Special: What we loved from 2008.
Left 4 Dead
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
Publisher: Valve
Developer: Valve
Release Date: November 17, 2008
"Left 4 Dead redefines how teamwork can excel in the internet age. A solid action game to begin with, L4D adds a few twists to the formula that encourages - nay, demands - cooperation amongst your group of four survivors. Between decent action, the definitive cooperative experience, and an AI that changes the game each time you play it, Left 4 Dead is bound to keep spinning in your 360 for months to come. George Romero should be proud." - Kyle Williams
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LittleBigPlanet
Platform: PS3
Publisher: Sony
Developer: Media Molecule
Release Date: October 27, 2008
It's taken a long time, but it looks like Sony has finally found their mascot in the cute, cuddly and customizable Sackboy. While the game's singleplayer game is a bit of an uninspiring affair, the game creation tools have opened up an entirely new world to video game players all over that great big planet we call Earth. While Metal Gear Solid 4 was a great boost to the PS3's library, LittleBigPlanet is truly the system's killer app.
Madden NFL 09
Platforms: PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: EA Tiburon
Release Date: August 12, 2008
"Even for all of its faults, Madden NFL 2009 is still a damn good football game and that's what's important." - Kris Rosado
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Mario Kart Wii
Platform: Wii
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: April 27, 2008
"In some ways it's a step forward, and in other ways it's a step backward. That said, Mario Kart Wii is still an entertaining kart racer, but one you should buy after Super Smash Bros. Brawl and one you shouldn't expect too much from, especially if you're a long time karter." - Matt Swider
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Mega Man 9
Platforms: PSN, WiiWare, XBLA
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Inti Creates
Release Date:
"In this day and age, buzzwords like "high definition, bump mapped 3D graphics (with enhanced lighting and water effects!)" have become more and more prevalent to describe a game. So something like Mega Man 9 is a godsend. Mega Man 9 is a WiiWare title that uses the classic 8-bit style of the NES Mega Man games as an "art style" in a brand new game. And that just makes a retro gamer like me... well... giddy. Mega Man 9 may just be my favorite game of the year." - John Scalzo
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Check back tomorrow for ten more titles in our look back at what we'll still be playing from 2008.