It has been a long time coming but my Game of the Year awards are finally ready! I actually only played ten games this year, and all of them were fantastic. Because I only played ten games from this year, this list may feel limited. Still, I'm happy with my choices and I hope you enjoy my list!
10-F1 2011
Starting the list out with a dedicated simulator, F1 2011 is the true simulation of F1 racing. Despite some minor technical issues it's probably the closest you can get to being in a real Formula One car! The only reason it's in 10th is because I played so many fantastic games, but this is a very addictive, and difficult racer.
9- Dirt 3
Category Wins: Best Racing Game.
I thought Dirt 3 had the best sense of speed ever seen in a racing game, and the physics makes it the funnest racing game I have ever played. Truly spectacular, and I loved it so much that I spent a entire night trying to break a record. I did succeed in this task, and I loved every minute.
8-Batman: Arkham City
Category Wins: Best Adaptation.
Let me start by saying this: I do not really like Batman. I was mistaken by Arkham City, and saw it as another licensed game. Due to the incredible ratings, I got the game and gave it a try. I can definitely say I was more than pleased with the entire concept. Truly a magnificent journey in every regard, and considerably the greatest licensed game ever made.
7-Dead Space 2
Category Wins: Best Sound Design and Best Overlooked Game.
Dead Space 2 is a game that was highly forgotten in many awards, but I still remember the exciting thrills and horrific moments which were remarkably intense. The only thing it doesn't improve on from the first Dead Space is being more scary, but who can argue that Dead Space 2 didn't come close?
6-Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Category Wins: Best Ending.
I love the Assassin's Creed series but I feel as if some of the soul of the series was lost in Brotherhood. I felt the historical feeling returned in Revelations, and although some of the new ideas are simply stupid, I feel as if it has the best pacing of the series yet. The game is my second favorite Assassin's Creed game, and is obviously wonderful. The ending of Ezio's journey is emotionally touching, and is one of the most memorable moments of gaming this year for me.
5-Portal 2
Category Wins: Best Puzzle Game, Funniest Game and Best Puzzles.
Creativity is a good word for Portal 2. The first Portal was a well-designed puzzle game, but Portal 2 takes the original concept and enhances the experience even further. By adding new gameplay mechanics it never feels dull or old and the comedy is hilariously entertaining. The difficulty of the puzzles is not overwhelming, and generally it's a game I cannot find a single problem with.
4-Dark Souls
Category Wins: Best Boss Fights and Beat Artistic Graphics.
I haven't beaten Dark Souls yet, but I put 12 hours into it so my opinion is solid. I love the brutal difficulty, on edge action and the detailed world with amazingly polished graphics. It strangely reminds me of the PlayStation 1 era, where most games where ridiculously hard but magnificently rewarding.
3-Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Category Wins: Best Writing, Best Atmosphere and Most Surprisingly Good Game.
I was not expecting much from Human Revolution honesty, but the ratings interested me. Immediately after starting the game, I loved the superb storytelling it delivered. The atmosphere was the best bit though which felt ultimately, futuristic. A few gameplay problems kept it from perfection, but it still remains as a incredible experience I can't get enough of.
2-Uncharted 3
Category Wins: Best Action/Adventure Game, Best PlayStation 3 Game, Best Voice-Acting, Best Technical Graphics and Best Cooperative Multiplayer.
The Uncharted series is highly regarded as one of the best game series ever put on screen. Although Uncharted 3 wasn't better than it's predecessor, it certainly came close and was a technical masterpiece. Everything from the near perfect gameplay, marvelous graphics and heroic storytelling was involving and cinematic.
1-The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Category Winners: Best RPG, Best PC Game, Game of the Year, Best Music and Most Improved Sequel.
I hate to go with the predictable choice but I have always wanted a game with absolute freedom. Skyrim is the closest a game has ever gotten to that for me. Sure, a few technical issues dampen the experience more than I wished they would, like a frame-rate that gets less than low, and a insane amount of glitches and bugs but it's all worth it. This game is ambitious, addictive and unbelievably absorbing. This is my third favorite game ever made, and most definitely my Game of the Year.
So I hope you enjoyed my list and I thank you for reading it.
-Bugbag
Next Blog: Portal 2 Review
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