Grade Your Consoles/Portables 2009

[TodayIsForgotten]

DS - C. Not even sure why i got it. Small screen sucks. Cyclods awesome but i dont use it.
360 - B - the only saving grace was Futari and Ion Assault. As a major XBLA player (when it was an actual "arcade") ...xbla has gone to shit.
PC - A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ the way most games were meant to be played. Unfortunately, i just collect and don't play all the great game games that came out (the void, machinarium, dragon age, deadspace, torchlight, GREED etc etc).

[CMoon]

Honestly, I'm pretty shocked that people here don't keep up on DS/PSP releases from Japanese companies.

Feel free to promote them here. I've yet to import a DS title.

I still want to make clear, I love the DS, but right now the great titles on it are few and far between. I wish I'd liked Devil Survivor more.

I like UFO's post: basically if you include all of the back catalog, most consoles get an A+

[Rob]

Provocative enough for me to take the bait. First, the games suck? Given that the DS is pretty much this gen's PS2, a blanket statement like this makes no sense at all. With such a huge library and so many highly rated titles, I can't really see any way of defending this claim.

It looked promising a while back, but now it's just more 16-bit RPG grave robbing, poor sequels to 32-bit era classics and Nintendo mascots (with piles and piles of trash padding things out). Legend of Zelda is my favorite long-running series and I couldn't even finish Phantom Hourglass. There's an almost total lack of imagination and effort when it comes to portable games.

[Elixir]

Honestly, I'm pretty shocked that people here don't keep up on DS/PSP releases from Japanese companies. There have been some truly excellent ones this year. Here's a brief reminder of some of the highlights:

Space Invaders Extreme 2
SMT: Devil Survivor
Mario & Luigi: Inside Story
Phantasy Star Zero
Persona
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Phantasy Star Portable (go Alfa System!)
Crimson Gem Saga (this is a real gem)
Dissidia
Knights in the Nightmare
Fire Emblem SD
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga
Tactics Layer
Pokemon Platinum
Suikoden Tierkreis
Star Ocean 2
Half-Minute Hero
Atelier Annie
DQ 5
Nostalgia
Black Sigil
Kingdom Hearts (if you like that kind of thing)
Laevatein Tactics
Shining Force Feather

You bought all of those? I'm sorry.

[professor ganson]

Honestly, I'm pretty shocked that people here don't keep up on DS/PSP releases from Japanese companies. There have been some truly excellent ones this year. Here's a brief reminder of some of the highlights:

Space Invaders Extreme 2
SMT: Devil Survivor
Mario & Luigi: Inside Story
Phantasy Star Zero
Persona
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Phantasy Star Portable (go Alfa System!)
Crimson Gem Saga (this is a real gem)
Dissidia
Knights in the Nightmare
Fire Emblem SD
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga
Tactics Layer
Pokemon Platinum
Suikoden Tierkreis
Star Ocean 2
Half-Minute Hero
Atelier Annie
DQ 5
Nostalgia
Black Sigil
Kingdom Hearts (if you like that kind of thing)
Laevatein Tactics
Shining Force Feather

You bought all of those? I'm sorry.

Did I say I bought all of them? In fact I have all but seven, but I'd be happy to have all, save Kingdom Hearts, which doesn't interest me. There is wide agreement that these are quality titles. Why be sorry?

[boagman]

Well, there really haven't been any must-have games for me for the DS and the PSP this year. I'm most assuredly a picky person when it comes to games, so the only real eyebrow-raisers for me were imports for the PSP: Darius Burst and Metal Slug XX, which both *just* squeeked in here at the very end of the year, and I'm not even sure that imports count. Besides...I'm categorically unwilling to pay $50 for a portable title...I've not done it yet, and don't believe that the day is coming any time soon.

You can believe without a doubt, though, that I'll be watching for Play-Asia to be putting these two titles on sale, and I'll pick them up then, just like I picked up Goku Makaimura Kai for $20 when they put that one on sale.

DS: F
PSP: F

[professor ganson]

Provocative enough for me to take the bait. First, the games suck? Given that the DS is pretty much this gen's PS2, a blanket statement like this makes no sense at all. With such a huge library and so many highly rated titles, I can't really see any way of defending this claim.

It looked promising a while back, but now it's just more 16-bit RPG grave robbing, poor sequels to 32-bit era classics and Nintendo mascots (with piles and piles of trash padding things out).

It's not really worth discussing-- you've already ditched your DS-- but the very same could be said for the PS2 library. Mainly rehashing what was successful on the PS1, etc. In either case it's just hyperbole. Maybe fits 1/10 of the library.

There's an almost total lack of imagination and effort when it comes to portable games.

I think you're alone on this one. Go play Advanced Wars!

[professor ganson]

Well, there really haven't been any must-have games for me for the DS and the PSP this year. I'm most assuredly a picky person when it comes to games, so the only real eyebrow-raisers for me were imports for the PSP: Darius Burst and Metal Slug XX, which both *just* squeeked in here at the very end of the year, and I'm not even sure that imports count. Besides...I'm categorically unwilling to pay $50 for a portable title...I've not done it yet, and don't believe that the day is coming any time soon.

You can believe without a doubt, though, that I'll be watching for Play-Asia to be putting these two titles on sale, and I'll pick them up then, just like I picked up Goku Makaimura Kai for $20 when they put that one on sale.

DS: F
PSP: F

So you didn't play any of the games, but you're in a position to assign Fs to both systems. I should try that with my student papers. Instead of reading them, I'll just give them Fs.

[BulletMagnet]

I should try that with my student papers. Instead of reading them, I'll just give them Fs.

Don't even try to say you've never been tempted.

[boagman]

Well, there really haven't been any must-have games for me for the DS and the PSP this year. I'm most assuredly a picky person when it comes to games, so the only real eyebrow-raisers for me were imports for the PSP: Darius Burst and Metal Slug XX, which both *just* squeeked in here at the very end of the year, and I'm not even sure that imports count. Besides...I'm categorically unwilling to pay $50 for a portable title...I've not done it yet, and don't believe that the day is coming any time soon.

You can believe without a doubt, though, that I'll be watching for Play-Asia to be putting these two titles on sale, and I'll pick them up then, just like I picked up Goku Makaimura Kai for $20 when they put that one on sale.

DS: F
PSP: F

So you didn't play any of the games, but you're in a position to assign Fs to both systems. I should try that with my student papers. Instead of reading them, I'll just give them Fs.

Well, I mean, what's there to prompt their merit from this past year? Remember that this is a completely subjective grade based on some pretty objective facts. Were there many (any?) games that appealed to me at all, especially when contrasted with previous years? I'm pretty sure that the OP's intent was to try and surmise if there were any end-all-be-all titles that were released this year (2009)...that doesn't translate to "I didn't buy any or play any games for these systems in 2009", it just means that whatever I did buy and play weren't released this year.

Really, though, I'm not unhappy with either system. Why can't I call an off year (by my readily-admitted subjective tastes) for these systems just that: an off year? Did I condemn them to live in death or something?

In years past (we'll take the PSP as an example), must-own titles for me would have been Ultimate Ghosts n' Goblins, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, just to name a couple. No titles for either of the two systems really made me want to buy them, much less at launch for full price. In fact, I have no real reason to suspect that I'll be buying any games from 2009 for either of these two systems at any time in the future.

Or, I could have just given them both an F for the year. Oh, no wait! I *did*. You bitched, and now I've explained. Heck, if anything, with the absolute eyeroll-inducing stupidity that was the release of the PSP Go this year, perhaps the PSP should get an F- instead just a plain F. Eh, I'll be generous. Not everyone wants RPGs...

[Elixir]

Did I say I bought all of them? In fact I have all but seven, but I'd be happy to have all, save Kingdom Hearts, which doesn't interest me. There is wide agreement that these are quality titles. Why be sorry?

I don't get it. So you just list games you pirated, hired, and/or think might be good?

Crimson Gem Saga isn't good. Seriously, the voice acting is bad and the character world is a direct rip out of Ragnarok Online's book. Come to think of it, wasn't this made by a Korean company?

From the others I've played:

Knights in the Knightmare was messy. Supremely messy. A game doesn't need 30+ tutorials in order to be "deep".
Disgaea 2 is just a port, although done just as well as Disgaea.
SRT: OGS is fun if you just ignore the entire story and never get bored of continually fighting things, I guess.
Devil Survivor.. oh look, another game based in Shibuya with teenagers.
Half-Minute Hero, more like Half-Minute Interest. I know that they were trying to aim for the audience who doesn't have the patience for RPGs, but I can't take this game seriously.
Persona.. even on Expert, it's piss easy. Way better translation though.
DQ5? Oh right, port.
PSZ - I didn't play this, but isn't it already outdated as 2 just hit Japan?

If you don't know why I discard ports, it's because the game was created years ago--it's just upgraded for a newer platform and today's media--and it's things like this which depress me. Too many fucking ports or remakes. Give me a break. I would honestly pick Disgaea 2 (port), Star Ocean 2 (port) and MHFU out of that list. I can't comment on the others since I haven't played them.

Honestly.. your massive list is only large because it's compromised of two consoles, and based on personal taste. "No shit, Elixir." but, the majority of people here are grumpy old fellows who enjoy quirky twists on things they haven't seen before (they also hate shaving and admitting that arcade gaming is dead), if someone didn't get enjoyment out of whatever console or handheld they have that's been sitting around for the past 6 months, they're going to give it an F.

In retrospect this is just silly, because it's not the console/handheld's fault for not receiving games in a particular year. If anything, we should be judging game developers.

[boagman]

In retrospect this is just silly, because it's not the console/handheld's fault for not receiving games in a particular year. If anything, we should be judging game developers.

Yes and no. All console developers have first-party titles which they release, and since they're the same parent company, it's hard to separate the wheat from the tares, eh?

That being said, I take your point. As well, just because I haven't enjoyed anything from 2009 doesn't mean that I haven't enjoyed the systems in that same year...I just enjoyed them with games from years prior, and didn't have any problems or regrets in doing so. Good games endure.

[UnscathedFlyingObject]

But I said to judge based on games released this year.

[BrianC]

Knights in the Knightmare was messy. Supremely messy. A game doesn't need 30+ tutorials in order to be "deep".

I agree that a game doesn't need tutorials to be deep, but I don't see your point here. It has a huge learning curve, but it also has quite a bit going for it (and yes I have played it). It's a very unique game and isn't for everyone.

Anyway, I can't really vote since I have been getting mostly older stuff this year. KitN was the only 2009 DS game that I have purchased. I have been enjoying the DS, but mostly because of games released before 2009. I have heard good things about SI Extreme 2, Mario and Luigi 3, Layton, and Spirit Tracks, but I haven't played them. Scribblenauts has an interesting concept, but I heard it's flawed.

I'm tempted to give the 7800 a high rating for the Jr. Pac-Man homebrew, but it's a port and something I only played via emulation. I will be playing it on a real system soon, though (and to get it I recommend sending an email to AtariAge or contacting Albert via PM).

[professor ganson]

Did I say I bought all of them? In fact I have all but seven, but I'd be happy to have all, save Kingdom Hearts, which doesn't interest me. There is wide agreement that these are quality titles. Why be sorry?

I don't get it. So you just list games you pirated, hired, and/or think might be good?

As I said in my first post, my console grades are based mainly on what games I want to play. I don't know anyone who has had enough time to play all the games I listed. I've only played six or seven, and finished only a couple.

I've really enjoyed everything about Crimson Gem Saga so far. Bad voice acting? What game doesn't have that?

The fact that these systems have such quality, and sometimes enhanced (Disgaea 2), ports figures strongly in my grade. I may never have found time to play Disgaea through to the end without a portable version. Even if the PSP had only Disgaea and Wild Arms XF, I'd rate it higher than the Wii.

[professor ganson]

I should add, Elixir, that overall I like your latest post, especially the part about grumpy old men, and I know where you're coming from. I've always thought, though, that a lot of people here are, like me, more Japanese-centric than arcade-centric. I may be wrong, but I thought there were a lot of RPG enthusiasts here.

I also want to add that I think I've been a bit too harsh on the Wii. I actually really want to return to Fire Emblem and Geometry Wars, and for this year I'm happy about the new Phantom Brave port.

Boagman, your gaming interests sound pretty narrow. What kinds of games do you like?

[boagman]

I don't get it. So you just list games you pirated, hired, and/or think might be good?

As I said in my first post, my console grades are based mainly on what games I want to play. I don't know anyone who has had enough time to play all the games I listed. I've only played six or seven, and finished only a couple.

I've really enjoyed everything about Crimson Gem Saga so far. Bad voice acting? What game doesn't have that?

The fact that these systems have such quality, and sometimes enhanced (Disgaea 2), ports figures strongly in my grade. I may never have found time to play Disgaea through to the end without a portable version. Even if the PSP had only Disgaea and Wild Arms XF, I'd rate it higher than the Wii.

Elixir's point is still incredibly valid, and you haven't addressed it at all. You seem especially prone to "Pot-Kettle-Black Syndrome" in that you questioned me for my grades because I hadn't played many/any games, but *you* are grading the systems' year based on many games that you haven't even played yourself, but are citing as reasons the systems should have a high grade! I call BS on your reasoning, or very apparent lack thereof. You've pretty well painted yourself into a rather uncomfortable position.

[boagman]

Boagman, your gaming interests sound pretty narrow. What kinds of games do you like?

Well, that depends on your definition of "narrow". I'm an old-schooler, with (as I've said many times in the past) *zero* interest in anything even *remotely* RPGish. I really enjoy arcade and action games best, which is why I'm less-than-enthused with the DS and PSP offerings this past year (minus, if they count, the imports I referenced in my first post). I guess I'm rather surprised that there aren't more action/arcade junkies like me on a site that's dedicated to shoot-'em-ups, which is the very definition of such things.

It's fair to say, though, that with gaming overall, I'm far less enthused than I was ten years ago. That being said, I still love the two systems...just not for what they've offered in 2009.

[Rob]

I really enjoy arcade and action games best,

The 360 is the place for it. January is going to get the year started right with Bayonetta and Serious Sam HD.

[boagman]

I really enjoy arcade and action games best,

The 360 is the place for it. January is going to get the year started right with Bayonetta and Serious Sam HD.

Yeah, if I were going to get a console, the 360 is certainly the direction I'd go first. I'm honestly surprised by how very little the PS3 has for someone like me this far into its life cycle.

[professor ganson]

I don't get it. So you just list games you pirated, hired, and/or think might be good?

As I said in my first post, my console grades are based mainly on what games I want to play. I don't know anyone who has had enough time to play all the games I listed. I've only played six or seven, and finished only a couple.

I've really enjoyed everything about Crimson Gem Saga so far. Bad voice acting? What game doesn't have that?

The fact that these systems have such quality, and sometimes enhanced (Disgaea 2), ports figures strongly in my grade. I may never have found time to play Disgaea through to the end without a portable version. Even if the PSP had only Disgaea and Wild Arms XF, I'd rate it higher than the Wii.

Elixir's point is still incredibly valid, and you haven't addressed it at all. You seem especially prone to "Pot-Kettle-Black Syndrome" in that you questioned me for my grades because I hadn't played many/any games, but *you* are grading the systems' year based on many games that you haven't even played yourself, but are citing as reasons the systems should have a high grade! I call BS on your reasoning, or very apparent lack thereof. You've pretty well painted yourself into a rather uncomfortable position.

Philosophy professors (in the anglo-american tradition) are experts in reasoning. We do our best to be consistent/coherent in our reasoning, and work hard to get others to do the same. So I appreciate your request that I be consistent. Your complaint seems fair: I said I've based my grade on what games I want to play, and you've done the same thing. Fair enough. My complaint about your grades, though, also seem fair: How can you be at all confident in your assessment when you haven't played any handheld games from 2009?

[BrianC]

Devil Survivor.. oh look, another game based in Shibuya with teenagers.

I haven't played this, but, from what I heard, it's very different in tone from The World Ends With You and it's not like SMT hasn't dealt with teenagers before (and you didn't have this complaint with Persona).

PSZ - I didn't play this, but isn't it already outdated as 2 just hit Japan?

Phantasy Star Zero DS doesn't have a sequel in Japan yet. However, Phantasy Star Portable does have a sequel (which I heard is much better than the first).

[boagman]

My complaint about your grades, though, also seem fair: How can you be at all confident in your assessment when you haven't played any handheld games from 2009?

Well, the basic gist of it is this: there haven't really been any real offerings this year in the categories I enjoy, and in years past, there have. Nothing of any major consequence, anyway. I have a hard time giving anything other than a failing grade when the work isn't there...unless you want to get really technical and have me assign them an "I" for "Incomplete". If you're privy to some solid old school arcade/action games that were released in 2009 (other than the possible exceptions noted earlier), won't you please give me a quickie list? How about shmups?

Again, the OP was asking for grades based on the releases of 2009 games for given consoles. My tastes weren't accomodated, and I've expressed pretty clearly what my tastes tend to revolve around. Ergo, they get an F. Am I all pissed off about the fact that they've had a year that fell considerably flat? Not at all. Again: there's plenty of great games to mine from years past, so the systems still get played.

But this past year, in terms of what I like, they've been non-entities. For that reason, they fail. I will spot with no problem whatsoever that the past year was probably a banner year for quality RPGs, fighting games, and more...but for me? No sir. Nothing made me excited, and nothing raised an eyebrow.

The criteria are subjective, but I never claimed anything to the contrary.

[professor ganson]

I guess I'm rather surprised that there aren't more action/arcade junkies like me on a site that's dedicated to shoot-'em-ups, which is the very definition of such things.

I think people are drawn to shoot-em-ups for a variety of reasons that go beyond mere nostalgia. Some people just like the exhilaration of twitch game-play and the spectacle of blowing shit up. I call these "pure-action fans". Pure-action fans will probably be just as happy playing FPSs, provided that they don't get motion-sickness.

Pure action with no strategy can get pretty dull, imo. Just as pure action movies are pretty dull. Things get more interesting when twitch play will only get you so far, and some problem-solving is required to survive or get a good score.

Some people (e.g. myself a few years ago) no doubt like shmups because of the pick-up-and-play simplicity, and the easy-to-put-down practicality (no need to find the save point, easy to squeeze in a quick gaming session, etc.).

Some will like all these things and yet other things, e.g. liking Japanese stuff.

[boagman]

I think people are drawn to shoot-em-ups for a variety of reasons that go beyond mere nostalgia. Some people just like the exhilaration of twitch game-play and the spectacle of blowing shit up. I call these "pure-action fans". Pure-action fans will probably be just as happy playing FPSs, provided that they don't get motion-sickness.

Pure action with no strategy can get pretty dull, imo. Just as pure action movies are pretty dull. Things get more interesting when twitch play will only get you so far, and some problem-solving is required to survive or get a good score.

Some people (e.g. myself a few years ago) no doubt like shmups because of the pick-up-and-play simplicity, and the easy-to-put-down practicality (no need to find the save point, easy to squeeze in a quick gaming session, etc.).

Some will like all these things and yet other things, e.g. liking Japanese stuff.

Ugh. FPSs are just disgusting to me. Last one I honestly played with any real intention was (can you believe this?) Doom II. Waaaaaaay back when. They're just too convoluted with garbage and complicated controls. Whoop! I take it back...I was into the single-player Goldeneye experience on N64. That's honestly my last one.

Simplicity is very, very important to me. That a portable game can be pick-up-and-play is nigh essential. I give credit to things like EEE, the Warioware series, old school arcade and shmup compilations, Metal Slug series, and many others.

[professor ganson]

Phantasy Star Zero DS doesn't have a sequel in Japan yet. However, Phantasy Star Portable does have a sequel (which I heard is much better than the first).

Yes, this is exactly right. I've played a lot of Phantasy Star Portable and some Phantasy Star Zero. So far, in spite of my loyalty to Alfa System, I have to say I prefer the look of Zero by quite a bit. PSP 2 is getting a US release next year, but it's already out in Japan and seems to be fairly well received.

[antares]

I base my grades on what I've played and not what was released this year:

XBox 360: A+

I played all of this games very intensely:

Retail: RFA, Deathsmiles, Raiden 4, Futari, Ridge Racer 6, Sega Rally Revo
Arcade: Shadow Complex, Arkanoid Live, Space Giraffe, Space Invaders Extreme, Pinball FX, Bubble Bobble NEO

It doesn't look like much but I tend to play less games intense instead to dabble in many games. I'm really glad that I'm not interested in todays mainstream games as I think I would be totally overwhelmed by the amount of games.

Nintendo DS: B

I play on it almost every time I'm in the bus, subway, train, etc.

Mostly I like puzzle games like Sokoban DS, Mahjong, Picross DS but I've also played Ketsui and Retro Game Challenge a lot.

PS3: D

I like arcade racing games and bought the PS3 mainly for Wipeout HD and although it's a good game I think Ridge Racer 6/7 and Sega Rally Revo are far superior.

Zen Pinball is a great game but I haven't found the time / motivation yet to play it intense.

Another two PSN exclusives I was looking for were Shatter and Trine. Both were major disappointments for me sadly.

[honorless]

Half-Minute Hero, more like Half-Minute Interest. I know that they were trying to aim for the audience who doesn't have the patience for RPGs

Maybe I'm misinterpreting you, but from this post it certainly doesn't sound like you realized that HMH is a speedrunning game with a largely-incidental "parody JRPG" theme.

[professor ganson]

My complaint about your grades, though, also seem fair: How can you be at all confident in your assessment when you haven't played any handheld games from 2009?

Well, the basic gist of it is this: there haven't really been any real offerings this year in the categories I enjoy, and in years past, there have. Nothing of any major consequence, anyway. I have a hard time giving anything other than a failing grade when the work isn't there...unless you want to get really technical and have me assign them an "I" for "Incomplete". If you're privy to some solid old school arcade/action games that were released in 2009 (other than the possible exceptions noted earlier), won't you please give me a quickie list? How about shmups?

Again, the OP was asking for grades based on the releases of 2009 games for given consoles. My tastes weren't accomodated, and I've expressed pretty clearly what my tastes tend to revolve around. Ergo, they get an F. Am I all pissed off about the fact that they've had a year that fell considerably flat? Not at all. Again: there's plenty of great games to mine from years past, so the systems still get played.

But this past year, in terms of what I like, they've been non-entities. For that reason, they fail. I will spot with no problem whatsoever that the past year was probably a banner year for quality RPGs, fighting games, and more...but for me? No sir. Nothing made me excited, and nothing raised an eyebrow.

The criteria are subjective, but I never claimed anything to the contrary.

Yeah, I really haven't been keeping up on anything but digital pinball, shmups, and rpgs. I haven't even kept up on puzzlers lately. So I can't really think of anything that fits your criteria with the possible exception of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. You might really like it.

[CMoon]

DQ5? Oh right, port.

Since we're all having fun being bitchy, I wanted to mention that DQ5 is a COMPLETE OVERHAUL of the game--a game never ported in the US. Admittedly, the DQ series is the antithesis of innovation and progress, but it is the video-game version of comfort food and it is a FANTASTIC GAME on the DS.

I think what becomes apparent though is the kind of game people are looking for. In the right hands, 2009 might have been an A+ year for the DS, but I don't see that. In the same light, the PS3 doesn't seem a worse console than the 360 short of some download content and a better version of Bayonetta--but to someone else who loves them some FPS, the 360 may have a serious edge.