22. Demon’s Souls (PS3)
      This game reminded me of something very personal about myself, something I had started to forget in the gaming landscape of the time. What it reminded me of was I was a masochist who reveled at the sight of my own suffering. ANd Demon’s Souls was a harsh and wonderful mistress indeed. This game would never relent, for any reason.

      Then there is the level design. Beginning to end this game holds a dark and dreary atmosphere that really draws you in. And I can’t think of anything in the game that doesn’t look, at the very least, above average.

      Now, I admit to being a bit unfair in this games high ranking, as I was sold on the incredible difficulty of the game. This comes with the game having a way of being pure frustrating at times, though it’s not often the game feels just plain unfair (Though the Poison Swamps are nothing more then a pain in the ass.) The controls can feel stiff and unresponsive at times as well, though nothing terrible.

      Then the lack of story. Mind you, the story isn’t bad, it just ends up feeling like it’s not important. That really get’s bothersome with the world shifting alignment based on your actions. It’s an very difficult aspect to control, as it’s affected by your mortality rate, which is garunted to be high. Still though, I forgive these flaws and look fondly upon a game that didn’t try to holding your hand through the game and gave you an experience no other game was offering at the time.

21. Muramasa (Wii)
      This game is best described as poetry in motion. The animations and models are all absolutely wonderful in this game, and is a prime example of how Art Design will always beat out graphics. With their unique style, Vanillaware gives us one of the best experiences of this console generation.

      Showing their is still some life left in the genre of the side scroller, Muramasa tells the story of two separate people who, for one reason or another, are fighting against all forms of man and demon. The stories are very intriguing and characters are well written.

      There are a lot of fun ways to upgrade your weapon based off your playstyle. True, the difference isn’t huge, but still noticeable and appreciated. Most of the difference comes between the two characters more so then the weapon selection you go with. This keeps both stories enjoyable to play though.

      There are a total of 3 endings for each character, the second un lockable ending being a personal favorite for each character. The game also includes a a varied amount of levels, a few of which have some fun and unique way’s to progress compared to others, though they don’t really do much to change up the gameplay. Mind you, the gameplay is fun enough it does not really need much to change it up. If you have a Wii, get this game. It was absolutely wonderful.