The top 10 games of 2012 according to me!

I think we can all admit that 2011 was a better year overall for games than 2012--happy now Joe Vierra? With that said, I still say that this year still had some great titles that need to be mentioned. Take note that one of these games came out on consoles in 2011 and another was only on iPhones before this year.

Honorable mention: Mass Effect 3 (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)

Unfortunately, ME3 didn't make it into my top 10, but it was looming right there below it. I felt everything else I mentioned took a priority to it, but I did enjoy ME3. Even though it was the weakest of the three and ultimately, my decisions in the first two games amounted to mean very little as Bioware concluded the story pretty much in the same way for all players with three forced conclusions. Regardless, the game was a very fun action RPG and definitely entertained me to the very end. 

10.  Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)

Okay, so I really don't like MMO type RPGs. Also, this game originally came out in late 2011, but missed the public eye due to being a paid game. Enter 2012, it gets revamped and goes free-to-play--opening up the door to a lot more gamers. With that said, Bioware went and spent a ton of money to create a world full of characters that speak, have stories to tell, and ultimately did a decent job of spiritually creating a third Knight of the Old Republic (KOTOR). Give it a go. If you enjoyed the KOTOR titles, you'll enjoy your adventure, even if you opt not to finish it to completion. 

9.  Sine Mora (PC, XBLA, PSVita)

When it comes to shooters--I think this is one of the best I've played in a long time. Visually, it's gorgeous. In terms of difficulty, it gently works you into the brutal difficulty of the later levels. Best of all, you can generally nab this one for a few bucks on the Steam sales. If you enjoyed the old school shooters of yesteryear (e.g. 1942, Gradius, etc.) then this one has your name all over it.

8.  Journey (PS3)

It's fair to say that Journey is probably one of the most visually appealing titles ever made. Did I mention that the soundtrack has been nominated for a Grammy? Continuing to border on the 'art meets game' territory that's proven to be a very controversial debate over the last few years. This was the only non-PC (it's on PS3 yo) title I bought in 2012. A fine example of why the PS3 serves to deliver the best exclusive content in the current-gen console climate. If you have a PS3 and don't own Journey--you're doing yourself a major disservice. 

7.  Hotline Miami (PC)

The makers didn't deny for one minute that the movie Drive served as a big influence in this game.  From the '80s flair, to the shockingly rad electronic soundtrack, to the excess of violence that leaves you feeling dirty to the core--this is a challenging little beast that keeps you coming back for more punishment.

6.  Superbrothers: Swords and Sworcery (PC, Mac, iOS, Android)

All through 2011, I kept hearing about how this amazing retro looking gem was blowing minds and soothing ears--then, we finally got a PC and Android release and the rest of the world got a chance to partake. Don't let the 'retro' wording fool you. This game looks and sounds far superior to the visual look it's emulating. Constantly breaking that fourth wall and having you try innovative ways to solve puzzles. Loved it! 

5.  Sleeping Dogs (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

The name of this game is very appropriate. This is an underrated gem. The gameplay is tight. The story is fun and well written. The side quests weren't the best in the world, but the core story and experience are enough to give titles like GTA a run for the money while offering more depth and flexibility that fans of Shenmue and the Yakuza series would approve of. Give this sleeping beast a shot. 

 4.  Dishonored (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

This one really caught me by surprise. Took the sneaky thieving elements of the Thief series and mixed it with the leveling and power skill-tree of Bioshock. The story isn't quite on par with that of the original Bioshock, but regardless, this is a great experience that any fan of either Thief or Bioshock would be pleased to own. 

 3. Hitman: Absolution (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Be warned--this game has massive replay value. You can complete your mission objectives your own way. This isn't hyperbole either. For example, do you take the poison in the cellar and disguise yourself as a chef and poison your target's food? Or perhaps you go in and avoid that scenario altogether and dress up as a guard and pretend you're working with the enemy? Your options are varied and very rewarding. As a non-fan of the Hitman series, consider me finally won over. 

2.  The Walking Dead (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Proof that character development and great writing goes far beyond a game's graphics engine. The visual design is simple and charming, but the story and world are a whole different story. Telltale stepped out of their typical mold of humorous adventure games (e.g. Sam & Max, Tales of Monkey Island) to deliver a series that continuously builds and gets you emotionally involved. Best of all, your decisions affect how the story progresses and how people perceive you in your party. An emotional roller coaster that deserves the praise its getting. 

1.  Max Payne 3 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

I was one of the first people to get worked up when Rockstar took the development helms of MP3 rather than Remedy (creator of the original two MP titles). Let me assure you, MP3 is a fantastic product. Max as a character is more realized and self deprecating than ever. One of the few titles I finished, only to pick it up immediately after and replay again. This rarely happens for me. Rockstar is allowed to make as many GTA games as they like, if it means titles like MP3 and L.A. Noire are going to be put out.