Top 10 games of 2012

2012 is almost over, that was fast wasn’t it? We’re all making 2013 resolutions when we still haven’t finished our 2012 list yet. 2012 was a very good year of gaming, seeing some great releases that were highly anticipated and we compiled our own little list of the 10 best games of this year. It wasn’t easy to narrow it down to just 10. The list is for all platforms so have a gander at it:

10: Fez

Downloadable via XBLA, Fez is developed by Polytron or more famously, Phil Fish and took 5 years to complete. It’s a 2D puzzle platformer in a 3D world allowing you to switch perspectives to reach your goal. While it had its hiccups with the patch fiasco, Fez showed it was a game that was well worth the wait. With its smart mechanics and fresh visuals, anyone with an Xbox 360 should download this title.

9: Hotline Miami

Developed by Dennaton Games for the PC, it’s a top-down 2D action game with ultra-violence, a great surreal story, stealth elements and a smashing soundtrack. Hotline Miami is just one of those games that is hard to interpret and opinions will differ from one person to another but there is just a certain draw that keeps bringing you back.

8: Borderlands 2

Developed by Gearbox Software for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360; it’s a first-person shooter role-playing game and is the sequel to one of the more surprising titles in recent memory. Borderlands 2 features 4 all-new characters and has more of the same high-octane colourful action we all came to love in the first. Oh yeah, it also has tons and tons of guns. Read our review here.

7: Diablo 3

Developed by Blizzard for the PC; fans have been waiting for this sequel for 12 years after Diablo 2 released. It’s one of the most successful PC games ever and released to rave reviews amidst all the controversies. With 5 character classes to choose from and a steady stream of new content being released for it, fans and newcomers alike will find things to like about Diablo 3.

6: Gravity Rush

Developed by Sony Japan for the PS Vita, it’s a third-person open-world action game with RPG elements added in the mix. You main ability is controlling gravity which you can manipulate to fly, walk on walls and also to attack. With its beautiful cel-shaded graphics and interesting gameplay mechanics, this is certainly the best Vita title out there to date. Read our review here.

5: XCOM Enemy Unknown

Developed by Firaxis Games for the Xbox 360, PC and PS3; it’s a turn-based tactical role-playing strategy game that returns to the roots of the X-COM series. You command troops to fight against an alien invasion and also direct resources to research and develop new technologies to help you in the fight.

4: Mark of the Ninja

Developed by Klei Entertainment for the PC and XBLA; it’s a side-scrolling stealth action game where you play a ninja with power-imbuing tattoos. Although being a 2D side-scroller, its stealth mechanics is very nicely done and part of the fun is finding openings in the environments such as vents to stay hidden and to take down your enemies silently. You owe it to yourself to play this game.

3: Far Cry 3

Developed by Ubisoft Montreal for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360; it’s a open-world first-person shooter where your playground is a huge tropical island. It features stealth gameplay, looting and you can also develop your character through skill trees. It’s definitely one of the best games this year and although Ubisoft Montreal dropped the ball with Assassin’s Creed 3, they made up for it with Far Cry 3. It also features one of the more interesting game characters in the psychotic villain Vaas. Read our review here.

2: The Walking Dead

Developed by Telltale Games for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC as well as iOS devices; it’s a point-and-click adventure game which was released periodically over 5 episodes. It’s a downloadable title and a retail version was recently released with all 5 episodes on one disc. It features great characters which develop as you play and some great story telling and writing. You will feel a certain kind of connection with the characters on-screen and how many games can say to have done that before? Seriously, this is a must play.

1: Dishonored

Developed by Arkane Studios for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360; it’s a first-person stealth action game where you play a former bodyguard to the Empress turned assassin as you seek revenge against those that framed you for the murder of the Empress. You have at your disposal magical powers such as blinking (short-teleportation) and summoning rats to help you in your quest. With multiple ways to go through any given level and the choice of going on a murderous rampage or a no-kill run which will affect the game and story, this is game that everyone needs to play. Read our review here.