1. Red Dead Redemption
Finally, the game that could redeem the industry in the eyes of the media. Developed by Rockstar games, the same company responsible for the devilish GTA series, this game is often dubbed as GTA but in the West. That is true, considering its the same company, the same mechanics, another glorious open world, and the typical amazing anti-hero protagonist but in reality the game is much deeper than that. GTA punished you for committing crimes, but not really - you escape your wanted level and suddenly no one remembers you. In Red Deads world you truly are punished. You gain a bounty on your head, you lose your honor, you can no longer help strangers that cross your path, and people run in fear whenever you stop by town. This game rewards you for being a hero, helping strangers is fun while riding across the gorgeous world, you get discounts in stores in dusty towns, strangers know your name and introduce themselves with enthusiasm, and playing as a hero makes the story that much better. Rather than the gritty Niko Bellic you play as John Marston, who is arguably as gritty but those days are behind him. Now he is a family man who would much rather just heard his cattle, raise his son away from a life of crime, all while respecting the vows of marriage (thats right media no sex with prostitutes in this game). Of course, he gets dragged unwillingly back into the world of crime in order to save his family. The story is great, the characters are even better, and John Marston has to be one of the greatest protagonists to grace this generation. If the media cant gain respect for this game knowing its from the same minds of the GTA games they hate so much, then I suppose nothing will change their minds. At the very least, maybe it will remind them of their Clint Eastwood-watching days and they can get some enjoyment out of that.
Rant over! What other games do the media consistently get wrong in the reports? What games do you think just might change their minds? Let us know in the comments.