Mainstream
The 10 Most Disappointing PC Games of 2009
They were hyped, they were highly anticipated, they were meant to be GREAT. But they simply disappointed the fans and therefore were thrown in the bucket of shame. Ladies an gentleman, read on to find out the titles of the 10 most disappointing computer games of 2009!
10. Ghostbusters
This poor game was mostly hyped because of what it promised to be: a revival of the great Ghostbusters movie series, a game that was supposed to bring back sweet memories to the middle-aged gamers who know “who you gonna call”. Unfortunately, after being passed on and forth from publisher to publisher and being delayed for ages, Ghostbusters tried to come in through the back door but wasn’t allowed to stay, especially because it failed to be a computer game. Sorry, Terminal Velocity, but you simply failed to port a good concept to the PC!
9. Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust
Oh, my. The once successful LSL franchise keeps going downhill for years now, but Box Office Bust was going to change that – at least that’s what the developers keep promising and many of us did believe them (or, better said, HOPED it was true). Unfortunately, it was not and Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust probably became the last game in the franchise, a shameful and disgusting ending to something that started out so well. Not only that the game doesn’t bring anything new into play, but it also lacks to be humorous, it is repetitive, boring and completely disgusting. RIP Larry!
8. NecrovisioN
Somehow, this horror first person shooter became very popular within the community even though it was barely marketed. This surprises me a lot since the game itself is a complete mess, minus the few concepts that could’ve been fun, like the combat system and the idea for the plot. It was linear, it was repetitive, hard to control and with an AI that went from dumb to dumber, it was disappointing.
7. Rogue Warrior
For a game published by Bethesda and created by rebellion, Rogue Warrior is the definition of “wrong”. With a main character called Demo Dick, with blood and brutality giving Jack Thompson goosebumps – but repetitive to tears for the regular gamer, with a weak script and a campaign that ends so soon that you might think you’ve skipped a few chapters, Rogue Warrior is a title both companies (and gamers) will try to forget ASAP.
6. The Godfather II
We’ll have to give EA credit for trying. They tried to re-create The Godfather and improve it so it no longer becomes a “crappy GTA clone”, but unfortunately they failed. The new concepts are great, the story is great, the game itself has a lot of potential but it fails because everything that should’ve been right is wrong: the game becomes boring and frustrating (taking one building after another is one of your main jobs in the game) and extremely simple. But at least there are some nice concepts hidden within and hopefully The Godfather III will finally be THE GAME.
5. Borderlands
Another hyped and quite well received game – usually on “game of the year” listings, Borderlands managed to disappoint me to tears and probably did so to any person that played Fallout 3 and saw how well a post-apocalyptic game can be done. Compared to it, Borderlands is just a newborn that still has years of growing up. As a standalone product, the shooter-RPG simply disappoints: it is repetitive and non-interactive, the missions lack any depth and fail to tell any story – actually, the only reason why one could still be playing Borderlands after 50 minutes is to collect more and more weapons, and nothing else…
4. Lord of the Rings: Conquest
This game failing was one huge surprise for everybody. Not only that it was developed by Pandemic, but it also had all the correct ingredients: a great world for the story to take place in, tons of different types of enemies to hack your way through and a solid fanbase. What did the gamer get, however? An awful camera similar to those of the mid 90s, mindless hacking and button mashing and lots of bugs. Fortunately, the multiplayer saved a bit of the game’s honor, but it was still one of the major disappointments of the year!
3. Prototype
As I said in my Prototype review: it “is not a game, it’s not a sandbox game, nor an action game, nor anything else: it is a huge explosion”. Unfortunately, it is a random one, a chaotic one, one you can’t really control and one that had the potential to become better. It was hyped and highly anticipated, but right now nobody talks about it anymore. Because it was a quick blast: nothing memorable, nothing to make you go “Wow” even though, strangely probably, it wasn’t a poor game either. But probably that’s what happens when the hype goes too high and the product is mediocre: you simply forget it!
2. Empire: Total War
I was (and still am, to be honest), a huge fan of the Total War franchise and I had really high hopes with Empire: Total War. Unfortunately, it was disappointing even though overall the game was a solid RTS and certainly one of the best released lately. However, it had some big problems, like an incredibly stupid and predictable AI and some “sure thing” tactics that made the game too easy and completely unchallenging. The balance in the game was also flawed and, overall, I considered Empire Total War a big disappointment.
1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
The best selling game in the history of video games and yet a computer disaster. Modern Warfare II is one of the biggest disappointments for the computer gamer not because it is a poor game, but because it managed to screw up the PC gamer like they were never screwed before. And no, that’s not a good thing! MWII didn’t deliver a Prestige Edition to PC owners, it didn’t give us Dedicated Servers back, it didn’t allow us to mod the game and there were no real reasons behind that. At least no official ones. As a result – combined with a very short single player experience and a crappier multiplayer experience compared to the first game of the series – Modern Warfare II will remain one of the most bitter memories of the modern PC gamer.
Gaming News
Best Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
Usenet newsgroups may seem old-fashioned to many. In reality, they are the perfect place for players who love the classics but are always open to new games and strategies. These internet communities are also ideal for those searching for gaming material, solutions to issues, or a conversation related to their favorite video games. Whether you are an experienced player or entering this domain for the first time, Usenet holds a ton of resources that could change how you interact with the gaming world.
Understanding Usenet Newsgroups
Usenet newsgroups, which include gaming groups, are like message boards. People can post messages and articles in different categories. Each group is a special place for certain topics – this makes it simple to find the subjects you want to read about most. The unique characteristic of Usenet lies in its decentralized structure. This permits a much more open interchange of details and information than what is seen on regular social media platforms or forums.
Initially, Usenet was utilized only for academic and professional exchanges. However, it soon turned into a prevalent method for communicating among hobbyists and gaming groups. Presently, even though Usenet has been surpassed by newer platforms in terms of popularity, it continues to be an important tool for knowledgeable users who value its special mix of staying anonymous with fast communication. Knowledgeable users also love access to vast archives containing historical information and software applications that are no longer available elsewhere on the Internet.
Top Usenet Newsgroups for Mobile Games
comp.mobile.games
This is a fresh group dedicated to discussions about mobile games and related technology matters within the industry. Here, you can find conversations about the coding aspects of creating games for mobile devices, like new updates in platforms or fresh game engines being used for development purposes.
rec.games.mobile
The perfect place for people who play games on their mobile devices as a hobby. Here, users talk about strategies, tricks and discuss game evaluations. This group is also suitable for those who are not serious gamers but like to connect with others and discuss playing strategies.
alt.games.mobile
In this newsgroup, users often discuss gaming fixes and give each other suggestions. It is also the go-to place for gamers and die-hard fans that wish to find each and every detail of the game they love to play.
Best Newsgroups for Video Game Discussions
Newsgroups such as alt.games.video and rec.games.video.arcade have lively communities where gamers often engage in exchanges and conversations. These forums are not only for resolving gaming issues or writing reviews; they are centers of enthusiastic discussion regarding gaming culture, strategy, and creation process. Be it the latest RPGs, energetic shooters or old-school arcade games – there is always a thread bustling with discussion.
In these threads, not only will you encounter a variety of views from across the globe, but you may also land on gaming tricks and shortcuts that are lesser known. For those who are new, remember that every group has its own tone and rules. Lurking for a while should help you understand community norms and ensure your contributions are accepted.
Specialized Gaming Newsgroups
Specialized newsgroups are designed for particular gaming communities. They provide a discussion environment that is more centered and focused. These groups are ideal for users who really love a particular game and want to explore it in great depth.
The benefit of these specific groups is their collection of very particular details. Gamers who are part of such a group often exchange unique things like custom mods or skins, and offer advice on how to make gameplay more efficient and fun.
Tips for Using Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
To enter Usenet, you will first need to pick a provider that is well-known for security, high retention rates and fast speed. To make the right pick, it is a good idea to get the rankings for the best Usenet providers. Next, get advanced newsreader software, as this will allow you to browse through newsgroups easily and manage your activities effectively.
Focus on newsgroups related to gaming and participate in discussions matching your interests to find gaming buddies. Also, make sure that you follow the netiquette of each group while doing so. Utilize newsreader software functions like filters and automation to keep things simple.
Conclusion
Usenet, at first sight, can appear as a choice for oldies or people that have not yet acclimated to social media platforms and forums. However, its distinct characteristics make it very useful for all kinds of gamers. If you are searching for uncommon information, looking for detailed conversations or wish to join a community that matches with your specific interests; Usenet is surely the place for you. Jump in to see how Usenet can add another element of fun to your gaming experiences!
Casual
Encouraging Growth and Motivation: Resources for Child Development
Child development is a complex journey marked by critical milestones where each stride forward builds upon the foundation of the previous one. Acknowledging children’s individual needs, pediatric therapy services tailor strategies to foster physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. To support this transformative process, environments that prompt curiosity and engagement, coupled with advanced educational tools, play an instrumental role in shaping young minds. These resources, carefully selected and applied, can significantly amplify a child’s developmental trajectory. Keep reading to learn about the effective ways these tools and techniques can aid in advancing childhood milestones.
Pediatric Therapy Services: Enhancing Developmental Milestones
Pediatric therapy services support children as they reach and surpass developmental milestones. These services, often provided by skilled therapists, address various growth challenges, ensuring each child has the best possible start in life. From speech and occupational therapy to physical and behavioral interventions, these professionals tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of every young patient.
Therapists work relentlessly to motivate children, fostering an environment where milestones are not merely achieved but celebrated. Through personalized, one-on-one sessions, children gain the confidence and skills necessary to navigate their developmental journeys more easily. The trust between therapist and child is a solid foundation for consistent progress and paves the path for lifelong learning and adaptation.
Resource provision is a key component of pediatric therapy, equipping parents with the tools to continue therapy practices at home. Effective communication between therapists and families ensures a cohesive strategy that envelops the child’s daily routine, enhancing the therapy’s impact. It also allows parents to identify subtle progress, reinforcing their pivotal role in the child’s developmental success.
If you’re looking for pediatric therapy in your area, a simple Google search like “pediatric therapy Arizona” will help you find local providers and services tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring they receive the specialized care necessary for their development.
Optimizing Play Spaces: Creating Environments for Learning and Exploration
Optimized play spaces are vital platforms where children engage with their world, build skills, and unleash their creativity. Designers of such areas pay astute attention to elements that promote safe exploration and intellectual stimulation. A thoughtfully arranged play environment serves as a place of entertainment and a crucible for burgeoning development.
Professionals incorporate a variety of tactile and visual stimuli within play areas to cater to diverse developmental needs and interests. Stimulating sensory experiences is central to cognitive and motor skill refinement among younger populations. The intentional selection of colors, textures, and interactive features sparks curiosity and encourages physical activity, which is fundamental to healthy growth.
Accessibility remains paramount in creating play spaces, ensuring they cater to children across all abilities. Including adaptive resources within these environments demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development, allowing every child to participate and benefit from the joy and learning play offers. Such inclusiveness fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for emotional and social development.
Affording children autonomy in their play advances self-directed learning and problem-solving capabilities. When children feel empowered to make choices within their play, they better understand their preferences and abilities, setting the stage for confidence and self-awareness — qualities that are instrumental as children grow and transition through life’s stages.
Additionally, incorporating elements like fake plants or outdoor plants from retailers like Nearly Natural outdoor plants into play spaces can enhance children’s sensory and aesthetic experience.
Interactive Learning Tools: Technology and Resources for Cognitive Development
Interactive learning tools harness technology’s power to solidify children’s cognitive development. These digital resources provide an array of engaging, educational content that aligns with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Software and applications designed for children’s learning capitalize on the allure of multimedia to capture young minds. Effective education solutions provide children with stimulating challenges that are age-appropriate and aligned with developmental targets.
The discerning use of educational technology in classrooms and homes can reinforce concepts and skills taught through traditional methods. It creates a harmonious blend of instruction and interactive play, thereby cementing a child’s understanding and retention of information.
Providers of such educational platforms are ever vigilant, updating content to reflect new educational strategies and the latest academic research. Thus, children equipped with these technological tools remain at the vanguard of current learning methodologies, all while engrossed in fun and dynamic ways.
Overall, caregivers and educators can provide comprehensive support for children’s developmental journeys by integrating pediatric therapy services, optimized play spaces, and interactive learning tools. These resources nurture their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth and cultivate a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
Features
Why Investing in Academics Is Investing in Yourself
The quest for knowledge and self-improvement through academic pursuits is more than just a milestone in life; it is a cornerstone of personal development and success. Committing resources to further education is not merely an expense; it is an investment with considerable returns that extend far beyond the classroom. Education equips us with the tools required to navigate an increasingly complex world, opening doors to opportunities and fostering personal growth. Keep reading to discover why allocating time and resources to your academics is a decision that pays dividends for a lifetime.
The Lifelong Returns of Investing in Your Education
Investing in education is akin to planting seeds that blossom into numerous opportunities. Beyond financial gains, education forms the bedrock for career success and personal fulfillment. It empowers individuals to pursue their passions, enhances job satisfaction, and boosts self-esteem through academic achievements. Education serves as a catalyst for social mobility, breaking cycles of poverty by equipping people with the skills needed to improve their lives and contribute positively to society.
This ripple effect extends to lower crime rates and increased civic engagement, benefiting communities at large. Beginning with scholarships for high school sophomores can provide the initial support needed to embark on this transformative journey. These opportunities signify a commitment to nurturing future leaders and fostering a culture of lifelong learning and achievement.
Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning Through Education
Education is a vital aspect of personal development, providing opportunities for growth, character building, and discovering passions and capabilities. It fosters resilience and adaptability, which are essential in all aspects of life. A strong educational foundation encourages lifelong learning, ensuring individuals remain relevant and proactive in their professional and personal lives.
Education also broadens perspectives, exposing individuals to diverse ideas, cultures, and worldviews, fostering empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for the human experience. It also allows for critical assessment and engagement with the world from an informed standpoint. The journey through academia often involves self-discovery, helping students uncover their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values, leading to a more fulfilled life with aligned choices and goals.
Expanding Your Horizons: The Social Benefits of Academics
Academic investment in education is about building social capital through interactions with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. These interactions foster communication skills and relationships, which are crucial for life stages. Extracurricular activities in academic settings provide platforms for students to express themselves, learn new skills, and take on leadership roles.
Collaborative projects and team-based assignments teach students the importance of teamwork, compromise, and collective pursuit of goals. Higher education institutions also serve as a microcosm of society, requiring social awareness and finesse to navigate the diverse cultural, economic, and ideological perspectives.
How Academic Achievement Propels Professional Success
Professional success often hinges on a blend of experiences and achievements, with academic accomplishments playing a crucial role. Excelling in academia fosters a strong work ethic and sharp time-management skills, highly valued in today’s job market. Employers frequently use academic credentials to gauge candidates, especially for specialized roles like those requiring an aa in paralegal studies, where in-depth knowledge is pivotal.
Moreover, higher education equips individuals with specialized knowledge and technical skills that are indispensable in complex roles. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, nurtured during academic pursuits, further enhance one’s capacity to tackle challenges creatively. The networks formed during academic years often open doors to valuable career opportunities through mentorships and connections.
Leveraging Educational Investments for Career Advancement Opportunities
Investing in education can significantly impact career advancement, as academic qualifications often lead to promotions, leadership roles, and exclusive professional circles. Continuous education can lead to specialized career paths with higher salaries and statuses, especially in evolving fields. Higher education institutions offer career services like resume-building workshops and job placement programs to help students transition from academia to the workforce effectively.
For those already in the workforce, further education can be a strategic move for career change or progression, with flexible online programs and part-time options allowing working professionals to pursue additional qualifications while maintaining their current positions.
Altogether, the investment in academics is a far-reaching decision that impacts not just your immediate circumstances, but your future potential. As you prioritize your academic pursuits, you build a stronger foundation for success in every aspect of life—professionally, personally, and socially.
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Jellbean
December 22, 2009 at 1:11 am
Worst list ever!
MJalltheway
December 22, 2009 at 1:51 am
Well you just have some unrealistic expectations for games, don’t ya?
JJim
December 22, 2009 at 2:44 am
Agreed 100% with that list
RuddigerPez
December 22, 2009 at 3:06 am
The MW2 and Borderlands hating just make you seem bitter. I’m not a fan of MW2 but I recognize it’s definitely not a disappointment. Borderlands is great. The other games on the list I haven’t played, so they must be crap just like you say.
James
December 22, 2009 at 4:47 am
Yawn. I knew MW2 was going to be at the top of this list, but what did I expect from a site that I’ve never heard of in my life?
Wow...
December 22, 2009 at 9:58 am
MW2 has a dissapointing Multiplayer? I totaly agree that Infinity Ward and Activision are a bunch of homos cause of the lack of dedicated servers, hard DRM and short missions – but it is a great game anyways!
I never had so much fun running through buldings, covering my mates, completing missions – the multiplayer is freaking hillarious!
As for Borderlands: A game non-interactive? Maybe you should learn the words before shouting them out…
Borderlands was one of the greatest games I ever played – sure: It is repetitive, sure it has lacks, but the overall experience is so great, Multiplayer just kicks ass and is hell of a fun… Well… they made some mistakes with it, but you never would call Assassins Creed a failure either?
The list goes on… Prototype disappointing? Well…just because your guys aren’t talking about it anymore doesn’t mean it isn’t played. Same goes for Total War….
Seriously: Go get another job.
lol
January 15, 2010 at 3:40 pm
well…this list is pretty different from other websites say IGN or Gamespot…
which one has more credibility i leave it to u to decide =)
JIM
June 30, 2010 at 4:12 pm
borderlands sucked compared to fallout i agree the only reason to continue is the weaons