Yes people, my top 10 games of 2006 list will be continued very soon, but here's a blog post to keep you from getting too hungry.

We've known for a while now that the Wii, rather than being a true 'next-gen' technical leap over the Gamecube, is more like a souped up Xbox. It makes numerous improvements but nothing close to what the 360 and PS3 can offer. The Wii, whilst having much better processing power and RAM compared to the Gamecube, does lack the pixel shading benefits of Microsoft's first-generation hardware, and thus we shouldn't expect much out of the console. So what does this mean? How good can Wii games look? Can they look any better than Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Panzaer Dragoon or Ninja Gaiden? This has yet to be seen, and the Wii might very well never surpass these games graphically. But on the other hand, this is no excuse for developers to be lazy with hardware, and yet unfortunately this can already be seen. It's interesting how the Wii has been heavily criticsed for its graphical inability, yet so many developers are actually the one's refusing to get the most out of the system. Not doubt the Wii isn't very powerful, but it's still disappointing to see so many games look like average-looking Gamecube titles.

Developers, Wii can deliver some good visuals believe it or not, and it's time for a lot of you to actually try and get something out of the system. The Gamecube had games like Metroid Prime, F-Zero GX and most notably Resident Evil 4 that still look better than nearly every single Wii game out so far, minus Twilight Princess (which is technically a Gamecube game anyway) and Red Steel. That's pretty damn disappointing, and whilst the Wii hardwre is not a big leap over that of the Gamecube's, it's still a leap. It's time developers started doing something about it.

Here are some screenshots that represent the mere standard that Wii games should have in terms of graphics. If I don't start seeing more titles that look at least as good as these, then I'll be disappointed:













But instead we're mostly getting games that look like this:



Developers, please start actually trying to get the most out of the system. Resident Evil 4 shows how good the Gamecube could be if it was pushed hard. The Wii is even stronger - start making more games that actually show this.

I'll admit I've been really, really quiet on Gamespot this year. There's a whole range of reasons for this. Lately I've been trying to get back into it, and I'm definitely enjoying my return. I'll credit Twilight Princess for this, which I beat a week ago, as it reminded me why I play games and love talking about them.

Although I love to review games, they take heaps of effort from me and sometimes it's just too much, especially with other things going on in my life. So instead of writing, I've noticed that I love to catch up daily on gaming news and what's going on within the industry, whether it be news, reviews, previews, announcements, exclusives, deals, anything. Tonight it clicked. I would absolutely love to start my own Union, one where anyone, each day, can enter and read about up-to-date information about the gaming world. If I, along with my partners, can be as efficient as possible, I'm hoping that I'll be able to create a Union that people go to for their information, because they know it's there, they know it's up to date, and they know it's relevant and detailed. That would be amazing, and I don't think it's unachievable. This news would cover all systems, and I'm hoping it would be a very busy Union. I, or my partners, would make a topic for each news, and everyone can make comments on this information. I'm really, really pumped for this. I find all of the possibilities immensely exciting, and I'm hoping you guys do to. If you want to know the name, it's currently The Vision, though I would be very happy for you guys to make suggestions as well.

So, what do you guys think? Do you think it's a good idea, and if so, would you like to be a part of it?

Welly welly well, haven't posted a blog in some time, and it does seem odd to be making such a list so late, but I think it's still a good idea.

Starting the list at number 10, and today I'll post games 10 and 9. 10. Viva Pinata - What seemed like a shallow kids game developed by guys who have consistently let their fans down during the past 5 years, actually turned out to be an amazing, deep garden simulator that sports a level of charm that few can resist and that nearly everyone will love. I can excuse it's noticeable flaws, a big one being that it's too complex for most kids but doesn't appeal to many adults either, due to the sheer fun I had with this game. It's clearly a labour of love, and definitely puts back some of my confidence in Rare's ability. It's just a shame that few people bought the game, which I blame on two factors. One, it launch next to Gears of War, which is immediate suicide. And secondly, it's on the wrong system - the 360 appeals to grown men who want mature titles, rather than all-encompassing family games like this. It should be on Wii or PS2, but it's Rare so it's not like it can be. 8.9/10

9. Okami - First thing's first. Yes, this game is very much a Zelda clone. And yes, it is not as good as Zelda. What it is though is a highly stylistic adventure that it very enjoyable and interesting from start to finish. The battle mechanics do become repeititve and easy as the game goes on, and the puzzles are at times too obvious and easy, but for all its flaws, Okami still manages to succeed admirably. The style is so undeniably powerful that even the harshest critics can't help but smile at the world that is Okami, whether it be the incredible visuals (which I for one vote as the best this year), the outstanding soundtrack or the sheer dynamicity of the adventure. The game is long and fulfilling, finely tuned enough that there a few dull moments to be had. It's by no means perfect, but it's still very worthy of your purchase. 9.0/10

I'll post more tomorrow, this will be a daily thing I'll have going.

So, what do you think so far? Do you agree with these picks?

And also, what are your top games of 2006?