Eddie's GOTY 2011

This was a great year for games, and while we compose these lists of our Game of the Year picks, it's hard to not feel as if I have wronged a game somewhere down the line.  At the same time though, it's awesome that we can have such a diverse group to pick from.  While I may have a few repeats on my list from Doug's, I still feel pretty good about these choices.

So here goes!




Number 5

The fact that this game didn't win Best Xbox 360 Game at the Spike VGA's is absolutely astounding to me.  I was even thinking it could win overall Shooter of the Year!  This game really is a full package, and a tight one too.  The campaign is the best yet, reaching for more depth with each of it's characters and getting the pacing of the gameplay perfect.  Horde 2.0 is some of the most fun I have had playing a game this year with friends, and I know I will continue to do it more into the future.  Graphically this is probably the best looking game on 360, and honestly, Epic's finest work yet!

Number 4

While I still think Uncharted 2 is overall the best of the series, this game did some stuff right that just felt better than the rest.  I got excited to the point of yelling "Holy crap yes!!!" when I got into the first fist fight of the game at the bar and watched Drake not only shove a dude into a fridge, but swing the freezer door into the next guy!  The best part?  None of that was scripted, the fighting was just that good!  Sadly it didn't always have the set pieces to go with it, but then again, I would try fist fighting everyone if it did!  The globetrotting is all here, and the scenes are just amazing.  The game stayed fresh and I'm still impressed how they played out the Elena and Nathan story throughout the game.

Number 3

A lot of people get scared away by the game's marketing.  I mean, heck, the website URL was PrepareToDie.com!  But seriously, the game isn't as hard as most people think, it just challenges you to overcome obstacles; those of enemies and game direction, and those mechanically with what weapons you wield and how you wield them.  Exploring this game's world and figuring out it's set-up is part of the fun, and this game just nails everything in it's execution.  A lot of people think that it's clunky or silly, but I can sum up this game in one word - deliberate.  Everything about this game is crafted and fine-tuned in a way that set's itself up as a prime example of it's field.  The only real complaint I have is that I wish they would let me play Multiplayer with friends in a much more natural way; but at the same time, I sorta get it.  I feel so accomplished with everything I do in this game, and it's not because of the difficulty, but just, the game gives you a very great sense of forward movement.  Opening new worlds and areas but linking it all together in one big world.  Seriously, give Dark Souls some time, it's not as scary as it looks.

Number 2

It was hard putting Dark Souls behind Battlefield 3 for the reason that I can't put it down and think it's phenomenal.  However, at the same time, Battlefield 3 is also the prime example of it's genre as well.  While I actually think the single player was a very great experience and gripping tale (stop comparing it to Black Ops, it's not really the same - also a billion other things have used this set-up) the Multiplayer is what it's all about!  The maps are very well designed, the graphics are still killer even online, and the new balance to the classes work out even better.  The audio is still the best I have ever heard, and the kick and feel of each gun amazes me.  Each mode even feels a little more thought out, and even the new additions to your classes like realistic perks (faster sprinting, Flak jackets, ect) and attachments really sell the full package that is Battlefield 3.  I will be playing this game for a very long time I know it.

Number 1

Yeah yeah, I know what your thinking - it's Zelda so it MUST be my number one right?  This time I honestly think it deserves it.  There was a point in the game, when you first get the sword, where I raised it into the air because I got so into the game (only to find out I had to anyway, but still!)  The controls work incredibly well, and made the game very engaging and fun, the graphics were beautiful, and the soundtrack sounded wonderful!  Seriously Nintendo, with this and Mario Galaxy, don't you know by now that you should just ALWAYS use orchestrated music!?  The story of the game had me hooked; that could be because I am a long time fan and this is the beginning, but really, I think it's because they did so well with the characters.  The early scenes with Link and Zelda made you really feel happy when they were together - you felt terrible losing her.  Ghirahim was an excellent antagonist.  He was the perfect mix of cocky and crazy; each line delivered very well and fitting for the character.  Even your relationship with Fi (your sword) get's touching towards the end.  Skyward Sword added a lot of little additions that I hope stay with the Zelda series along the way as well like upgraded your equipment and all of that.  Although I have a few complaints with it's sorta linearity, I still enjoyed every last minute.  I wish I could post the final strike of the end boss fight just because I think it looks awesome, but I wont because I think that if your a fan of the series at all, or even just good ol' adventure games, you really should give this game a go - it's handled very well.

-Eddie