While Oscar season may have come and gone, that doesn’t me we still can’t honor the very best that Microsoft’s last-gen console has to offer. The Xbox 360 has been a real work horse for their company, literally innovating in ways that have changed the gaming landscape forever. Even now, as its successor the Xbox One struggles in the market; support for the 360 amongst the gaming community still remains strong.
Now Microsoft looks to honor that fact with the 2014 Xbox 360 Game Awards. Beginning yesterday, fans can vote on their favorites in each category via their consoles on Xbox Live or through Xbox.com (ending on June 3 rd ).
In light of these awards, I thought I’d bring you my picks and see how they stack up to the final tally. So let’s take a look at this year’s nominees (in what could very well be the 360’s last real time to shine).
There’s a Hero in All of Us – Who is your favorite hero?
- Booker in “ BioShock Infinite”
- Adewale in “ Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – Freedom Cry ”
- Trevor in “ Grand Theft Auto V ”
- Clementine in “ The Walking Dead: Season 2 ”
CheatCC Pick: Trevor in “ Grand Theft Auto V ”
Naturally you can take one look at this category and see there are more honorable men to choose from. Ultimately, I considered fun as a huge factor in the decision making process here. The ride that Trevor takes us on in GTA V is something everyone should experience (and some still are to this day).
Couch Potato + 1 – What’s your favorite co-op game to play with friends?
- “ Diablo III ”
- “ LEGO Marvel Super Heroes “
- “ Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare ”
- “ Injustice: Gods Among Us ”
CheatCC Pick: “ Injustice: Gods Among Us ”
While there are certainly many fun times to be had amongst these particular titles, a good ole’ button mashing fighter appeals to just about everyone. You don’t really need much experience with a leveled-up character, or have a working knowledge of an advanced inventory system with Injustice. You just fight! Proving that is, your friends don’t know a bunch of sick combos.
I Can’t Quit You – What game keeps you up all night?
- “ Grand Theft Auto V ”
- “ EA Sports FIFA 14 ”
- “ World of Tanks ”
- “ NBA 2K14 ”
CheatCC Pick: “ Grand Theft Auto V ”
I don’t want to sound repetitive, but GTA V wins again. While I’ve lost many hours of my life to various sports titles over the years (as gaining those few extra yards or sinking that last bucket can no doubt be addictive) there is just SO MUCH to do and see in Los Santos…you can pretty much kiss sleep goodbye.
Why so serious? – Who’s your favorite villain?
- Black Mask in “ Batman: Arkham Origins ”
- Emperor Zinyak in “ Saints Row IV ”
- All the bosses in “ Dark Souls II ”
- The Templars in “ Assassin’s Creed: IV Black Flag ”
CheatCC Pick: “ Batman: Arkham Origins ”
I was torn here. I almost gave the nod to the Templars in Black Flag . However, upon further consideration, I have to say Black Mask was my absolute favorite villain from the list above. Not necessarily because I’m a fan of this character in particular, but due to a very big reveal regarding the “true nature” of his identity. Trust me, play Arkham Origins . You won’t be disappointed.
Coming Back for Seconds – What’s your favorite game add-on?
- “ Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition – Skyrim Mash-up ”
- “ Borderlands 2 – Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon’s Keep ”
- “ Battlefield 4 – Second Assault ”
- “ State of Decay – Breakdown ”
CheatCC Pick: “ Borderlands 2 – Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon’s Keep ”
This was an absolute no-brainier. If you are a Borderlands fan and have not gotten a chance to check out the Tiny Tina add-on, stop reading this and do it! However, be warned that you should expect something very different. Playing out an RPG board game with orcs and other Lord of the Rings -esque fantasy creatures is definitely a unique breath of fresh air.
Tearjerker Award – What story brings a tear to your eye?
- “ Tomb Raider ”
- “ Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons ”
- “ BioShock Infinite ”
- “ The Wolf Among Us, Episode 1 ”
CheatCC Pick: “ Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons ”
‘ Two Sons might be a somewhat unconventional choice, this passionate little title is interesting in both story and design. Controlling each brother with your individual thumb sticks to solve various puzzles and traverse obstacles was a charming idea. However, if you don’t find your heart strings being tugged on by the game’s conclusion, you might just be the Tin Man of Oz.
Moaarrrr Brraaaaaiiinns – If ya gotta survive, where ya gonna do it?
- “ Dead Rising 3 ”
- “ State of Decay ”
- “ The Walking Dead: Season 2 ”
- “ Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare ”
CheatCC Pick: “ The Walking Dead: Season 2 ”
I went with The Walking Dead for this pick, simply because it drew me in the most. Admittedly, this is due to being such a huge fan of the series on AMC for years. So having a story that is an extension of something I’m already invested in just resonated with me a bit more. Frankly, any of these games would have been a good choice.
This Means War – What’s the most action-packed game?
- “ Call of Duty: Ghosts ”
- “ Battlefield 4 ”
- “ Grand Theft Auto V ”
- “ Titanfall ”
CheatCC Pick: “ Call of Duty: Ghosts ”
I’ll be honest, I really wanted to give this award to Battlefield 4 . However, the staple of EA’s hit shooter is its huge, expansive maps. Have you ever tried to walk across a Battlefield 4 map without a vehicle? It’s pretty easy to get lost where no one can find you. Call of Duty ’s run-’n-gun style has always leant itself to more intense action per capita.
Noobs Need Not Apply – Need we say more? What game took YOU the longest to master?
- “ Trials Fusion ”
- “ Dark Souls II ”
- “ Payday 2 ”
- “ Dead Space 3 ”
CheatCC Pick: “ Trials Fusion ”
Granted, games like Dark Souls II and Dead Space 3 likely possessed more challenging enemies or hazardous environments than a game like Trials Fusion , you must pay close attention to the title of this category. When it comes to what took me the LONGEST time to master, I actually had trouble with some of Trails Fusion ’s obstacles at first. I’d probably put my “reload checkpoint” count for this game somewhere in the hundreds (depending on the track). In my mind, it’s the perfect blend of mindless fun vs. difficulty.
So there you have it! I hope my picks entertained you! While this list was never meant as a prediction of which games would subsequently win, I’d like to think that the nominees I voted for are going to run in-tandem to the actual results. But enough about me! I would love to hear more from you, the CheatCC reader!
After you go and vote for your favorites on Xbox Live or Xbox.com , come back here and give us your choices in the comments section below! I’d love to compare notes.