Best of 2012, shortlist.

1. The Walking DeadThe Walking Deadhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/The_Walking_DeadOpens wiki page

2. Dust: An Elysian TailDust: An Elysian Tailhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Dust_An_Elysian_TailOpens wiki page

3. Mark of the NinjaMark of the Ninjahttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Mark_of_the_NinjaOpens wiki page

4. XCOM: Enemy UnknownXCOM: Enemy Unknownhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/XCOM_Enemy_UnknownOpens wiki page

5. Halo 4Halo 4https://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Halo_4Opens wiki page

6. Kingdoms of Amalur: ReckoningKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoninghttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Kingdoms_of_Amalur_ReckoningOpens wiki page

7. Dear EstherDear Estherhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Dear_EstherOpens wiki page

8. SyndicateSyndicatehttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Syndicate_2012Opens wiki page

9. SSXSSXhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/SSX_2012Opens wiki page

10. Mass Effect 3Mass Effect 3https://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Mass_Effect_3Opens wiki page

Despite the ending, despite some of the design choices made, despite having 2 of the core parts of the game be released as paid for DLC, (one well after the game was released!) there's enough left in Mass Effect 3 for me to still have a really good time with it. No, it's not as good as the previous games, but it has enough to still let me have a great time with most of it.