All of the game of the year discussions have been had by the media outlets, and it pretty much went as I expected them to go, everyone was on Red Dead Redemption for a lot of reasons, and I can understand why even though I disagree (my review for more detail). It seemed many of them wanted to see more Bayonetta, a game that I missed this year, mostly scared off by the distinction that the PS3 version was inferior to the xbox version, and it came out before I had upgraded my xbox, so I will be likely pick this up on the cheap sometime this year. Rather than rate games in some order that could (for the most part) change based on my mood, I’m going to highlight some of the most memorable experiences that I don’t think should be missed from the previous year.

The one (and only) staple on this list that I would cement firmly in a #1 slot this year has to be Starcraft 2 (review). Simply put, SC2 transcended gaming for me, as much as I played the campaign, and countless vs bot matches, and coop and versus matches with friends and despite the fact that I was scared away by the online competition. I spent just as much if not more, time watching tournaments (GSL,MLG),  tutorials(day[9]), and various other matches. I had more fun with Starcraft 2 this year than any other game, and a profound thanks to the community for their contributions to my enjoyment. Can’t wait for the next installment

Limbo (review) at risk of sounding like an “artsy” gamer, Limbo was one of the most engrossing gaming experiences I had this year, subtle, charming, and although my enjoyment tapered off towards the end, it was just the right length. I still contend that this game should not be missed.

Mass Effect 2 (review) This is a great game, and a pretty epic experience, although the story felt much like a gateway like the second part of any trilogy and feels like it’s on it’s way to a much more epic conclusion on the horizon. The game play here is awesome, and they got rid of many of the standard RPG tropes, so much so that I personally have a hard time classifying this as an RPG like many of the outlets have. With it’s release on PS3 coming this month including a catchup on ME1 if you haven’t got into it yet, that would be the way to go, so that you get the full story at least, but this was truly one of the best games to come out this year and bolstered with some of the best DLC.

Other notables for me were Darksiders, widely underrated, and dismissed as a Zelda clone, which is retarded because people have been asking for a mature zelda game since the dawn of time, Skate 3 even though I think they can not make those for while, and the video upload stuff should have been more consistent. For Wii owners Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Kirby’s Epic Yarn, also Trauma Team didn’t get enough credit. Super Meatboy was really fun and contrary to everyone else I liked Final Fantasy XIII although I can understand their point of view on that as well. There weren’t really any racing or sports games that deserved to be sought after in my opinion.

I played the demo for NHL 11, it’s just like I expected, a slightly improved EA Hockey game, the demo only lets you play the last period in the stanley cup finals, so not much of a taste, but a taste none-the-less. Controls and pace are exactly how I wanted them to be, you can see the plays develop on the ice, I like that a lot.

I also played the demo for Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2, I mentioned a ways back that I was into the anime, and that’s still the case now. This game feels like it’s going to be a huge improvement over the original Ninja Storm, the way the demo fight carried out was great, you’re dodging jutsus and counter attacking, picking your spots for regenerating chakra. The animation in the game is awesome, and the way the camera swings around as the fight shifts was all very very tight. everything looks like it should really. I was only sort of looking forward to this but I can’t wait to get my hands on more of it.

I’ve also been playing shank, but I’ll wait and do a full initial impressions post on that, or save it for full review.

Just a quick note to re-ensure this place is NOT dead.

There just hasn’t been much to talk about gamewise lately. I’m still playing madden 11, it’s still ok, I imagine it’ll get a lot of play once the football season gets going (fly Eagles!). I’m still playing Starcraft 2, I’m going through looking for achievements, and being too scared to take my game online with strangers even though I’m sure there is a home for me somewhere on that ladder where I can be competitive.

I played a bit of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and it seems like fun in small doses, though I wish the controls were a little snappier.

I’ve also gone back for some Dragon Age: Origins, and I’m still not ~really~ understanding the combat in a way that makes me effective at it which is disappointing because I really want to like it.

I think the next game on the radar is Shank, there’s been a ton of seriously playable DLC lately, and that’s a good thing, but it’s just not the same as getting full budget game. After that I think NHL 11, which I have no real expectations for, I imagine a slightly improved version of NHL 10… I have no reason to expect anything more. I’m also really looking forward to Final Fantasy XIV… there has been a void in my life since I stopped playing WoW due to lack of interest.

Slow times, I haven’t really got sucked into a gaming session since my madden-a-thon before I put up the initial impressions post on it. I almost didn’t really know what to do with myself at all this week. Sort of troublesome.