Game of the Year 2012
Thought I posted this earlier but it looks like I didn't get around to it. This is my list of games released in 2012 ordered by the amount I enjoyed them, starting from the worst to best with some additional awards at the end. Note there are still some big games released in 2012 that I still haven't played but in many cases own, such as Farcry 3, XCOM and Borderlands 2.
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24 Ninja Gaiden 3 (X360)
Quite simply the worst game I have ever played.
23 Journey (PS3)
Are games Art? In Journey’s case you should be asking can art be games. There is no denying that Journey is a wonderful piece of art but as a game it is sorely lacking. Forced online co-op play with randoms is never a good idea even if that is the whole point of the “game”. A strong example of style over substance.
22 The Simpsons Arcade Game (XBLA)
Be careful what you wish for. I remember playing this wherever I could and has been one of the arcade games I’ve wanted most to appear on home consoles. It finally happened and I was left underwhelmed. Still fun but has aged terribly.
21 Soul Calibur V (X360)
As solid as any other Soul Calibur and the character creation is as strong as ever. Just not much of a single player experience and the new characters are nowhere near as interesting as the original cast. Quick battle mode replicates the online experience offline quite well.
20 Sonic 4: Episode II (XBLA)
Better than Episode 1 but still just OK. Easy to list problems. It’s too short for a full priced game, boss intros take too long and are unskippable and you’re too zoomed in. Some interesting ideas but still fails to deliver
19 The Last Story (Wii)
Decent enough RPG with some good ideas but held back with some big problems. Only having one town was a bad move. Tries to come off as very tactical but ultimately comes down to taking cover and using a same move a lot. Short for a JRPG too.
18 Resident Evil 6 (X360)
Capcom need to decide whether it wants resi to be a survival horror or a full blown Third Person shooter. It does neither well. For a survival horror they need to return to a non linear twisted location, with puzzles and limited ammo (enemies should stop dropping shit). For a third person shooter it needs a better cover system. Pretty meaty campaigns though and Agent hunt mode was a nice addition.
17 Street Fighter X Tekken (X360)
Another games that has interesting ideas but poor execution. Horribly unbalanced (play online to fight a sea of Ryus and Kazuyas) with none of the polish that made Super Street Fighter 4 so amazing. Great level of customisation though.
16 Asura’s Wrath (X360)
An interactive anime. Some interesting ideas with QTE’s but still they’re still QTE’s. Enjoyable but nothing special. Non QTE combat could’ve been deeper.
15 Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PSVita)
Impressive scaled down Uncharted. Gunplay is still its weakest element but at least this one has some puzzles, unlike Uncharted 3. Addition of motion controls ruin it slightly.
14 Theatrhythm (3DS)
Pretty solid Bemani game focused on Final Fantasy’s awesome music. Great for short bursts but becomes repetitive in longer sessions. Fun, cheap and perfect for a handheld Theatrhythm doesn’t do much wrong and is a must for anyone who likes Final Fantasy.
13 NiGHTS into dream (XBLA)
Pretty solid remake that takes me back to the Sonic Team of old. This was when they were at the most original and most brilliant. NiGHTS remains genreless and one of the best score attack games out there. It’s missing Sonic into dreams and it is over too quickly, but it’s fun while it lasts. The XBLA release also includes Christmas NiGHTS which is a nice bonus.
12 Lollipop Chainsaw (X360)
Well made beat-em up with Zombies, cheerleaders and a giant chainsaw, everything a growing gamer needs. Add in Suda 51 craziness and some memorable dialogue ranging from the awesome to the very funny and you have one of the highlights of the year. Very replayable and with an awesome soundtrack, the only let down are the difficulty spikes you get with the mini games. There’s a special place in hell for the person who came up with the Gondola Achievement.
11 Gravity Rush (PSV)
Another new IP that makes owning a Vita worthwhile. Utilises a fairly unique mechanic of giving you complete control over gravity. Plenty of challenge and a decent length. Let down by some minor issues here and there, like the camera for example.
10 Dishonored (X360)
An excellent steampunk version of Deus Ex. Great stealth game but could’ve added more interesting non-lethal abilities. Always nice to see a new IP on the market.
9 The Walking Dead (X360)
Videogame story telling at its finest. Telltale are the masters of point and click genre and TWD is definitely their best so far. The choices you make come back to haunt you, even the best intended ones. Felt a better connection to the characters than the TV show. Can’t wait for season 2.
8 Catherine (X360)
It’s been a good year for new IP’s with this one being the most surprising. On paper is sounds horrible but it actually ended up being very addictive. The game challenges both your skill and intelligence very well and is the perfect break from the mass of shooters that have flooded the market. There is plenty here to keep you going for a long time without overstaying its welcome. It’s a shame the multiplayer isn’t online, I hear it’s actually quite good although I’ve yet to play it myself, it’s even got a place at EVO.
7 Fez (XBLA)
On the surface Fez is a fairly average platform game. Dig deeper though and you’ll find a world of puzzles that will have you getting out your notepad to break codes. That is always a plus in my book. Some of the puzzles are brilliant and a work of genius. Let down by its poor platforming and the occasional bug. Fez is original, brilliant and perfect if you’re in the mood for a more chilled gaming experience.
6 ZombiU (WiiU)
A much needed return to form for survival horror. This mixes Dark Souls with Left 4 Dead and places it in London. Excellent use of the WiiU’s gamepad, tough difficulty with harsh punishments for failure and a decent enough length. The Arena was the only low point, and sadly it was a very very low point.
5 Sonic Adventure 2 (XBLA)
I don’t care what anyone says this is still one of the best games ever created. Even after ten years the pitch perfect ranking system, varied gameplay and awesome music make a brilliant package. Hunting is still a bit too luck based and chao raising could’ve been better (at least let me link to my Sonic Adventure chao Garden).
4 Halo 4 (X360)
Exceptional campaign that fits nicely with a series we all thought was over. It feels great being the chief again and it all seems to be building to something. Looks amazing and sounds great. A lot of thought has gone into multiplayer too offering a pretty substantial co-op experience. With the standard theatre and forge modes making a welcome return, Halo 4 is probably the most substantial package of the year.
3 Sonic and All Star Racing Transformed (X360)
One of the best Kart racers available. Right up there with the best Mario Karts. The transforming aspect is well implemented. The weapons are all balanced with skill playing a much bigger part than just luck. World tour mode adds more than just Grand prix racing leading to a more substantial single player experience. Roster and all-star moves aren’t as good as the first sega racing but the courses and soundtrack more than make up for that.
2 Virtue’s Last Reward (3DS)
This has been the year I have been exposed to the Zero escape series. After playing Nine hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors I immediately began anticipating its sequel. I was not disappointed. Pretty much every problem with 999 got resolved. While there is a lot of text most can be skipped instantly on subsequent playthroughs, as can the escape rooms. The story is one of the best written for games at the very least, offering twists that would leave m. night Shyamalan in awe. I eagerly await Zero Escape 3, with the series filling in the hole Phoenix wright has left behind (still waiting on Ace Investigations 2 Capcom)
1 Mass Effect 3 (X360)
A fitting end to one of the highlights of this generation, all except the actual end of course. It made me laugh, cry and want to high five/fist bump/hug every single member of the Normandy crew. Filled with a great mix of awesome and moving set pieces with some polished third person shooting and some incredible visuals, I knew as I was playing that it was probably going to be my GOTY and it is! The incredible single player experience is joined by an unwanted but equally awesome horde like multiplayer. The ending has left a pretty sour taste in my mouth, even after the extended cut but as a whole Mass Effect 3 was an incredible experience.
---------------------------------
Exclusives:
Best Wii/WiiU Exclusive: The Last story, the only Wii game I’ve played.
Best 360 Exclusive: Fez
Best PS3 Exclusive: Journey, the only PS3 exclusive I’ve played
Best 3DS/DS: Theatrhythm
Best PSP/VITA: Gravity Rush
Best PC: N/A (Not played any PC exclusives)
Game Elements:
Soundtrack: Lollipop Chainsaw, good mix of original and licenced tracks
Honourable mentions go to Sonic and All-Star Racing Transformed and Catherine
Individual Song/Track: Ocean View (S&SASRT). Perfect mash up of two classic song tracks. Perfect way to kick off probably the best Kart racer ever made.
Honourable mentions go to Blue bird Lamentation. Lovely moving track, perfectly fitting for one of Virtue’s Last reward’s most sad endings.
Use of Sound: ZombiU. Excellent Survival horror, helped immensely by its use of sound.
Honourable mentions: Mass Effect 3, Halo 4
Visuals (Technical): Halo 4
Honourable Mentions: Mass Effect 3
Visuals (Stylish): Dishonored
Honourable Mentions: Gravity Rush, The Walking Dead
Story/Dialogue: Virtue’s Last Reward. Loving the Zero Escape series.
Honourable mentions: Lollipop Chainsaw (funny), Mass Effect 3 (besides the ending), The Walking Dead (lots of difficult meaningful choices and an excellent set of characters)
Other:
Originality: Catherine
Honourable Mentions: Fez, ZombiU
Disappointment: Ninja Gaiden 3. What the fuck happened to this series?
Dishonourable Mentions: Journey (Work of art, not much of a game), Street Fighter X Tekken (unbalanced), Resident Evil 6 (poor choices)
Surprise: Virtue’s Last Reward (played both 999 and VLR this year and I’ve fallen in love with a series I knew very little about)
Honourable Mentions: Fez, Catherine
Jawdropping moment (Highlight see Spoilers): Virtue’s Last reward
*SPOILERS highlight to see*
Take your pick. That you were an old man all along, that you were Zero, that Tenmyouji was Junpei and the Old woman was Akane, the K was sometimes Akane, that Luna was a Robot
*SPOILERS*
Honourable Mentions: Mass Effect 3
*SPOILERS*
Curing the Genophage with Mordin’s Sacrifice (someone else might’ve gotten it wrong), Resolving the Geth/Quarian war, Thane saying a prayer for you even though he was about to die.
*SPOILERS*
Horrible Moment: Mass Effect 3 – The ending
Dishonourable mentions: The entirety of Ninja Gaiden 3, the unskippable boss openings in Sonic 4 episode II, Lollipop Chainsaw’s Mini games (fucking Gondola achievement)
-----------------------------------------------
24 Ninja Gaiden 3 (X360)
Quite simply the worst game I have ever played.
23 Journey (PS3)
Are games Art? In Journey’s case you should be asking can art be games. There is no denying that Journey is a wonderful piece of art but as a game it is sorely lacking. Forced online co-op play with randoms is never a good idea even if that is the whole point of the “game”. A strong example of style over substance.
22 The Simpsons Arcade Game (XBLA)
Be careful what you wish for. I remember playing this wherever I could and has been one of the arcade games I’ve wanted most to appear on home consoles. It finally happened and I was left underwhelmed. Still fun but has aged terribly.
21 Soul Calibur V (X360)
As solid as any other Soul Calibur and the character creation is as strong as ever. Just not much of a single player experience and the new characters are nowhere near as interesting as the original cast. Quick battle mode replicates the online experience offline quite well.
20 Sonic 4: Episode II (XBLA)
Better than Episode 1 but still just OK. Easy to list problems. It’s too short for a full priced game, boss intros take too long and are unskippable and you’re too zoomed in. Some interesting ideas but still fails to deliver
19 The Last Story (Wii)
Decent enough RPG with some good ideas but held back with some big problems. Only having one town was a bad move. Tries to come off as very tactical but ultimately comes down to taking cover and using a same move a lot. Short for a JRPG too.
18 Resident Evil 6 (X360)
Capcom need to decide whether it wants resi to be a survival horror or a full blown Third Person shooter. It does neither well. For a survival horror they need to return to a non linear twisted location, with puzzles and limited ammo (enemies should stop dropping shit). For a third person shooter it needs a better cover system. Pretty meaty campaigns though and Agent hunt mode was a nice addition.
17 Street Fighter X Tekken (X360)
Another games that has interesting ideas but poor execution. Horribly unbalanced (play online to fight a sea of Ryus and Kazuyas) with none of the polish that made Super Street Fighter 4 so amazing. Great level of customisation though.
16 Asura’s Wrath (X360)
An interactive anime. Some interesting ideas with QTE’s but still they’re still QTE’s. Enjoyable but nothing special. Non QTE combat could’ve been deeper.
15 Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PSVita)
Impressive scaled down Uncharted. Gunplay is still its weakest element but at least this one has some puzzles, unlike Uncharted 3. Addition of motion controls ruin it slightly.
14 Theatrhythm (3DS)
Pretty solid Bemani game focused on Final Fantasy’s awesome music. Great for short bursts but becomes repetitive in longer sessions. Fun, cheap and perfect for a handheld Theatrhythm doesn’t do much wrong and is a must for anyone who likes Final Fantasy.
13 NiGHTS into dream (XBLA)
Pretty solid remake that takes me back to the Sonic Team of old. This was when they were at the most original and most brilliant. NiGHTS remains genreless and one of the best score attack games out there. It’s missing Sonic into dreams and it is over too quickly, but it’s fun while it lasts. The XBLA release also includes Christmas NiGHTS which is a nice bonus.
12 Lollipop Chainsaw (X360)
Well made beat-em up with Zombies, cheerleaders and a giant chainsaw, everything a growing gamer needs. Add in Suda 51 craziness and some memorable dialogue ranging from the awesome to the very funny and you have one of the highlights of the year. Very replayable and with an awesome soundtrack, the only let down are the difficulty spikes you get with the mini games. There’s a special place in hell for the person who came up with the Gondola Achievement.
11 Gravity Rush (PSV)
Another new IP that makes owning a Vita worthwhile. Utilises a fairly unique mechanic of giving you complete control over gravity. Plenty of challenge and a decent length. Let down by some minor issues here and there, like the camera for example.
10 Dishonored (X360)
An excellent steampunk version of Deus Ex. Great stealth game but could’ve added more interesting non-lethal abilities. Always nice to see a new IP on the market.
9 The Walking Dead (X360)
Videogame story telling at its finest. Telltale are the masters of point and click genre and TWD is definitely their best so far. The choices you make come back to haunt you, even the best intended ones. Felt a better connection to the characters than the TV show. Can’t wait for season 2.
8 Catherine (X360)
It’s been a good year for new IP’s with this one being the most surprising. On paper is sounds horrible but it actually ended up being very addictive. The game challenges both your skill and intelligence very well and is the perfect break from the mass of shooters that have flooded the market. There is plenty here to keep you going for a long time without overstaying its welcome. It’s a shame the multiplayer isn’t online, I hear it’s actually quite good although I’ve yet to play it myself, it’s even got a place at EVO.
7 Fez (XBLA)
On the surface Fez is a fairly average platform game. Dig deeper though and you’ll find a world of puzzles that will have you getting out your notepad to break codes. That is always a plus in my book. Some of the puzzles are brilliant and a work of genius. Let down by its poor platforming and the occasional bug. Fez is original, brilliant and perfect if you’re in the mood for a more chilled gaming experience.
6 ZombiU (WiiU)
A much needed return to form for survival horror. This mixes Dark Souls with Left 4 Dead and places it in London. Excellent use of the WiiU’s gamepad, tough difficulty with harsh punishments for failure and a decent enough length. The Arena was the only low point, and sadly it was a very very low point.
5 Sonic Adventure 2 (XBLA)
I don’t care what anyone says this is still one of the best games ever created. Even after ten years the pitch perfect ranking system, varied gameplay and awesome music make a brilliant package. Hunting is still a bit too luck based and chao raising could’ve been better (at least let me link to my Sonic Adventure chao Garden).
4 Halo 4 (X360)
Exceptional campaign that fits nicely with a series we all thought was over. It feels great being the chief again and it all seems to be building to something. Looks amazing and sounds great. A lot of thought has gone into multiplayer too offering a pretty substantial co-op experience. With the standard theatre and forge modes making a welcome return, Halo 4 is probably the most substantial package of the year.
3 Sonic and All Star Racing Transformed (X360)
One of the best Kart racers available. Right up there with the best Mario Karts. The transforming aspect is well implemented. The weapons are all balanced with skill playing a much bigger part than just luck. World tour mode adds more than just Grand prix racing leading to a more substantial single player experience. Roster and all-star moves aren’t as good as the first sega racing but the courses and soundtrack more than make up for that.
2 Virtue’s Last Reward (3DS)
This has been the year I have been exposed to the Zero escape series. After playing Nine hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors I immediately began anticipating its sequel. I was not disappointed. Pretty much every problem with 999 got resolved. While there is a lot of text most can be skipped instantly on subsequent playthroughs, as can the escape rooms. The story is one of the best written for games at the very least, offering twists that would leave m. night Shyamalan in awe. I eagerly await Zero Escape 3, with the series filling in the hole Phoenix wright has left behind (still waiting on Ace Investigations 2 Capcom)
1 Mass Effect 3 (X360)
A fitting end to one of the highlights of this generation, all except the actual end of course. It made me laugh, cry and want to high five/fist bump/hug every single member of the Normandy crew. Filled with a great mix of awesome and moving set pieces with some polished third person shooting and some incredible visuals, I knew as I was playing that it was probably going to be my GOTY and it is! The incredible single player experience is joined by an unwanted but equally awesome horde like multiplayer. The ending has left a pretty sour taste in my mouth, even after the extended cut but as a whole Mass Effect 3 was an incredible experience.
---------------------------------
Exclusives:
Best Wii/WiiU Exclusive: The Last story, the only Wii game I’ve played.
Best 360 Exclusive: Fez
Best PS3 Exclusive: Journey, the only PS3 exclusive I’ve played
Best 3DS/DS: Theatrhythm
Best PSP/VITA: Gravity Rush
Best PC: N/A (Not played any PC exclusives)
Game Elements:
Soundtrack: Lollipop Chainsaw, good mix of original and licenced tracks
Honourable mentions go to Sonic and All-Star Racing Transformed and Catherine
Individual Song/Track: Ocean View (S&SASRT). Perfect mash up of two classic song tracks. Perfect way to kick off probably the best Kart racer ever made.
Honourable mentions go to Blue bird Lamentation. Lovely moving track, perfectly fitting for one of Virtue’s Last reward’s most sad endings.
Use of Sound: ZombiU. Excellent Survival horror, helped immensely by its use of sound.
Honourable mentions: Mass Effect 3, Halo 4
Visuals (Technical): Halo 4
Honourable Mentions: Mass Effect 3
Visuals (Stylish): Dishonored
Honourable Mentions: Gravity Rush, The Walking Dead
Story/Dialogue: Virtue’s Last Reward. Loving the Zero Escape series.
Honourable mentions: Lollipop Chainsaw (funny), Mass Effect 3 (besides the ending), The Walking Dead (lots of difficult meaningful choices and an excellent set of characters)
Other:
Originality: Catherine
Honourable Mentions: Fez, ZombiU
Disappointment: Ninja Gaiden 3. What the fuck happened to this series?
Dishonourable Mentions: Journey (Work of art, not much of a game), Street Fighter X Tekken (unbalanced), Resident Evil 6 (poor choices)
Surprise: Virtue’s Last Reward (played both 999 and VLR this year and I’ve fallen in love with a series I knew very little about)
Honourable Mentions: Fez, Catherine
Jawdropping moment (Highlight see Spoilers): Virtue’s Last reward
*SPOILERS highlight to see*
Take your pick. That you were an old man all along, that you were Zero, that Tenmyouji was Junpei and the Old woman was Akane, the K was sometimes Akane, that Luna was a Robot
*SPOILERS*
Honourable Mentions: Mass Effect 3
*SPOILERS*
Curing the Genophage with Mordin’s Sacrifice (someone else might’ve gotten it wrong), Resolving the Geth/Quarian war, Thane saying a prayer for you even though he was about to die.
*SPOILERS*
Horrible Moment: Mass Effect 3 – The ending
Dishonourable mentions: The entirety of Ninja Gaiden 3, the unskippable boss openings in Sonic 4 episode II, Lollipop Chainsaw’s Mini games (fucking Gondola achievement)
posted by Master hunter at 1:58 pm
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