What's new in games?
| 24 December 2011
So how was the 2011 gaming year for you? We’ve had technical innovations - such as the launch of the Nintendo 3DS; as well as console-less gameplay via the debut of the games on demand OnLive service.
But what of the games themselves? It was a good year for adding highly polished installments to long running games series, and an even better year for reigniting an interest in superheroes. Original titles were a bit thin on the ground – but as it takes so much money to actually develop a blockbuster game (budgets of up to $100 million aren’t out of the ordinary), it’s obvious why big games publishers want to stay with a tried and tested formula.
Batman Arkham City proved once again that the Caped Crusader really is the king of all videogame characters. The long awaited follow up to 2009’s Arkham Asylum was a truly awesome action adventure with slick combat, jaw dropping visuals and a massive cast of villains to get to grips with. Best superhero game ever? Quite possibly.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution gave a perfect example of why action games don’t have to be brainless. By offering a true freedom of play where you got to choose exactly how you wanted to progress through the game it was possible to be a stealthy ninja one minute and a guns-blazing bullet machine the next. Dress that sort of gameplay freedom up in a cyber punk style sci-fi world and you had one of the standout titles of the year.
Both Assassin’s Creed Revelations and Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception delivered the goods for fans of both long running series. I’ve got particular praise for Uncharted 3 as the PlayStation exclusive is still the best reason for buying a PS3.
And although it could be argued that there was nothing really new in the latest Assassin’s Creed adventure, it’s hard to not fall in love with acrobatic free running, slick swordplay and vertigo inducing climbing exploits.
It was FIFA 12 that really showed how to teach an old dog new tricks. An overhauled in-game engine, a whole new way of playing defensively and fantastic on the ball animation and control finally pushed the FIFA series head and shoulders above the competing Pro Evolution Soccer games.
A special mention should also be made for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Although the game is literally just a few days old it is already attracting subscribers in their thousands and offers a genuine alternative to the fantasy-themed styling of World of Warcraft. It’s just a shame you need a whizz bang PC and enough money to pay the monthly subscription charge in order to feel the Force.
As for next year? More new handheld hardware (step forward PS Vita) and even more new games to get excited about. I’ll be looking into my crystal ball and predicting the biggest titles to look forward to when we return in January.
Until then, wishing you all a top Xmas and New Year stuffed with great games and edge of the seat action!
You must be signed in to post a comment. Not a member? Join up here.
Comments