Top 10 Console Download Games

On episode seven of the podcast, we discussed the evolution of online services with home gaming consoles, and how much it has really shifted the thought-process of gamers and developers, alike. The ability to download demos and even full-length games (of both older and current generations) has changed the entire landscape.

These are our “Top 10 Console Download Games” that are, for the most part, either entirely new games created just for the new generation, or remixes of older games with some type of modern enhancements. We may break some of our own rules with a couple choices, but so be it! We aim to be different.

10: Mega Man 9

While we may have played the least of this one (thus it being at #10 on the list), we love the fact that Capcom not only decided to go retro in style, but also in substance. Mega Man 9 is as difficult as any of the NES games that brought it to life, its music channels the great tunes of the 1980s, and the cover art? Have you seen the cover art? Some day we hope to be skilled enough to beat one of the stages in a Mega Man game, and on that day, Mega Man 9 will be our favorite game. We do not play favorites here at vgconvos (all consoles get equal love), but there is something to be said about picking up the game on WiiWare and turning that Wii Remote on its side NES-style…

9: Geometry Wars & Super Stardust

It is no stretch to say that Geometry Wars Retro Evolved, despite being “just a download game”, was up there as a system-seller for the Xbox 360 along with many of its standard retail games. Moving around a 2D field controlling your ship with one stick and the shots with the other to create particle explosions all over the screen was a true showcase of HD gaming at its best presentation with the best of simple, old-school controls. Super Stardust HD later came to PSN with a similar concept and perhaps a little more perfection to the style. No matter which one you go with, you are in for a punishingly-fun time.

8: Uno

How could a simple card game end up being, dare we say yet again, a near system-seller? The slick presentation, calming music, camera support (and later avatar support) solidified “casual gaming” just before the Wii became an overnight hit, and years before WiiWare would get its own version. When you have a couple minutes to spare and yet still spend too much time intricately setting up your crazy house-rules, Uno is the place to go before you crash on the couch for the night.

7: Braid

Jonathan Blow’s indie game, first distributed over Xbox Live, ended up on many a “Best Game of the Year” list in 2008. Appearing as a simple platformer at first glance, the inventive use of time-freezing gimmicks and a surprisingly deep, unfolding story proved it belonged up there with the big boys. $15 almost seemed like a steal for a gaming experience like this. PC and Mac users were eventually able to get in on the goodness, as well.

6: WipEout HD

At first glance just an enhanced remake of the PSP games, WipEout HD quickly proved itself as a legitimate new entry in the series, and a perfect showcase example for the PlayStation 3. Running at a silky-smooth 60 fps at 1080p, the game’s presentation is leaps and bounds above most standard retail releases. The futuristic art direction lends itself perfectly to the tech of the game, and the impressive soundtrack feels right at home. It may have taken a little extra time to come out due to its epilepsy problem, but it was well worth the wait, and a must-download for all PS3 owners.

5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (“Classic Arcade”)

We have talked at length about our love for the classic TMNT arcade games. It should come as no surprise to see the original arcade game show up on our list. While in reality nothing more than a simple port, the fact that Komani and Ubisoft were smart enough to strike a deal to bring us a perfect arcade-port with four-player online implementation is a testament to its dedicated fanbase and the game standing up to the test of time.

4: Portal – Still Alive

While one could make a legitimate argument that any Valve game is a “download game” on the PC, luckily we are talking strictly consoles with this list… which gives us an excuse to include Portal. The original release of the game via The Orange Box on 360 and PS3 was perfectly fine, but there was clearly a huge audience looking to play Portal all on its own without the baggage of the other games. In comes Microsoft with an exclusive version of the game for download (severely breaking the quickly-fading-away file size restrictions of XBLA), and a winner is you. Until GLaDOS decides to kill you, anyway.

3: Rez HD

While this is another entry that could be considered “just a port”, if you actually sit and play the game with its new HD resolution and surround sound, you quickly realize that this is how the game was always meant to be played. For a fraction of the original price (and full USB support if you still have your vibrator…), Rez HD is another easy recommendation for any type of gamer. The amazing music and trippy visuals are more than enough to vouch for the rest of its content.

2: Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

While the lack of truly-HD characters is a little upsetting, it is hard to argue against the value of Puzzle Fighter for cheap download. Hours of time can be wasted before you realize what just happened. Local multiplayer, online multiplayer, and achievements for things like a certain combo lengths will keep you coming back time and time again. In-jokes for fans of Capcom’s traditional fighting games just makes the game even sweeter than it already is. Or maybe you would rather stick to fighting games…?

1: Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

In that case, here you go. Another game that took far too long to be released, all those frustrating months just withered away when the opening music blared in. Perfectly adapting to either 16:9 or 4:3 displays, including an arcade-perfect port of the original (both in music and video), endless dip-switches to customize the game as you see fit, an original remix soundtrack by the folks over at OC ReMix… SSF2THDR is a clear winner. It is a perfectly complement to Street Fighter IV, a perfect stand-alone game, and everything in-between.