I played a lot of stuff this past year. I won’t run through everything, but here’s my top 10 in no particular order and some thoughts on each.
Dark Souls (PS3)
This game blew me away. Incredible world design combined with refined Demon Soul’s combat made this the most immersive and satisfying game this year. I found the spikes in difficulty greater than Demon Souls, but overall it seemed to be a smoother experience with less head banging. The move to the bonfire system was nothing short of genius, and I can’t say enough about the world design….the inter-connectivity is amazing. No other game this year made you feel so exhausted by the end of it, but also such a badass at the same time. And then you just want more…..
Outland (360)
I am a sucker for a good side-scroller, and this one came out of nowhere. The visual design is just so smart, and the gameplay feels perfect. It get’s hard as hell, but kept me entertained the whole way through. Probably the best thing I downloaded off of LIVE in 2011.
Crysis 2 (PC)
Essentially Thief meets GI JOE meets Michael Bay, this game really grew on me. Once you start getting good at the suit controls, switching in and out of modes, the sense of empowerment is awesome. It doesn’t hurt that it’s DX11 visuals look amazing and runs like butter on a 2yr old PC. Crytek certainly knows what they’re doing.
Dead Island (PC)
I’ve seen a lot of divided opinions on this one, but I gotta say I loved it. 1st person Melee combat has never been done better, and smashing zombies in the head with my sledghammer never got old. Some odd design choices aside, I had a lot of fun with this.
Portal 2 (PC)
Wow – anyone who doesn’t play this because it’s ‘just a puzzle game’ need’s their head examined. Easily one of the most creative and interesting titles of the year….and that ending..SO good.. Give whoever thought of that a raise.
Red Faction Armeggedon (PC)
I doubt this would be in anyone else’s top ten, but I loved this game. Sure there is no more open world, but played as a straight ahead action game, things don’t get much better. The weapons all have great punch, and the environmental destruction engine constantly delivered moments I’ve never seen in any other game. Wreaking havoc has never been so much fun
Infamous 2 (PS3)
I felt this one was underrated. The only thing that didn’t work well was the morality system – everything else – the combat, the environmental design, the character design, the story…all top notch. I actually had more fun with this than Batman AC because I enjoy the mechanics a little more. Ice Jumping anyone?
Deus Ex Human Revolution (PC)
The best rendition of ‘cyber punk’ I’ve seen yet….amazing visuals and art design. They did a great job of doing so much with so little – the riot level for example. The gameplay was so solid. I’m so happy they didn’t ruin this by adding parkour and shit.
Defense Grid: The Awakening (PC) In a great year for tower defense games, this one was my favourite, and I also felt it was the most straight-up addictive. Tight gameplay and some of the best voice-acting in any video game made this one really stand out. The control scheme on PC was just really brilliant as well, it was a pleasure to play.
Bulletstorm (PC)
Just sheer silly fun, the heavy metal of videogames. I liked the trickshot system and the fact they tried something different gameplay-wise. The art style was gorgeous as well, with rich saturated colors and amazing vistas. A satisfying roller-coaster of carnage. I wish this one did better at retail, because I would love to see a sequel.
These were just some of the highlights for me, what were you guys playing this year?
Dark Souls 100% but I could never get into the Crysis multiplayer style, too crazy. Did you ever play any Battlefield 3 at all?
I haven’t got around to it yet but it’s on my list…hopefully sometime soon. I’m looking forward to it – I hear the MP is a lot of fun.
It’s pretty wild
So you were one of the few who wasn’t completely blown away by Skyrim? Eh, I won’t hold it against you.
Although from what I’ve heard Dark Souls matches and exceeds it in a lot of ways. As a PC gamer, I’m really hoping for a port.
ah Skyrim…it was great overall, don’t get me wrong- but after Dark Souls and Dead Island the combat felt pretty bland to me. The world they crafted was pretty amazing though.
Yes to Dark Souls, I crawled down to where Neto resides only to find I couldnt get in to kill him yet! Then spent a couple of hours clawing my way back again dodging gorilla dog skeles and giants. The relief from making it back to a bonfire in the catacombs was incredible.
I have a question if I may, how do you find the time to do your work, your personal work AND play games (oh and have a life too)?
hah – that tomb of giants was my bane for a good long while.
As for your question, you make a critical error….you assume I have a life. =) The truth is to be competitive in this industry you need to invest a lot of time. I’m also a firm believer that skill and ability come mostly through sweat….sure there are the prodigies here and there, but for the rest of us it comes down to putting in the hours and honing your ability. So I figure since I’m trying to make living doing this, it’s worth the time investment. Definitely not the life for everyone, many things can fall by the wayside if you’re not careful. Re: video games; the nice thing about working from home is when you need a break the couch is just a few steps away.