Another year gone, and it's time to pick your favorite game released in 2012. Anyone have a standout that beat out all the rest to be your Game of the Year? Or are you like me and still plowing through a pile of games, too early to pick a favorite?
There weren't really as many games that really stood out and made me go "wow" as much as in previous years. The game I thought would be my GotY - Assassin's Creed III - ended up being kind of a let-down. I suppose if I had to choose one, it'd be Dust: An Elysian Tail. That game really impressed me with its gameplay, story, visuals, and music-- only the latter of which wasn't handled solely by one man. Not only is it an achievement because of that, but it's just a ton of fun to play. The exploration feels rewarding, and the combat is very fun. Definitely worth the price of admission, if not more.
There really haven't been many games that have stood out to me either, and there are so many big games that I haven't beaten. I don't like to pass judgment on a game before I beat it, so it will be a while before I crown my GotY. Hell, my 2010 GotY didn't get picked until 2012 when I beat Mass Effect 2. Right now, my early frontrunner is probably Xenoblade Chronicles, though I have a LOT more to play. I know it technically was released last year, but since it hit American shores this year, it counts for me. Not going to pass final judgment until I beat the game though, which will take a long while. For reference, here are my GotYs from years past: 2011 - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 2010 - Mass Effect 2 2009 - Assassin's Creed II 2008 - The World Ends with You 2007 - Super Mario Galaxy 2006 - Okami
I think, for me, that FarCry 3 is the best game I have played/seen released in 2013. It produced more than it was expected to and it really has become a big hit and is the current bestseller on Xbox and PS3 this week. This is one of the big games out there, and it maybe seen as an easy option to pick, however there is a reason as to why the game is one of the best. I guess, as Geoff said, there haven't really been many stand-out games; but I'm sure 2013 will be able to provide. I see games such as The Last of Us, Grand Theft Auto V and Bioshock Infinite which I am highly anticipating. I look at the pre-order list for 2013 and, then I look at games released this year, and there is a big difference. Even 2011 had better games to offer, 2012 seemed like it was going to be a good year but didn't really deliver. I hope 2013 won't pan out the same way, but it shouldn't really...
No surprise here, my choice for GotY is Mass Effect 3. Love that series and consider ME3 to be the best in the trilogy. Although I doubt I'll replay any of them anytime soon after having just done a back-to-back-to-back replay this year.
