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Best of 2012

by megalowho

My 20 favorite games of 2012.

Showing 1-10 of 25 items

Fez

1. Fez

A painstakingly detailed, comfortingly nostalgic pixel dream world of puzzles, surprises and perspective oriented platforming. A rabbit hole that goes so deep it demands pen and paper to solve its most cryptic riddles. Slightly mad. Soundtrack of the year.

Crusader Kings II

2. Crusader Kings II

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

3. XCOM: Enemy Unknown

From bleak big picture maneuverings on a global scale to the one dice roll that needs to go just right in order to survive, it's a master class in strategy and tension that still manages to deliver that addictive "one more turn" impulse Firaxis does best.

Persona 4 Golden

4. Persona 4 Golden

P4G generously enriches a modern classic with additional story, dungeons and locations, better visuals, network functions, series extras and a host of welcome gameplay tweaks. Delightful and unforgettable, perfect for on the go.

FTL: Faster Than Light

5. FTL: Faster Than Light

Each attempt at FTL is another mini space adventure that randomly unfolds at your increasingly skilled command - even as the fate of your crew lies at the brutal mercy of the universe. Nerdy imagination fodder for all ages.

The Walking Dead

6. The Walking Dead

Sets a high water mark for writing, empathy, and emotional resonance in games. Great voice acting and art style. Simple but effective and occasionally subversive point-and-click adventure mechanics carry the story, and the standout conversation system encourages organic and personal decision making. Also the literal GOTY, steadily gaining traction with each successful episode from April to November.

Forza Horizon

7. Forza Horizon

Created by a collective of genre experts, and it shows. A feature complete sim/arcade hybrid - real cars, open world, kudos, decals, variety, slick presentation, radio stations, a tastefully cliche-filled story mode, robust multiplayer and an inspired, beautiful setting.

Journey

8. Journey

Journey is a special game that leaves a mark. Strong themes, well paced and lovely to look at. The unique multiplayer component encourages cooperation on a primal level and deserves recognition.

Asura's Wrath

9. Asura's Wrath

A visual feast full of rich mythology and character, dramatic presentation and impactful QTE's that have a tendency to unfold into planet sized spectacles. Interactive anime sounds like it should be a pejorative, but not when it's done as expertly as this.

Hotline Miami

10. Hotline Miami

Fever dream/nightmare fuel, hyperviolent and methodical top down murder simulator, audio and visual tour de force.

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