GameCenter - March 2018 - 32

2017 WGC GAME AWARDS

BEST VR GAME
Doom VFR

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We stand at the starting line for a whole new gaming experience: virtual
reality. VR isn't new per se; it's been around in early forms for several decades now. For the first time, though, we can play convincing VR games
in our own living rooms. Until recently, we haven't had many full games
to experience. Bethesda Softworks is trying to remedy that, and this year
released full VR versions of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Doom. While
Skyrim stands as an amazing experience, it doesn't control as well in
VR as it does on other formats, and doesn't lend itself to short, VR-sized
play sessions. Doom VFR, however, fits both bills nicely. The fast pace
and tension of Doom's action will keep you jumping as you aim and fire
smoothly with the PlayStation Move controllers. Completely rebuilt for
VR, this version of Doom proves a fast-paced game can lend itself to the
medium. If you're interested in VR, this is the game to check out.

PUBLISHER BE THESDA SOF T WORK S
DE VELOPER ID SOF T WARE
PL ATFORMS P S VR, HTC VIVE (PC)
RELE A SE DATE 12.01.2017

BEST HANDHELD GAME
Metroid: Samus Returns

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Is a remake a remake if it completely recreates all the graphics and animations? If it adds places to the map, new powers and abilities, and a
ton of surprises? Whether you believe Metroid: Samus Returns is mostly
original, or if it is just a remake of the original Game Boy Metroid II,
there's no denying how much fun it is to play. Even on the relatively
small 2DS/3DS screen, traversing the labyrinthine planet Zebes
while trying to eradicate the Metroid threat looks and plays fantastic.
Anyway, you'll be too busy trying to figure out where to go next to be
bothered by such trivial matters. Many were surprised when Nintendo
announced two new Metroid games this year, and released one of
them just a couple of months later. This series has long deserved more
attention than it has received compared to other Nintendo hallmarks.
We're thrilled that's being corrected.

PUBLISHER NINTENDO
DE VELOPER MERCURYS TE AM, NINTENDO EPD
PL ATFORMS 3DS
RELE A SE DATE 09.15.2017

BEST XBOX ONE EXCLUSIVE
Cuphead

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We fudged this category a tiny bit since most great Xbox One
exclusives are released on PC also, so consider this the best Xbox
One console exclusive. And anyway, breaking rules seems in line
with everything Cuphead represents. An indie game with big studio
ambitions, this project breaks them all. The graphics are hand drawn,
emulating the distinctly stylistic cartoons from the 1930s. The music,
too, is a throwback, something that belongs on a big, thick 78 RPM
record (Google it). Then there is the difficulty: This game is so hard
you'll learn a new language just to expand your repertoire of naughty
words. It shouldn't work, but it does, and to glorious effect. No other
game this year will enrage you one moment and make you feel like the
best gamer ever in the next. Beautiful, unforgiving and a joy to behold.
All hail Cuphead!
32

PUBLISHER S TUDIO MDHR
DE VELOPER S TUDIO MDHR
PL ATFORMS XBOX ONE, PC
RELE A SE DATE 09.29.2017

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?&ftrend=true&Find=Find&_refineresult=true&ic=16_0&search_constraint=0&search_query=Doom+VFR&cat_id=2636_1040579 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?&ftrend=true&Find=Find&_refineresult=true&ic=16_0&search_constraint=0&search_query=Metroid+Samus+Returns&cat_id=2636_1040579 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?&ftrend=true&Find=Find&_refineresult=true&ic=16_0&search_constraint=0&search_query=Cuphead&cat_id=2636_1040579

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GameCenter - March 2018