Downloadable games are the new frontier in our industry. The way was forged on the PC with direct downloads from independent developers and then to the masses via the Steam (and Games for Windows Live, to a lesser extent) distribution system.
Xbox Live Arcade and then the PlayStation Network Store pushed the system into our living rooms and the PSPGo made an early attempt to limit us to download-only gaming. The largest growth in this arena throughout 2010 has probably been the smartphone markets though.
The iPhone has forced itself into the considerations of most informed gaming commentators as a proper gaming platform and you would be foolish to discount the impact it is having on the industry and the landscape of modern gaming. Likewise, Android devices now pick up a significant market share and are starting to catch up with Apple’s dominance in the mobile gaming arena.
This Game of the Year category recognises the unique position that download-only games have in the marketplace and the growing reputation that they have with gamers of all backgrounds, tastes and platforms.
Reflecting the stellar growth of the distribution format, this category was incredibly varied and incredibly hard-fought but we did end up with one clear winner leading a very hotly-contested pack.
We present to you our Download Only Game of the Year, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.
SpikeyMikey23
A suprising result considering its competition! I havent tried it myself yet, for fear of it appearing on ps+
bunimomike
It feels like a game that bridges “twee” games on the PSN and full blown disc-based titles. Sure, it’s £7 or so in the sales but it’s a lovely, meaty game whilst you’re in there slaying bad guys galore. I’ve written a review in the forum (TSA’s Verdict) as it really was crack-a-lacking fun. Especially in co-op.
Also, fantastic news with PvZ coming second. I’ve utterly hammered that game to bits.
SpikeyMikey23
Consider it read! however sir, if i purchase it based on your recommendation and it later turns up in ps+, I will be back to register my annoyance ;)
dextreme08
the best co-op experience I’ve had on a game, with actual thought required for the co-op actions rather than the resident evil 5 method of doors randomly having two switches to open (who would design such a thing!)
ARUMIR
Capcom couldn’t have! (no, no why Capcom….)
Its fun, weird how some of voices are set in for the Raziel & Kain haha, if only a new LoK was announced
Dan Lee
Bit.Trip and Super Meat Boy are wonderful
rht992
i’ve heard so so many wonderful things about super meat boy yet another game i’ll have to miss becuse its exclusive
mynameisblair
It’s on Steam. On sale right now for something like £6 – I got it for £3 when it was a daily deal. (well, Murdo gifted it to me).
Guyers94
Looking at that list there haven’t been any great downloadable games I’ve really enjoyed this year, Angry Birds and Flight Control are alright but I don’t really get the hype.
Nothing will come close to the all-time classic Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars in my eyes though. The perfect PSN game.
Dan Lee
This year, for me at least, downloadable games have really hit their stride – there have been so many I’ve enjoyed.
dextreme08
absolutely awesome game. I was wondering if there was any way a tsa league could be set up on it. I’m a bit rusty but its the most fun I’ve ever had online
commuterzombie
I’d be up for a SSARPBC TSA league! Definitely an excellent game. Lots of fun 4 player.
Guyers94
I would be happy to set one up if we can get enough support, I’ll make a thread in the forums later on.
mynameisblair
So many great downloadable games this year – Lara Croft: GoL, PvZ, Flight Control HD, Angry Birds, Beat Hazard, Super Meat Boy, Joe Danger have all been great games (those are the ones that I’ve played)
Special mention goes to Beat Hazard for being awesome ;)
bigdon23
cant belive that joe danger aint number 1, and hustle kings aint in the list???
jacklum
Hustle Kings came out at the end of last year.
DrNate86
Wow I’m amazed Limbo didn’t score higher, though I guess that it’s a reflection of its XBL exclusive nature. Lara Croft is a deserving winner though, I am absolutely loving it, brilliantly constructed game. I was expecting to see Dead Nation do well as well, surprised it didn’t make the list!
mynameisblair
The problem with Dead Nation is that we didn’t have a lot of time to play it before voting for these, and I’ve actually not picked it up myself.
DrNate86
You should it’s great! Especially local co-op, me and my bro are hooked.
dextreme08
do it! lol I was initially put off by the price, but on my first playthrough I took just under an hour a mission (on hard) so 10 hours for one playthrough is good value in my opinion
mynameisblair
I would if I had the money – these Steam sales have taken all of it!
LycanGav
No mention at all of Pacman Championship Edition DX? You are all obviously dead inside. My downloadable title of the year.
LycanGav
And by “no mention” I obviously mean “didn’t chart nearly highly enough”. Oops.
moshi
Phew a fellow lover of Pacman, it is quite a Just 1 more go game.
mrfodder
Was considering the festive offer on PSN for it. Sold!
teflon
If I’d had a vote and been voting today, I think I might well have voted for Dead Nation.
Then again, it’s all a bit crazy, this GoTY stuff. What releases towards the end, and what you’ve played most recently tends to stick around in your memory that much more…
hennerzcfc
i love angery birds