We're nearing the end of our Game of the Year Awards. Today we're giving awards to games appearing on specific platforms. Remember, they have to be exclusive to their specific platform, so games like Skyrim and Modern Warfare 3 don't qualify for these awards.
PlayStation 3 Game of the Year: Uncharted 3
Congratulations to Naughty Dog. They created yet another amazing follow up filled with high octane action and a suspenseful and interesting story. If you're already a fan of Uncharted then you know just how amazing these games are, and if you have yet to play any of them, now would be a great time to play what is essentially a modern day Indiana Jones.
Xbox 360 Game of the Year: Gears of War 3
Brothers to the end. That tagline signified that Gears 3 will wrap up the major storyline of Marcus Fenix and his crew, and boy did it not disappoint. An amazing single play storyline that could be played with up to three other friends. The updated Horde mode and the new Beast mode definitely didn't disappoint, and ensured that Gears 3 would be in your 360 far after you've beaten the main storyline.
PC Game of the Year: Witcher 2
Yes, the game is slated to come to the Xbox 360, but luckily for us, it stayed a PC exclusive all of 2011. The Witcher 2 is a breathtaking follow up to the Witcher. Not only did the graphics absolutely blow us away, following Geralt of Rivia along a branching storyline that changed depending on player choice, as well as including multiple endings, gave incentive to play through this PC masterpiece again and again.
Wii Game of the Year: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Up until the release of Skyward Sword, not many people could think that any Zelda game could ever hold a candle to the masterpiece which was Ocarina of Time. Nintendo sure proved us wrong. The formula is still fairly similar, but changed just enough to make the gameplay more streamlined. The fully orchestrated soundtrack gave life to every single area we explored, and the gorgeous art style gave the game a more watercolor aesthetic, while mixing the graphics with that of Twilight Princess. This massive adventure had gamers glued to their Wii remotes. You would be doing yourself and the Wii you own a great disservice if you didn't own one of the best Wii games ever.
Nintendo DS Game of the Year: Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Ghost Trick is a bit of a sleeper hit for the DS. It came out early in the year, and featured not only one of the most innovative aspects of a game, but had some of the most fluid and gorgeous animation this side of studio Ghibli. The main character, Sissel, has an unfortunate death, but now has the ability to perform Ghost Tricks, which let him see the last four minutes of another persons death and save them from their fate. It's a shame this title didn't get more exposure than it did, being one of the more unique games on the system.
Nintendo 3DS Game of the Year: Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario 3D Land is a perfect example of why the 3DS is a viable handheld. Nintendo finally made a game, let alone a Mario game, that not only looked great in 3D, but benefited from it. Each of the levels possess a level of charm and innovation that gave fans a new experience, while providing a sense of nostalgia. The famed Tanooki suit makes a return, but new suits make an appearance as well such as the Boomerang Flower and Propeller box. Best of all, just when you think the game is over, you'll have a whole new adventure to go on.
PSP Game of the Year: Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy
Having one of the more convoluted names of this year, not to mention a fairly odd storyline that somehow pits all major Final Fantasy characters against each other, it's still one bad ass game that any FF fan is sure to eat up. It retains the crazy, almost DBZ like fighting mechanics from the first game, but does away with the weird board game of the first game, and opens the world up for exploration. New characters like Lightning from FFXIII are introduced and what's even more impressive, is that after you're done with the main campaign, the whole campaign from the first game is playable as well.
Mobile Game of the Year: Jetpack Joyride
Halfbrick has done it again. It once again managed to make a game that is so addicting, that any of our free time is now occupied with iPhones in hand, and Jetpack Joyride booted up. Its addictiveness comes from not only trying to beat your friends' high scores, but the constant new missions that have you do various things during each run. Coins earned throughout each joyride can then be spent on power-ups, new outfits and new jetpacks, ensuring that you'll pretty much always have something to do.
Digital Download (PSN/XBLA/Steam/WiiWare/etc.) Game of the Year: Dungeon Defenders
Dungeon Defenders was a surprise hit for us here. It really managed to take us by surprise by its innovative third-person-tower-defense-action-RPG mechanics. With four different classes to choose from (8 if you buy the DLC), each specializing with different towers and varied abilities, you'll easily find one that fits your play style. Leveling them up, gaining better gear and finding legendary weapons is all part of the experience, which is made even better when playing with friends. This is one downloadable game that you shouldn't miss.
