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It was shipped on the 24th of December and only arrived today.

Man I couldn’t have picked a better time to buy a game. Christmas + New Year holidays sure slow things down. But screw that … it’s finally here.

Nothing extraordinary as what you might think, just a copy of Dead Rising. As a new Xbox 360 owner, it was literally impossible to find these early generation games. Games that add into my hard to find list (in stores that is) are Ace Combat 6 and Dead of Alive 4.

Those out there who are still looking for the game, check it out at Play-Asia here. There are still stocks available and it includes free shipping to major countries.

Good ol’ 2008 has come and gone. Without futher ado, here are the top 10 games I have played for the year 2008.

*note - they are not in any particular order.

1. Metal Gear Solid 4 (PlayStation 3)

A worthy ending to the Snake saga, Metal Gear Solid 4 is without doubt the best game in its series. Fantastic graphics, solid gameplay coupled with a great storyline is the reason why this gem is a must have for any PlayStation 3 owners. We definitely will not see the last of Metal Gear but for Snake, this will probably be his final mission.

2. Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360)

Gears of War 2 takes another notch up from its predecessor, making it the best Gears game to date. I mean, you get the chance to kill and ride a Brumak on the same game. It’s like having your cake and eat it too!

3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (PlayStation Portable)

Transition from big to small usually ends up with a shortfall but for Chains of Olympus, there wasn’t any. The smaller sibling handled the game without a hitch, packing the same action like its older brother. Just one problem, the game ends before you know it.

4. Wipeout HD (PlayStation 3)

Having played through the first few grids, I conclude Wipeout HD is not a game for those who are new to the series. Start off with Wipeout Pulse (PlayStation Portable) then hop onto HD. And do prepare yourself for a steep learning curve. To me? This is the best Wipeout experience, next to WipeoutXL.

5. The World Ends With You (Nintendo DS)

A game with a plot so twisted it makes your pretzel snack look straight. I like how the game lets you customize with different pins and clothing to get different effects, although sadly changing the clothes does not affect your character’s appearance.

6. Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Nintendo DS)

The term “less is more” stands true for Phantom Hourglass. It reduces the amount of [boring] sailing (unlike Wind Waker) and pumps up the action. Stylus control never felt better too.

7. Devil May Cry 4 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

Big bosses, swordplay, gunshots and really hot babes. Nuff said =D~ Did I mention hot babes?

8. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation Portable)

This is probably the only game in the world where you will know how it ends even before you play it. Well assuming you know the original storyline. This game packs with great graphics and a battle system that is ‘different’. Not having able to cast your own limit breaks and summons can be a real drag but when you do hit one, the feeling of “Bwahaha die b*tch!” never gets old.

9. Red Alert 3 (PC, Xbox 360)

Continuing the ‘legacy’ of FMV cutscenes, the 3rd installment of the series has lived up to its name. One thing I like about Red Alert 3 is that it plays great even on low end PC (like mine). No doubt RTS games are best played on the PC but having tried out the Xbox 360 version, it’s not as bad as I thought. Partially because back then I manage to complete the entire GDI campaign on the PlayStation. Not really a memorable experience.

10. Apollo Justice - Ace Attorney (Nintendo DS)

Sorry couldn’t find any wide images

Not quite the same as compared to Phoenix Wright but this greenhorn still packs quite a punch in the court. I still wish they included 5 cases as 4 seems pretty short.

There you have it. My top 10 games for 2008.

Looking forward to another great year in gaming for 2009!

Honorable Mentions : Tales of Symphonia II, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Star Ocean First Departure, Soul Calibur IV, Left 4 Dead, Battlefield Bad Company.

Just yesterday I received an email from Play-Asia announcing the availability of the Super Famicom Classic Controller. Today, it’s totally sold out. Gone. Kapish.

Talk about madness …

I was actually half way done writing a review for this game when I decided to just scrap the entire thing and just rant out what I wanted to rant in the first place. Here goes.

On the outside this game is a great remake. Beautifully drawn characters coupled with nice remixed music. Gameplay is exactly the same as I remembered and Super Akuma is still a pain in the ass. I only beat him once in my entire life and that’s back in 1995 on the 3DO system. More than a decade ago!

On the inside as a fan of the original SSF2T, I was disappointed. Disappointed that Capcom used the music from the arcade version instead of the more superior arranged version for its classic sound setting. Call me nuts but the reason why I was soooooooo looking forward to the HD version was because I thought I would finally see the light of the ‘arranged music’ appearing on my favourite Street Fighter game.

Unfortunately someone shut off that damn light.

P.S Akuma’s arranged version still sounds better [Click here for HQ version]

As compared to the arcade CPS2 version [Click here for HQ version]

“Welcome to Delta Squad” - Marcus Fenix