Without a shadow of a doubt, Resident Evil 2. I’ve played through the entirety of that game more times than memory allows me to say. The atmosphere, the music, the level design, the way the game plays out like a downward spiral, slowly pulling you into the depths of Raccoon City like a modern Dante’s Inferno…The game’s pitch perfect in my mind.
As for upcoming titles: take a look at the blog’s name. Yeah, I’m having quiet, semi-orgasmic spasms in anticipation of anything Resident Evil so let’s dial down my fanboy and focus elsewhere. Mass Effect 3 has my rapt attention, having been there with my Shepard since the first game – I just have to keep silencing the cynic at the back of my skull about it potentially letting me down. Some trilogies go out with a bang; most just a whimper.
Ninja Theory’s Devil May Cry looks too fucking cool to pass up, I’m interested in Silent Hill: Downpour (but I’m not holding my breath, thank you, kindly, Homecoming), Bioshock Infinite is a no-brainer for anything with a console and two thumbs, and if The Last of Us manages a 2012 release, I’m absolutely there. Also, I’m taking the gamble on SSX out of my sheer love for the third installment.
Notable piques of interest: Tomb Raider (though I’m on the fence), Street Fighter x Tekken (though I’m goddamn horrendous at fighters), Binary Domain (if it’s a “sleeper hit” instead of a piece of shit), Dragon’s Dogma (Monster Hunter for the states!), Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD (nostalgia should only be $20).
I apologize, there are no short answers on The Red Herb*.
*Unless there are.