The Hardcore Awards 2014
Wow. Where do I begin writing about this year? Here we are ending the first full year of the eighth generation, and it ends up rife with controversy, fanboy outrage, death threats, hackers bringing down networks and one of the biggest movements ever seen. Yes, 2014 was a strange year for gamers, but as always there were some memorable occurrences that need to be addressed, and yes it is my responsibility to bring them to you, and what I consider the best and worst of the year. So with that out of the way, here we go:
MOVEMENT OF THE YEAR
Journalistic integrity is something I take very seriously. I admit there are times that I seem to bend it but I make sure to keep it as legit as possible. I have said in the past I have never received any bribes or taken any kickbacks in order to give a game a higher rating. GamerGate has been used to promote more accurate journalism.
However, the GamerGate tag has also fallen under heavy scrutiny by those who claim that it is a symbol of misogyny, violence, hatred, and isolation. But I don’t believe in it myself. I have seen some very biased press within industry, such as a piece that another popular game site did where they attacked the Xbox One for simple stuff that can be rectified if you did a little research. The worst case was one person who claimed that she couldn’t access the settings menu via the controller. Here’s a little hint for you, Little Miss Professional, press the menu button on your controller. You see the word “Settings?” Well there you go!
See it’s this unprofessional, biased, integrity devoid journalism that needs to be exposed, and that is why I do back up GamerGate. And before you all call me misogynistic or violent because I support it, you are wrong.
MOVEMENT THAT NEEDS TO DIE
1080p, 1080p, 1080p. I am so sick and tired of Resolutiongate. I am sick and tired of hearing how a game runs at 1080p on the PS4 yet runs only at 900p on the Xbox One. I DON’T CARE IF IT IS A LOWER RESOLUTION! A higher resolution doesn’t make the game better. In fact, sometimes it will make the game worse, especially when it comes to the frame rate. Look at Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. The PS4 runs at 1080p but sacrifices the frame rate, while the Xbox One version varies the resolution when needed, but keeps the game at a constant 60 fps, which to me is more important. Developers shouldn’t need to be forced into 1080p at the risk of killing the frame rate. Resolutiongate needs to stop, and the so called professionals are not helping with their complaints!
CREEPIEST VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
When Kevin Spacey was announced as the lead for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, I was curious to see how well this would turn out. Sure we’ve seen big name actors in CoD before, but it was just their voices. They never had their digital likeness in the game, until now. Virtual Kevin Spacey, aka Johnathan Irons, is dead on to the real thing, and is just eerie to look at. That’s not to mention he literally steals the game in every scene he is in. Sure Irons is dead now, but when it is Sledgehammer’s turn to bring out a sequel, I am curious to see who they will bring in to replace him.
COMEBACK OF THE YEAR
Black Friday brings out some unusual deals in any attempt to earn your hard earned dollars. Microsoft took advantage of this with an aggressive price campaign for the Xbox One. This actually started before Black Friday when they offered a Kinect free model for $100 off, but it was offering the Assassin’s Creed Bundle, which includes AC Unity AND AC 4: Black Flag for $349 that turned it around for them. This bundle was at the top of Amazon’s Best Sellers list since Black Friday, and it helped the Xbox One beat out the PS4 in the NPD figures for November. Critics are calling it an act of desperation, but it seems to be working out quite well for them. And for those who do claim desperation, keep in mind Sony is doing the same thing, offering a PS4 with a choice of one of four games for $329. Desperation can go both ways…
HOLY **** MOMENT OF THE YEAR!
I watched this one the moment it happened, and considering I never liked Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, it was pure luck that I came across something as awesome as this. Needless to say this is the moment that brought Justin Wong back to his championship pedestal. Just watch and see…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKNMQifEoe4
BADASS OF THE YEAR
Imagine you had to replace a person that almost single handedly destroyed a console upon its launch. You then man up, admit everything that came out was wrong, then center your effort towards nothing but games. You then start an aggressive campaign where you make the Kinect optional, lower the pricing, and offer some enticing bundles. That’s what Phil Spencer has done since he took over for Don Mattrick, and for most of his effort, it’s been working out quite well. I respect Phil for what he has done this year, and has come out swinging without any end in sight. That’s someone who has shown how tough he is, and I can’t wait to see how he follows up next year. Keep up the good work!
Come back here in two weeks, as you will all see what I will pick as my best, and yes, the worst of the year.
Currently Playing: Super Smash Bros Wii U, GTA V (Xbox One)
Waiting For: Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)