2011 saw the release of some major titles that stole the spotlight from games that I believe are much better. Sure, some of my picks are also major titles, but all of these games were sleeper hits that had to take a back to seat to such games as Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3. Here are my favorites for 2011.
Bastion
With it’s attention to story, roguelike gameplay and music, Bastion provides a truly unique experience in gaming. Everything about this game just fits: the gameplay drives the narrative; the narrative drives the gameplay; the music drives everything. Bastion’s narrator, who sounds like he spends most of his time chain-smoking and drinking whiskey, is the best part of the game; you’ll find yourself experimenting with everything the game offers just to see what he has to say next. The soundtrack is also outstanding (one of the years best), and I recommend that if you purchase the game on Steam you should shell out the extra cash to purchase it along with the game. Bastion is also available on XBLA and Google Chrome via the Chrome Web Store.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
The original Deus Ex is one of my all-time-favorite video games, and I think it still holds up well by today’s standards. Deus Ex: Human Revolution retains everything that’s great about the original but adds in modern gameplay elements (not to mention graphics), for better or for worse. I had a great time with DE:HR despite some of it’s flaws, and it’s a game that I plan on revisiting. I think why I love DE:HR so much is the gameplay choices, and the game’s fun, albeit predictable, storyline. Plus, randomly punching people on the street has never been so hilarious.
Bulletstorm
Definitely the most fun I’ve had playing a shooter in awhile. Bulletstorm was a sleeper, but it was moderately well received by critics. However, it was smacked down by a lot of gamers, particularly the FPS die-hards. What makes Bulletstorm shine is the fact that it’s not like Call of Duty or Battlefield. Using an electric whip to toss enemies around into hazardous areas (spikes, pits, man-eating plants, etc.) or to get a battle angle at shooting their balls off is fucking genius. Oh, and the crude dialogue and ridiculous plot? The game was written by Rick Remender, who’s not only an awesome comic book writer (Punisher, Venom, Uncanny X-Force), but an all-around bad-ass. This game will kill your dick. Best shooter of the year, mother fuckers.
Catherine
Like Bastion, Catherine is also one of the more unique games to be released in 2011. The mixture of puzzles and conversation-driven, love-sim gameplay blend together well and the animation provided by STUDIO4°C (Animatrix, Halo Legends, Batman: Gotham Knight) works great with the games odd storyline. The puzzle sections of the game can be a tad too difficult at times, but the story sequences that take place in between the brick climbing/moving action are a great reward. I’m also a sucker for games with multiple endings, and all eight of Catherine’s are highly entertaining.
Saints Row: The Third
If you didn’t read my review of this game, you really should. Go on. I can wait. Done? Good. Now, allow me to further discuss how much I love this game. As I mentioned in my review, I went into the game thinking I was going to hate the game. In fact, I should probably hate this game. I just can’t, though. It’s so much fucking fun. I still haven’t finished the game, mainly because I’ve been having way too much with the game’s activities, gaining levels, buying new perks, collecting cars and just causing mad chaos around Steelport. Volition really hit the mark with this game, I’m hoping Saints Row 4 is even more insane.
