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2012 was NOT a great year for gaming. At least based on my experience and the list of games that I’ve played, which by the way, doesn’t include well-reviewed titles like Zero Escape, Borderlands 2, Dishonored, Halo 4, and — umm, thinking — I guess that’s probably it…?
Plus I reckon Halo 4’s not gonna change the impact of this list anyway, since my excitement for FPS shooters these days (slowly) continue to wind down. Though I’ve heard many good things about it and I’m pretty sure it’ll be somewhere on the top, if only I had my hands on it.
Anyway.
What I’m trying to say is I was REALLY disappointed with some of the big releases of last year, if not most of them. Games based on existing property which, at least I would’ve personally hoped, would kick ass and be the superior products to their predecessors. But hey, you know, with every Final Fantasy XIII-2s, Resident Evil 6s, Ninja Gaiden 3s, or even Soulcalibur Vs — you still have other great 2012-published titles out there that should grab your attention, provided you know what you’re looking for. After all: We seriously need to move on at times and stop glueing ourselves to existing IPs we once cherished. Obviously I’m talking to both of you, Misters Final Fantasy and Resident Evil!
Let’s go! Comments and reactions — whether it’s wild, entertaining, or just “random” if you will — are very much welcome. Oh, wait! One more thing: Remakes and/or HD rereleases are excluded simply because, well — it wouldn’t be fair to see a game originally published in 2008 acing the competition now, wouldn’t it? I mean, if rereleases or remasters do count in this silly rule of mine, then I should edit last year’s list and immediately dethrone Xenoblade Chronicles with the PSP version of Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. So, nope, you’re not gonna see Persona 4 Golden on the top of this list.
ENOUGH TALK!
Tokyo Jungle
A very entertaining stealth game, especially if you’re a pet owner!
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Single player campaign felt generic, in my opinion (Treyarch’s still desperately trying), but the multi was very good and — dare I say — one of the franchise’s best yet.
Sleeping Dogs
Err, definitely a sleeper hit of 2012. Surprisingly engaging (Hong Kong!) even though the combat could use some fine tuning.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
Haven’t had this much fun with Tekken in ages!
Gravity Rush
Controls are, literally, floaty at best. But the art direction and presentation are so lush and pretty — you could easily forgive some of the game’s problematic features (again, the controls).
Sound Shapes
A uniquely designed platform coupled with some charming tunes and slick visuals. It could use more (official) single player levels though…
DYAD
…I think it would be best for you guys to try it out, and hopefully realize “why”.
Lollipop Chainsaw
Funniest game of 2012, hands down!
Assassin’s Creed III
This one would’ve ranked a lot higher if it weren’t for the atrocious final acts for both Desmond and Connor. Such a waste…
Mass Effect 3
Fine, the ending was ridiculous, definitely, despite the fact I’ve seen worse (hello ACIII and Final Fantasy XIII-2). But we all had a blast 85-90% of the time, didn’t we!?