sephfire

Crap. I knew I was gonna screw up one of these games I hadn't played before. edit: LIAR. This one probably wasn't a US release though.

aaaaaaand FIVE. ************************************************** **************************** ***ROUND FIVE*** Sonic Adventure Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Sonic Team Meta Score: 8.7 (36 reviews) Release: Sep 9, 1999 Guilty Gear X2 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Sammy Studios Developer: Sammy Studios Meta Score: (not available) Release: 2004 Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: Naughty Dog Meta Score: 9.0 (85 reviews) Release: Dec 3, 2001 ICO Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: SCEI Meta Score: 9.0 (84 reviews) Release: Sep 24, 2001 Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance Console: Xbox Publisher: VU Games Developer: Snowblind Studios Meta Score: 8.4 (75 reviews) Release: Dec 2, 2001 MechAssault Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Day 1 Studios Meta Score: 8.7 (91 reviews) Release: Nov 11, 2002 SSX 3 Console: Xbox Publisher: EA Sports Big Developer: EA Canada Meta Score: 9.0 (54 reviews) Release: Oct 20, 2003 Chibi Robo Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Skip Ltd. Meta Score: 7.8 (56 reviews) Release: Feb 6, 2006 Resident Evil Console: Gamecube Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 9.0 (91 reviews) Release: Apr 30, 2002 New Super Mario Bros. Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 8.9 (93 reviews) Release: May 15, 2006 ************************************************** **************************** Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED. My votes: Guilty Gear X2 I only played it half an hour and I'm not voting on it, but was this game hard as hell or did I just suck at it? I hear it's balanced well, I just got the crap beat out of me. ICO -- YES On one hand, I kow this sort of game won't appeal to everyone. On the other, that doesn't make it any less beautiful. SSX 3 -- YES I've poured so many hours into this game. I love sports games that don't limit themselves by being simulations. EA Big has a talent for making sports games fun in new, unrealistic ways. The controls are tight, the environments are gorgeous, the soundtrack fits ... this game is wonderful. Chibi Robo -- NO It's cute and pretty creative, I'll give it that. Beyond that, it has serious pacing issues. I would love a sequel that loosened things up a bit. The combined limitations of battery life and time limits for activity just distracted from the simplicity of this game's appeal. I have hopes for the DS sequel. I'm not saying the game isn't fun, just not a must.

My votes: Katamari Damacy -- YES It's quirky, fun, and innovative. While the sheer strangeness of the game may put off some casual gamers, I've seen more than one sucked into the game once they saw how it was played. That's saying something. Dead or Alive Ultimate -- UNDECIDED The thing is, I suck at fighting games. I don't have the reflexes or the control to play without button-mashing. Just the same, I still like playing them now and then. This really seems like a great fighting game package. Classic DOA 1, plus DOA 2 with a graphics overhaul and tons of costumes and such to unlock. Plus online play. It's quite a combo. I don't know how DOA appeals to hardcore fighting gamers, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Pikmin -- NO I don't want to compete the two Pikmin games against each other for a place here, but the sequel did offer a few key improvements that push it over the edge into must-have territory. I would definitely tell anyone who enjoyed Pikmin 2 to play the first one as well though. This was a very touch decision. Tales of Symphonia -- NO I enjoyed this game thoroughly, especially because the multiplayer battles allowed my wife to play too. Unfortunately, I'm quite sure this game is only a must-have for gamers with a taste for games like these. I wouldn't recommend it to someone unless they liked games like these to begin with. Lumines Love the Xbox Live Arcade version, but can't comment on PSP.

Still got some games in the old lists that have no votes or just one vote. If we don't get more on them by the end, we're bringing them back up again. Coop, I blame this on your imports. ************************************************** **************************** ***ROUND FOUR*** Katamari Damacy Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 8.6 (73 reviews) Release: Sep 21, 2004 Dead or Alive Ultimate Console: Xbox Publisher: Tecmo Developer: Team Ninja Meta Score: 8.4 (94 reviews) Release: Oct 26, 2004 Otogi: Myth of Demons Console: Xbox Publisher: Sega Developer: From Software Meta Score: 8.2 (88 reviews) Release: Aug 27, 2003 Pikmin Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 8.7 (91 reviews) Release: Dec 2, 2001 Tales of Symphonia Console: Gamecube Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 8.6 (99 reviews) Release: Jul 13, 2004 Brain Age Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 7.8 (69 reviews) Release: Apr 17, 2006 Lumines Console: PSP Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Q Entertainment Meta Score: 9.0 (90 reviews) Release: Mar 22, 2005 Ikaruga Console: Dreamcast Publisher: ESP Software Developer: Treasure Meta Score: (not available) Release: Sep 5, 2002 Street Fighter III: Double Impact Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 7.9 (25 reviews) Release: Jun 19, 2000 Zero Gunner II Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Psikyo Meta Score: (not available) Release: Mar 20, 2003 ************************************************** **************************** Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED. I'll vote later tonight or tomorrow before posting the next batch.

And now, time for a new daily round. Remeber, you can still vote on the previous two if you haven't yet. ************************************************** **************************** ***ROUND THREE*** Third Round: Crazy Taxi Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Hitmaker Meta Score: 9.0 (55 reviews) Release: Jan 24, 2000 Elemental Gimmick Gear Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Vatical Entertainment Developer: Birthday Meta Score: 7.1 (17 reviews) Release: Dec 31, 1999 Guitar Hero Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: RedOctane Developer: Harmonix Music Meta Score: 9.2 (91 reviews) Release: Nov 7, 2005 Twisted Metal: Black Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: Incognito Meta Score: 8.8 (82 reviews) Release: Jun 18, 2001 Conker: Live and Reloaded Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Rare Ltd. Meta Score: 7.9 (107 reviews) Release: Jun 21, 2005 Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Console: Xbox Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 6.7 (42 reviews) Release: Mar 27, 2003 Metroid Prime Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Retro Studios Meta Score: 9.6 (125 reviews) Release: Nov 17, 2002 Skies of Arcadia Legends Console: Gamecube Publisher: Sega Developer: Overworks Meta Score: 8.6 (72 reviews) Release: Jan 27, 2003 Giga Wing Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Takumi Meta Score: 5.1 (20 reviews) Release: Jul 19, 2000 MegaMan Anniversery Collection Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Atomic Planet Ent. Meta Score: 8.2 (37 reviews) Release: Jun 22, 2004 ************************************************** **************************** Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED. My votes: Crazy Taxi -- YES Sure, it's light on content, but the pick-up-and-play value this game has is huge. The frenzied, arcade-style gameplay is still fun, even from the couch at home. Guitar Hero -- YES No-brainer. Music and gaming in orgasmic cohesion. It's pure, rhythmic bliss. Conker: Live and Reloaded -- NO Though pretty, there are plenty of better platformers out there. The juvenile humor is good for a few shallow laughs, but beyond that, it doesn't offer anything particularly special. Additionally, certain sections of the game needed quite a bit more polish (Lava-Surfing, I'm looking at you, buddy). These sections could cause a frustrating amount of cheap deaths. Metroid Prime -- YES Beautifully atmospheric. The perfect marraige of the 1st-person shooter to classic Metroid gameplay. It's hard to find many flaws with this game. Carry on, lads.

I'm fine with dropping the popular vote system if a better alternative is proposed. I'd love to see further discussion on the virtues or shortcomings of each game, but discussion alone doesn't really give us a way to sure-fire make the pass/fail judgment call. Ideas? We'll probably have to further discuss some of these games anyway if some only get one vote or end in a tie.

I'd say we're off to a great start here. What say we start round two? Don't worry, if you haven't voted on round one yet, you still can. I'm still counting. ************************************************** **************************** ***ROUND TWO*** Capcom vs. SNK Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 7.9 (23 reviews) Release: Nov 9, 2000 Project Justice Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 7.9 (26 reviews) Release: May 16, 2001 Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Atlus Co. Developer: Nippon Ichi Soft. Meta Score: 8.6 (80 reviews) Release: Aug 27, 2003 Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: Polyphony Digital Meta Score: 9.4 (100 reviews) Release: Jul 9, 2001 Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.4 (73 reviews) Release: Aug 28, 2002 Beyond Good and Evil Console: Xbox, Gamecube, Playstation 2 Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Meta Score: 8.8 (65 reviews) Release: Dec 2, 2003 Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Console: Xbox Publisher: Bethesda Softworks Developer: Bethesda Softworks Meta Score: 8.7 (90 reviews) Release: Jun 6, 2002 Mario Power Tennis Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Camelot co. Ltd. Meta Score: 8.2 (59 reviews) Release: Nov 8, 2004 Wave Race: Blue Storm Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 8.3 (68 reviews) Release: Nov 17, 2001 Metroid Prime: Hunters Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: (not available) Release: Mar 20, 2006 ************************************************** **************************** Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED. My votes: Disgaea: Hour of Darkness -- YES The Disgaea series is strategy RPG gaming at its finest. The story and characters are fun, and the gameplay is addicting. When it comes to this genre, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better game than this. Onimusha 2: Samuria's Destiny -- NO While I do enjoy Onimusha, the first couple of games were not the finest in the series. The directional controls were unnatural at best, and the franchise had yet to perfect its formula. Not quite good enough to be a must-have. Beyond Good and Evil -- YES No contest. The game is beautiful and unique. It's always encouraging to see developers risk a financial loss to crank out a game like this. Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind -- YES Oblivion may out-shine Morrowind now, but that doesn't make Elder Scrolls III any less of a great game. Although the unbroken drabness of the world always put me off a bit (as did the horrendous character animation *shudder*), it's a great game. Mario Power Tennis -- YES I came very close to NO-ing this one just because of the addition of Power Hits. The Mario Tennis 64 gameplay was near perfect, and the Power Shot addition just felt like it broke up the action and added unnecessary complication to a great formula. However, that issue aside, I'll concede that it was still incredibly fun.

Just to add, I'll be posting new clumps for us to vote on fairly frequently (we've got a long list to get through). How does one round a day sound? Also, if I happen to post a new list for voting before you've had a chance to vote for the previous one, don't worry. I'll keep counting votes for the previous rounds if you want to vote late.

Returning to resolve my previous indecision... Devil May Cry -- NO It was great for its time, but later additions to the genre have surpassed it. It deserves appreciation as a foundation for a solid franchise, though. I wish I could offer more votes this time around, but I've only played two of these games. Seems I've got some gaming to do.

Okay, we've had time to make our nominations. Let us get down to discussion! It's time for ... ****************************************************************************** ***THE FIRST ROUND*** Bangai-O Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Conspiracy Entertainment Developer: Treasure Meta Score: 8.5 (27 reviews) Release: Mar 21, 2001 Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 8.5 (68 reviews) Release: Oct 25, 2004 Devil May Cry Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 9.2 (89 reviews) Release: Oct 16, 2001 Shenmue II Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Sega-AM2 Meta Score: 8.2 (78 reviews) Release: Oct 28, 2002 F-Zero GX Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Amusement Vision Meta Score: 8.9 (101 reviews) Release: Aug 26, 2003 Advance Wars: Dual Strike Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Intelligent Systems Meta Score: 9.1 (67 reviews) Release: Aug 22, 2005 LocoRoco Console: PSP Publisher: SCEA Developer: SCEJ Meta Score: 8.5 (82 reviews) Release: Sep 5, 2006 Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Appaloosa Int. Meta Score: 8.1 (42 reviews) Release: Sep 10, 2000 Silent Hill 2 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCET Meta Score: 8.6 (72 reviews) Release: Sep 24, 2001 Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Namco Developer: Monolith Soft Meta Score: 8.3 (80 reviews) Release: Feb 26, 2003 ****************************************************************************** There are your first ten contestants. Remeber, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED. Let's get started, shall we? Devil May Cry -- UNDECIDED I'm torn. The game was a great start to a great franchise, but it felt like the third installment improved on the formula so much that I have a harder time recommending either of the first two now. I really don't want to pit equally-deserving games from the same franchise against each other, so I'll refrain from voting on this one for the time being. Xenosaga Episode 1 -- NO There are a LOT of japanese RPGs available to the general public these days, and there are definitely superiors to this. While it offered a passable storyline and fun sci-fi aesthetic, the pacing was tedious, particularly when it came to the battle system. The game was decent enough to trick me into playing the sequel, but not nearly good enough to qualify as a must-play. Get to it, OCR.

You will be thoroughly pleased by VGmix whenever it returns.

I've listened to it a few times through and it's definitely grown on me. Even though I still favor their original sound, it's usually a good thing to see an artist mix things up a bit. With the experience and new ideas this album has given them, I have even higher hopes for their next one. Hopefully they won't completely abandon the original style that made them big. edit: Here's hoping for another Reanimation-style album in the next couple years to appease the old fans who need their classic Linkin Park fix.

Ok, Arek has helped me readjust the rules of this thing. First off, the 2-nomination rule is gone. One nomination is all it will take to put a game in the initial list. After a couple more days for nominations, the real work will begin. 1. I will divide the entire list into clumps of 8-12 games. The grouping will be more-or-less random. 2. I will list the first group of games along with reviewer scores of each and any other pertinent info I can find. 3. We will all debate and discuss why each game should or should not be included in the final list. REAL DEBATE AND DISCUSSION. 4. Once we've sorted through that clump, I will lay the next group out for you guys and we will continue in that fashion, narrowing the initial list down as we go. With this new system, hopefully the risk of flame wars, favorites threads and the ensuing LOCKED-ing can be avioded. Special thanks to Arek for helping me refine the system. Keep the nominations coming, you've only got a couple days left.

Apologies for the exaggeration on your troll/contribute ratio. I would still like to know about these favorites threads I made, though. I honestly don't recall them.

Sorry for disappearing. Thunderstorm screwed my internet provider for a few days. Updating the main page now. Some changes: -Rather than removing an entry entirely over disputes, I will simply add "(disputed)" to draw attention to it so people may discuss it further. -The thread is getting a lot of attention and many entries. This is good. But given the number of nominations we're receiving, the list is obviously growing lengthy and it's clear not everyone agrees with every entry that has made the list so far. I'll be "(disputing)" a few entries myself and also investigating some reviews for some games I've not played personally, but I'm not the only person with veto power here. The more disputes we get, the more we can narrow down the list and try to weed out the personal favorites that can easily creep into lists such as these. -Since there's been some confusion, I'll explain the purpose of this thread again. This is not a thread for rattling off your personal favorite games (though it is unavoidable that many will treat it as such). Our goal here is to compile a list of games that every serious gamer should try or own. Games that are each a shining example of quality for their genre.. You don't even have to personally enjoy these games to appreciate their quality. For example, I'm not much of a Halo fan but I still know it belongs on this list. If anyone needs further explanation of this thread's purpose, please say so. I'll spend some time today browsing some reviews for the games I've not personally played and will likely have a list of disputes to post be the end of it. Thanks for all the nominations guys. Keep 'em coming. For all the posts you've made in this thread, you haven't contributed anything worthwhile. Our very capable mods can handle this thread as they see fit. If you would like to make yourself useful with nominations or disputes over a nomination, please stick around and help out. Otherwise, stop cluttering the thread. And for the record, what are all these favorites threads I've "gotten away with?" You've mentioned them enough times that I'm seriously wondering if I've been creating them in my sleep or something.

Updating the main list again. I'll eventually open up the nominations to older generations, taking all of the existing posts into account. I've already found some new games I need to check out.

Dhsu has made many good points. There are dozens of other sites and communities that could provide this sort of information. As a community revolving around common interests, I thought a list created by this group would include games that would be more likely to appeal to OCR people. Of course, topics like these can easily reduce any forum into a cesspit of stupidity and irritation. If this thread starts to steer OCR in that direction, please lock and burn it before it causes any problems. If this has turned out to be a common favorites thread, I apologize profusely.

Similar as this is to a favorites thread in concept, I was hoping for something better to come from it. We all have our favorite games, but that doesn't mean they belong on this list. I was hoping to compile a list of games that includes the finest each console has to offer. This isn't a list for all those games that we "knew had their problems, but they're fun anyway, damnit." Similarly, I don't have to personally enjoy a game to know it's top notch. If this whole thread does degrade into a common favorites thread, please lock it up. Updating the main post now.

Sorry for the double post, but I don't want to clutter the main post with my nominations. Playstation 2: Disgaea 2 Final Fantasy XII Metal Gear Solid 3 Okami Shadow of the Colossus God of War Prince of Persia: Sands of Time We Love Katamari Guitar Hero Xbox: Halo Ninja Gaiden Black Psychonauts Gamecube: Smash Brothers Melee Super Mario Sunshine Metroid Prime Resident Evil 4 Animal Crossing

Like many gamers, I'm the type who likes to try a wide variety of games. I can appreciate a good game from any genre, and I try to collect the best games for every console. This thread was meant to help gamers such as myself find the great games that are somehow missing from their collection. And now, after a month of nominations, votes and the occasional bickering match, we are proud to present ... ***************************************************************************************************** The OCR Must-Have Games List Dreamcast Bangai-O Crazy Taxi Daytona USA Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of Earth Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves Grandia II Ikaruga Jet Grind Radio Last Blade 2 Marvel vs. Capcom Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Metropolis Street Racer Powerstone 2 Project Justice Skies of Arcadia Soul Calibur Street Fighter III: Double Impact Street Fighter III: Third Strike Street Fighter Alpha III Playstation 2 Ace Combat 5 Amplitude Beatmania IIDX 8th Style Beyond Good and Evil Breath of Fire 5: Dragon Quarter Burnout 3: Takedown Castlevania: Lament of Innocence Devil May Cry Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves Final Fantasy XII God of War God of War II Grand Theft Auto III Guilty Gear X2 Guitar Hero Guitar Hero 2 ICO Jak II Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy Katamari Damacy Kingdom Hearts MegaMan Anniversery Collection Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Okami Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Rez Shadow of the Colossus Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne Silent Hill 2 Soul Calibur 2 Soul Calibur 3 Street Fighter Anniversary Collection Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria Viewtiful Joe We Love Katamari Xbox Beyond Good and Evil Burnout 3: Takedown Capcom Classics Collection 2 Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge Dead or Alive Ultimate Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Halo Halo 2 Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Ninja Gaiden Black Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath OutRun2 Panzer Dragoon Orta Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Project Gotham Racing 2 Psychonauts Shenmue II Soul Calibur 2 SSX 3 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Gamecube Animal Crossing Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem F-Zero GX Ikaruga Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Mario Power Tennis Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes Metroid Prime Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Pikmin 2 Resident Evil 4 Skies of Arcadia Legends Soul Calibur 2 Super Mario Sunshine Super Smash Bros. Melee Viewtiful Joe Wario Ware Inc.: Mega Party Game$ Nintendo DS Advance Wars: Dual Strike Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime Elite Beat Agents Metroid Prime: Hunters NEW Super Mario Bros. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Phoenix Wright 2: Justice for All Tetris DS PSP Lumines Tekken: Dark Resurrection Whether you were able to participate in this thread or not, I hope you find a few gems on this list that you haven't taken the time to try out before. They're worth the effort.

It's confirmed. Co-op mode makes this game even better. If you don't believe me, ask Tweek. I've shown him Gears of War, Crackdown and Oblivion, and EDF 2017 has him wanting a 360 more than any of those.

You people are missing the point. Regardless of price, this game is awesome. Go. Rent. Play.

Games have been more expensive. And given it's a new release, it's a full 1/3 off the standard price.

Seriously. Everyone here with a 360 needs to go rent this immediately (or buy it, given its bargain $40 price tag). This game is like a modern day vision of an old-school campy B-movie. Aliens invade earth, sedning UFOs to drop hordes of enormous insects, robots and such all over earth. Armed with over 170 different unlockable weapons, you fight this threat. What makes this game awesome: -Tons of unlockable weapons. Burst-fire sniper rifles, guided missle launchers with automatic fire (awesome), gun turrets, flamethrowers, land mines ... the list goes on. -50 levels with 6 difficulty settings. And I'm not talking half-assed difficulty changes either. The harder the setting, the faster the bugs move, the more acid they shoot at you (yes, acid), the more bugs there are, etc. The difficulty changes more than enough to make replaying levels fun. And you'll have to replay levels to beef up your HP for the harder difficulties. The highest difficulty is pure masochism. -Destructable environments. Car in the way? Building blocking your path? Tree blocking visibility? Dozens of giant ants crawling over that skyscraper? That's what rocket launchers are for. -Split-screen Co-op play. Haven't gotten to try it yet, but I'll be getting Tweek over this week to check it out. I've heard nothing but good things. It's made by a small studio, so it may not look like Gears of War, but damn is it fun. I challenge anyone to play 10 levels of this game and tell me they aren't enjoying themselves by the end.

The fact that this game doesn't work on pre-Intel Macs pains me deeply.