In an attempt to document this year of experiences in my favorite hobby, i've decided to construct a list of games that i've played so far that have come out in 2012. I'll update it (with dates added in the text) as time goes on. Should prove to be interesting!
I should note, however, that I don't play too many "new" games. I usually don't play them until about a year later. Case in point, I recently beat Dead Space 2, and have been playing through S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat and Metro 2033.
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(7/16/2012) - Unbounded exploration through a world so mysterious, so beautiful, and so alive. Never has a retro-style indie game evoked such a desire to see more. I absolutely love jumping and shifting through this painstakingly detailed, hand-crafted world. The atmospheric, soaring soundtrack, by musician Disasterpeace, brings feelings of peace and mystery combined into an intoxicating mix that should not be missed. (5/5) (GOTY contender)
(7/16/2012) - Sonic the Hedgehog, for me, is like an old, shrouded childhood memory. There isn't too much detail about what makes it such a cherished part of my past, yet there it is: a wonderful, comfortable memory of simpler times. Sonic 4: Episode 2 attempts to rekindle that nostalgic love for the past, and while it doesn't bring that same spark that Sonic 1, 2, 3, and CD did for me, I still had a lot of fun playing this game as a fan of a ol' blue blur. I just wish they would have done more than just go through the motions when it came to making this. (3/5)
(7/16/2012) - I was conflicted by this game. On one hand, Shadows of the Damned's off-kilter world and writing really had me laughing. On the other hand, the gameplay, while alright, wasn't the game's particularly strong point. The same feelings came from this game as well. A funny, interesting world with strong writing and characters, and gameplay that felt clunky and simplistic. (3/5)
(7/16/2012) - I was late to the Mass Effect party, but ME2 really, really impressed me. I have officially added it to my list of Best Games of All Time. So, I went into Mass Effect 3 with high hopes and expectations. Bioware, for the most part, delivered. The Multiplayer was a ton of fun to play with my friends, and the story was fantastic up until the last five minutes or so, with the reveal of the Star Child deus ex machina that sent everything careening off a cliff. The Extended Cut DLC fixed a lot of the issues I had with the ending sequences, so at last I was able to find closure in the incredible space opera that was Mass Effect. (4/5) (GOTY contender)
(7/16/2012) - Stereotypes, derivatives, and overused tropes somehow come together to make a game far more compelling and interesting than could possibly have been expected. I haven't finished this game yet, but from the five-or-so hours i've played so far, it's been a fun, funny, and exciting thrill ride, filled with huge set-pieces, solid writing, and satisfying shooting. (4/5)
(7/16/2012) - This counts as a 2012 release for us PC gamers. Playing this game evokes memories of past platformers on the NES, Sega Master System, Genesis, and SNES. 2D, side-scrolling collect-a-thons with crazy boss battles and interesting levels. The best part, however, is that this is a game made with modern tech and design in mind, featuring stunning hand-drawn graphics, wacky and catchy music, and infinite lives, which compels me to endlessly attempt time trials and the super-tough treasure chest challenges. This is a must play game for those who love platformers. (5/5) (GOTY contender)
(7/16/2012) - Have you ever been stunned in awe from looking at something beautiful? I can finally say that, for the first time in my life, a video game has caused tears to well in my eyes simply from experiencing incredible, raw beauty. Such is Dear Esther's caves; incredible detail, colors, and atmosphere. I walked through a tunnel, approached a clearing, and saw a large waterfall with several sources, all merging together before falling into what seemed like an endless chasm. The music swelled, and I gasped, quietly said to myself "Oh, my God...", and nearly had to choke back tears of emotion from the stark beauty of the image before me. This is a must see experience. (5/5)
(8/23/2012) - The passion project of a lone developer, this game combines amazing Disney-esque hand-drawn cartoon art, fast-paced and chaotic combat, deep exploration packed with secrets and treasures, killer music and voice acting, and a powerful, heartfelt story with one of the best endings I have ever seen in a video game. All too often, video game stories are thrown in as what seems like an afterthought, but this game...seriously, how many can claim the title of "made a grown man cry at the end"? Not many, but count this one in among that elite group. Do NOT miss out on this one. (5/5)(GOTY contender)
(8/25/2012) - (NOTE: I played the Prepare to Die edition on PC with the homebrew graphics fix) This will make the Dark Souls fanbois butt-clench: I didn't really like it much. Sure, the combat is extremely tactical and strategic, the artwork makes bleak look beautiful, and there's an oppressive sense of atmosphere unmatched by any game out there. My problem? The difficulty is far too high compared to the amount of progression made through the game. I feel trapped, with nowhere to go without slamming up against a wall. Some people will REALLY like this; I, on the other hand, didn't. (3/5)
(8/25/2012) A dark Zelda, with fast, visceral, and brutal combat, and some random stat-based loot to spice things up. The dungeons are fun to explore and puzzle-solve in, the art direction is beautiful and atmospheric, and the animations and voice acting are top-notch. Another big surprise is how good the music is. Worth seeing for any action/adventure fan. My only gripes are some of the bosses. The camera can be unwieldy at times, so some of the giant bosses can be hard to fight. (4.5/5) (GOTY contender)