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. 

The top 10 games of 2011 according to me

Okay, the moment you geeks have been waiting for--my top 10 games of 2011. Without further ado, let's do this.

10. Bastion 
To say that Bastion is the best looking 2D game I have seen all year (yes, I'm aware of Rayman) is an understatement. Gorgeous 1080p visuals and style that kept me hooked until I concluded our hero's adventure and reunited the Bastion. The soundtrack is fabulous and the narrator is laughably good. 

9. Dead Space 2
Well, it was brought up to me that my #9 was actually a 2010 release (Limbo) and that I forgot to include one of my favorite games from 2011--so here it is, Dead Space 2. This is one of those IPs that genuinely thrills and had enough story, universe, and character development to really deem itself worthy of novels and other non-gaming media. It was nice to hear Isaac's voice this time around. Turn the light off, crank up the speakers/headphones and let this one take you.

  
8. L.A. Noire
The ballsiest venture from the Rockstar folk--this is the adventure game I always wanted them to make. The game comes across like an action game, but it is literally a straight-forward adventure game with action elements thrown in to keep things moving. You're talking, analyzing, looking for clues, and ultimately wanting to go back to solve the crime fully. The game lets you get by even when you miss clues or put the wrong perp behind bars--for this reason alone, there's a lot of replay value in the universe. 

7. Gemini Rue
One of the coolest old school adventure games of yesteryear was made in 2011. I'm not joking--this is probably one of the finest adventure games to come out and it's made by a college student. From the design, dialog, and soundtrack, this is a total futuristic noir gem. My favorite downloadable game of the year, hands-down.  

6. Batman: Arkham City 
I think it's fair to say that Rocksteady pretty much made the best superhero (if you can call Batman that) game ever made. So for them to pretty much double the quality in terms of story, things to do, and generally leaving the player feeling like there's always something around the next street corner of Arkham City--it's a borderline miracle. I couldn't stop myself from finishing the story and I even found about 70% of the riddles. I have a feeling I'll be going back to this in a few months. 

5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

From the Blade Runner influenced design to the "pick your play style" gameplay to the epic synth score, I was immediately smitten with Deus Ex. I adored the original and I can safely say that this game is the modern remolding of the original. The universe is rich and although the acting isn't award-winning, it fits the sci-fi noir look of the universe nicely. I highly recommend this to any gamers out there that enjoy a smart action game with plenty of western RPG elements.  

4. Uncharted 3
Naughty Dog are the best developers on the PS3--hell, they're one of the best developers in the universe. Without spoiling anything, I will say that Uncharted 3 is the most gripping tale told in a game this year. I was hooked from beginning to end to find out what happened. Did I mention that this is one of the most visually stunning games out there? The set pieces have  to be seen to be believed. The only reason it didn't get a higher spot--there didn't seem as much of an urge to go back and replay right after I finished this one. Either way, one of the finest games I have ever played. No brainer--buy it. 

3. Skyrim

I never expected myself to fall for this game. I'm being honest here, I was not a big fan of Oblivion or the previous iterations of this series. However, Skyrim pretty much took all the junk I disliked and threw them out to make a title for anyone that enjoys western RPGs. The world has been fully realized, the stories all manage to run alongside each other without getting too confusing, and somehow I felt like I was in control and I knew the path I wanted to take the whole time. Be warned, this game is a time sink and if you don't think you can afford a 50 hour game in your life, then just step away. Having completed most of my journey in this universe, I can safely say that a lot of love and hard work went into making this one happen. 

2. Portal 2
The most smile-inducing "makes me feel like I'm way smarter than I really am" experience of 2011. I think all my friends will collectively agree that Portal 2 is one of the most genuinely smart and charming experiences to have come out this year. From the way the story is told, to the way the puzzles play out--you're literally forced to use your brain to uncover the story. The cooperative aspect of the game is also brilliant and probably the best way to get a loved one to partake in a smart game and see that gaming isn't the derivative joke that the media makes it out to be. 

1. Witcher 2
I'll sum it up like this: Witcher 2 is the RPG that Bioware wishes it could make today. Talk about the most improved sequel ever made. For a small Polish studio to turn out what can only be summed up as one of the deepest story-centric RPGs I have played in years--not expected at all. CD Project Red gets my number 1 for the year. From the dialog, acting, universe/lore, soundtrack, controls, depth, and ability to modify the story (drastically) by making different decisions--this is the game of 2011.  

The top 10 albums of 2011 according to me

Okay, this year has decided to go by at massive speed. Didn't we just celebrate the new year together? Well, it's time to share the albums that have really resounded with me in 2011. Each album is fantastic as a complete package (most, if not all tracks)--can't lead my friend astray now, could I?

Some of you probably agree and appreciate my view/taste pertaining to music. To those, I think you'll be very happy with these gems.


10. Gus Gus - Arabian Horse

This album came out of nowhere--on Michael Mayer's lovely Berlin-based Kompakt label too. Imagine dark hypnotic rhythms, meticulously structured ambiance and themes surrounded by very soulful vocals. Mixing dark music and vibrant vocals. It almost sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does--damn well in fact.  Each repeat listen results in this one deserving a spot in the top 10 for this year.  

9. Hammock - Chasing After Shadows...

I want you to play the below song. Raise the volume. Let it seep in. The full album title is actually Chasing After Shadows...Living With The Ghosts. What an appropriate title. In 2011, I ranked roughly 59 listens to this beautiful release (thanks iTunes). Whether I'm working, reading, or prepping to lay on my face--this album will always stay in my collection. Haunting melodies and tones that deftly trigger memories. Highly recommended by me. 

8. Apparat - The Devil's Walk

I will warn you, this album is not a light-hearted romp. It's a big labor of love from Sascha Ring (Apparat) and shows a big jump in maturity for his already beautiful and thoughtful sound. Take a listen/look at the below song (directed by none other than Saman Keshavarz) and believe. The whole release resonates with this rich tone. It's a timeless one. 

7. Tycho - Dive

Scott Hansen grew up in little Sacramento, but eventually ended up in San Francisco and that ultimately, at least in my opinion, really led to his sound growing leaps and bounds. A youthful and extremely uplifting sound with strong use of strings. There's something that resonates with Tycho's sound. Every track on this album is gorgeous and full of vibrant energy. Check it out.

6. M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming 

Anthony Gonzales puts out his most flamboyant and boisterous album--a double-CD in fact. Not a single track on this 20+ track release disappoints. At points you will hear the instrumental qualities from his Digital Shades release and at other times, you will hear a brand new voice and sound--something that needed to happen. The man moved from France to America and I think that alone has made a big change to the sound. No brainer--get this if you haven't. 

5. Sound of Arrows - Sound of Arrows 

The part of you that loves Pet Shop Boys, Abba, and Erasure has been craving this album. One of those albums that has me singing along in the most flamboyant fashion and not giving a damn about it. The whole thing is Scandinavian magic. Partake of this please.   

4. New Look - New Look  

Aside from the fact that they put on a great live show (and that I'm mildly smitten with the singer), this album really caught me off guard. A really fun album. Catchy, simple, melodic--feels good. That's all I have to say about that. Listen!

3. Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica  

This young man is the new Boards of Canada for me in a lot of ways. Uses sounds that are initially strange and don't seem to play well with each other and then after a few listens--it becomes flawless. Like it was all planned to come together, but only after your brain is ready to consume it and make it work.

Check out this awesome presentation of the album--a sense of nerd humor helps:

2. Kuedo - Severant 

If you have ever heard of Vangelis--this will make sense. Even if you haven't, know that Vangelis composed the Blade Runner soundtrack and the sound he made during that period exemplifies some of the best electronic music ever made. This album by Kuedo is a modern-day homage to that sound. The whole release is brilliant and is a must-own for any self respecting electronic music fan. 

1. Balam Acab - Wander/Wonder 

This is it--my number one of the year. Some of you might be scratching your heads here, but trust me. No other album this year has grown on me the way this has. So quiet, so layered, so full of life. For some kid to come along and just blow my mind like this--it's rare.

I ask that you raise the volume and let this one play to the end. 

As a bonus--the amazing remix Balam Acab did for Lana Del Rey.

Thanks for making this such a lovely year my friends. Let's make 2012 an equally fantastic year.

Love,

Me

Particular about time...

You know you're becoming an old man when you find yourself enamored with wall clocks.

Well, it was about time for me to have a couple in my home. I decided to partake in two pieces from those wild and crazy Dutch clock makers, Karlsson.

Let me know what you think. 

Ruben Ireland. Round Two!

Ruben's work is definite resounding success with me. Did I mention he's an awesome guy?

One day, I'll be in his shores and will use that time to discuss our mutual taste in music as well.

For now, enjoy the next piece I'm nabbing.

Something is always left behind

I have been reprimanded by friends and loved ones for choosing two locations (ad nauseum) for my personal escapes. These locations happen to be Tokyo and New York. 

Against their better judgment, I escaped to the latter once more, and I must admit, I always feel like a part of me is whole when I'm out there. It could be an escapist mentality--where in reality, if I had settled in, it would be no different than where I currently reside. 

However, I think this might be different. I saw many good friends and I enjoyed some surprise encounters as well. Perhaps it was the fact that I experienced my first birthday outside of California in over 20 years. Or perhaps I'm simply getting older and my priorities are shifting more and more. 

A fine and introspective time for this Persian. I appreciate all my friends and loved ones (new, old, and removed) for contributing to who I am and for allowing me to contribute to their existence. Deep!

Also, for the record--I do plan to escape to a new part of the world. Never say I didn't try something new. 

Pellegrino gave me a family portrait

For the last two years I've been seeing more and more awesome stuff on SF's own Spoke Art from the talented Rich Pellegrino. I meant to partake, but life got in the way. 


I eventually resolved that folly when I saw this new gem on its limited run. I had to pick it up. I hope you enjoy--looks even better on my wall. 

Here is a taste of his other work.