the game awards

The Game Awards 2019

December 17, 2019 Scott Thurlow Dialogue Tree

The annual, and let’s be honest—rather blandly named, The Game Awards were recently held, and winners handed their trophies. Which in turn means it is time to compare and contrast my thoughts and picks for the year against the actual recipients after the dust has settled. As is my tradition, I focus on a few select categories of particular interest with the sub proviso of having been able to play what I could up to this point. So let’s dive in, shall we, starting with as always the main event and working down:

Game of The Year

My pick: The Outer Worlds

Winner: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

2019 in my opinion was a better year overall vs. 2018, which in theory made this choice for the best a difficult one. The Resident Evil 2 Remake was my top contender for most of the year, until…The Outer Worlds dropped and Obsidian delighted me in revitalizing the genre, showcasing what a great studio can do in their area of expertise without outside meddling/influence. RE2 remains a very strong second, and at this point is probably the best remake/remaster of beloved classic game. Control would be a solid third, as Remedy delivered a really well done story in an intriguing world with fun gameplay to boot, and I’ve recognized it for such numerous times below. Death Stranding for its pedigree coming from an industry veteran and true auteur was indeed an interesting experiment from an academic standpoint, nevertheless I claim it doesn’t have quite enough going for it to warrant the number one spot, and instead stands as more of an honorable mention. The Outer Worlds just had everything I enjoy about a game from a trusted stalwart developer and so while perhaps biased, is still my choice. Sekiro actually taking it is a little of a surprise, even it seems within the other industry punditry, but I’m not hugely against it, so congrats to FromSoftware for taking the top prize.

Best Game Direction

My pick: Control

Winner: Death Stranding

To me this one was a three-way standoff between Sekiro, Control and RE2. Death Stranding, as divisive as it also might’ve been, was per above unmistakably Kojima’s vision from start to finish, but again that doesn’t equate an auto-win here (at least for me.) RE2 as mentioned is indeed a brilliant remake, but via the fact that it is such somewhat disqualifies it for me, as the original template was mostly already in place. Sekiro advanced the formula codified by FromSoftware and retains their core identity while branching out a bit from the more familiar areas. Control though had excellent world-building married with strong thematic elements that translated very well into the overall direction, and is my choice for this one. TGA disagreed though and did give it to Death Stranding, which as I said is fair, as the game was certainly the creator’s vision realized and Kojima being allowed to make his game his way is something to be celebrated in the current climate.   

Best Narrative

My pick: A Plague Tale: Innocence

Winner: Disco Elysium

Strong contenders here, and as always I look most closely at the narrative component of games more than anything else. Given that, and my glaring caveat regarding having been unable to play Disco Elysium, (although I very much wanted to and am anxiously awaiting the console port next year) I would thus hand this one to Plague Tale, largely due to it being a relatively under the radar title from the AA sphere and wanting to recognize the work being done there in the face of AAAssholery. I think it is the closest in recent memory to creating the gripping melding of story and gameplay that God of War achieved last year, making one actually care about the characters involved and wanting to see their journey through. It is a tale most worth experiencing. The others are no slouches though, and I would (obviously) give an easy second place to Outer Worlds. Death Stranding is strange and distinct in the way only Hideo Kojima can be, but again that doesn’t necessarily translate into the best (or most coherent) narrative. In an alternate universe Disco may have won out had I gotten to it, but Plague Tale is where I stand. In this world, Disco did take it, which only really makes me to play it all the more.

Best Art Direction

My pick: The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Winner: Control

This was also an excellent year for visually appealing games, with top-notch world-building being a noticeable thread throughout. With that, the redesign of Link’s Awakening is so striking that I think it’s almost a no contest. I may have brushed it off in other categories for its remake status, but here is where it shines and I will give it all due credit. Runner up would be Sekiro for its light-fantasy feudal Japanese stylings, followed by Control, although I think Control’s merits were as mentioned more noticeable elsewhere in other areas. TGA kindly disagrees again though, but in this case I’m more than happy to see it given to Control, since I do want it to be recognized more for its creativity.

Best Score/Music

My pick: Devil May Cry 5

Winner: Death Stranding

I only “heard” a few of the titles in this particular category, so I can’t speak to many. Death Stranding’s subdued and ethereal country-esque soundtrack did technically accompany the desolate and picturesque landscapes fairly well, but was also sort of forgettable after the fact. Cadence of Hyrule, being essentially a rhythm game, ostensibly has a cool soundtrack, but again didn’t actually play it. From what I did, I would’ve given this to DMC5, with its over the top rock-gothic bombast matching perfectly to the frantic and (ahem) devil may care style of action that was always a joy to hear blaring while slicing up demons and hellhounds with panache and flair. Death Stranding sweeps in again up though, and despite some small cries of favoritism, (as it is well-known TGA producer Geoff Keighley is good friends with Kojima) I’ll reluctantly say it’s acceptable enough here.  

Best Performance

My pick: Matthew Porretta as Dr. Casper Darling, Control

Winner: Mads Mikkelsen as Cliff, Death Stranding

I adored pretty much every performance on the list, with all of the nominees turning in some great roles. Death Stranding double killed with two nods from high profile actors not normally known for game acting, and portraying two very different characters in the same game. Meanwhile Courtney Hope and Ashly Burch were wonderfully charming playing their respective characters, some of their best work yet and it’s tough to pass them over. Even so, I think Matthew Porretta absolutely owned the role of the unsettlingly enthusiastic and enigmatic paranormal scientist Dr. Darling in Control, and as I’m always a fan of the unsung underdog, his performance takes the crown in my eyes here. That leaves me feeling ok-ish about Mads for Death Stranding winning again. I will say that I do believe his performance was more impactful than Norman Reedus’ in the game, so it’s still fine I suppose, but I stand by Mathew deserving a piece of the limelight for an underrated role.

Best Independent Game

My pick: Disco Elysium

Winner: Disco Elysium

Kind of had to take a total mulligan on this one, as I technically didn’t play of the titles, although am familiar with all. I saw a friend’s daughter play Goose at a party, and while amusing, I don’t think anything beyond its fundamental novelty/meme generating factor is enough to say it’s the best indie game. Katana ZERO is the kind of retro-style title I’m usually into, but exclusivity reared its annoying visage again and it was only on PC and Switch. What I will say is from among these, Disco Elysium is the title that is most in line with my tastes, and having read a bit about its development and the team involved prior, is on paper (and by default in practice) snagging the win. So due to that, if only by de facto, TGA and I are on the same page and I’m glad to see an indie game that’s up my alley taking the third of its four total awards (the fourth was relatedly Fresh Indie which I haven’t covered.)

Best Action Game

My pick: Metro Exodus

Winner: Devil May Cry 5

ApexLeg and COD are automatically disqualified in my book for this, so sorry if you’re a fan of either, but they don’t count for me. Gears 5 was good, but not great. That then basically leaves a battle between DMC5 and Metro Exodus, but I think Metro wins out for having a bit more substance to it. DMC5 has a fantastic style and is a great amusement park ride (more traditionally “action-y”) but Exodus has more going for it in terms of overall presentation and depth, and is the best in the series to date, so for those reasons gets the win from me. DMC5 being declared the winner is perfectly kosher, as I said it was a close second, and I think it does deserve attention for being perhaps the best title in its own series, even if I felt Metro was slightly better suited.

Best Action/Adventure Game

My pick: Control

Winner: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

It still grates on me and I continue to harp on that the fact that there are distinct categories for this one and the above, but that’s the world we live in I suppose. Therefore I gave myself some tunnel vision glasses and attempted to judge this one by what I consider a pure “action/adventure” title, although for sure every game in contention here could have easily had a shot. In that light and for sheer entertainment/fun value, Borderlands 3 delivered a bounty, and was a blast to play from start to finish without diminishing what put the series on the map and made it enjoyable in the first place. RE2 absolutely raised the bar for remakes and was simply a great game unto itself, one that I have a long and cherished history with. The same is true of Link’s Awakening, and if I had a Switch I would’ve 100% checked that out too. But with both being technically remakes, I like to award originality, so that said, in the end I went with Control. Remedy reliably creates another unique and eerily quirky world to discover and journey through with empowering character abilities. Sekiro taking it here from TGA is perhaps a signal for it also winning GOTY in retrospect, yet I’ll more staunchly stand by Control being what should have won.   

Best RPG

My pick: The Outer Worlds

Winner: Disco Elysium

Ran into a bit of a speedbump here, insofar as I mentioned that while I heard amazing things about Disco Elysium, and it popped up and ending winning other categories, I didn’t get a chance to experience it firsthand, so unfortunately was unable to comment on it personally. Monster Hunter: World won last year, however it’s just not my thing. The same goes double for FFXIV and KHIII, I’m sure fans enjoy them, but I was always going to pass on them. I would also add that I think GreedFall was snubbed, as it’s a fantastic new/original IP in the genre, and one which I’ll gladly tout given a chance. From the list though, and on the crest of my my overall enthusiasm for Outer Worlds combined with already handing it GOTY, I’ll have to cop-out just a little and award it the spot here too. Disco grabs it in actuality here, yet another reason for my enthusiasm in awaiting the port next year to get my hands on it and see whether I may retroactively change my opinion.

There you have it, The Game Awards vs. my personal picks from the select categories above for 2019. Overall I disagreed more on average than other years and my biggest takeaway is that The Outer Worlds and RE2 got big time snubs by not winning a single category. That’s why I suppose I’m writing this here and not on the board of judges. In any case, stay tuned to the channel as the GDC awards will follow, and of course we’ll be doing our own lists on the show after the new year. Until then, thanks for choosing Spacer’s Choice, it’s not the best choice, but TLS is. Cheers!  

The Game Awards 2018

December 10, 2018 Scott Thurlow Dialogue Tree

This year’s Game Awards have just come and gone, and so it is time of course to insert my thoughts about the nominees and winners, in some of the categories of main interest to me at least. As usual, my standard disclaimer of I played what I was able to play stands, but will of course comment on other titles I’m at least familiar with, even if I wasn’t able to get hands-on time checking out. The full list of nominees and winners for all categories is available here over at the official site.

So let’s start as normal with game of the year and work down. The picks in this category were much stronger I thought than some previous years’. There was some very tight competition among the titles and I happened to play 4 out of the 6 total (For full disclosure these were: God of War, Spider-Man, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, and Red Dead Redemption 2.) I might as well mention here too that a good chunk of these titles shared nominations across a number of the other categories, making it a bit tough in general to decide which ones deserved the win within each specific category and/or how far the mileage goes to saying the same ones deserved multiple spots. All that said, let’s dive in:

Game of the Year
My Pick: God of War
Winner: God of War

As I said, a tight race, many of my close associates thought I would put Red Dead Redemption 2 sight unseen here, but (in what may be its own article later) I had my issues with it, specifically regarding a number of its mechanics. Spider-Man was a very strong contender, but in the end God of War edges them both out, as it was the most complete package overall, merging story and gameplay masterfully, and here is rightly recognized by the Awards for its achievement in that.

Best Game Direction
My Pick: Red Dead Redemption 2
Winner: God of War

The caveat that game of year and this category are essentially one and the same largely remains, as evidenced by God of War taking both. But in this case I would’ve actually given it to RDR2. Rockstar has always had stellar production value and the argument that their games, or at least many of the scenes, are directed on the caliber of Hollywood movies absolutely holds true in this instance. Without going into spoilers, that also bleeds over into plot, which as mentioned in the introduction, then itself bleeds over into narrative! But in any case, it would be my personal pick here, while Spider-Man and God of War would be the close runners-up.

Best Narrative
My Pick: Spider-Man
Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2

Another struggle to pick a clear winner, as there are certainly cases to be made for all. Detroit: Become Human was a noble effort, but I felt fell a little flat in its presentation and wasn’t as nuanced as it could’ve been in spots, particularly regarding its lofty attempts at analogous contemporary themes, and thus loses some of its impact story-wise. My instinctual reaction was, and still is, to hand this one to Spider-Man since it unfolded as a great original story; remaining true to all the characters and circumstances that are familiar to fans, while also being quite accessible to those who aren’t as versed in the lore. It was as good (or better) as some of the best Spider-Man tales, comic or otherwise, and that I think is the main reason it should get this spot. This time, RDR2 and God of War battle it out for a photo-finish second place, and thus I have no complaint with RDR2 winning here.

Best Art Direction
My Pick: Return of the Obra Dinn
Winner: Return of the Obra Dinn

Bit of an odd duck category, as the question probably is: what’s the difference between this and direction as a whole? My answer usually points to the aesthetics if not graphical quality of a game, versus its overall design. Given that, I’m initially tempted to give it to AC Odyssey, as while the world of ancient Greece was gorgeously realized, (not to say the worlds in the others weren’t quite beautiful, or at least fitting as well) I think the uniqueness of Return of the Obra Dinn shouldn’t be overlooked, and do check it out if you can, as it’s one of the most intriguing styles I’ve seen recently; and it seems The Game Awards (obviously correctly) agrees.

Best Soundtrack/Score
My Pick: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Woody Jackson and Daniel Lanois)
Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Woody Jackson and Daniel Lanois)

Apologies to keep repeating this, but it’s an inescapable fact that any one of the titles could have taken home a win here. Bear McCreary’s work is well-known in this and other media, and the epic Nordic inspired score for God of War was fantastic. Similarly, the version of adrenaline pumping orchestral sweepings in Spider-Man by John Paesano added a lot to the feeling of inhabiting the world and being the character. Yet I think it’s the alternating badass and mournful Western/country tunes from Woody Jackson and Daniel Lanois in RDR2 that truly match the nature of the setting, seamlessly conveying the outlaws vs. lawmen mood, along with the highs and lows of the story throughout its entirety. I’ll mark this a double-kill, as the outlet and I agree here too.

Best Performance
My Pick: Melissanthi Mahut– Kassandra in AC: Odyssey
Winner: Roger Clark– Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2

Again, I wish all of these voice actors were officially recognized because every one of them turned in an amazing performance. Yuri Lowenthal as Peter Parker was natural and convincing as hell, while Christopher Judge’s older and (somewhat) more reserved Kratos displayed both the authority central to the character and a vulnerability not previously present in his personality. Forced to pick though, I would have to hand it to Melissanthi Mahut as Kassandra in AC: Odyssey for the range and charm she brought, whether in serious moments of the plot or in more light-hearted/romantic portions, as it really went a long way to making her one of the best protagonists in the series to date. Roger Clark’s Arthur Morgan as the actual winner is perfectly fine, as his role as the character is multi-faceted and praiseworthy indeed.

Best Indie Game
My Pick: Return of the Obra Dinn
Winner: Celeste

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to play many of these this year, as the major AAA titles took up the lion’s share of my gaming time. But from what I’ve gathered of each, it seems Dead Cells was highly regarded as new entry in the Metroidvania genre, while Into the Breach was touted as an equally well-done tactical turn-based strategy title. So admittedly by default, my limited pick is Obra Dinn, which combined its aforementioned striking art style with a murder mystery/detective puzzler. Kudos to Lucas Pope (whose prior title was Papers, Please in case anyone forgot) for delivering another quirky but quality indie game. Since I’m not very familiar with the real winner, Celeste, I’ll simply congratulate it and move on.

Best Action
My Pick: Far Cry 5
Winner: Dead Cells

No interest in Destiny or CoD (who were among the nominees) for years, but I do still enjoy the Far Cry franchise, and quite liked 5 (despite some story shortcomings as I laid out in an earlier post.) Dead Cells being the actual winner leaves me sort of neutral; it’s fine I suppose, congrats to it as well and maybe when/if I get some more free time I’ll give it a go.

Best Action/Adventure
My Pick: God of War
Winner: God of War

I will keep saying this until The Game Awards and perhaps pundits besides myself in general do something about it: I think having separate categories for “Action” and “Action/Adventure” is a completely absurd, if not meaningless distinction. However, as they insist upon the separation, it was between AC: Odyssey and God of War, and to maintain some shred of integrity, I’ll go with God of War, since I already claimed it as game of year. So chalk up another alignment between myself and the Awards, which I’m satisfied with.

Best RPG
My Pick: Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
Winner: Monster Hunter: World

Woefully, I was unable to get to any of the major RPGs this year (debuff on me, I know I know.) Monster Hunter: World was hugely popular, critically and commercially, although a title I personally wasn’t interested in, but it looks like everyone else loved it enough to hand it the spot here. So to cop out, and because of familiarity with the developer and cast involved, I will lame-duck hand it to Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire; a title which I very much wish to play, and will hopefully carve out some time in the next year to do so.

So there we are, another year, another award showcase complete. Overall I’m mainly content with how it went down, some very deserving titles earned their wins, and for one final time I’ll reiterate that many could’ve easily swapped spots and still would’ve been fine. The GDC awards should be coming up next, so keep an eye out for that and my obligatory armchair analysis. Until then my friends,

-Scott Thurlow