gaming in 2003: the year's best
![[The Force is strong with this one.]](http://www.toase.net/gfx/kotor-01.jpg)
I wanted so desperately to add Metroid Prime to my personal Game of the Year list, but as it came out late 2002 I've kind of missed the boat on that one. I spent a lot of time trying to work my way through the game's many challenges over my holidays, and it never fails to surprise. And with Metroid: Zero Mission and possibly even Metroid Prime 2 on the way, I will be extremely happy in 2004. With that blatant Metroid-worship out of the way, it's time to get to the obligatory year-end round-up for gaming in 2003.
Since I now possess three gaming platforms, selecting something that is deserving of the "Game of the Year" title is that much more difficult. It used to be that I would casually make up my own lists for the PC by genre and then compare it to each media outlet's results when the time came. This year, though, I must carefully select the top games considering each platform I own to form one mighty list of games. Despite knowing that people may actually read my reviews and actually consider them, the intention of this list is that if you take away one thing from my site it will be these selections. I will then pompously proclaim my chosen overall "Game of the Year 2003". Note that this list is in no way intended to be comprehensive or inclusive, because I haven't played everything and I don't own all the consoles. These are simply one gamer's opinions and the comments section is wide open for anyone else's views. And I just got my Gamecube in October so no bitching about me not including The Wind Waker. I realize that it's quite good and I fully intend on adding it to my collection eventually. So let's get down to it, shall we?
10. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN)
It didn't take much beyond the formula set in stone with the SNES version, but as noted in my impressions, by simply adding a co-operative component to the gameplay it revitalized the series. Championship play is nothing new. In fact it's safe to refer to it with words like "boring" and "predictable". However now that we have four controllers playing 2 vs. 2 and trying to watch players synchronize their attacks - it just amazes me. I cannot stop playing, and as a result feel obligated to add this to the top ten at least.
I need to give this game credit. I never finished it (and my review is collecting dust as we speak), but it took a well known movie, and effectively made a sequel. The story is excellent, and although based around the traditional FPS gameplay we have come to hate in recent years, the game makes it interesting by taking the subject matter and creating an entirely new approach. The visuals had a distinct style perfectly copied from the film, and were breathtaking to behold at some points. And when I found that I had to remind myself I was running around a computer - the game's setting speaks for itself. I am still convinced it was intended as a marketing tool to hype the 20th Anniversary DVD, however. But at least it was good.
8. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (GBA)
Back in university, my friend's Playstation introduced me to games like Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, and Final Fantasy Tactics, but Symphony of the Night, agreed to be the finest Castlevania game in existence by most, was a standout title. Until 2003, where we were given the magnificent Aria of Sorrow. There are two mediocre Castlevania titles previous to this one on the GBA which bear no comparison. My only gripe is the game's length. Give me more adventuring, and less feminine male leads. Oh yeah, and a Castlevania game for the fucking Gamecube. Thanks a bunch, Konami.
I will go ahead and jump out on a limb right now and say that this is the best game released for the Gamecube in 2003. The graphics are absolutely stunning, and the gameplay is beautiful in its simplicity. Some racing fans get turned off easily by the cartoonish representations, but seriously, when speed is the name of the game, why not blast through gravity-defying tracks in a heavily modified hovercraft? I wouldn't have it any other way.
At times I wanted to scream this game was so hard. But its use of shadow, sound, and scripted events were enough to enthrall even the most jaded gamer. Although based solely in the third person, aiming the two weapons in your small arsenal of techno-gadgets was never a problem. I'm convinced the genre began with Thief: The Dark Project; UbiSoft simply put it in the present day and polished it to perfection. I found the game a little short, and its lack of multiplayer support was a bit disappointing. But like every good developer that listens to its fans, UbiSoft gives us Pandora Tomorrow.
5. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA)
With games like Golden Sun and Advance Wars 2 keeping me extremely busy in the genre of turn based combat, picking up FFTA in September was almost an afterthought. However it completely decimated all of my expectations - regardless of what I may have said in the past about its story. You have complete control over your Clan, forming a cohesive unit that you take pride in leading into battle. I have barely even put a dent in the game's content; its many quests and battles are seemingly endless. The graphics are in the same vein as previous Final Fantasy games, but no where near as annoying or pretentious. A GBA essential, and my favorite of the year for this platform (although Warioware Inc. came pretty damn close, even though it's absent from this list).
4. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (multi)
I got pretty gushy over this game in a recent post, and I'll tell you why. UbiSoft completely impressed me with their use of an established license, and even more so because it's a console port. The Prince's collection of graceful moves, the comfortably challenging puzzles and the eye-popping combat together make this a most memorable game. Believe me when I say it is as good as everyone is saying. The beautifully constructed environments and amazing soundtrack by The Tea Party's Stuart Chatwood produce a truly magical vision of medieval Persia. Did I mention the time-altering dagger already? I'm almost certain one of those would be useful in real life. Those looking for an excuse to play this one can take advantage of UbiSoft's Deal of the Year and experience two of the year's best.
Brian Reynolds and Big Huge Games need to be commended for their efforts on this one, cleverly adapting the gameplay of the beloved Civilization series to real time. The single player campaigns are quite simple, taking a risk-style board and giving you the green light for world conquest. The AI can be extremely cunning at times, but mostly provides a worthy adversary. This game made RTS fun again. Look for the expansion later this year.
When I first saw Saving Private Ryan last summer, I could have sworn I'd witnessed the opening 40 minutes somewhere before. Sure enough, Spielberg and 2015 recreated it in the Omaha Beach mission in Medal of Honor: Allied Assault to give us one of the most thrilling gaming moments of 2002. And this year, the developers at Infinity Ward made claims they would do it again. And they did. Except this time, it was for the whole fucking game. Cinematic, heart-pounding, intense - these words were thrown around in many reviews, including my own. A game this well crafted is not played, it is experienced. Multiplayer is pretty good too.
1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (PC)
I think it's safe to assume that most gamers hold the Star Wars franchise in high regard, despite atrocities committed against it in the Prequels. Bioware has done the unimaginable. They have transferred the lived-in feel of the Star Wars universe, correctly interpreted the lore and visuals presented in the comics, and created one of the most thoroughly enjoyable games ever. It would be nice to share this beautiful setting with friends in multiplayer, but like the story-driven Planescape, more effort was spent in creating the most immersive experience imaginable. The comparisons don't stop there - I'm finding the decisions I make in conversation have a lot to do with the quests I receive and the way NPCs behave towards me. And I didn't think it was possible, but Jeremy Soule has made me forget about John Williams. The soundtrack adds a depth lacked by previous Star Wars games which consisted mostly of repetitive Star Wars "riffs" (see Jedi Academy). Overall a fantastic game and I could not recommend any other more highly for the year 2003.
As a PC gamer, I'm reluctant to admit this, but 2003 wasn't that a great year for PC gaming. I'd sooner label it as The Year of the Console - and not just because I got a Gamecube. If you take a look back at some of the highest rated games of the year for the PC: Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Knights of the Old Republic to name a few - they're all console ports. Excellent console ports, mind you, but originating on our set-top cousins nonetheless. With titles like Doom III, Thief III, Unreal Tournament 2004 and Half Life 2 slipping into 2004, it was tough for PC gamers to have anything to look forward to even as the year came to a close. I plan on looking at the year ahead for gaming in a future post, though, so sit tight.