Round Table: Our favorite SEGA games of 2010


Oh noes, its that time of year where sites shove their favorite over hyped games down your throats. But don’t worry, we here at SEGAbits are hipsters, thus you probably never played the SEGA games we enjoyed that yea. Iron Man 2?

Hit the jump and find out.

Barry The Nomad’s Picks

Top 3 Favorite games of 2010

Bayonetta

I absolutely loved Bayonetta, from the intro through to the conclusion. What an excellent way for SEGA to kick off 2010. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but Bayonetta was the first (disc based) game in a long time that I’ve played through to completion. I guess it’s a testament to the game’s flow, as when you complete a stage you instinctively feel the urge to play the next.

ChuChu Rocket!

Sure it’s a rerelease, but the iPod Touch and iPhone suited ChuChu Rocket! so well that you’d almost believe it was a new IP! Touch controls make for very fast and surprisingly precise arrow placement, and wi-fi multiplayer works really well. The lack of a puzzle edit mode is a downside, however SEGA seems committed to updating and adding new features to the game. Even if SEGA doesn’t add the puzzle editor, the game is true quality and a must download.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing

Outside of the fun gameplay and great graphics, SASASR is one of my favorite SEGA games of 2010 due to all the excitement leading up to the game’s release. Thanks to the folks at Sumo Digital, SEGA’s community team and producer Steve Lycett, every reveal of the game became a big event. I remember forums going crazy when the slightest hint of a classic IP was dropped, and every screenshot and video was analyzed down to the pixel. Sure not every wish was answered, but there were still a number of awesome reveals including the return of Ryo Hazuki, the Bonanza Bros., B.D. Joe and even cameos from NiGHTS and Ristar. Oh yeah, and me winning one of the 1,000 Ryo Hazuki figures helped too.

Honorable Mention

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1

I really enjoyed Sonic 4 Episode 1. Was it everything I dreamed Sonic 4 to be? No, but then again we’re still only at the first episode. Despite the flaws, I still find myself booting the game up a few times a week to run from Splash Hill through to Mad Gear. It’s not perfection, but to me it’s a lot of fun and really that’s all I look for in a 2D Sonic game. Bring on Episode 2!

Sharky’s picks

Top 3 Favorite games of 2010

Bayonetta

Bayonetta is my favourite game of the year, period. It’s not only the best hack and slash this generation, I think it might be my favourite hack and slash of all time. Finally dethroning Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master.

It isn’t Bayonetta herself that won me over, not the plot either. Both in fact, could use some improvement. But in terms of game play, Bayonetta is unmatched. The depth of combat, the amount of weapons and the combinations of the weapons all creating new move sets is mind blowing. Then you add the equitable items that change up the game play again and you’re left with one of the deepest if not the deepest game I’ve ever played with infinite replay value. Roll on Bayonetta 2 and let the series continue for many years to come!

Yakuza 3

It shouldn’t be a secret by now that I’m a big fan of the Yakuza series, this game really feels like a Sega creation. You can see it in the character design, the world it just oozes that Sega style with its mini games and arcades and such scattered around the world it is reminiscing of my favourite game of all time, Shenmue.

The crime drama story is one of the better stories I’ve found in a videogame. While I find Japanese game stories becoming more and more cliché the Yakuza series stands out from the crowd. Kazuma Kiryu and indeed most of the cast are just the kind of compelling characters I want to play as. Even if he does settle everything with his fist.

Yakuza 3, probably was the least interesting game in the series, content was cut from the western release and the engine is starting to feel slightly dated. But it’s still a bloody brilliant game, in a brilliant series. I cannot wait to get stuck into Yakuza 4 in the new year!

Sonic Colours

This one was a toss up between Sonic Colours and Vanquish. I have found both of these games absolutely fantastic. Sonic Colours has pretty much everything I’ve wanted from a Sonic game and has eliminated pretty much everything I don’t like. Give or take a corny lyrical music track or two.

While Vanquish, made me fall in love with 3rd person shooters again. Instead of just following the crowd Mikami and Platinum Games went back to basics, added some arcade style flare and put out something altogether more exciting then any other 3rd person shooter I’ve played this generation.

But I had to go with Sonic Colours, mainly because it has been so long since I’ve felt that Sonic Team actually got it right with this series. From level music, to bright whimsical environments. Sonic only playable to great platforming again. Even the gimmick (the wisps) actually added to the game play instead of ruining it.

Honorable Mention

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing

Here is a game that, when announced many of us shrugged off as another cash in title that was bound for meritocracy. As time went on many people lost interest in the game further for one reason or another it wasn’t the game they wanted. (Often pretty trivial reasons if you ask me.)

But when the game came out, I bought it expecting to have a few days of fun with it before shelving it. In fact I only really got it because of some of the characters represented. Namely Ryo Hazuki of Shenmue and Alex Kidd of… er Alex Kidd. Amongst others.

However as soon as I popped it into the console I was hooked for a good couple of months. The game feels like great mix between Mario Karts wacky tracks and item based combat and F-Zero GX’s speed and intense racing. The online mode adds a lot of replay value too.

While the game could have used a wider range of classic Sega characters and tracks represented, oh and I wouldn’t have minded a more fleshed out battle mode. None of this took away from the fun of thrashing children online.

George’s Picks

Top 3 Favorite games of 2010

Valkyria Chronicles 2

When I first heard the news that Valkyria Chronicles 2 was hitting to the PSP, I cringed. I bought a PS3 to play the original, I felt betrayed and shock my fist in the year. Well thankfully for me, the game didn’t suck and I felt better about it when I had a ton of hours into the game. Sure, I enjoyed the first game just a bit more, but this game is most excellent as well.

The game featured enough cameos and tie-ins to the previous game that it made me feel safe, nestled up in my Valkyria Chronicles cocoon. If you have a PSP and haven’t picked up this gem, you are a moron and I hate you.

Bayonetta

It is very rare for me to agree with a developer when they overhype their products, but Bayonetta does raise the bar in action games. It has smooth combat, plenty of moves and amazing moments. It also has what I like to call the “Plaintum Games” style to it, its hard to describe, the game is truly original.

This game probably had the most whiners ever, every time a video or picture was posted due to Bayonetta herself. I suggest those people be quiet and play the game for themselves before they start to type. It also doesn’t hurt that the game has SEGA references, even a After Burner an Hang-On influence stages.

Vanquish

A shooter that is all shooting, but done so well that it feels fresh from start to finish? Something about the gameplay of Vanquish had me hooked, it had great graphics and awesome animation. It had hints of Platinum Games, but parts of it seemed more Resident Evil, with its bad Western characters. That didn’t stop me from blasting my way through the game.

One of the few games this generation that didn’t tack on multiplayer for the sake of doing it. Hats up to you Platinum Games, but next time make the single player a bit longer, no?

Honorable Mention

After Burner Climax

How many times have I whined about SEGA no releasing their arcade games on consoles? I used to do it all the time and finally SEGA listened. Not only did they release it, they made it cost a low, low price of $9.99. The only thing that made me sad was that this is probably going to be the only AM2 game we will play in a long while. Shame.

But pucker up, this game is awesome. Do you like to go fast? Do you like to blow stuff up? Do you like bright, beautiful graphics? If you said yes, this game is for you. Shut up, go buy it now on the Xbox Live Marketplace or Playstation Network Store.

charmed699′s picks

Top 3 Favorite games of 2010

Bayonetta

This year for me as a Sega fan has been particularly hard. Having always supported the company that I grew up with, I have somewhat become disillusioned, with some of its games that I played. For this reason it is quite hard for me to have a proper list of three titles that I have truly enjoyed. It’s not like every title was mediocre but some like Alpha Protocol and End of Eternity, have left me hoping that 2011, will be a stronger year for the company.

It’s no surprise that one of my top three favourites this year is Bayonetta. Not only is it a stylish game but the gameplay is solid, which makes it an extremely enjoyable title. Another aspect of the game that I liked was the fact that for once a game was about being on the evil side. With plenty of stages to go through and all the insanely fun boss battles, this is perhaps my favourite title, that Sega published this year.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1


My 2nd mention has to go to Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and it is mostly based on nostalgia alone . While the game might not have been as long as everyone hoped, there is no denying that it is a return to form. Not only do the levels have that old school feeling but they look stunning too. It is nice to see the hedgehog return to a proper side scrolling adventure on consoles. It should be interesting to see if the 2nd episode will perhaps be longer and continue to please.

Aliens vs. Predator

This is a bit of an odd choice but I will go with Aliens Versus Predator for my third title. While the game is nothing ground breaking I thoroughly enjoyed playing it for many weeks. Being an Alien fan I was also amused with all the gory scenes, and how creepy everything was, when playing as the marine. It was also great fun to go online and kill people, as what could only be described as an Alien high on illegal substances. It also helps to be proud of something I was deeply involved in, but I honestly enjoyed playing through the game.

Honorable Mention

Sonic & SEGA All Stars Racing

As a honourable mention I will go for Sonic & SEGA All Stars Racing. While it provided me with some fun moments, it just didn’t seem to have the same lasting appeal that Sega Superstars Tennis had. There were some decent cast selections to please fans but ultimately it didn’t last long enough, to make me like it as much as I would have liked. The introduction of more diverse modes online and some obscures characters would have put it in my top three choices. As it stand I still liked playing it but wasn’t anything that I would go back to after a few months. Here is hoping for more games in the series celebrating everything the golden days of Sega in gaming.

Considering the titles that Sega released this year I have picked a few bizarre choices. But honestly these were the titles that I enjoyed playing the most. It is worrying to think that two of my top three weren’t developed by Sega too. With some more in house titles like Virtua Tennis 4 in development, and hopefully a decent attempt at celebrating Sonic’s 20th birthday, it will hopefully translate to a stellar 2011 for Sega. I would also like to add that have not been fortunate to play every Sega title released.

Nuckles87’s picks

Top 3 Favorite games of 2010

Bayonetta

Bayonetta was, if anything, a sign that this would be a great year for SEGA games. Fast and stylish, Bayonetta is everything a SEGA fan could ask for. Featuring an excellent score attack system, a wide array of moves, epic bosses, neat enemy designs, and some great references and humor, Bayonetta easily ranks among the best games this generation, let alone best SEGA game. Cross your fingers for a sequel, everyone!

Sonic Colors

SEGA’s big E3 surprise, Sonic Colors proved to be everything Sonic 4 was supposed to be: a return to form for Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic Colors is easily the best console game Sonic has had in over a decade. Focusing on platforming over speed, without any silly gimmicks getting in the way of the fun, Colors proves that Sonic Team seems to finally get it. Here’s hoping this trend continues in 2011.

Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing

It was a close one between this, Vanquish and Afterburner Climax, but in the end I decided to give it to the game that kept me coming back for a lot longer. While somewhat lacking in franchise variety, ASR is easily one of the best racers I’ve played in eons. Bright, fast and colorful, ASR does everything you could ask for a kart racer, except it simply does it better than any other entry into the genre in recent memory. I can only hope we get a sequel that explores a much wider variety of SEGA titles.

Honorable Mention

Afterburner Climax

Afterburner Climax is one of those games that kept me coming back to my local GameWorks. While the XBLA version is a lesser experience without the moving arcade cabinet, it’s still an excellent and incredibly addictive rail shooter, especially if you have some arcade sticks to go with it.

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12 responses to “Round Table: Our favorite SEGA games of 2010

  1. Pao says:

    Those are excellent choices!

    My picks would be:

    1) Bayonetta

    2) After Burner Climax

    3) Yakuza 3

    4) Vanquish.

  2. SOUP says:

    Great picks guys.

    Mine would probably be:

    1) Valkyria Chronicles 2

    2) Yakuza 3

    3) Bayonetta

    4) Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing

    I haven't gotten the chance to play through Vanquish or Sonic Colours on the Wii, but they'll probably fit in there too.

  3. -nSega54- says:

    Gotta agree with Sharky on Yakuza 3, fun and awesome, even if it didn't hit the heights of the previous 2. Can't wait for part 4.

    Sonic Colors was also a lot of fun and is definitely worth picking up. I see it didn't make the November NPD top 10. Argh.

  4. Grant360 says:

    Easy one for me…

    Bayonetta

    Sonic & Sega All Star Racing

    Sonic Colours

  5. CrazyTails says:

    Man great picks guys.

    My list would be.

    1. Bayonetta: game is just too awesome for all the reasons that have been stated.

    2. Valkyria Chronicles 2: Really love the game so much and the soundtrack just gave it that extra boost.

    3. Sonic colors: This may not have been on the list if sonic had never went downwards the last few years. It's a pretty good game but I hope they aim for bigger and better.

    Honorable mention:

    Phantasy star portable 2, haven't seen it in anyone's list yet, but this game has left a really nice taste when I played it at my brothers. I think I actually enjoyed it more than PSO. Very great game.

  6. Sega Uranus says:

    Mine are:

    1) Yakuza 3

    2) Bayonetta

    3) Kingdom Conquest

    4) Alpha Protocol

  7. matty says:

    Project Diva 2 all the way

  8. nuckles87 says:

    Epic, George added mine :D.

    I really wish I could have included Vanquish, but in all honesty I haven't even beaten it yet. I kinda got sidetracked by Fable 3, then GoldenEye 007, then Sonic Colors, then I….lost my copy. >_>

    I should have just ignored Fable 3, honestly. What a disappointment…

  9. Sega Uranus says:

    @nuckles87

    lol, I have heard that from every Fable game so far.

    Fool me once, same on you. Foot me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times… Ahh… Ahh shit.

  10. Truesonic says:

    1) Phantasy Star Portable 2

    2) Bayonetta

    3) Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing

    4) Sonic Colors

    Twas a good year for Sega.

  11. nuckles87 says:

    @ Uranus

    I loved the first two Fables. First half of the third one was the best in the series. The second half was way too shot, horribly paced, and significantly oversold though.

  12. Suzuki Yu says:

    my TOP05 would be like:

    1- Bayonetta

    2- After Burner Climax

    3- Yakuza 3

    4- Sonic & SEGA ALL Stars Racing

    5- Sonic Colors

    i was really disappointed about VCII, it's not even in my TOP05! but it was a great game anyway, also VANQUISH & SONIC 4 are great games as well, this year was great for SEGA and i hope for a better new year!

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