Hello lolmonade.
Welcome to the site.
What types of games do you like and what games have you picked up this year?
Hey, thanks.
Genre-wise, My preferences are usually fighting games, action/adventure, platforming, or anything that provides a fun, new experience (Heavy Rain being the last game that made me feel was unique).
I've purchased several games this year, but due to finishing up my graduate degree, haven't been able to play through several of them, so I'll just mention a few I've had a chance to play:
Kirby's Epic Yarn - This game is just bursting with charm. Between the fun storybook narrative, simple to play and challenging to perfect level difficulty, and completely unique art style, this is one of my contenders for game of the year. Also commendable for how they took out the main function of every other Kirby game (eating enemies to gain their powers) and made it still feel like a Kirby game.
Heavy Rain - Glorified Quick-Time Event simulator comments aside, it accomplished reeling me in to play through it a few times to see what the outcomes were. Wasn't quite worth retail price, and isn't a leap forward for storytelling in general, but was a step in the right direction for video game narrative and multiple ending stories
Super Street Fighter IV - This is what should have been released in the first place. I fear the cycle is going to repeat itself with Capcom releasing yearly updated games with small tweaks & features, further dividing the online community.
Super Mario All Stars Wii - Never owned a copy, and preferred getting these games on a disc than VC. Good times with my wife, but wish it would have been $5 cheaper for what was in there.
Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Played about 5 hours worth. I enjoy the deviation from the console versions in terms of story and premise, but feel like something was lost in translation gameplay wise. It seems too easy, for the lack of a better word (maybe I'm just too early in the game). I'm also not the biggest fan of touch screen combat. I wish it was more like Chrono Trigger DS with touch screen menu & maps at the bottom, and ability to use buttons, or at least an option to do so.
Demon's Souls - I haven't been more aggravated by a game since Super Ghouls N Ghosts, but I'm a glutton for punishment so I can't help but love both games, and it's very rewarding to finally finish a boss after such a lengthy trial & error process. I haven't yet figured out the RPG elements and what each stat does though.
Games I'm looking forward to playing: Dragon Quest IX, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Any suggestions of other games to be on the lookout for?