gamrReview 2011 Game of the Year Awards- PSP - Article
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VGChartz Staff
, posted on 30 December 2011
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So, without further ado, we present gamrReview’s PSP Game of the Year Awards 2011.
Best Fighting Game
Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
It’s a shame we don’t give out an award for most puzzling title, this game would be a shoo-in. For now it’ll have to settle for the Best PSP Fighting Game of the Year award. With an enhanced battle system, deeper RPG elements, and beautiful graphics (more on that later), Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy is an excellent piece of fan service that allows you to show Vaan what you really think of him in a fight, at anytime, anywhere.
Runner-Up: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II
Reader’s Choice: Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
Best RPG
Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
In perhaps the most well represented genre on the PSP, this enhanced compilation of the RPG classic Final Fantasy IV stood tall. Not only does this package include an enhanced version of the original Final Fantasy IV, but also the formerly WiiWare exclusive sequel, The After Years, and original content that bridges the gap between both games, The Interlude. It’s a must-have for PSP RPG fans.
Runner-Up: Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Reader’s Choice: Persona 2: Innocent Sin, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (Tie)
Best Strategy
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
This PSP rendition of the cult classic requires patience but will reward diligent gamers with some of the deepest SRPG gameplay to be found on the PSP, or anywhere for that matter. It helps that the game also boasts wonderful music and sprite work, alongside a mature storyline about war in the Valerian Isles.
Runner-Up: Patapon 3
Reader’s Choice: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Best Action/Adventure
The 3rd Birthday
The long-awaited continuation of the Parasite Eve series finds a surprising new home on the PSP, and what a homecoming it is. Aya Beard’s battle against the hideous creatures that descend upon Manhattan captivates thanks to an intelligently mapped control scheme and wonderful production values.
Runner-Up: LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
Reader’s Choice: The 3rd Birthday
Best Platformer
Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
The Disgaea franchise certainly has no fears about possibly overextending itself. That is good news for us gamers, because the series’ second foray into platforming is even more manic, beautifully produced and relentlessly challenging than its predecessor. Plus, it’s about stolen panties, Dood!
Runner-Up: Pix'n Love
Reader’s Choice: Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
Best Sports Game
MLB 11 The Show
Sony’s annual baseball simulator steps up to the plate yet again with improved batting and great overall presentation. Though it may not feature all the bells and whistles of its console companion, MLB 11 The Show is possibly the most comprehensive version of the sport you can carry in your pocket.
Runner-Up: NBA 2K12
Reader’s Choice: FIFA Soccer 12
Best PSN
Angry Birds
It seems nowhere is safe from what is truly one of the most unexpected yet widespread phenomena in gaming. Rovio’s runaway success story, Angry Birds, makes a very elegant transition from mobile phones to the PlayStation Store and the results are too addictive and adorable to ignore. Hopefully this award will finally cheer those birds up.
Runner-Up: Where is My Heart
Reader’s Choice: OMG-Z
Best Graphics
Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
We sort of gave away the outcome of this award earlier on, but the winner should already have been obvious to anyone that has played this gorgeous game. Square Enix have always worked visual wonders on the PSP and Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy showcases their most impressive work to date. The detailed animation, art design, explosions, and cutscenes are sheer magic.
Runner Up: The Third Birthday
Reader’s Choice: The Third Birthday
Best Original Music
Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
Great music is a must for every Final Fantasy game and Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy does not disappoint. The epic score remixes several fan favourites from past titles and adds some thrilling original tracks for good measure. It’s like a greatest hits collection soundtrack you can play.
Runner-Up: Patapon 3
Reader’s Choice: Tactic’s Ogre Let Us Cling Together
Biggest Disappointment
Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive
Oh Naruto. You had not one, but two PSP outings this year, and neither one lived up to fan expectations. Kizuna Drive in particular elicited excitement because it promised 4-person multiplayer and an original storyline. Unfortunately, because of poor visuals, frustrating AI, and all-round flawed execution, Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive wins the dishonor of being the Biggest PSP Disappointment of the year.
Runner-Up: Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact
Reader’s Choice: The Third Birthday
Best Game No One Played
Final Fantasy IV: Complete Edition
Okay, okay. So the reason you probably didn’t buy this game is because you have one of the various other versions of Final Fantasy IV already on another platform. Well, that’s not a good enough excuse. This is the definitive version of an RPG masterpiece that compiles the entire experience at a reduced price. Go buy it. Now!
Runner-Up: Patapon 3
Reader’s Choice: The Third Birthday
Most Anticipated Game
Final Fantasy Type-0
The PSP may not have many high profile releases on the horizon, but the upcoming Final Fantasy Type-0 promises to be a doozy. With an emphasis on multiplayer and a wide array of characters (each with unique weapons capability), hopefully it will give the PSP a proper send-off when it releases sometime next year.
Runner-Up: Monster Hunter Freedom 3
Reader’s Choice: Final Fantasy Type: 0
PSP Game of the Year
Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
After recognizing it for its engrossing fighting gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and intoxicating music, how could we not declare Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy our PSP Game of the Year? It is by far one of the best reasons to own a PSP and an absolute must-play for Final Fantasy diehards.
Runner-Up: Final Fantasy IV: Complete Edition
Reader’s Choice: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Bring on the Vita!
Seven years after its release, the PSP is definitely showing the signs of a platform in the twilight of its lifecycle. With PlayStation Vita just around the corner, attention has shifted away from Sony’s first foray into handheld gaming. Nevertheless, 2011 brought a number of great PSP titles that deserve recognition, including classic remakes, improved sequels, and long-awaited resurrections.
So, without further ado, we present gamrReview’s PSP Game of the Year Awards 2011.
Best Fighting Game: Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
It’s a shame we don’t give out an award for most puzzling title, this game would be a shoo-in. For now it’ll have to settle for the Best PSP Fighting Game of the Year award. With an enhanced battle system, deeper RPG elements, and beautiful graphics (more on that later), Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy is an excellent piece of fan service that allows you to show Vaan what you really think of him in a fight, at anytime, anywhere.
Runner-Up: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II
Reader’s Choice: Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
Best RPG: Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
In perhaps the most well represented genre on the PSP, this enhanced compilation of the RPG classic Final Fantasy IV stood tall. Not only does this package include an enhanced version of the original Final Fantasy IV, but also the formerly WiiWare exclusive sequel, The After Years, and original content that bridges the gap between both games, The Interlude. It’s a must-have for PSP RPG fans.
Runner-Up: Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Reader’s Choice: Persona 2: Innocent Sin, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (Tie)
Best Strategy: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
This PSP rendition of the cult classic requires patience but will reward diligent gamers with some of the deepest SRPG gameplay to be found on the PSP, or anywhere for that matter. It helps that the game also boasts wonderful music and sprite work, alongside a mature storyline about war in the Valerian Isles.
Runner-Up: Patapon 3
Reader’s Choice: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Best Action/Adventure: The 3rd Birthday
The long-awaited continuation of the Parasite Eve series finds a surprising new home on the PSP, and what a homecoming it is. Aya Beard’s battle against the hideous creatures that descend upon Manhattan captivates thanks to an intelligently mapped control scheme and wonderful production values.
Runner-Up: LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
Reader’s Choice: The 3rd Birthday
Best Platformer: Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
The Disgaea franchise certainly has no fears about possibly overextending itself. That is good news for us gamers, because the series’ second foray into platforming is even more manic, beautifully produced and relentlessly challenging than its predecessor. Plus, it’s about stolen panties, Dood!
Runner-Up: Pix'n Love
Reader’s Choice: Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
Best Sports Game: MLB 11 The Show
Sony’s annual baseball simulator steps up to the plate yet again with improved batting and great overall presentation. Though it may not feature all the bells and whistles of its console companion, MLB 11 The Show is possibly the most comprehensive version of the sport you can carry in your pocket.
Runner-Up: NBA 2K12
Reader’s Choice: FIFA Soccer 12
Best PSN: Angry Birds
It seems nowhere is safe from what is truly one of the most unexpected yet widespread phenomena in gaming. Rovio’s runaway success story, Angry Birds, makes a very elegant transition from mobile phones to the PlayStation Store and the results are too addictive and adorable to ignore. Hopefully this award will finally cheer those birds up.
Runner-Up: Where is My Heart
Reader’s Choice: OMG-Z
Best Graphics: Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
We sort of gave away the outcome of this award earlier on, but the winner should already have been obvious to anyone that has played this gorgeous game. Square Enix have always worked visual wonders on the PSP and Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy showcases their most impressive work to date. The detailed animation, art design, explosions, and cutscenes are sheer magic.
Runner Up: The 3rd Birthday
Reader’s Choice: The 3rd Birthday
Best Original Music: Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
Great music is a must for every Final Fantasy game and Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy does not disappoint. The epic score remixes several fan favourites from past titles and adds some thrilling original tracks for good measure. It’s like a greatest hits collection soundtrack you can play.
Runner-Up: Patapon 3
Reader’s Choice: Tactic’s Ogre Let Us Cling Together
Biggest Disappointment: Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive
Oh Naruto. You had not one, but two PSP outings this year, and neither one lived up to fan expectations. Kizuna Drive in particular elicited excitement because it promised 4-person multiplayer and an original storyline. Unfortunately, because of poor visuals, frustrating AI, and all-round flawed execution, Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive wins the dishonor of being the Biggest PSP Disappointment of the year.
Runner-Up: Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact
Reader’s Choice: The 3rd Birthday
Best Game No One Played: Final Fantasy IV: Complete Edition
Okay, okay. So the reason you probably didn’t buy this game is because you have one of the various other versions of Final Fantasy IV already on another platform. Well, that’s not a good enough excuse. This is the definitive version of an RPG masterpiece that compiles the entire experience at a reduced price. Go buy it. Now!
Runner-Up: Patapon 3
Reader’s Choice: The 3rd Birthday
Most Anticipated Game: Final Fantasy Type-0
The PSP may not have many high profile releases on the horizon, but the upcoming Final Fantasy Type-0 promises to be a doozy. With an emphasis on multiplayer and a wide array of characters (each with unique weapons capability), hopefully it will give the PSP a proper send-off when it releases sometime next year.
Runner-Up: Monster Hunter Freedom 3
Reader’s Choice: Final Fantasy Type: 0
PSP Game of the Year: Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy
After recognizing it for its engrossing fighting gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and intoxicating music, how could we not declare Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy our PSP Game of the Year? It is by far one of the best reasons to own a PSP and an absolute must-play for Final Fantasy diehards.
Runner-Up: Final Fantasy IV: Complete Edition
Reader’s Choice: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Bring on the Vita!
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