10. Super Mario 3D Land
Published: Nintendo | Developed: Nintendo EAD | Systems: 3DS | Release Date: November
We all know that Mario never disappoints, and he has upheld this tradition with this game as well. Super Mario 3D Land is not just one of the best 3DS games of the year, but it’s also one of the best games of the year, period. Featuring excellent level design, typical Mario-esque chaotic humour, platforming sections that are just plain fun and ingenious design decisions, Super Mario 3D Land has to be one of the best Mario games ever, right up there with Galaxy and Galaxy 2.
9. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Published: Square Enix | Developed: Eidos Montreal | Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, PC | Release Date: August
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is just too massive a game to properly describe in a few words. I could go on for a thousand words here, and I still would have a lot to say. It is a game that is hard to be described. You have to play it. It’s so awesome, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t. It is a game that will grab hold of you and never let go- an experience like no other. With awesome stealth mechanics, a brilliant story, an excellent protagonist and a highly replayable and long adventure, Human Revolution is definitely one of the gems of this generation.
8. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Published: Atari | Developed: CD Projekt RED | Systems: PC | Release Date: May
With Witcher 2, CD Projekt have shown the video games industry that money can take a back seat and gamers will be put first. Overall, Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a landmark game in the esteemed history of PC gaming. Despite its share of glitches, it is a phenomenal achievement and is perhaps one of the greatest role playing games of all time. We cannot wait to see just how good it will be on the Xbox 360 next year.
7. Gears of War 3
Published: Microsoft Game Studios | Developed: Epic Games | Systems: Xbox 360 | Release Date: October
The culmination of the last 2 games has finally built up to Gears of War 3, where you learn much of the past to help you understand the current, which has been a mystery- until now, with an ‘Epic’ campaign and online/co-op features that make this the ultimate bundle. Gears of War 3 is simply everything you could have asked for to end a trilogy. The campaign is something so unique to others where you become so intimate with the characters that it is almost like you are living through them, understanding how they feel from their facial expressions to their body language. It is the closing masterpiece, Gears of War 3.
6. Portal 2
Published: Valve | Developed: Valve | Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, PC | Release Date: April
The full featured game we always knew Portal could be, number two offers everything that made its predecessor so unique and much more. Its few mild niggles are made negligible by its unique gameplay and well developed script. Portal 2 is a creative and engaging little slice of gaming heaven that can truly appeal to all kinds of people. It is one of the best games we have played all year, and it will probably become one of your favourites soon enough if you give it a chance.
5. Batman: Arkham City
Published: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment | Developed: Rocksteady Studios | Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, PC | Release Date: October
Batman: Arkham City is a fantastic game and one of the best games to have been released this gen. A lot of content combined with high production values is how a superhero game should be made, and that is exactly what Rocksteady has done. Every game studio that works on a superhero game can learn from Rocksteady, because right now, they’re the ones to beat. So what are you waiting for? Go buy this game immediately. Gotham City needs you.
4. Xenoblade Chronicles
Published: Nintendo | Developed: Monolith Soft | Systems: Wii | Release Date: August
Xenoblade Chronicles is a beautiful, beautiful game. It has sky-high production values, addictive, deep gameplay, a great story, and a gorgeous world that you’ll want to keep exploring. And chances are that you probably will keep on finding new places and new collectibles, considering the sheer size ad magnitude of the game. Where many JRPGs have tried to adopt the WPRG ways and “evolve”, Xenoblade Chronicles has held on to the essential Japanese Role Playing Games conventions and mechanics dearly, while shedding the unneeded and unpolished ones. The release of this game marks the rebirth of the JRPG genre, or at least the beginning of the rebirth.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Published: Nintendo | Developed: Nintendo EAD | Systems: Wii | Release Date: November
A game which can be termed as a fitting send off to the Wii, Skyward Sword is well worth your time and money, whether you have played the previous Zelda games or not (thanks tutorial). It is worth buying the Wii just to experience this masterpiece Nintendo has created. It’s a game that is made by the developers at the peak of their prowess and is a fitting celebration of game design itself.
2. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
Published: Sony Computer Entertainment | Developed: Naughty Dog | Systems: PS3 | Release Date: November
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is one of the biggest games of this year- but we already know that. It may have won several awards for technical achievements this year, and may have been outdone by other games in other departments, but one thing’s for sure- your money won’t be wasted. I just wish Sony and Naughty Dog work more closely with other developers so that games of such magnitude and quality can be developed more often. Again, I will say this- Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception is one of the best reasons to own a PlayStation 3.
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Published: Bethesda | Developed: Bethesda | Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, PC | Release Date: November
This is one of the defining games of 2011, and if you are an RPG fan, do yourself a favour and pick up this game. Not only is it great value for money, but this is what gaming stands for: freedom. Be free; do whatever you want and have a lot of fun while you do it. We almost wish Skyrim was a real place. Not only is Skyrim the best game of 2011, it is also one of the best, most memorable and iconic games to have been released in this entire gaming generation.
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