Majestic's Top 10 of the YearDecember 30, 2012 by

I know what you're thinking. "YEAH, ANOTHER GENERIC TOP TEN, WOOOOOO". But I don't give a shit. Taking inspiration from Gameguy, this will be the top 10 which I've played this year, regardless of their respective release dates. So, here we go!

Honourable mention: Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow

The only reason this isn't in my top ten is simply because I haven't finished it. Excellent and fun combat, varied environments and some epic boss fights really do make this a joy to play. In places, it can be tough, but never has it been frustrating, and is definitely worth the cheap price you'll be able to pick it up for. Plus, Patrick Stewart narrates, and that just has win written across it.

10. Enslaved: Odysessy to the West

Enslaved is definitely something of a rough diamond, a game which get's so much right, yet equal amounts wrong. The combat is pretty terrible, and the platforming sucks ass, but where the game truly shines is with it's characters. The development of Monkey and Trip's relationship is the main highlight, both superbly voice acted. Chuck in some beautiful environments and a great ending (the plot is pretty predictable up till then), and Enslaved is well worth your time.

9. Beyond Good and Evil

Before playing Beyond Good and Evil, I was one of those sceptics who believed it couldn't be as good as its fanbase claimed. After finishing it, I can confirm it's brilliant, though it's difficult to put my finger on why. I think the story is pretty weak, and the combat average at best. But it does feature some interesting characters, a great world to explore and the camera mechanics are a superb addition. Although there are a lot of technically better games, few match the unique character and atmosphere of Beyond Good and Evil, which is probably why I loved it so much.

8. Botanicula

I can say, without doubt, this will be the cutest, most charming game you will ever play. Just look at it. Botanicula is beautiful, and from start to finish, I had a smile on my face. There's something so endearing, yet hilarious, about the characters and their reactions to situations that always leaves me chuckling. Well worth your time. Oh, and it also has a fantastic soundtrack.

7. Far Cry 3

This is another game I haven't quite finished, but it deserves its place whatever on this list. I have, thus far, thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. The combat is fantastic, and it's nice to see another game giving the player freedom to approach some situations how they wish. The driving is so-so (like past Far Cry games), yet being constantly distracted by the stunning environment leaves me hardly noticing it. It's a much more complete experience than Far Cry 2, but I really wish there was more variety and length within the side missions. Lastly, the voice acting is quite superb, and Vaas is certainly one of the best villains in recent memory.

6. Assassin's Creed 3

I'll be the first to admit that Asassin's Creed III has some serious flaws. I think it was overly ambitious, but that doesn't detract from what is still a seriously good game. While the combat is silky smooth, and some of the scenery stunning (it's without doubt one of the best looking games this generation) what truly made ACIII was it's unique setting.The world, the history and Connor's story are all intricately woven to create a wonderful world to explore, and at it's heart, that's what the Assassin's Creed series is about.

5. The Walking Dead

If I had written this a month ago, The Walking Dead would probably have been top of the list. Looking back though, it's not as great as I originally thought. It's a bit emotionally manipulative, and it feels rather forced at points, particularly the ending. Having said that, the narrative and characters are the real highlight, and bar a few plot holes, The Walking Dead is a fantastic experience. I just don't think the latter episodes ever matched the impact of the first two, and that's why it features slightly lower here than on most lists.

4. FTL: Faster Than Light

There are some games which are just great time sinks, and FTL is one of them. Despite it's limited visuals, the gameplay is surprisingly deep, and requires speedy reactions at points. The random galaxy generation, coupled with the hard as nails difficulty, ensure no journey through space is ever the same, whether it last five minutes or five hours. I spent hours nerding out to it (Engineer, get those shields back online!), and it's soundtrack makes every battle as tense as the last. Still never reached the final boss....

3. Mass Effect 3

It's about the journey, not the ending. And to be honest, I didn't even mind that. The Mass Effect Trilogy is easily one of the best in gaming, ever, and ME3 is the perfect conclusion. A crazy rollercoaster, filled with emotional highs and lows, and some absolutely epic moments. My favourite part will always be sniping on the citadel with Garrus. Who knew he could be funny? Just a brilliant game. And the multiplayer wasn't too shabby either.

2. Halo 4

I knew Halo 4 would be good, but I didn't think THIS good. Not only does it feature the best FPS campaign I've played since Half Life 2, but also the best multiplayer currently on the market. It really is a beautiful game. On the mulitplayer side, Dominion is buckets of fun, and I've never played a gamemode as crazy as team oddball. It's nuts. Spartan Ops too is a nice addition, though the environments they partake in can get a little repetitive. But that really is my only fault in what turned out be an incredible game. Take a bow, 343.

1. To The Moon

This truly is a charming little gem. I've never known never a game to take me on such a emotional rollercoaster, from laughter to despair. It tells a wonderful story, full of twists and turns, features some great characters and has one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. Just a beautiful game, and one that left me in tears at the end. I have no shame in that. For me, it sets a new benchmark for what games can do emotionally, and deserves far more attention.


Thanks for reading guys! What are your favourite games you've played this year?

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