Best Downloadable Game of 2010 Award

[Muffin Top Merkley]

Nominees:

Scott Pilgram vs The World
Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light
Limbo
Pac-Man Championship Edition DX
Super Meat Boy
Mega Man 10

In the world of gaming, 2010 came in like a lion, and out like a lamb. While there were a number of successful games released at retailers, it can be argued that the later half of the year was focused less on actual games, and more towards motion control peripherals.

Despite 2010 being the year of “motion control” at retailers, downloadable games have remained consistent throughout the year.

Six games will enter. Only one will walk away with the title of:

Best Downloadable Game of 2010.​

*In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by written votes.

 

[The Doctor]

It's hard to pick a winner, since there were some excellent choices this year. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX, Super Meat Boy, and even some not even on the poll like Turtles In Time were excellent, but I'm going to go with my nomination and choose Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.

Obviously, I'm biased. I love beat-em-ups, I love retro gaming, and I love Scott Pilgrim. That said, this game is awesome. From the gorgeous sprite graphics to the sly winks and nods to those who have read the comics, to the frantic beat-em-up action, to the incredible soundtrack by Anamanaguchi, this game delivers on a level few licensed games have. It's like they took River City Ransom or Streets Of Rage, polished it up, and put it in Scott Pilgrim clothes. It's so fluid and yet emulated that clunkiness one has come to love from the old beat-em-ups. Multiplayer mode is a blast. The game is difficult but not TOO difficult, reminiscent of the times when you'd say to yourself "Well, I lost, but that doesn't mean I won't get it THIS time". Basically, it's a nostalgia hit as well as a fantastic brand new game and just a joy to play.

 

[Wade's Public Transit Bomb]

I am new to online gaming and such.. So, I nominate the only downloaded game I have:

Costume Quest

Tis' the story of twin brother and sister forced to go trick or treating by their mom because she wants them to make friends. This is where you pick which character you want to play: Everett or Lucy. Lucy is sarcastic and independent while her brother is whiny and clingy. Who you pick actually plays a role in the game. You're party grows as you meet new people. It takes a little longer for Lucy to 'meet new friends' while Everett doesn't have to impress anyone. Lucy compensates by being better in battle.

The power ups come from the costumes, which you either have to find the parts for or get them in process of the story. Each has its own power that you can use outside of battle. There is a lot to choose from and each character has to have a different custom, which you can change with one button outside of battle.

It is a simple RPG format. You earn experience points 100 increments and you level up in 100 increments. The graphics are reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. I remember a lot of people were pissed at the graphics of that game, but it didn't bother me. The battle system is easy as well. Its just one button or (analog) direction in a turn based format. After a few times, you get to do a special move depending on what costume you pick.

The story isn't the strongest. It is just you doing a bunch of side quests. But everything else is strong enough to keep you playing if you give it a shot.

 

[excel_excel]

Super Meat Boy. I must have spent over 40 hours on this terrific old-school style gem. Its a simple 2D platformer but is so addictively frustrating. Its not unfair, but is very hard and doesn't hold you hand. Just so great!

 

[ABMorales787]

Megaman 10. Come on. It's fucking Megaman. In its old school style. The nostalgia alone has me hooked. Let alone all the new features and the fact that you can use Protoman and Bass. This game has all the old fan's eating pure nostalgia and introduces the classic series to a newer fan base. On concept alone, it gets my vote.

 

[The Doctor]

Megaman 10. Come on. It's fucking Megaman. In its old school style. The nostalgia alone has me hooked. Let alone all the new features and the fact that you can use Protoman and Bass. This game has all the old fan's eating pure nostalgia and introduces the classic series to a newer fan base. On concept alone, it gets my vote.

As a fellow Blue Bomber mark, I'd be inclined to agree - if we hadn't just seen this last year with Mega Man 9. Mega Man 9 has the old school retraux graphics, the classic difficulty, and the nostalgia. 10 may have improved the formula somewhat, but I can't in good conscience vote for a sequel that only adds a few features and new bosses/levels.