Eight Download Games of 2008

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The Eight Must-Download Games of 2008

Downloadable Games of the Year

By Nadia Oxford December 26, 2008

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
© Capcom, Udon

Downloadable games saw a huge boost in 2008. The flood of online content has proved to be a huge boon for gamers, who've been shelling out for high-quality games at a mere fraction of what retail demands for a game.

A large number of obligatory Best-Of-Year lists had a slot or two for downloadable games, which speaks well for their rapidly-improving quality. Downloads from WiiWare, Xbox Live Marketplace and the Playstation Network aren't just souped-up versions of Solitaire with high-res graphics and pumping techno music. There are high-quality titles available, full adventures that feel like a steal for $10—like something you should be receiving from a parking lot vendor who's greasy-palmed with nervous sweat.

Here are eight must-downloads that will guide you into 2009. Best of all, downloading all of them won't run you much higher than if you purchased one or two full-priced retail games.

N+ (XBLA) – You are a ninja. You are a tiny, running and jumping ninja, which nature knows is the best kind of ninja there is. N+ and its predecessor, N, can only be conquered by sharp reflexes and (of course) a thirst for gold. It would be easy enough, but everything's out to kill you.

Penny Arcade: On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness (XBLA, PSN) – Gabe and Tycho have spent many years scrutinizing games through their insanely popular web-comic, Penny Arcade, and it seems as if they have an idea about what makes a good one. On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness sticks to a fairly basic RPG formula, but the cell-shaded graphics, characters and writing do justice to Penny Arcade's distinct brand of humor.

Galaga Legions (XBLA) – It's a bit different from the Galaga you might have gorged with quarters in your youth, but its replay value goes way beyond simple nostalgia. Thumping music, neon lights and endless enemy swarms are something that every generation can appreciate.

Bionic Commando Rearmed(XBLA, PSN) – This lovingly-remade version of Bionic Commando features revised graphics, a new story, a remixed soundtrack and dwarf jokes. Capcom and Grin have left the most important aspects of the NES original untouched: the hadcore challenge and Rad Spencer's sunglasses.

Braid (XBLA) – Imagine the intense platforming action of Super Mario Bros combined with complex puzzles, your college Philosophy class and a character seemingly fresh from an English boarding school. That's Braid.

World of Goo (WiiWare) – The structure-building mechanics in World of Goo is a bit reminiscent of those toothpick-construct projects you performed in school. Said projects were the height of most schoolkids' science education, and now it's in game form. Totally worth it? Oh yes.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (Xbox 360, PSN) – What is sweeter than a high-definition Hadoken? Not much. The original Super Street Fighter II Turbo was a little slow to catch on in America, where it was overshadowed by the Mortal Kombat series. Now, it's recognized as one of the most solid and balanced fighters in gaming history, having stood the test of time better than most fighters. Did we mention that Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix looks fantastic and has features and options that are beyond sweet?

Mega Man 9 (Xbox 360, PSN, WiiWare) – Oh, Mega Man. You have been to so many places and have existed at so many points in time. Yet you came back to us in your most basic form, just to let us know you never forgot who you are, and why we fell in love with you. Thank you. We also thank you for Mega Man 9's challenge level, which is a glorious kick to the head. Are modern games too easy? Not anymore.