pick this one up brand new for under 30 bucks?
7. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) – Waging battle against the largest foes ever seen in a video game is just one of the many treats in this technical wonder of a game. When I say big, I mean like Downtown New York skyscraper big!
8. Mario Power Tennis (GBA) – The big surprise of the year to me. Nintendo has a great track record in making un-popular sports, fun. Throw in Camelot (makers of Golden Sun), and you get not only unheralded tennis play, but some role-playing to boot. This one will keep you entertained on the go for hours.
9. Gun (PC/Xbox/Xbox 360/PS2/GC) – I spent my time with this one on the PC, and enjoyed every bit of it. There were plenty of mixed reviews, but I happened to enjoy the great story, impressive voice acting, and the gritty old west feel that was done to perfection.
10. Quake 4 (PC/Xbox360) – If you have an Xbox 360, DO NOT waste your time on this. Same goes to those with outdated PC’s. With a decent rig, Quake 4 looks and plays impressive as ever. While it doesn’t have the greatest story, it does have some intense moments that are water cooler talk worthy.

So there you have it, a list many will be shaking their heads at, but I didn’t get a chance to play everything this year. Hope you enjoyed it and I plan on expanding on this next year.

In closing, I thought I would share my 2006 wish list (I did get the PSP and four games for Christmas, I wrote the list before).


10 Video Game Related Items I want in 2006
(In no particular order)

1. Xbox 360 – PlayStation fanboys continue to bash Microsoft and their heralded Xbox 360 for the initial release shortages. Apparently they completely forgot about the PS2 release – I’m starting to think the large PS2 library is a bad thing; these guys appear to have fried their brains with so many games.
2. Nintendo Revolution – While some question the approach the Big N is taking with the new controller, I revel about it. I can’t wait to get my hands on that controller and experience games in a whole new fashion. Finally, a first-person shooter on a console system will have the feel of a PC’s mouse and keyboard.
3. PS3 – Let’s not stop now. Writing game reviews means needing every system. The impressive tech demos at E3 2005 were enough to make my head spin. Here’s hoping that we play some games that actually look like that during gameplay.
4. 60”+ HDTV – What self respecting gamer doesn’t want a nice new phat HDTV in which to play their new systems on? I’ve been eyeing the Sony Wega 64” LCD HDTV (when it comes to gaming – Plasma Bad; LCD Good). God help anyone else in family should I ever get one.
5. Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor – If you’re gonna enjoy the consoles and movies on nice widescreen, you mine as well do the same when playing PC games. Since I’m spoiled by my widescreen Toshiba Satellite laptop, I’d like to enjoy World of Warcraft in widescreen bliss on my power rig as well.
6. Nintendo DS – Nintendo rules the handheld market still to this day, and for good reason. Plenty of “Killer Apps” are out for the DS now, and I’d love to play Mario Kart while at work via Wi-Fi.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess – Ever since I beat the original Zelda for the NES the day it came out, I just can’t seem to get enough. Twilight Princess brings back a realistic, badass looking Link – and he even turns into a wolf (insert oh’s and ah’s here).
8. Trip to E3 2006 – I’ve been there done that before, but I’m really looking forward to 2006. Not only will Xbox 360 and PS3 games be in full force, we’ll also get to play around with that Revolution controller. My goal is to get the brass here at Just Press Play to get us in the doors so we can cover all the details for you.
9. PSP – This sleek little spendy sucker does indeed look good, and some better games should start rolling out in 2006. Just don’t see myself spending 10-15 bucks more than a regular DVD to watch movies on it though, not when I already have a laptop with a beautiful screen.
10. Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – The latest one ($150) has everything from Bluetooth technology to a hand touch pad for controlling things like your PC volume. Tie this in with that 64” Sony Wega and you have a PC gamers dream come true.

Happy New Year everyone, here’s to a new year filled with more gaming bliss! Until next time……Game On!

Vikings Blow Playoff Chance

Well the Vikings blew any chance of making the playoffs on Christmas night. Truly a sad ending to a really messed up season for the Purple. I'm not writing anymore PPP's this season because I got too busy around the holidays and I have to drive my son back to the Green Bay area (enemy territory) next Monday.

But, this Blog will still live on. I will post more often on a bevy of different topics. Mostly Minnesota Sports (though I'll interject my own NFL playoff commentary), video games, movies, and over all techno babble.

I'll be concentrating on my gaming journalism and some what attempt at my first novel now that the NFL season is starting to wrap up. Check back often and please feel free to comment.

Lack of PPP

I'm slacking big time on the Purple Pride Ponderings for the Steeler game, but for good reason. I work in IT Support for Entegris in Chaska, MN and have been covering the graveyard shift for a co-worker who unfortunately lost his Grandfather late last week.

My biological clock is all screwed up and the only time I've had to write is for a Best of 2005 article I'm putting together for JustPressPlay.net. Not sure yet if I'm going to write a PPP this week because of all this. Besides, it will just be old news that everyone's had the chance to digest over a few days.

I will say this real quick about the game though. I was very displeased in the way the offese only scored three points off of four trips inside the 20. That is uncalled for, no matter what defense you are playing against. Brad Johnson was just horrible and showed what he truly is - a 37 year-old backup.

Congrats to the Steelers, now here's hoping the Vikings find a way to sneak in as a Wild Card team because the Bears took care of business against the Falcons so there's no way to win the division now.

Purple Pride Ponderings 12/12/05

Purple Pride Ponderings
St. Louis at Minnesota
December 11, 2005

I can’t even begin to explain how sick and tired I am of hearing people say how Brad Johnson is the reason for the Vikings’ resurgence during this six game stint.

I’m more than trilled about having a backup such as Johnson, but let’s be honest, he’s not doing much. What he is doing is actually not doing something – turning over the ball.

I have no problem giving him credit for that, as do I have no problem acknowledging the fact the Culpepper was an awful turnover machine.

What I do have a problem with is those that fail to acknowledge:

1. Daunte’s health at the beginning of the season(he should not have been playing)
2. An early season defense incapable of creating turnovers and stopping anybody.
3. Piss-poor Offensive Line play (well that wasn’t to good this game, but I’ll get into that later)
4. No Koren Robinson playing at the WR position.
5. Early season media negativity.

Take a look at that list and then ask yourself, is it truly fair to compare the two quarterbacks with said circumstances?

I don’t think so.

Again, Johnson is serviceable, but he’s hardly burning it up (16 for 25, 146 yards and no TD’s this week). The defense is what has made this remarkable turn around possible (well that and an easy part of the schedule). During the 2-5 part of the season, the defensive players were still trying to get on the same page and couldn’t get a turn over to save their lives. Now this unit is on the same page and is turning the ball over at an alarming rate, and that’s what I attribute this win streak to.

Giving Season not for Vikings
The Holidays are about giving, but luckily for Vikings fans, the Vikings are more into taking. Five more interceptions for a secondary that’s starting to look good, really good.

Smoot is back, but it’s the play of Brian Williams that continues to impress me. He seems to be all over the field and is either busting up a big play, or making an acrobatic interception.

Need more KROB!
While Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken are in need of more cowbell, the Vikings need more Koren Robinson.

All the off-season talk was about how this team would replace Randy Moss. To some, drafting Troy Williamson was the answer, while others scoffed at the notion.

Troy is far from the answer in his rookie season, but the gambling acquisition of Koren Robinson is starting to pay dividends. This guy is a gamebreaker. Every time he touches the ball, you feel like something special could happen. As was the case again on Sunday with the 13 yard run that looked dead in the water, but ended up a touchdown.

While there is no replacing Moss, Robinson comes close and the Vikings need to find a way to keep him here.

Offensive Line
Offensive Line.

How fitting that actually is. I know I was offended by their play against the Rams, and I’m sure Brad Johnson was as well. Just when you think this unit is coming together and starting to provide protection for our QB, they stink it up like they did Sunday.

The Vikings were lucky to pull this win out thanks to the defense, because looking at Brad’s numbers, there’s no other way we win this game. Michael Bennett gets loads of credit in this game though, running for 70 yards and a touchdown on only 18 carries.

In defense of the Offensive Line, the Rams did appear to be blitzing 90% of the time. This unit will need to step it up and do a complete 180 if they are to have any chance at beating the Steelers next week, who you know will notice how effective the Rams’ blitz was.

Quick Hits

• Baldinger might be dumber than Madden. During the game he mentioned that receivers who jump while a pass is in the air, have a harder time catching the ball. When asked why that was, he replied “Because their feet aren’t on the ground”. Thanks Brian, I feel so much better now knowing you get paid to do a job we wish we all had.
• Troy Williamson was allowed to come out and play.
• Anyone else almost have a heart attack when Pat Williams stayed on the turf?
• Why does Smoot get called for ticky tac penalties all the time? Has he done something to the refs in the past that I’m not aware of?
• Another starting back held in check – Jackson held to 67 yards.
• Guess Fitzpatrick’s game a couple weeks ago was nothing but an aberration. He’s followed that great coming out party with back-to-back stinkers.
• Winfield had 10 tackles and an interception – he’s been worth every penny.

The Week Ahead
The Steelers were our buddies on Sunday and did us a huge favor by beating the Bears. But now they come to the Dome and become the hated enemy.

This will be a true test for the resurging Vikings. Many discredit the Vikings six game win streak due to inferior opponents so a win against the Steelers would quiet the nay-sayers.

Can it be done? I don’t see why not. The Steelers have a physical offensive line, and one of the most physical, hard-pounding backs to ever play the game in Bettis. But the Vikings front four is pretty physical as well and led by one of the best run stoppers in the league, Pat Williams. Hopefully Kevin Williams finds himself back in the lineup because I’m afraid we are going to need him.

It will be interesting to see how Big Ben handles the crowd noise in the Dome. It will be buzzing with a playoff atmosphere and will hopefully throw off his game some.

I don’t really want to call this one, I think it will be close and come down to turnovers. Hopefully the Vikings continue to take during this giving time of the year.

Thoughts from the other games

• What in the world did the Browns do to Palmer? Luckily for the Bengals, Rudi was able to have a big day.
• Frustrated Jags get dirty on the Colts towards the end of the game.
• I’m still a firm believer that no one can hang with the Colts.
• Think Moss misses Minnesota this time of the year? After looking at the Raider’s record and quarterback, I’m thinking he does.
• Any doubt that Kris Brown missed that field goal on purpose?
• If the Texans take Bush, what about Davis?
• Several weeks ago I stated that the there was no way the Bucs would win the NFC South. I heard crow tastes good this time of year.
• Well maybe one team can give the Colts a game, the all of a sudden healthy Pats – watch out for this team come playoff time.
• Feely finally comes through for the Giants - and who the hell is Moats!!??
• I was way out of line last week stating that the Bears were the best team in the NFC. Seattle is clearly the class of the NFC and the road to the Super Bowl goes through Seattle.
• Brunell only throws for 122 yards, 3 Int’s, and no TD’s, yet the Redskins still find a way to beat the Cards. Guess it’s not to hard to believe when playing against a Denny Green led team.
• The Chargers find out the hard way what happens when playing against the Chamber(s) of Secrets. They might not recover from this loss.
• Chiefs time is running out as well as Tynes misses an easy tying field goal.
• Broncos survive the pesky Ravens, move to 10-3.
• Samkon Gado’s mom braves the Green Bay cold and watches her son destroy the Packer single game rushing record.

Tonight I want the Falcons to lose, but they won’t. The NFC Wildcard race gets more complicated with a Falcons win and makes the last few games for the Vikings that much more important.

While they are in the thick of the Wildcard hunt, winning the division may be the only way to get in due to virtually every potential wildcard team holding tie-breakers over the Vikings.

Later,
Keith Michaels
venomlace@yahoo.com

Purple Pride Ponderings - Vikings at Lions

Purple Pride Ponderings
Minnesota at Detroit
December 5, 2005


Catch us if you can.

That was the movie theme the KFAN webmaster used for his gameday graphic, and fittingly so.

The Bears have won eight in a row, and every time I think maybe they’ll finally lose, that insane defense makes another big play to seal a win. When you see Orton’s stats each game, it makes you wonder how they ever win a game. I wouldn’t even call him serviceable to be honest, just look at this line from the Green Bay game, and it’s a normal game for him:

6/17, 68 Yards, 0 TD’s, and 1 Int

Orton has passed for over 200 yards only one time this entire season.

Are you kidding me? How do the Bears win eight in a row with QB play like that?

Defense and a serviceable running game, that’s how. This Bears defense is sick, and I feel better than the Super Bowl Champion Ravens, Bucs, and ’85 Bears teams.

So can we catch the Bears?

Probably not.

Should the Vikings find a way to win out the rest of their games (and it’s looking better every day for them to do so), the final game against the Bears in Minneapolis could be for the Division thanks to a tough final four games for the Bears.

Next week they travel to a reeling Steelers team, come back home against a Falcons team fighting to make the playoffs, travel to Green Bay where Favre and the Pack will want revenge, and wrap things up against the resurging Vikings at the Metrodome.

We still have a slim chance to win the division, but if not, we are starting to look good when it comes to sneaking in as Wildcard team.

First Play
Johnson to Robinson, 80 yards to the hizzouse – money.

What a play call and about time. Reminded me of the good old days when we had Randy Moss. I’ve been clamoring for Koren “turned his life around” Robinson all year, and it’s good to see the coaching staff finally find ways to incorporate him into the offense more.

Koren is a game breaker, and showed so on Sunday. With his size and speed, there aren’t many defensive backs in the game that will be able to contain him for 60 minutes. And how about that throw by Brad Johnson. Robinson didn’t even have to stutter step. Guess the old man still has an arm, something that Garcia has apparently lost.

Hopefully that one play is a sign for more to come.

Lions’ Front Four
That is one nasty unit, and should be the backbone the Lions build around. They disrupted so many running plays and stopped Bennett in the backfield more times than the crowd at Ford Field chanted Joey Harrington’s name.

Kluowie!
It’s a shame that one player’s bone-headed mistake could possibly shorten Chris Kluwe’s marvelous rookie campaign. We haven’t had a punter like him since Greg Coleman. Hopefully he recovers fast, not sure of the extent of his injury at the time of this writing, but I don’t think ankles are meant to roll the way his did.

Props to Paul Edinger for filling in as punter the way he did. He averaged 37.5 on two punts, not bad for someone that had only punted on other time in his career. Plus, he had that angle to the sideline down - that always helps.

SoftMoore?
I love Mewelde Moore, but the guy comes off as too soft for me. He seems to pull himself out of games for the most ticky-tac injuries. All this does is open the door for Bennett and make Tice have second thoughts about keeping him a starter.

Quick Hits
• Where was Sharper this game? Oh yeah, Garcia forgot how to throw a ball down the field.
• Why did security tackle the guy with the Fire Millen sign? I’ve seen far worse and nobody does anything about it. I’m thinking Millen made the call himself. The Lions fans deserve better and I agree with the sign wielding fan, it’s time for Millen to go.
• While Tice appears to have given up on Williamson, Mike Williams doesn’t appear to have been a better pick as most thought.
• 345 yards of offense for the Vikings. Looks like the offense is awake and will only get better as guys like Burleson get healthier.
• I’m still pimping Brian Williams. He’s hitting hard and breaking up pass after pass.
• Was I the only one that felt like we dominated the entire game, only to end up with the hebbie gebbies right at the end? Thankfully Chavous put that to an end with the interception.
• Koren’s 148 yards receiving was the first game this year a Vikings wideout has gone over the century mark. That’s just sickening and a sad, sad stat.

The Week Ahead
The St. Louis Rams, once known as the greatest show on turf. A week ago we were lead to believe that Fitzpatrick had revitalized the show, but after losing the way they did at home, that would be a big fat no.

I like the way the Vikings defense is playing and feel that the offense is coming into its own as well. Another road win has this team in high spirits, and coming home to all the Purple faithful will only jack them up even more.

I look for the Vikings to roll all over the Rams in the Dome, this one will not even be close.

Thoughts from the other games
• Looks like Coach Dungy is the only one that can prevent the Colts from having a perfect season. Word is that he’s going to start sitting players next week. I’m not a fan of that. Not only does it prevent an end to this yearly ’72 Dolphin watch, it could hamper the rhythm players have and cost them dearly in the playoffs.
• The Falcons are falling apart and might miss the playoffs if they keep playing the way they are. Look what the Panthers did to them, and then think back to what the Bears did to the Panthers. More proof that my thought of the Bears being the best in the NFC as legitimacy.
• I heard someone mention that the Jags could hang with the Colts. Right - and they must be counting on all the starters for the Colts to take some pine. Thanks to an Edwards injury, the Jags were able to eek out a win against the Browns.
• The Texans are the most creative team in the NFL. They find the most creative ways to lose games.
• Feely misses another clutch kick for the Giants, but the Giant D hangs on to secure the win.
• Big Ben tosses three TD’s, but matches it with three costly INT’s.
• Bucs D nabs four Brooks passes and only win 10-3.
• Bills start off game with 21 1st quarter points and Miami finishes with 21 4th quarter points in one of the craziest come back wins for the Dolphins in NFL history.
• Speaking of History, the Dolphins’ Chris Chambers sets team records with 15 catches for 238 yards. He’s my fantasy stud of the week, and everyone else’s I’m sure.
• Redskins assure me that the Vikings should have no problems winning at home against the Rams. Vikings should be able to run the ball well based off the Rams’ pathetic run D on Sunday.
• Chiefs prove they are still a team to reckon with as they beat a good Broncos team at home.
• Randy’s Raiders get shocked by the Chargers. Yeah, that was lame and not actually true.
• Eagles look beyond pathetic at home. Sure they are without their star receiver and quarterback, but so are the Vikings, and they seem to be doing fine. 42-0 = biggest shutout in Monday Night Football history.
• Maybe I need to start including the Seahawks when talking about the best team in the NFC. Nah, the Bears’ D has me sold.

To wrap things up this week, take a look at the following teams that are either tied or below the Vikings:

Patriots (7-5)
Falcons (7-5)
Steelers (7-5)
Redskins (6-6)
Eagles (5-7)
Packers (2-10) – Had to rub this one in!

Now think of that same list five weeks ago. The NFL season is 17 weeks long my friends, and as I said earlier, things can and will change.


Later,
Keith Michaels
venomlace@yahoo.com

What's this Blog about?

Welcome everyone, this is my first entry so I thought I would take the time to explain what my blog will be about.

As you can tell by the title and address, I'm a die-hard Vikings fan. I started writing a weekly article called Purple Pride Ponderings last season and posted them on KFAN's Rube Chat (kfan.com) and sportsrumormill.com

Since then I've established a following of Purple Pride faithful and decided to make a blog dedicated for my article.

But that's not all I will discuss here. I will also cover many other aspects in sports and my other love, Video Games.

So there you have, check back often as I like to ramble on......err, ponder that is. I'll post my Purple Pride Ponderings from this year this weekend with the new one next Monday.