My top video games of 2011
Holy eff, I aint used tumblr in 2 years. Nothings changed though I still just like Video Games and music and nerd shit. Besides Rosie is on tumblr now so I am gonna document my life too (just to be competitive innit). Anyway, what better way to restart my blog than a beautiful, alphabetically organized, not well thought out list of my favourite games from last year.
I will start by noting that I am yet to play any of the following games but if I had I am sure they would get a lil section of their own on this list: Super Mario 3D Land, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Gears of War 3, Batman: Arkham City, Rayman Origins Mario Kart 7, Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3 or The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (I’m sure Rosie will be waxing lyrical about links latest anyway). If you could possibly look past that here is my list.
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Child of Eden
Without a doubt the most amazing experience I have had all year. Child of Eden is the pinnacle of video game art, fusing magnificent visuals with brilliant music all from the mind of legendary developer, musician and artist Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Child of Eden was less of a video game and more of an experience. You can read more of my thoughts on the game here.
Dead Space 2
For me the Dead Space series is the definitive survival horror franchise of this generation. While Resident Evil essentially turned into a third person shooter and Silent Hill just became cliched and dull, Dead Space silently crept out and spooked anyone who played it. Dead Space 2 fixed many of its predecessor’s issues whilst weaving a wild, anxious storyline that had all players on the edge of their seat. Dead Space 2 also proved that there is still a place for linearity in modern gaming with its narrow corridors and lack of choices a compliment to the isolated and secluded nature of the game.
FIFA 12
Yep, EA managed to make FIFA even better. I’m starting to forget why I even preferred Pro Evo in the first place. Please sort it out, Konami! Read more of my thoughts on FIFA 12 here.
Groove Coaster
This game woke me up to the potential of mobile gaming. While Angry Birds and Cut the Rope are great puzzle games they are hardly making waves for the more ‘hardcore’ audience. Whilst the furious and oft-seizure inducing visuals reminiscent of cult classic Rez are a surefire way to my heart its the perfectly implemented touch gameplay that makes Groove Coaster great. Working on the same framework as the fun and frantic Space Invaders: Infinity Gene, GC is one of the most fun and original rhythm action games since Gitaroo Man.
Mass Effect 2 (PS3)
Yeah, I know it was released last year on PC and 360 but surely Mass Effect needs more recognition as a big candidate for BEST GAME OF THIS GENERATION.
Portal 2
If I had to choose one game for 2011, it would most likely be Portal 2. While I have more of a personal attachment to the brilliant Uncharted 3 and was more amazed by the beauty of Child of Eden no game felt as near-perfect as Portal 2. Excellent puzzling gameplay, wonderful artwork and a story that most games would kill for, Portal 2 was simply an incredible ride. The performances of Wheatley and glaDos alone are academy award worthy adding in a worthwhile co-op mode, a consistently headscratching yet fun difficulty level and a fantastic soundtrack Portal 2 is THE premier release of last year.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sorcery EP
With Groove Coaster showing me the potential of iOS games S:S&SEP fulfilled it. This game was the hallmark moment for the apple platforms and with its 8-bit influenced stylings and incredible soundtrack felt more like the kind of experience you would get on a home console than an iPad. If the mobile gaming revolution is truly about to happen more games like this one will have me jumping onboard keenly anticipating the ride.
Tetris
While iOS games improved tenfold in 2011 it felt like downloadable services on consoles may have taken a step back. While games like Outland and Sideway: New York were great games there was certainly no stand out titles in the same vein as Braid or Limbo. So surprisingly this year I was most impressed with EA’s downloadable take on Tetris which for my money is the best version of Tetris since the original game released over 20 years ago. A wealth of modes that all added to the core experience and online modes that made sense for 2011. A great overhaul, expertly executed.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception won me over from the opening cut scene and bar room brawl. Through London, France, Syria and Yemen I was hooked on UC3. Needless to say this was close to being my favourite game of the year and on a very personal level it was. I have so much to say about Uncharted 3 that you should read all of my thoughts here.
