whymog (Level 13)

The best 3D platformer ever made. Wonderful diversity in level design. Also one of the best co-op experiences of the year; my girlfriend and I played through the entire game together, and then some. I don't think we ever stopped smiling from start to finish.

I've never had to think so hard about whether I should feel like a misogynistic asshole like I did after I started playing Bayonetta. But after three playthroughs, it became clear that the game was playing around with the concept of female stereotypes in games. It was bizarre, strange, and surprisingly original -- and it's the most gratifying character-action game I've ever played. (And I've pretty much played them all.) Brilliantly executed and audacious in its originality, Bayonetta deserves to become a classic.

There are about a dozen things Rock Band 3 did that pushed the series significantly forward, but the introduction of pro instruments seems like the one that has the most potential to shape the future of music games. Being able to see, play and learn actual instruments in the context of a game -- in essence, making practicing and learning actually fun -- is groundbreaking stuff.

The best debut in a 2D platformer series since Super Mario Bros. Perfect controls, refined design, strong sense of style. A remarkable accomplishment.

I've never played a game that looked and felt like Limbo. It's beautiful and terrifying and it needs to be played.

The most gratifying pure open world experience I've had. Unlike the first game, everything felt great, from the controls to exploration and progression through the game's missions. It's not polished to perfection, but its heart goes a long way.

The freshest experience I had in gaming all year. I've played a few camera-based games in the past, but thanks to its smart use of Kinect and a snappy, satisfying interface, Dance Central felt more precise and involving than all of them. When you're in the zone -- and you've had a couple drinks to loosen up -- the illusion is uncanny. Sort of like Rock Band, now that I think about it.

It's not a complex game, nor is it a hard one, but it's all the better for it. The battles are a breeze because the game wants you to focus on just how goddamn charming everything is. The writing and character design channels Psychonauts in a wonderful way. Double Fine may have finally found its voice again.