TWP Awards 08: Best Post-Launch Support

A big leap has occured this year in terms of extending the fun to be had with a particular game, largely through patches and downloadable content. The nominations for this award have all had a lot of content added this year, and one stands out for the sheer quantity and quality of the additions.

Winner: Burnout Paradise (PS3/PSN)

Burnout Paradise was released in January this year, and since its launch, Criterion Games (based here in the beautiful UK) has added a previously-unheard-of amount of content. And any EA-published game that does not charge for new cars or wait for the next years release to add features such as motorbikes, dynamic weather or a 24-hour clock should be approved of. Whilst this year has featured some excellent DLC, next year plans to be even better, with a series of new car packs, an offline multiplayer party mode and a whole new island coming to the game. And after being given so much for free so far, I don't even mind paying now.

Runner Up: LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

LittleBigPlanet has added a new costume or a few every week now since the game was released, and has also recently launched the Metal Gear Solid pack featuring costumes, levels and creating tools. Unfortunately the sparcity of new content that arent costumes, and the disappearance of the supposedly-coming co-op creation patch and Import Image tool have led to LBP only recieving runner-up here. Maybe next year.

Runner Up: Warhawk (PS3/PSN)

Warhawk has been another game frequently updated with new content. Although this year saw the development team release less patches, enhancements and content than previously seen (presumably as more resources move to whatever their next project is), there was a substantial and surprise pack released around E3.

Runner Up: Pain (PSN)

PSN downloadable Pain is only a runner up here not due to the quality of added content, but because it came so late. The main game was released way back in 2007, but more content for the game only arrived this year. The two new levels are great fun though, and rumours suggest there is much more to come, with two new packs for early next year.

Runner Up: PlayStation Home (PSN)

I really wanted Home's open beta launch to come with a bang, but unfortunately all we saw was a whimper. The game spaces for Warhawk, Socom, Uncharted and Far Cry 2 all have yet to appear, and the Red Bull space has been delayed until next year. The teams in London and elsewhere really need to get new stuff in there to keep the comunity occupied before the Home Square becomes a ghost town. And for God's sake get the EU Home up to scratch with elsewhere!