Library Journal‘s best media list–just released–includes top picks in video games. Each assessment includes a YA Factor by reviewer M. Brandon Robbins, a Young Adult Services Coordinator at Wayne County Public Library in Goldsboro, NC.
It’s that time of year again, where gamers everywhere break out their credit cards so they can enjoy the year’s best video games, whether they were released with a ton of publicity during the holiday rush or months prior under the radar. I’ve got my Christmas list good to go, so it’s with confidence that I bring you my favorite games of 2011, which as in years past are organized into categories so you’ll know how to use them to serve your patrons best.
Best Video Game for Pure Nerdtastic Fun:
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
Released for Playstation 3 & Xbox 360
Published by Capcom
Most fighting games demand exacting discipline and rigorous training; gaining proficiency demands almost as much training and focus as acquiring skill at a sport. Although there’s something to be said for complexity in games, that quality tends to marginalize casual gamers as well as those who love to compete, but not on the professional level. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 streamlines the complexity of fighting games with a pick-up-and-play style that lets even novices do amazing moves that look spectacular and feel great, all while rewarding those who do put in some hard work and memorize the complete move list. On top of this, as the title implies, the list of playable characters is made up of heavy hitters from both Marvel comics and Capcom video games, and this lets us gamers revel in our true geekiness and live out those fights that we never knew we wanted to see. It’s fast, flashy, chock-full of inside jokes and references, and great for a game day or a tournament. Note that an updated version of this game, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, with new characters and game play modes, was recently released.
YA Factor: Iconic characters, especially those from Marvel Comics, and loads of personality are enough to attract any comic-loving, game-playing teen. The crazy matchups and dream team-ups they can create are just icing on the cake. [continue reading…]
About Kathy Ishizuka