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The PSP was still alive and kicking this year thanks to publishers like XSEED and Atlus USA releasing great niche titles like "Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time." With dozens of well developed characters, an epic story (as in the classical definition), and a fun battle system that mixes elements from turn-based and real-time strategy systems. "Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time" is one of the great hidden gems from this year and one of my all time favorites for the PSP.
An adventure game with a good story and well written characters is enough for me to call it a great game but what makes "The Walking Dead" one of the best games of 2012 for me is actually how it uses its gameplay. The gameplay is very simple but it enhances the story with meaningful decisions, some puzzles, and other small interactions. That is "The Walking Dead's" greatest achievement in my book, it's perfect balance between passive and interactive storytelling.
"Asura's Wrath" is another great example of a game using gameplay purely to enhance it's story. The game is made up entirely of quick-time events, rail shooter segments, and simple brawler battles. None of these mechanics are satisfying on their own but within the context of the narrative they work at keeping the player invested in all the over-the-top action scenes. In that sense what makes "Asura's Wrath" work for me is the same as what works in "The Walking Dead," a well told tale enhanced by well placed (all be it simple) gameplay moments. "PRESS TRIANGLE TO PUNCH HIS FACE!"
The only thing I can say about "Mighty Switch Force" is that I wish it was longer.
I really loved playing "Kid Icarus: Uprising." Just like every Sakurai game, Kid Icarus is full of content and does everything imaginable with its story and gameplay. It may sound strange but Uprising left me with no desire to play another Kid Icarus sequel. I'm not saying that because I didn't enjoy Uprising (obviously) but the game did so much so well that I felt completely satisfied...for now.
The original Half-Life is a classic but it had its share of little annoyances. Not only does "Black Mesa" fix most of the originals flaws but the updated presentation is beautiful and rivals any modern PC game. And all of this was made for free by fans over the course of more than eight years. Simply amazing.
"Journey" is one of the few games that not only I enjoyed but my whole family did as well. My mom, dad, brothers, sisters, everyone would see me playing "Journey" and want to watch me play or try to play it themselves.
(Runner Up) Would have been on the list if I had finished it in 2012.