billy beane
Banned
Alright, here's my ballot:
1. Portal 2
Considering the first Portal is probably my favorite game of all time, I came into Portal 2 with high expectations. Usually, that leads to my opinion of the game being more critical than it probably should. However, even eight months after it's release, Portal 2 is a game I look back on in the highest regard. Everything I liked about Portal is expanded upon here: the characters, writing, and humor are all just as good as any other game ever released. Not only that, but the actual core gameplay is still just as refreshing to play today as it was four years ago. No other game has that perfect balance of difficulty that isn't too easy to make you feel bored, but also isn't too challenging to make you frustrated. So not only is Portal 2 a worthy follow up to my favorite game of all time, it's a worthy pick for my number one game of 2011.
2. Batman: Arkham City
Just like everyone else, I was pleasantly surprised with Batman: Arkham Asylum when it released in 2009. It was a game that none other before it could do: It actually made you feel like you were The Batman. Arkham City is a game that, just like my number one pick in Portal 2, expands upon the great mechanics and ideas of the original, and result is a follow up worthy of the original. I cannot think of a game where the combat is so simple, yet so gratifying. It is so easy to get into the perfect flow of combat, and pull off things that I could only dream of doing in other combat systems. Add in all the great fanservice sprinkled throughout the game, and this is the game that any Batman fan will love.
3. Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario 3D Land was a surprise when I first played it. Probably due to the fact it was released on the 3DS more than what I had seen of the game, but I came into it expecting a fun game, but ultimately nothing special. Boy was I wrong. What I got was a fantastic entry in the Super Mario series (aren't they all though?). Just genius level design and excessive levels of charm exude from from this game everytime I played it. It's just a game you cannot help and smile while playing. Adding the fact that it is probably the best use of 3D in a video game, and you get a game that I consider the killer app for the 3DS.
4. Dead Space 2
This is a late entry, but I liked it too much. I'm not completely done with it, but I'm far enough to know it's one of my top 10. Such a good game.
5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Another game that surprised me; Deus Ex was a game that came out of nowhere for me. It's a game that truly gives you the options to play different ways. And the world is one of the most realized this year.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Yeah it's a remake of a game that came out back in 1998. That doesn't change the fact that it is still one of the best games I played in 2011. The gameplay still holds up today, even 13 years later. Not only that, but the updated visuals makes it a great game to play still.
7. Gears of War 3
A fantastic ending to the trilogy. The campaign is probably the best the series has ever been, and the multiplayer is a huge step up from Gears of War 2.
8. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Uncharted 2 was my 2009 Game of the Year, and while the Uncharted 3 doesn't quite hit the highs of it's predecessor, it is still a good game.
9. Mario Kart 7
Another 3DS game. For what was supposed to be a rocky first year for the system, I really did enjoy a good amount of titles. Anyways, Mario Kart 7 is basically Mario Kart Wii. And Mario Kart DS. And Double Dash. And Super Circuit. And 64. And Super Mario Kart. Only thing is, it's still really good. And if the online play is any indication, it is that Nintendo is finally starting to get it.
10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
The single player isn't much, but the multiplayer is my go to game at the moment. I know people hate the series, but even after the dissapointments of Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops, I feel like Modern Warfare 3 is a return to form.
1. Portal 2
Considering the first Portal is probably my favorite game of all time, I came into Portal 2 with high expectations. Usually, that leads to my opinion of the game being more critical than it probably should. However, even eight months after it's release, Portal 2 is a game I look back on in the highest regard. Everything I liked about Portal is expanded upon here: the characters, writing, and humor are all just as good as any other game ever released. Not only that, but the actual core gameplay is still just as refreshing to play today as it was four years ago. No other game has that perfect balance of difficulty that isn't too easy to make you feel bored, but also isn't too challenging to make you frustrated. So not only is Portal 2 a worthy follow up to my favorite game of all time, it's a worthy pick for my number one game of 2011.
2. Batman: Arkham City
Just like everyone else, I was pleasantly surprised with Batman: Arkham Asylum when it released in 2009. It was a game that none other before it could do: It actually made you feel like you were The Batman. Arkham City is a game that, just like my number one pick in Portal 2, expands upon the great mechanics and ideas of the original, and result is a follow up worthy of the original. I cannot think of a game where the combat is so simple, yet so gratifying. It is so easy to get into the perfect flow of combat, and pull off things that I could only dream of doing in other combat systems. Add in all the great fanservice sprinkled throughout the game, and this is the game that any Batman fan will love.
3. Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario 3D Land was a surprise when I first played it. Probably due to the fact it was released on the 3DS more than what I had seen of the game, but I came into it expecting a fun game, but ultimately nothing special. Boy was I wrong. What I got was a fantastic entry in the Super Mario series (aren't they all though?). Just genius level design and excessive levels of charm exude from from this game everytime I played it. It's just a game you cannot help and smile while playing. Adding the fact that it is probably the best use of 3D in a video game, and you get a game that I consider the killer app for the 3DS.
4. Dead Space 2
This is a late entry, but I liked it too much. I'm not completely done with it, but I'm far enough to know it's one of my top 10. Such a good game.
5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Another game that surprised me; Deus Ex was a game that came out of nowhere for me. It's a game that truly gives you the options to play different ways. And the world is one of the most realized this year.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Yeah it's a remake of a game that came out back in 1998. That doesn't change the fact that it is still one of the best games I played in 2011. The gameplay still holds up today, even 13 years later. Not only that, but the updated visuals makes it a great game to play still.
7. Gears of War 3
A fantastic ending to the trilogy. The campaign is probably the best the series has ever been, and the multiplayer is a huge step up from Gears of War 2.
8. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Uncharted 2 was my 2009 Game of the Year, and while the Uncharted 3 doesn't quite hit the highs of it's predecessor, it is still a good game.
9. Mario Kart 7
Another 3DS game. For what was supposed to be a rocky first year for the system, I really did enjoy a good amount of titles. Anyways, Mario Kart 7 is basically Mario Kart Wii. And Mario Kart DS. And Double Dash. And Super Circuit. And 64. And Super Mario Kart. Only thing is, it's still really good. And if the online play is any indication, it is that Nintendo is finally starting to get it.
10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
The single player isn't much, but the multiplayer is my go to game at the moment. I know people hate the series, but even after the dissapointments of Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops, I feel like Modern Warfare 3 is a return to form.
