We come to it at last -- it’s time for our end of the year best games awards. Last week we ran our 10 Best Downloadable Games of 2011 article, and now we’re back to choose the best of the best of the best. No matter what platform they released on, these 10 titles represent our favorite gaming experiences of 2011. So read on to find out what games from this year make us happy to be labeled gamers.
Note: This list was formed by a committee of multiple editors. Therefore, some games that might have earned high marks from our individual reviewers might not be our communal favorite games of 2011. It’s just something to keep in mind as you read.
L.A. Noire
Systems: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Rockstar took a big risk with L.A. Noire. They moved from the open world killing grounds of Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto into a much more focused and less violent narrative. L.A. Noire has hours full of gameplay within that don’t even involve guns or fisticuffs. Players embark on one detective’s journey through a weaving web of conspiracy and moral decay in 1948 Los Angeles, California. The result combination of inventive gameplay and great character acting make L.A. Noire a complete joy. It’s not for everyone, but those that like the game will be in heaven.
Rayman Origins
Systems: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii
Rayman Origins stands as the best 2D platformer to release during 2011. Ubisoft created a hand-drawn beauty of a game that places an emphasis on smooth play, silliness and old school difficulty. It’s a throwback to classic couch-based multiplayer that manages to call friends together for an entirely good time. The look, the sound, the play and the goofiness add up to a stellar experience that’s hard to beat this year.
Mortal Kombat
Systems: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Before NetherRealm’s 2011 Mortal Kombat revival, this franchise was essentially dead in the water. But Mortal Kombat changed everything, bringing this limping franchise back from the brink to make it once again fun to rip someone’s spine out or cut them in two with a ice sword. Mortal Kombat also introduced an incredible single-player campaign to the tried-and-true formula, tying together the mythologies of the first three classic Mortal Kombat titles with a time-traveling twist that deserves an award unto itself for making a fighting game fun when flying solo. Mortal Kombat might have been dead to us before 2011, but now it’s back in a big way thanks to this game.
Bulletstorm
Systems: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Bulletstorm is an unapologetic slop through the world of arcadey, pulpy, bro violence. Epic Games and People Can Fly got together to create a game that is nothing more than pure fun. Players are encouraged to approach the kill with skill world with an entirely open mind; murder and mayhem is rewarded with points based on creativity. Rather than moving from cover to cover aiming only for heads and hearts, Bulletstorm tells players to kill with the environment in mind. The result is a shooter that dynamically changes from start to finish. New weapons, upgrades and locals pile up to offer completely unique ways to kill at every turn.
Uncharted 3
System: PlayStation 3
Naughty Dog traded in the cold and snow for the sun and sand with Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. While the third game in the Uncharted series doesn’t feature a technical leap as huge as the one we saw moving from Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune to Uncharted 2, Uncharted 3 is still an incredibly sound, high-octane adventure whose story masterfully builds upon its predecessors. If you need to experience an Indiana Jones-esque adventure in 2011, look no further.
