Time flies when you're having fun
Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? One second, it seems, we were blasting Necromorphs in Dead Space 2 and having a stupid amount of fun racking up Killtrocities in Bulletstorm, and next moment it's December and we're desperately looking for water in the deserts of Uncharted 3 and slaughtering dragons in Skyrim’s snow-capped mountains.
2011 has been a tremendous year for gaming. So much so that we’ve totally ditched the idea of producing a top-ten list. Instead, we have no fewer than 30 games that we believe deserve a special mention this year. We’ve argued like sisters in the past couple of weeks over which games should make our coveted top 30, and in what order they should appear. We’re sure some of you will approve and others will disagree, so be sure to let us know your opinion of 2011’s best game in the HEXUS.community forums.
But before you do, check out our top 30 favourite games of 2011.
30
Halo Combat Evolved: Anniversary
Platform: Xbox 360
Release date: November 15, 2011
“Though Microsoft has over-priced this 10th anniversary edition, a remastered version of the original game should be more than enough to quench the thirst of Master Chief fans who may have been missing the FPS since Bungie bowed out of development. The addition of co-op, new challenges and achievements makes it an essential addition to any Halo fans collection.”
Buy Halo Combat Evolved: Anniversary from Amazon.
29
Crysis 2
Platform: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Release date: March 24, 2011
“Having revelled in the intensity and high-octane gameplay of Killzone 3 only recently, Crysis 2’s single-player experience feels very average in comparison. However, it does have its moments and getting an eagle-eye view over some of the glorious-looking environments before flicking your visor on and deciding how to tackle them can be quite an exciting proposition.
However, it feels like the nanosuit and wealth of tactical options were specifically built with multiplayer in mind. As such, the single-player experience is quite a forgettable one. Jump online, however, and there are many exciting tactical battles that await, complete with stunning locations, great weapons and a system that consistently rewards efforts.”
Read the HEXUS
review of Crysis 2
Buy
Crysis 2 from Amazon.
28
Motostorm Apocalypse
Platform: PS3
Release date: April, 1, 2011
“MotorStorm: Apocalypse can be so intense at times, and utterly frustrating when you happen to lightly clip a car or piece of scenery and spin-out only to be placed at the back of the pack. But its pick-up-and-play appeal is undeniable and high-octane gameplay hypnotic and absolutely addictive. As the soundtrack pumps away and the world crumbles around you, your heart races along with it as you dodge and weave through a variety of striking events, which have a great impact on you the first time you see them."
Overall, MotorStorm: Apocalypse is both frustrating and brilliant in equal measure. And, while the vehicle handling could have been better, the AI a little more balanced, and the campaign a little less linear - you'll be hard-pressed to find a more fun and addictive arcade racing game."
Read the HEXUS
review of Motorstorm Apocalypse
Buy
Motorstorm Apocalypse from Amazon.
27
Rayman Origins
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii
Release date: November 25, 2011
“This 2D side-scrolling platformer may have an old-school feel but it propels itself into the HD generation with some of the most sumptuous cartoon-like visuals and sublime hand-drawn animations that we’ve seen this side of Okami. With its solid platforming mechanics, clever level design and smooth control scheme, there’s no need to dress Rayman up in 3D or bundle him together with those annoying Raving Rabbids. If you love platform games, you’ll totally embrace Rayman Origins and its charming characters for exactly what it is - a fun, creative and totally absorbing platform game.”
