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2011: Game of the Year
The Holiday season is upon us, which means it's time for a mega recap. You know, looking back at what we've played throughout the entire year and saying how much we loved it... or didn't (yeah, well, we'll be discussing crappy games another time). As gaming years go, 2011 wasn't half bad. It wasn't the best year ever, but it had some terrific moments. As much as we enjoy playing video games, we also continue to vomit in the face of certain publishers and some developers, who incessantly spew out mediocre titles in a vain effort to entertain us. Criticizing on our part may not be a sufficient method of fighting this, since those damn sales numbers have the final verdict. That's the way it will always be, I'm afraid. This, on the other hand, won't make us forget that we need to honor games that bloody well deserve it.
As some of you may notice, we don't have the Rhythm/Music category this year; mostly because we didn't play any Rhythm/Music games this year. In any case, I'm sure most of you won't condemn us for not talking about games like Just Dance or Zumba Fitness or whatever the hell you can find in that particular genre these days. Anyway, happily enough, we've included the MMORPG category this year (unlike the previous year), so that's something.
Of course, most of you already know full well which game is going to bag the most awards in 2011 (birds and bees know it, giants, mud crabs, saber cats and drunken backwards-flying dragons know it).
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
The majority has decided. Approximately 11,000 people took part in our Game of the Year voting poll and, inevitably, Bethesda's game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim emerged victorious. We won't go too much into detail as to why all of you picked this particular title as the best game in 2011. The reasons should be obvious to anyone who was once an adventurer like me, but then took an arrow in the knee. Several pretty decent games also had a fair shot of winning this year... Hm, actually, no. They didn't stand a chance.
Runners-up:
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
The majority has decided. Approximately 11,000 people took part in our Game of the Year voting poll and, inevitably, Bethesda's game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim emerged victorious. We won't go too much into detail as to why all of you picked this particular title as the best game in 2011. The reasons should be obvious to anyone who was once an adventurer like me, but then took an arrow in the knee. Several pretty decent games also had a fair shot of winning this year... Hm, actually, no. They didn't stand a chance.
Runners-up:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (1397 votes)
- Battlefield 3 (1211 votes)
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution (762 votes)
- The
Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (643 votes).
GAME OF THE YEAR
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
As a development studio Bethesda outshined everyone one of its competitors this year. Their latest foray into the realm of RPGs has undeniably left a mark on the gaming scene. It's one of those rare games that lets you be whatever you want to be, giving you the freedom to explore, master whatever skill you want and get into one adventure after another. Its beautifully crafted surroundings and engaging story, makes the experience worthwhile. The mysterious world of Skyrim has been accompanied by the incredible soundtrack created by veteran composer Jeremy Soule. His brilliant tunes are part of the reason why people will remember this game for a long, long time.
As far as we're concerned, Skyrim deserves praise in almost every aspect. Most of all though, it serves as an example to certain publishers who see video games as just another item in their hectic money-grabbing business plan. Skyrim proves single-player can still be as successful as online games, mobile games and social network games. Good job, Bethesda.
Runners-up: Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos Montreal), L.A. Noire (Team Bondi), Portal 2 (Valve Software).
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
As a development studio Bethesda outshined everyone one of its competitors this year. Their latest foray into the realm of RPGs has undeniably left a mark on the gaming scene. It's one of those rare games that lets you be whatever you want to be, giving you the freedom to explore, master whatever skill you want and get into one adventure after another. Its beautifully crafted surroundings and engaging story, makes the experience worthwhile. The mysterious world of Skyrim has been accompanied by the incredible soundtrack created by veteran composer Jeremy Soule. His brilliant tunes are part of the reason why people will remember this game for a long, long time.
As far as we're concerned, Skyrim deserves praise in almost every aspect. Most of all though, it serves as an example to certain publishers who see video games as just another item in their hectic money-grabbing business plan. Skyrim proves single-player can still be as successful as online games, mobile games and social network games. Good job, Bethesda.
Runners-up: Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos Montreal), L.A. Noire (Team Bondi), Portal 2 (Valve Software).
BEST ACTION GAME
Batman: Arkham City
Publisher: Warner Bros.
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
It was kind of a tough choice this year. Now, I'm almost certain a lot of you will complain about us not picking Modern Warfare 3. Well, let me tell you that we've really thought about this and MW 3 doesn't even come close to what we've experienced in excellent games like Dead Space 2 and Uncharted 3. Batman: Arkham City, on the other hand, is even better. It encompasses everything a player wants out of a solid action adventure - great action, wonderfully executed combat system, first-rate graphics and above all a decent plot and interesting characters. The game doesn't somehow leave an intense first impression like Arkham Asylum, although Rocksteady did make a variety of commendable improvements this time around, adding more cool elements to the excellent core gameplay mechanics of the original.
Runners-up: Dead Space 2 (Visceral Games), Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Naughty Dog), Gears of War 3 (Epic).
Batman: Arkham City
Publisher: Warner Bros.
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
It was kind of a tough choice this year. Now, I'm almost certain a lot of you will complain about us not picking Modern Warfare 3. Well, let me tell you that we've really thought about this and MW 3 doesn't even come close to what we've experienced in excellent games like Dead Space 2 and Uncharted 3. Batman: Arkham City, on the other hand, is even better. It encompasses everything a player wants out of a solid action adventure - great action, wonderfully executed combat system, first-rate graphics and above all a decent plot and interesting characters. The game doesn't somehow leave an intense first impression like Arkham Asylum, although Rocksteady did make a variety of commendable improvements this time around, adding more cool elements to the excellent core gameplay mechanics of the original.
Runners-up: Dead Space 2 (Visceral Games), Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Naughty Dog), Gears of War 3 (Epic).
BEST RPG
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
For years now, it seems to us that role-playing games have strayed from the genre's classic form. Frequently it's getting tough to make out any truly worthy examples in this category. Mind you, this year, there wasn't much of a dilemma. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim features just what players need to get immersed into an inviting and mysterious world. Most important of all, Skyrim stands proudly as a perfect definition of what a good single-player RPG should be like. Each step and every decision you make determines the fate of your character, thus causing NPCs to react accordingly. Events unfold unpredictably and there's rarely a moment when you'll feel like there's nothing to do. Rich content and an incredible number of quests and side-quests will keep you occupied for many hours. All of this, coupled with what was emphasized earlier in our People's Choice and Game of the Year categories.
It's also worth mentioning that Edios Montreal's Deus Ex: Human Revolution and From Software's Dark Souls represent fine efforts this year. Yep, they were pretty strong contenders, so keep up the good work guys.
Runners-up: Dark Souls (From Software), Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos Montreal).
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
For years now, it seems to us that role-playing games have strayed from the genre's classic form. Frequently it's getting tough to make out any truly worthy examples in this category. Mind you, this year, there wasn't much of a dilemma. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim features just what players need to get immersed into an inviting and mysterious world. Most important of all, Skyrim stands proudly as a perfect definition of what a good single-player RPG should be like. Each step and every decision you make determines the fate of your character, thus causing NPCs to react accordingly. Events unfold unpredictably and there's rarely a moment when you'll feel like there's nothing to do. Rich content and an incredible number of quests and side-quests will keep you occupied for many hours. All of this, coupled with what was emphasized earlier in our People's Choice and Game of the Year categories.
It's also worth mentioning that Edios Montreal's Deus Ex: Human Revolution and From Software's Dark Souls represent fine efforts this year. Yep, they were pretty strong contenders, so keep up the good work guys.
Runners-up: Dark Souls (From Software), Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos Montreal).
BEST MMORPG
Rift
Publisher: Trion Worlds
Developer: Trion Worlds
Well, we certainly didn't see this one coming. An MMORPG this fun and it's not World of Warcraft. We'll leave our editor Vince to explain.
Here's a sample from Vince's review:
"Just when it seems all is lost and we are about to be overrun, fresh troops run to our sides and the battle swings in our favor. The Rift snaps shut with a roar as the final enemy commander falls. The country side returns to normal and the spoils of battle are dived. Our hastily assembled team begins to break up and individuals head off in differing directions to pursue their own goals. I am alone in this farmer's field that was a raging battlefield a few minutes ago. I take comfort in the fact that I have just helped once again ensure that Telara is safe for another day as we strive to wage the larger war. That comfort is short lived as on the horizon, I see another Rift forming."
Runners-up: Possibly Star Wars: The Old Republic... we don't know yet. Look, we're still playing, okay?
Rift
Publisher: Trion Worlds
Developer: Trion Worlds
Well, we certainly didn't see this one coming. An MMORPG this fun and it's not World of Warcraft. We'll leave our editor Vince to explain.
Here's a sample from Vince's review:
"Just when it seems all is lost and we are about to be overrun, fresh troops run to our sides and the battle swings in our favor. The Rift snaps shut with a roar as the final enemy commander falls. The country side returns to normal and the spoils of battle are dived. Our hastily assembled team begins to break up and individuals head off in differing directions to pursue their own goals. I am alone in this farmer's field that was a raging battlefield a few minutes ago. I take comfort in the fact that I have just helped once again ensure that Telara is safe for another day as we strive to wage the larger war. That comfort is short lived as on the horizon, I see another Rift forming."
Runners-up: Possibly Star Wars: The Old Republic... we don't know yet. Look, we're still playing, okay?
BEST RACING GAME
Forza Motorsport 4
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Turn 10
It was clear that the award was either going to go to Forza 4 or DiRT 3. While we totally appreciate what the boys and girls at Codemasters have done with the third installment in the DiRT series, placing this game above Forza Motorsport 4 would be a mistake.
Forza Motorsport 4 is perhaps one of the most pleasant racing games we ever played. Every aspect of this game has been done with care and devotion to detail. The game isn't exactly about hardcore realism, but rather simply about enjoying the ride and taking your time to beat each event either in solo mode or in multiplayer. With each race we just yearned for more speed, more cars and more challenges. Whenever you exit Forza Motorsport 4, you can't resist the urge of coming back for more.
Runners-up: DiRT 3 (Codemasters)
Forza Motorsport 4
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Turn 10
It was clear that the award was either going to go to Forza 4 or DiRT 3. While we totally appreciate what the boys and girls at Codemasters have done with the third installment in the DiRT series, placing this game above Forza Motorsport 4 would be a mistake.
Forza Motorsport 4 is perhaps one of the most pleasant racing games we ever played. Every aspect of this game has been done with care and devotion to detail. The game isn't exactly about hardcore realism, but rather simply about enjoying the ride and taking your time to beat each event either in solo mode or in multiplayer. With each race we just yearned for more speed, more cars and more challenges. Whenever you exit Forza Motorsport 4, you can't resist the urge of coming back for more.
Runners-up: DiRT 3 (Codemasters)
BEST STRATEGY GAME
Total War: Shogun 2
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Creative Assembly
There wasn't much doubt this year, really, now was there, folks? I mean when you think about it, Creative Assembly has been perfecting their 'Total War' formula year after year with various titles in their ever-popular series. Apart from providing an excellent blend of real-time battles and turn-based strategy elements, the game will keep you busy for a long time, both in single-player and in multiplayer. Tactics, of course, are the key to this game. Victory often comes in many different ways, depending on how you position your troops and how you prepare for battle. This year's ultimate strategy game.
Runners-up: Might & Magic: Heroes VI (Black Hole Games).
Total War: Shogun 2
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Creative Assembly
There wasn't much doubt this year, really, now was there, folks? I mean when you think about it, Creative Assembly has been perfecting their 'Total War' formula year after year with various titles in their ever-popular series. Apart from providing an excellent blend of real-time battles and turn-based strategy elements, the game will keep you busy for a long time, both in single-player and in multiplayer. Tactics, of course, are the key to this game. Victory often comes in many different ways, depending on how you position your troops and how you prepare for battle. This year's ultimate strategy game.
Runners-up: Might & Magic: Heroes VI (Black Hole Games).
BEST INDIE GAME
Minecraft
Publisher: Mojang
Developer: Mojang
Personally, I haven't spent much time playing Minecraft. However, so many folks here at AT HQ have done so. As many of you already know, one of the most fascinating aspects of the sandbox-building PC game is the enormous success it has achieved worldwide. The game was hardly out of its Alpha stage and it already garnered a huge audience. Upon the release of the full version, iOS and Android versions of the game quickly followed, with promises of an Xbox 360 with Kinect support for 2012. Like so many good games, in order to comprehend why Minceraft is so great you simply have to play it. There's a virtually limitless array of things you can do and you have the freedom to create your own game and enjoy it any way you want. Not many games can make the same claim.
Runners-up: Trine 2 (Frozenbyte), Limbo (Playdead).
Minecraft
Publisher: Mojang
Developer: Mojang
Personally, I haven't spent much time playing Minecraft. However, so many folks here at AT HQ have done so. As many of you already know, one of the most fascinating aspects of the sandbox-building PC game is the enormous success it has achieved worldwide. The game was hardly out of its Alpha stage and it already garnered a huge audience. Upon the release of the full version, iOS and Android versions of the game quickly followed, with promises of an Xbox 360 with Kinect support for 2012. Like so many good games, in order to comprehend why Minceraft is so great you simply have to play it. There's a virtually limitless array of things you can do and you have the freedom to create your own game and enjoy it any way you want. Not many games can make the same claim.
Runners-up: Trine 2 (Frozenbyte), Limbo (Playdead).
BABE OF THE YEAR
Kelly Andrews
As the year draws to a close, we cling to our tradition of singling out the highest-rated samples of babnessness. Born on January 17, 1990 in England, this beguiling sample of bebocity has selfishly stolen our hearts and... other body parts. Kelly has a way of hypnotizing you with her, um, qualities, up to the point of leaving you breathless. Yes, indeed, but she's not the only one to keep us company in the past year.
Babes of 2011 we salute you!
Runners-up:
Kelly Andrews
As the year draws to a close, we cling to our tradition of singling out the highest-rated samples of babnessness. Born on January 17, 1990 in England, this beguiling sample of bebocity has selfishly stolen our hearts and... other body parts. Kelly has a way of hypnotizing you with her, um, qualities, up to the point of leaving you breathless. Yes, indeed, but she's not the only one to keep us company in the past year.
Babes of 2011 we salute you!
Runners-up:
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btw... is that the entire list? seems like shooters aren't here.
as to BotD and Miss August - that kind of huge boobs isn't really that fun when you get to know them better. Miss January - that's the most reasonable size among the big ones. trust me, you really don't want them bigger. and Kelly Andrews is hotttah.
Here's to another year of gaming. I raise my glass to you all. Budmo!
Here be my list!
Game of the Year: Total War Shogun 2! (Never played any other game for 8 hrs straight in my life! Total freakin' addiction!)
Best Action Game: Batman: Arkham City! (No doubts there!)
Best RPG: Witcher 2! (Though Vader's review is spot on! Makes me want to go for deus ex but I really enjoyed Witcher 2!) Runner Up - Deus Ex: HR.
Best MMORPG: Never played one in my whole life! SW: TOR might be the first!
Best Racing: This genre is dead to me!
Best Strategy: Shogun 2!
Best Indie: Trine 2! (B E A utiful!)
Babe of the Year: Gracie Glam!
Best action game? What the fuck is that?
All this GOTY was made like someone forced you to do it. Did someone force you to do the GOTY post?
Second: There is no way SKyrim deserves GOTY, only people who went through the main quest only, would think that.
Thirdly : Your descriptions of why any of this games should have won whatever they've won are full of shit.
And I'll tell you something else and my personal opinion. With all this games that shiiped this year, it's been a really shitty year from gaming. Soulless, frustrating games, most of them if not all.
And lastly, this voting poll you have now....fucking sucks.
Now, it's just a big fucking parking lot and everyone is staying inside playing a game or jerking off. What kind of fucking life that is....
You can only compare something with what you know. If you've only drank cheap, tasteless wine all your life, what you going to compare it with?
So? So what happens if you've read about Northern tradition and Norse Mythology, what happens when you've read 1001 Nights? or Isaac Asimov or Arthur Clarke? or have seen countless movies ? what happens when you've intensively played through all previous games of a series?
Isn't it logical for you standards to go up? You get tired of seeing, hearing the same thing so many times. Fewer and fewer things impress you with each passing time.
You can't go by ear without any basis behind you, no matter how intelligent you think you are.
That ignorant, young generation is YOUR OWN generation, stardust.
I mean, even "u mad" is from fucking 2003. And that's one of the most recent lingo memes you list there.
I'm embarrassed to say that I impulsively laughed out loud at the new poll's third option (i.e. Nothing, just spending time with...).
And then promptly clicked the first option.
Man, let me clear some things for you cause you're obviously concerned about me. And everyone else but I don't think anyone gives a shit. BUT this is directed at you, Cheddar, cause you were so arrogant to act like you actually know about someone, based on the hell know what.
I'm not the age you think I am. I'm not a female if you also thought that. I have 2 jobs, one is related to video gaming. I usually play 4 hours a day tops. I can't afford to play more. Despite that I managed to play every major title this year, including most of the consoles and even some WoW Catacylsm and Star ToR Beta.
I don't know what gave you the idea I complete huge games fast, it's only been a huge game this year and that was skyrim, which I stopped playing a few days ago on level 40 or something, I even said it here I uninstalled it.
As proof, don't know If I'm allowed, I can give you a link to my blog/website which focuses on bodybuilding and nutrition, which I've been practicing for over 15 years now. It's in russian but I can prove you, it's mine, if you'd like that.
I also have a degree in Psychology, which I know, I find it funny as well. But due to some circumstances, as of late, I still didn't manage to continue the studies forward.
You are right about having no social life, I don't really have close friends, I don't go to parties, activities etc.
The reason I hit a nerve and the reason I am like this and (this is the only website I post any sort of comments, really) is that I've had some personal problems in my life, especially in the last few years, which don't concern anyone but me, especially not some loser on a forum.
I'm not depressed and I'm not angered nor truly hateful in real life. I'm a pretty docile, kind person most of the time and I don't really bother anyone.
NOW you know something about me and that's all you gonna now, see the difference? Now, you look like a dick, don't you?
I might need help, sure, everyone does. But my money would be on you, if there was somebody in need of help. Maybe you are describing parts of yourself there that you tried to reflect on me. I don't know...
And BTW, with this occasion maybe you can learn some russian, cause you always complained about my english, which I have fairly gotten better at it. How about you fucking learn my language before you complain, I already decent enough at speaking/writing yours.
And i would like a link to ur health site, i am fat assed and would like to get in shape!
1. LIMBO (over Portal 2 just because is so fresh)
2. PORTAL 2 (great emprovement over Portal, which was GOTY at it's time)
3. THE WITCHER: ASSASSINS OF KINGS (great production, unbalanced fighting, very hard at the begining, gets easy very soon, more of an action-RPG)
The Golden Raspberry: Modern Whorefare 3, the whore of all the games everywhere, anytime.
not played, that could be in top: Batman: Arkaham City, Forza Motorsport 4
On Christmas, there is a flame war on AT.
Damn, that would fit in a song. Or not.
I'm kinda surprised Dark Souls managed the follow up. I expected The Witcher 2 to be up there, even though I never did play it (I just hear good things about that game).
I'll be honest though, this list is probably a lot better than most who have MW3 and BF3 taking most, if not all, honors.