Another year, another 12 months worth of gaming memories.

2011 has been a great year for gaming, with many stellar titles released. Though the two biggest events, in my opinion, to have happened were the Australian Government (finally) opening discussion to usher in a R18+ rating for video games and the unveiling of Nintendo's next console, the Wii U.

While the former merely has repercussions in one Country alone, where finally mature gamers will be able to have the wide range of content to choose from in their video game options, the Wii U was a juggernaut felt across the whole industry. Reactions often confused whether it was a mere controller upgrade for the current model Wii, or simply a table itself, since Nintendo seemed to shed more of the spot light on the controller rather than the system itself. Although seemingly mis-managed and perhaps pre-mature of an annoucemnt, the Wii U did impress.

What we do know about the system is it's primary tablet like controller. I like to play games casually on the iPad, including more hardcore titles like Dead Space, Infinity Blade etc, and not having hold the unit in my hand yet, I could imagine it would be a natural feeling if you've ever held an iPad to play a game. The controller has triggers on the back and grip spots, with classic controller interfaces along the sides of the controller. Obviously we are still waiting to see the true potential of the system (Nintendo advises HD graphics more powerful that of the Xbox 360 and PS3) there is no doubt the Wii U will have a strong push in 2012.

On the games front 2011 really seemed like a golden age, with awesome titles having been released in the past 12 months. In my opinion at least the first six months of the year were rather slow, with publishers holding back the cream of the crop for the later months. I played games like Dead Space 2 and Dragon Age 2 for first few months, as well as getting sucked heavily into the iPhones range of mobile games. 2011 really saw me embrace IOS device games (so much I invested heavily in a new iPad 2 to allow me to fully experience these games in a more tactile and richer way)

Though it was in the last few months that truly shined. Titles such as Batman: Arkham City, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword are some of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I've ever had in my 20 odd years of gaming. Though on a more personal note I have to make special mention of Sonic Generations for allowing me to relive alot of my childhood nostalgia.

Lastly, I'll make a special note of Nintendo's latest, and arguably best, portable system the 3DS. I find the system a massive f*** you to Sony, one of the largest makers of 3D enabled TV's, as Nintendo show the show 3D viewing is possible without the need for the dorky 3D glasses. While the system itself has had a bit of a rocky start in 2011, sales have increased and some awesome games have been released in the last few months, ala Super Mario 3D Land, and with some awesome titles lined up for 2012, the system is poised to take off.

Here's looking towards 2012!