Top 5 GAMES
ACCORDING TO ANDREW CAMPBELL
5. F.E.A.R. (PC)
Starring the world's creepiest little girl, F.E.A.R. provided the scariest videogame experience of the year. Featuring cutting-edge graphics, intense sound production and a well-written paranormal story, F.E.A.R. is one of the best singleplayer shooters to come along in years, and easily one of 2005's most impressive titles.
4. Battlefield 2 (PC)
The first true sequel to the already addictive Battlefield 1942, Battlefield 2 brought the warfront to modern times, along with better graphics and a revised squad system. Considering a good portion of my summer was spent on the frontlines of this exceptional shooter, it seems only fair to count it among 2005's best.
3. God of War (PS2)
One of the most morally objectionable titles to be released this past year, God of War was also one of the best. With its lightning-fast combat, memorable locales, and excellent storyline, God of War set a new standard for action adventure titles.
2. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
It is a rare feat when art direction and gameplay come together the way they do in Shadow of the Colossus. Composed almost exclusively of boss fights, the game more than makes up for it by making these boss fights the biggest and baddest ever put to the small screen. Coupled with a simple but touching storyline, Colossus will affect you unlike any other game this year, and perhaps ever.
1. Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube)
ACCORDING TO CHRIS MOORE
A huge leap forward for the series, Resident Evil 4 presented a complete overhaul of the now worn-out system used in previous Resident Evil titles. It also provided the most immersive gaming experience of 2005 with amazing graphics, creepy environments, great boss fights, and above all, entertaining gameplay. This was easily the most fun I had with gaming this year, and hopefully Capcom will be able to live up to it in Resident Evil 5.
5. Devil May Cry 3 (PS2)
Gun slinging, sword combat, slaying demons and looking cool while doing it. This game is still kicking my butt, but I enjoy every minute of it. Dante is an awesome character and his games are based on a system that works. This is a must play for any fan. Let's rock, baby!
4. Ultimate Spider-Man (X-Box)
Roaming freely around the city as the friendly neighborhood spider himself. This game kept the same gameplay as the Spider-Man 2 game, and it works.The cell shading graphics make you feel like you're in the comic book.The smarty comments Spider-Man makes during his fights are amusing as well.
3. Tekken 5 (PS2)
The fighters of the Tekken Universe return for another great game. There's no need for fireballs here. The fighting is more realistic and makes you string moves together to make your own combos. The ending stories could have used some more work, but it was still amazingly done.
2. Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (X-Box)
I didn't even wait to try this game out in a rent. After hearing this game was coming out, I made sure I bought this. The versus mode was well-done, the lightsaber combat was magnificently done and being able to slay Jedi as Anakin Skywalker is wonderful.
1. God of War (PS2)
By far the best game this year. This game has everything; an epic story, stellar gameplay and a badass protagonist, Kratos. I played this game until my fingers blistered each night and I couldn't press the buttons anymore. The kill system for enemies has amazing visuals. Did I mention Kratos is a badass?
ACCORDING TO CHRIS HORN
5. Sequinned handbags
Covered in bright sequins, these bags feature extra glitz and glam, perfect for a night out. They provide style and function, two must-haves for every girl on the go.
4. The man blazer
A staple in most men's closets, blazers underwent an upgrade in the fashion world this year. These simple jackets were paired with the likes of denim, corduroy, chino and other fabrics giving them an appealing and fresh look to stylish men everywhere.
3. Aviator sunglasses
They were popular long before 2005, but their appeal and style adaptations have definitely earned them a title on our list. Don a pair of these babies and go from plain to trendy in a New York minute.
They moved from the country to the big city and with every designer adding their own flavor, the cowboy boot has made a huge splash in the fashion scene this year. Whether they be leather or faux alligator, they're in and sure to stay in style even into the new year.
2. Cowboy boots
1. Large-beaded jewelry
22| Jayplay 12.08.05
These accessories add pizzazz and attention to any outfit. And this jewelry is trendy, chic and ultra-cheap. So when you're walking down the street, you'll be strutting like Gisele Bundchen on the catwalk.