Your Picks: The Games Of 2012
It was quite a year for games, with many titles competing for the hearts and minds of an increasingly diverse player base. Check out the full list of nominees this year, that made the class of 2012 an impressive lot to say the least. With titles for every preference and every platform, here are the games which captured the most votes to earn the right to be called the best of the best.
Best Adventure Game
Assassin's Creed III
The series left the old world behind, bringing us a new protagonist and an entirely new country, the United States, the very dawn of its birth. Assassins could influence the course of the Revolutionary War, explore open-world cities and terrain, and even take part in some stunning sea battles never before seen in video game history. All of that made Assassin's Creed III a big hit.
See our Review.
Assassin's Creed III
The series left the old world behind, bringing us a new protagonist and an entirely new country, the United States, the very dawn of its birth. Assassins could influence the course of the Revolutionary War, explore open-world cities and terrain, and even take part in some stunning sea battles never before seen in video game history. All of that made Assassin's Creed III a big hit.
See our Review.
Best Family Game
Crazy Machines 2: Complete
Part Rube Goldberg device, part Mouse Trap game, Crazy Machines has been delighting gamers since 2008. With the release of the Crazy Machines 2: Complete pack, gamers in 2012 were given the whole range of wacky objects to play with, with updated graphics that look amazing, yet run on any computer. It's fun for all ages, and a great way for the entire family to both compete with each other, and play together to find the solution to some of the hardest puzzles the game offers.
See our Review.
Crazy Machines 2: Complete
Part Rube Goldberg device, part Mouse Trap game, Crazy Machines has been delighting gamers since 2008. With the release of the Crazy Machines 2: Complete pack, gamers in 2012 were given the whole range of wacky objects to play with, with updated graphics that look amazing, yet run on any computer. It's fun for all ages, and a great way for the entire family to both compete with each other, and play together to find the solution to some of the hardest puzzles the game offers.
See our Review.
Best Online Only Game
War of the Roses
Gamers have always enjoyed strapping on armor and testing their steel against monsters, computerized enemies and even dragons. But War of the Roses took us somewhere new, into the past, for a series of battles against real people. Set during the War of the Roses, the game brings the brutal realities of medieval combat front and center as archers, knights, footmen and cavalry from the houses of Lancaster and York fight for the throne of England.
See our Review.
War of the Roses
Gamers have always enjoyed strapping on armor and testing their steel against monsters, computerized enemies and even dragons. But War of the Roses took us somewhere new, into the past, for a series of battles against real people. Set during the War of the Roses, the game brings the brutal realities of medieval combat front and center as archers, knights, footmen and cavalry from the houses of Lancaster and York fight for the throne of England.
See our Review.
Best Puzzle Game
House of 1,000 Doors: Family Secrets
A modern puzzle adventure game with an old-school style, the House of 1,000 Doors: Family Secrets is both a hidden object and a traditional mystery adventure. Set in a spooky house with doors to other worlds, it features main character Kate, a 1920's era paranormal investigator, trying to explore this strange place and get to the bottom of a mystery that has in the past consumed members of her family. Spooky? Yes. Amazing? Also yes.
See our Review.
House of 1,000 Doors: Family Secrets
A modern puzzle adventure game with an old-school style, the House of 1,000 Doors: Family Secrets is both a hidden object and a traditional mystery adventure. Set in a spooky house with doors to other worlds, it features main character Kate, a 1920's era paranormal investigator, trying to explore this strange place and get to the bottom of a mystery that has in the past consumed members of her family. Spooky? Yes. Amazing? Also yes.
See our Review.
Best RPG
Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition
Originally winning a Game of the Year crown, as voted on by GiN Readers, back in 1998, the series went on to capture two more awards for Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal in 2000 and 2001. Now it can add a fourth win into the mix with the re-release of the original game in the form of the Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition. The enhanced version runs on all modern computers, looks amazing and even adds in some never-before-seen extra content and even a dungeon or two that nobody's ever explored. As a bonus, the Tales of the Sword Coast pack, originally a DLC, is included as part of the core game this time around.
See our Review.
Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition
Originally winning a Game of the Year crown, as voted on by GiN Readers, back in 1998, the series went on to capture two more awards for Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal in 2000 and 2001. Now it can add a fourth win into the mix with the re-release of the original game in the form of the Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition. The enhanced version runs on all modern computers, looks amazing and even adds in some never-before-seen extra content and even a dungeon or two that nobody's ever explored. As a bonus, the Tales of the Sword Coast pack, originally a DLC, is included as part of the core game this time around.
See our Review.
Best Shooter
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
The Call of Duty series made the controversial jump from World War II into modern day a few years ago, and found that most gamers were happy to follow it along. Call of Duty: Black Ops II goes even further, into the future to see what combat will be like in 2025. As such, everything is easily recognizable while still being pretty futuristic. The emphasis on multiplayer is stronger than ever, with players finishing the single player campaign in a few hours, and then jumping online for almost unlimited running and gunning (and funning).
See our Review.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
The Call of Duty series made the controversial jump from World War II into modern day a few years ago, and found that most gamers were happy to follow it along. Call of Duty: Black Ops II goes even further, into the future to see what combat will be like in 2025. As such, everything is easily recognizable while still being pretty futuristic. The emphasis on multiplayer is stronger than ever, with players finishing the single player campaign in a few hours, and then jumping online for almost unlimited running and gunning (and funning).
See our Review.
Best Simulation
Train Simulator 2013
It seems like the Train Simulator series does well every year in the voting process, always picking up a nomination or two, and it's won in the past once before. This year, one could not help but be left in awe of Train Simulator 2013. Not only is this one of the greatest train simulations ever created, that much is pretty obvious, but as simulators go, it's one of the best. It strikes a perfect balance between realism and fun, something most simulators fail at so badly. Here, you will dream of driving your steam locomotive or diesel powerhouse through rocky canyons filled with realistic weather, at the same time learning how to operate a train in the real world.
See our Review.
Train Simulator 2013
It seems like the Train Simulator series does well every year in the voting process, always picking up a nomination or two, and it's won in the past once before. This year, one could not help but be left in awe of Train Simulator 2013. Not only is this one of the greatest train simulations ever created, that much is pretty obvious, but as simulators go, it's one of the best. It strikes a perfect balance between realism and fun, something most simulators fail at so badly. Here, you will dream of driving your steam locomotive or diesel powerhouse through rocky canyons filled with realistic weather, at the same time learning how to operate a train in the real world.
See our Review.
Best Sports Game
FIFA Soccer 2013
Soccer games (also called European football) always capture the hearts and minds of GiN readers, and this year was no exception. FIFA Soccer 2013 is nothing short of a masterpiece. It not only recreates the excitement and the feel of the game, with real players and teams of course, but also adds innovative elements like the ability to create the ultimate team for world domination of the sport. As an added bonus, even if you're not a huge football fan, you can have a great time playing this exciting game just for kicks.
See our Review.
FIFA Soccer 2013
Soccer games (also called European football) always capture the hearts and minds of GiN readers, and this year was no exception. FIFA Soccer 2013 is nothing short of a masterpiece. It not only recreates the excitement and the feel of the game, with real players and teams of course, but also adds innovative elements like the ability to create the ultimate team for world domination of the sport. As an added bonus, even if you're not a huge football fan, you can have a great time playing this exciting game just for kicks.
See our Review.
Best Strategy Game
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
It seems like 2012 was the year of the remake, and most gamers were really happy when that trend included XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Handled with care by the geniuses at Firaxis, the latest XCOM game is set on an Earth under siege by hostile alien forces. Players have to build-out the ultimate defensive base, research technologies, strategically plan their campaigns around the globe to keep as many nations happy as possible, and kick alien butt in a myriad of tactical battles. This is old school turn-based strategy ramped up and ready for a whole new generation of gamers to fall in love with.
See our Review.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
It seems like 2012 was the year of the remake, and most gamers were really happy when that trend included XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Handled with care by the geniuses at Firaxis, the latest XCOM game is set on an Earth under siege by hostile alien forces. Players have to build-out the ultimate defensive base, research technologies, strategically plan their campaigns around the globe to keep as many nations happy as possible, and kick alien butt in a myriad of tactical battles. This is old school turn-based strategy ramped up and ready for a whole new generation of gamers to fall in love with.
See our Review.
Best Environment
Far Cry 3
Far Cry 3 is probably the most beautiful-looking game ever created. Previous games in the series looked good too, but nothing compares to the tropical paradise that is Rook Island in Far Cry 3. It's a dangerous place populated by pirates, mercenaries, crocodiles and tigers, that almost makes you afraid to let down your guard to enjoy the beauty. Whether hang gliding over its majestic peaks, barreling down its dusty roads or going on night patrol in a World War II era PT boat through shark infested waters, it's an immersive, beautiful experience that's not to be missed. Just keep your guns loaded as you enjoy the local flora and fauna, lest they get to enjoy you.
See our Review.
Far Cry 3
Far Cry 3 is probably the most beautiful-looking game ever created. Previous games in the series looked good too, but nothing compares to the tropical paradise that is Rook Island in Far Cry 3. It's a dangerous place populated by pirates, mercenaries, crocodiles and tigers, that almost makes you afraid to let down your guard to enjoy the beauty. Whether hang gliding over its majestic peaks, barreling down its dusty roads or going on night patrol in a World War II era PT boat through shark infested waters, it's an immersive, beautiful experience that's not to be missed. Just keep your guns loaded as you enjoy the local flora and fauna, lest they get to enjoy you.
See our Review.
Best Expansion Pack Or DLC
Skyrim: Dragonborn
Did you think this would be a year without a Skyrim victory? After the core game won an unprecedented seven GOTY awards in the contest last year, it scores once more this time around with the Dragonborn DLC. Dragonborn takes players back to Solstheim, which was made popular as far back as the days of Morrowind and the Bloodmoon expansion for that game. Dragonborn is the one DLC that everyone who plays Skyrim should own. Besides beautiful terrain and a fascinating ecosystem, players will find new quests, dungeons and creatures to challenge even the toughest of adventurers. Oh yea, and you can fly on the back of a dragon, just for added fun.
See our Review.
Skyrim: Dragonborn
Did you think this would be a year without a Skyrim victory? After the core game won an unprecedented seven GOTY awards in the contest last year, it scores once more this time around with the Dragonborn DLC. Dragonborn takes players back to Solstheim, which was made popular as far back as the days of Morrowind and the Bloodmoon expansion for that game. Dragonborn is the one DLC that everyone who plays Skyrim should own. Besides beautiful terrain and a fascinating ecosystem, players will find new quests, dungeons and creatures to challenge even the toughest of adventurers. Oh yea, and you can fly on the back of a dragon, just for added fun.
See our Review.
Best Original Soundtrack
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2, like most of the modern Final Fantasy titles, is as much about style as substance, and it's a game with deep substance. Part of that substance is the original soundtrack that always becomes part of the mix. With Final Fantasy XIII-2, this was especially true. The battles are more intense now, and part of that is the rocking soundtrack that plays while you fight. Even in the extended cut scenes, the music always helps to set the mood, making the dramatic more so and the hauntingly beautiful just a bit more ethereal. It's a treat for your ears as much as your eyes.
See our Review.
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2, like most of the modern Final Fantasy titles, is as much about style as substance, and it's a game with deep substance. Part of that substance is the original soundtrack that always becomes part of the mix. With Final Fantasy XIII-2, this was especially true. The battles are more intense now, and part of that is the rocking soundtrack that plays while you fight. Even in the extended cut scenes, the music always helps to set the mood, making the dramatic more so and the hauntingly beautiful just a bit more ethereal. It's a treat for your ears as much as your eyes.
See our Review.
Best Apple/iOS Game
Army of Darkness Defense
The Apple iOS platform now sees thousands of games released for it every year, so it's difficult for any one of them to rise to the top. But Army of Darkness Defense does so not just because of its close ties to the cult-classic movie, but because it really pushes tower defense titles to their absolute limit. You can upgrade your hero, Ash from the movie, the peasants who fight to defend against the undead army, or even the castle itself. There are side-scrolling elements and even an RPG angle. In short, this is a perfect title for the small screen. It's addictive, funny, and a great overall value.
See our Review.
Army of Darkness Defense
The Apple iOS platform now sees thousands of games released for it every year, so it's difficult for any one of them to rise to the top. But Army of Darkness Defense does so not just because of its close ties to the cult-classic movie, but because it really pushes tower defense titles to their absolute limit. You can upgrade your hero, Ash from the movie, the peasants who fight to defend against the undead army, or even the castle itself. There are side-scrolling elements and even an RPG angle. In short, this is a perfect title for the small screen. It's addictive, funny, and a great overall value.
See our Review.
Best DS/3DS Game
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
Let's face it, some of the games that came out for the 3DS this year have been a bit lackluster. But not Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D. It takes the amazing Metal Gear gameplay we are used to on the console and effortlessly moves it to the small screen. Even the 3D capabilities of the 3DS are used to great effect here, not just as an add-on gimmick. If you own a 3DS and only buy one game this year, make it Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D.
See our Review.
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
Let's face it, some of the games that came out for the 3DS this year have been a bit lackluster. But not Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D. It takes the amazing Metal Gear gameplay we are used to on the console and effortlessly moves it to the small screen. Even the 3D capabilities of the 3DS are used to great effect here, not just as an add-on gimmick. If you own a 3DS and only buy one game this year, make it Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D.
See our Review.
Best PC Game
Diablo III
Many PC gamers hold a soft spot in their heart for the Diablo series, but it's been a long time since we've heard anything about it. The last game, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, was released way back in 2001. Finally, Blizzard pulled back the curtain on Diablo III, and what a sight to see! All the hardcore monster slaying, the amazing loot drops and the quest to tweak characters to their ultimate maximum were there again, leading to many late-night play sessions for addicted PC gamers. The addition to a real-money or gold-only auction house was just icing on the cake for the PC game of the year.
See our Review.
Diablo III
Many PC gamers hold a soft spot in their heart for the Diablo series, but it's been a long time since we've heard anything about it. The last game, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, was released way back in 2001. Finally, Blizzard pulled back the curtain on Diablo III, and what a sight to see! All the hardcore monster slaying, the amazing loot drops and the quest to tweak characters to their ultimate maximum were there again, leading to many late-night play sessions for addicted PC gamers. The addition to a real-money or gold-only auction house was just icing on the cake for the PC game of the year.
See our Review.
Best PlayStation 3 Game
Assassin's Creed III
PS3 gamers had a lot of exclusive choices this year, but instead voted for the multi-platform hit Assassin's Creed III as their game of choice. And who could really blame them. Connor is probably one of the best characters introduced this year, conflicted even as he helps the Americans against their British overlords. And on the PS3, Assassin's Creed III ran smooth as butter, giving PS3 players a great gaming experience that's not to be missed.
See our Review.
Assassin's Creed III
PS3 gamers had a lot of exclusive choices this year, but instead voted for the multi-platform hit Assassin's Creed III as their game of choice. And who could really blame them. Connor is probably one of the best characters introduced this year, conflicted even as he helps the Americans against their British overlords. And on the PS3, Assassin's Creed III ran smooth as butter, giving PS3 players a great gaming experience that's not to be missed.
See our Review.
Best Wii Game
Skylanders: Giants
The Wii platform has always been a little more family friendly than the other consoles, so it's no wonder that gamers there appreciated a game like Skylanders: Giants. This brilliant game features real figurines that are set onto a portal to transport them into the game. The figures even work on other consoles as well, though the Wii gamers seem to have embraced the Skylanders theme more than most. Giants adds huge characters that are great at getting into certain areas their smaller cousin's can't, and for lending a hand in the toughest of the family-friendly battles.
See our Review.
Skylanders: Giants
The Wii platform has always been a little more family friendly than the other consoles, so it's no wonder that gamers there appreciated a game like Skylanders: Giants. This brilliant game features real figurines that are set onto a portal to transport them into the game. The figures even work on other consoles as well, though the Wii gamers seem to have embraced the Skylanders theme more than most. Giants adds huge characters that are great at getting into certain areas their smaller cousin's can't, and for lending a hand in the toughest of the family-friendly battles.
See our Review.
Best Xbox 360 Game
Halo 4
The Halo series helped to launch the Xbox, and that combination of action and story carried though to the 360. Although there have been a few stumbles along the way, new developer 343 Studios really strived to make Halo 4 a memorable experience. They succeeded in a big way, pumping up the storyline between Master Chief and his AI companion Cortana, offering a stunning visual display, new enemies and an over-the-top shooter experience. Halo 4 takes its place among the greats, and earns its keep as the best Xbox 360 game released in 2012.
See our Review.
Halo 4
The Halo series helped to launch the Xbox, and that combination of action and story carried though to the 360. Although there have been a few stumbles along the way, new developer 343 Studios really strived to make Halo 4 a memorable experience. They succeeded in a big way, pumping up the storyline between Master Chief and his AI companion Cortana, offering a stunning visual display, new enemies and an over-the-top shooter experience. Halo 4 takes its place among the greats, and earns its keep as the best Xbox 360 game released in 2012.
See our Review.
Game of the Year Runner-up
Dishonored
Although not the mega-hit of Skyrim, Bethesda Softworks did publish an amazing game this year in the form of Dishonored. Developer Arkane Studios brought us this eclectic mix of steampunk, shooter and RPG for the console and PC. Set in a melancholy game world ravaged by plague, our hero must become a reluctant assassin to right the wrongs of a troubled age. The addition of unique, yet not overpowering, magic and a twisting plot that makes backstabbing and betrayal the normal part of everyday life has earned the title quite a few hardcore fans. It's a bit like a great novel that starts off slowly, but captures the heart as surly as if it were bound in chains. Its fans rallied enough votes to give Dishonored the honor of becoming the runner-up title for Game of the Year.
See our Review.
Dishonored
Although not the mega-hit of Skyrim, Bethesda Softworks did publish an amazing game this year in the form of Dishonored. Developer Arkane Studios brought us this eclectic mix of steampunk, shooter and RPG for the console and PC. Set in a melancholy game world ravaged by plague, our hero must become a reluctant assassin to right the wrongs of a troubled age. The addition of unique, yet not overpowering, magic and a twisting plot that makes backstabbing and betrayal the normal part of everyday life has earned the title quite a few hardcore fans. It's a bit like a great novel that starts off slowly, but captures the heart as surly as if it were bound in chains. Its fans rallied enough votes to give Dishonored the honor of becoming the runner-up title for Game of the Year.
See our Review.
Overall Game of the Year
Call of Duty: Black Ops IIAs happens fairly often, though not always, the top Shooter of the year is also GiN readers' choice for the overall Game of the Year. That honor this year goes to Call of Duty: Black Ops II. There are literally thousands of people playing it right now, as has been the case constantly since the day it launched. New maps, weapons, DLCs and clever marketing campaigns only add more gasoline to the raging fires. Suffice to say, this is one game that made its mark on the industry, and will influence it for many years to come. Activision and Treyarch have found a winning formula, and are painting the world black with it, enlisting millions of gamers in Call of Duty's new army.
See our Review.