The Top Games of 2011: The Best Genre Specific Games

This year was a banner year for games but RPG's had it especially well seeing the release of several premier titles that have been both critically and publicly acclaimed. Several big shooter franchises also released new games, and have raked in the dough. There were was also some cake and some big, tough, manly men getting emotional. So what were the best games of each genre? 

Best Shooter: Gears of War 3

Gears of War 3 is the kind of shooter I wish I had growing up. The campaign solidly wraps up the Gears trilogy, along with plenty of emotional moments and chainsawing fun. The multiplayer is solid and has plenty of modes and features to keep you playing. Horde mode is back and better than ever, and coupled with the new Beast mode there is more than enough to keep you playing for hours upon hours. The gameplay is just as good as it's always been in the Gears series, and the visuals are stunning. Apart from a few bugs here and there this is the kind of shooter you can find yourself playing for a long time. 

Image Source: G4TV

Best Action Game: Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

I felt that I should let a real big Zelda fan cover this one, so my good friend Bryan will be covering this one. Take it away!

Legend of Zelda, is one of the most respected game franchises around. Many of the games titles are beloved classics. So when I say that Skyward Sword is the greatest Legend of Zelda game ever, you know it is one incredible experience. The storyline is intense and refreshingly different, giving players a new take on the relationships between key characters. The really impressive part of the story though, is how it links the past games together and how it sets some of the really interesting parts of the franchise up. The gameplay is extremely solid as well, utilizing the Wii’s motion controls in a way that hasn't really been seen before and provides a whole new spin on the combat. The games graphics are also gorgeous and different, using a watercolor style that sets Skyward Sword apart from most other games in the graphics department. All of the new ideas and features that Nintendo created for Skyward Sword were implemented with incredible execution, and the end result is perhaps the greatest Legend of Zelda experience ever.

Image Source: Digital Trends

Best Puzzle Game: Portal 2

Portal 2 is a prime example of a sequel that rises above the original. Every last part of this game improves one the already incredible foundation that Portal built. The voice acting is absolutely incredible and the visuals are awesome. The levels are much more impressive this time around. Part of that has to do with the game no longer being set only in a sterile lab environment now that plant life has invaded the Enrichment Center. But it's the puzzles that, once again. really make this game a lot of fun. The new elements are added in wonderfully, and don't feel forced and the scale of some of the levels is just insane. The co-op mode is brilliant as well, and really utilizes having an extra person around for puzzle solving. If you liked the first one at all, there is no reason to avoid Portal 2.

Image Source: Squidoo.com

Best RPG: Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls Series has always been about huge, detailed worlds, where you can do pretty much whatever you want. With the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim though, Bethesda may have created one of the finest open world RPG's ever. From the second you step foot out of the games tutorial section the land of Skyrim is your playground. If you want to go do the main story, go so it. If you want to join the Mages College, you can make your way the frozen town of Winterhold, or maybe the Dark Brotherhood is more your speed. And if none of that really appeals to you, you could just go roam the wilderness, looting every last tomb, cave, and residence you find.You can essentially play the game how you want too, with no real restrictions on styles of combat. You want to go into a battle wearing heavy armor but blasting spells left and right, you can. Want to dual wield an axe and a sword? You can do that too. The game is downright gorgeous as well, and the soundtrack always sets the mood just right when trekking through the mountains. And of course...you know....dragons. Really, apart from a somewhat disappointing main quest line, the only big flaw Skyrim has is being a bit too big. 

Image Source: Videogamer.com

Best Fighting Game: Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat returned this year, and it's just as ridiculously fun and bloody as always. The game is largely the dame it has always been but tweaks the combat mechanics and controls and you have a pretty solid fighting game. Add in all of the unlockable features, costumes, fatalities and you have a game that you can get sucked into for quite a bit of time. The number of modes is fairly impressive as well including the Challenge mode, a tower of 300 objective oriented levels, as well as the classic tournament mode. Online play is fun too, including with it a new King of the Hill mode where groups of players wait turns to take on each other, while those not fighting take in the show. The story mode is a bit cheesy and unimpressive, and the sounds aren't particularly impressive but every single fighter has different movesets and fatalities. This is the best version of Mortal Kombat so far, and is defiantly the best fighter of this year. 

Image Source: Mortal Kombat Wiki

Best Sports Game: FIFA 12

FIFA 12 doesn't do anything particularly new and interesting, but it further refines the gameplay, modes, and presentation. The real big change in this years version is the new tactical defense system. No longer is it just a button press or two for you to essentially shut down defense. Now you have to actually time your tackles and sometimes the decision to simply hold back an opposing player is a smarter decision. The animations are also much smoother and more realistic now, making the game not just play realistically, but look the part as well. The online modes are compelling and football fans will love the way that matches are arranged when playing on versus one matches. You now pick your team before you start matchmaking, the servers then take into account your team, division, your personal ranking, did not finish percentage, and location which makes matches much, much fairer and fun. Ultimate Team is now included right out of the box, instead of being offered up as DLC which is really nice as well. All in all, this is the kind of football game you can not miss if you enjoy the sport. There is plenty to do, both online and off, and the presentation is slick and intuitive, even if the game doesn't take many chances. 

Image Source: Soccergaming.com

Best Racing Game: Forza 4

If you like cars, racing, or racing cars, Forza 4 has everything you can ask for. Over 450 cars, including everything from a Suzuki SX4 to a 1993 Mclaren F1. And with 25 tracks, many with multiple stages and layouts, there are plenty of different places to enjoy your vehicles on. There's a bevy of tuning and customizing options for every car, meaning that gearheads who link fine tuning every aspect of their ride can get lost for hours. Then you've also got the paint shop Then there's the online racing that now allows 16 players to race at once, not to mention Rival mode where you and your friends can try to outdo each other on various challenges and trials. There are also Car Clubs, where you and some friends can put cars that become available for everyone in the club to drive. The visuals are very impressive, especially the landscapes, and the sounds (except the music) are exceptional. The only real problem with Forza 4 is it offers virtually no tutorials or guides, so beginners can become somewhat overwhelmed, but there are enough driving aids that novice racers can get comfortable before too long. The Kinect features aren't really worth the trouble, headtracking was a particularly large let down, but it never takes anything away from the experience to be found here. 

Image Source: Gamereactor.eu

The Best Console Specific Games
The Best Game of 2011
The Best Sound and Art
Marshmallow Fluff! Presents: The Top Games of 2011

The Top Games of 2011: Console Specific Games

Some games don't get released on every platform. It's a real shame, but such is the way the games industry works. But what were the best games for each console?

Best Xbox 360 Exclusive Game: Forza 4 

This category was hard to decide upon for two reasons. The first being that none of the core consoles have a deep catalog of exclusives. The second being that there were two very good Xbox 360 exclusives that were vying for peoples attention. And both are deep and have a lot to keep you busy. Both were solidly the best of the year in their respective categories. But when it comes down to it, Forza 4 is a highly polished, very deep racing sim. There is no reason any racing fan would not want this game, with over 450 cars, over 20 tracks, and a deep community that offers custom paint jobs, car setups, and pictures. The driving mechanics are incredible, and every last car in the game is painstakingly recreated. The game is a bit unfriendly to beginners but there are enough driving aids that, given some patience, you could ease yourself in without too much trouble. Really the only thing missing are Porsches (curse you EA!) 

Image source: Videogamewriters.com

Best Downloadable Game: Bastion

This is the only category I honestly had no trouble deciding. The story is excellent, the art style is unique and vibrant, and the soundtrack is one of the best in any game. The combat, while not inventive, is incredibly fun, and the huge variety of weapons and special abilities offers lots of possibilities. And it's not just the things that are clear in front of you that make this game incredible. There's all sorts of amazing things waiting to be discovered that add to the story and to the experience. The omnipresent narrator is also a really cool touch, and helps flavor the game even further. This is one of those games you need to play. 

Image source: Supergiant Games

Best PC Exclusive Game: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Perhaps it was because of Skyrim, perhaps it was because the game was released in May. Whatever the reason, a lot of people seem to have forgotten just how good The Witcher 2 is. It is one of the best examples of storytelling in a game. Nearly every decision you make drives the game forward or alters how the game will end. The plot  moves along at a fast pace, sometimes so much so that several big revelations and shocking moments coincide. These moments are made even better by a wide array of characters who feel like real people. The environments are gorgeous, and the music and sound just add to the experience. The fast paced combat always keeps things entertaining, and the deep customization and crafting encourage exploration. The Witcher 2 also doesn't shy away from being gritty or offensive, often going places few games have tread before in terms of content. It is without a doubt one of the finest RPG experiences ever created. 

Image Source: Airbornegamer.com

Best Playstation 3 Exclusive: Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Uncharted 3 offers more awesome exploits from Drake, Sully and co. and it might just be the best game in the series. It further refines the experiences of the past two, opening at a breakneck pace and continuing that way for much of the game. The story is solid, even if it is starting to become a bit formulaic, and the characters and voice acting continue to be highlights. The soundtrack is impressive, as are the environmental audio effects. The graphics are beautiful as well. The gameplay is better than it's ever been, but the shooting mechanics still feel a bit jumpy at times, and some segments of the game are extremely frustrating to play through. But this game still shines through as one of the best experiences to be had, PS3 or otherwise. 

Image Source: Playstationlifestyle.net

Best Wii Exclusive Game: Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Legend of Zelda turned 25 years old this year. Fitting then, that the best game in the series revolutionizes it as well as marks the anniversery of the series. Skyward Sword changes the control style, the design, and even the relationship between Link and Zelda. Yet, the story that Skyward Sword tells is powerful, and is easily one of the most memorable in gaming history. The watercolor art style is stunning, and will standout for years to come, and the musical score, while not quite the best in the series, does an incredible job of providing emotion. The controls are intuitive, they just feel right. You will never want to play Zelda any other way again. Ocarina of Time has long been the standard by which all other games in the Legend of Zelda series are judged. Skyward Sword may finally be the game that tops Ocarina of Time, a feat few thought possible. And it goes to show just how incredible an experience Skyward Sword really is. 

Image source: Wikipedia

Best Handheld: Radiant Historia 

Radiant Historia may not be the choice people were expecting, but the game itself is not what people were expecting. Raidiant Historia walks a fine line between a traditional RPG, and something entirely different, and the game takes a lot of chances. The result is a game that is refreshingly different and fun. The story is solid, and though it can get a bit text ridden sometimes, it always makes you feel engaged and your decisions will make you feel responsible for what happens because of your choices. It does take a bit to get going, maybe longer than it should, but once your into the heart of the game you will be on the edge of your seat until the end. The combat is incredibly fun, offering a very interesting shakeup to the usual turn based style seen in most RPGs and it allows some very different strategies for combat while remaining somewhat familiar to longtime RPG players. The retro sprite graphics are also stunning and detailed, the soundtrack is absolutely incredible and a large game world offers plenty of exploration. It might not be what you were expecting, but that isn't always a bad thing. 

Image Source: Moby Games

The Best Game of 2011
The Best Genre Specific Games
The Best Sound and Art
Marshmallow Fluff! Presents: The Top Games of 2011 

News: Shepard Can Lose, Skyrim Same-Sex Marriage, and more!

...investigative reporting without the investigation.

This week was filled with interesting information reveals for games coming out over the next few months, as well as a Warthog preview in Forza. Yes, the Halo Warthog as it will appear in Halo 4 (supposedly)was show off in Forza 4. No you can not drive it. Not in Forza anyway...

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Will Allow Same-Sex Marrige
In case you didn't hear already, Bethesda is taking a page out of Peter Molyneux's book and allowing you to marry NPC's and have relationships with them in Skyrim. Skyrim will allow men to marry men, and ladies to marry ladies, if they so choose. As far as I'm concerned, good on Bethesda for not restricting marriage to men and women only. I also like their response that it's not even that big a deal. The same-sex part not the relationship mechanic itself. That part is supposed to be very useful, partially because your partner can accompany you around the game world, offer you relationship-specific quests, and probably some other things we haven't seen yet.

You Can Lose In Mass Effect 3

As much as I didn't want to read this, I already kind of knew it should be possible. Bioware has confirmed that if you play Mass Effect 3 and have been screwing things up royally from Eden Prime to the final showdown with the reapers, you can fail to stop them. Bioware has already said there are many possible endings for Mass Effect 3 and that it all comes down to the choices you've made, so really this isn't so much a shocking reveal as it is a confirmation of our suspicions. Still, failing so bad the entire galaxy is wiped out. How many games can say you can even do that?

Turn 10 Shows Off Halo 4's Warthog in Forza 4's Showroom
Turn 10 has made on hell of a crossover with Halo at Halofest, showing off the first look at Halo 4's version of the Warthog in Forza 4's car viewing garage mode. You can check it out yourself when Forza 4 ships this fall, but the Halofest execs stressed that you can not race the vehicle in the game (they say because it's too slow, I say because it'd be too much awesome) , and even unlocking the vehicle to view will involve some dedication from players. They haven't said what it will take to unlock it, but they have said it won't be easy.

Man Sues Microsoft for $500 Billion Dollars

I really wish I was making that up. To sum the story up for those of us non-legal folk, David Stebbins found a loophole that allows Xbox consumers to amend the Terms of Service. Microsoft, by law, has to respond to the letter by either adding the changes or (as per Stebbins terms) cancel his account. If they didn't respond in ten days, Microsoft would be forced to submit to the new terms. Stebbins' added in a 'forfeit victory clause' that said Microsoft would have to pay him $500 billion dollars if they did not respond within 24 hours of the new Terms going into effect. Guess what Microsoft did not do? Now let me be upfront about this: No matter the legal implications of this, there is no chance that Microsoft will ever be forced to pay all that money to this guy. I can't even speculate what the hell is going to happen with this, but I can tell you right now, this guy has a better chance of being bit by a shark, hit by lightning, winning the lottery, and winning a Nobel Prize in the space of five minutes, then he does of getting that money.

Thats all for this weeks news. Check back next week to see if Half Life 3 has been announced! (spoiler alert: it won't be.)

EA Decides Turn 10 Can't Use Porsche License - And Important News

...I prefer Ferrari's anyway.

This news is yet another example of why we the people can not have nice things.

Chances are that if your a racing game enthusiast you have played one of the Forza games, or at least know it is the Xbox equivalent of Gran Turismo. Turn 10, the developer behind the Forza games does not have the rights to use the Porsche likeness in a game. That sole exclusive right belongs to EA, and has for quite some time. Since the first title in the Forza franchise, Turn 10 has been able to put Porsche's in the game through a sub licensing deal with EA for the past three titles in the franchise.

The logo of pure evil. Or just, you know, people obsessed with money.

Not this time though.

For whatever reason (I like to assume because the EA execs are to busy swimming in their pool of money and gamers tears to pay attention) EA decided that one of the biggest racing games of the year doesn't get to have one of the most recognizable brands in the automotive world. Turn 10 has stated they have tried numerous times to get EA to change their minds about the decision, but to no avail.

Nobody is winning here. EA is not helping their image in any way by deciding that Turn 10 can't borrow their 'Porsche Ball' for a little bit. After all, they had no problem with it the past three titles in the series, what changed in the fourth? Maybe they think their own NFS franchise should have the perk of being the only game that has Porches. If that's the case, I see why they would decide to withhold the license.

I still think it's a bad move though. EA doesn't have an excellent relationship with hardcore gamers, and even some casual gamers know of EA's reputation to care more about the money than with game quality. I get that. Games are a business, but why can't we share? EA's not making any friends with this move, and it's bothering me that they are so unflinching in their decision. I'm sure Turn 10 is willing to pay quite handsomely to use the license so why not let us have our Porsches EA?

I'm not going to say EA will regret this move, but as I said, they aren't making any friends with this.

And...that's it. That's all I got right now. But starting Saturday's I'll be doing a weekly post on the various things happening in the video game industry. It's not a big thing, but it'll keep things flowing more here.

Until then.