Feature: Top 7 Moments I Hated In Games I Love

I've never really encountered a game that has been absolutely perfect.  More often than not, there's almost always at least one thing I don't like about a certain title as I play it.  These little nitpicks usually become more noticeable whenever they are involved in games that I really enjoy.  As a result, I often remember them with deep-seeded hatred rooted in the memories of hours of frustration.  Sometimes when I think about them, I find myself curling up into a corner as I attempt to cry away my trauma.

...And then everything turns blue, for some reason...

The games on this list are among some of my favorites that I've ever played.  However, each of them has one of those moments that can be deemed "That One Part" by many fellow gamers who can relate to my sorrow (at least I'd like to think so...).

Feature: Top 5 Video Game Characters I've Actually Cared About

Video game characters are kind of a mixed bag for most audiences.  Some of them are lovable, while others are obnoxiously annoying.  Still others are merely blank slates for the player to project onto.  However, in terms of personality, few characters out there have actually made me feel emotionally attached to them.  These select few compel me to sympathize with them during their hardships, and join in during their celebrations.  Sure, Mario's a well-designed mascot and all, but can you really grasp what he's feeling whenever he finds out that Princess Peach has decided to relocate yet again?

Takes it like a champ...

The characters in the list below are the ones that I truly connected with.  Ones that I cared about protecting.  In the end, these are the characters that I will always remember for their actions, not just their style.

***SPOILER WARNING IN EFFECT FOR ALL GAMES MENTIONED!***

Feature: Top 10 Best Games I Played in 2011

I'm not exactly one who's known for being able to keep up with the times.  Sure, I follow gaming news regularly, and I usually know what's what about the world at large, but when it comes to playing new releases, I always seem to trip and fall on my face while everyone else gets a head start.

That's not to say that there aren't SOME games that I buy day one.  However, if I were to look at my backlog of games, it would become increasingly apparent that the titles I've played this year are...shall we say, dated?

"Hey guys, did you know that they're making a second
Mario Galaxy?  I might want to get that eventually!"

So, amidst all of the Top 10 best of 2011 lists sprouting up all over the Internet, I thought I might as well contribute one of my own.  The following is a countdown of the 10 best games I've played this year, regardless of when they were released.  Because being topical is just sooooo predictable (albeit practical).

Review: 9 Reasons Why I Love 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors

I recently had the extreme pleasure of playing through a nifty little visual novel game that completely blew my freakin' mind.