1: Journey

I've been a critque of artsy games over the past couple of years. I was raised on brutal platformers and pure gameplay, so I never was emotionally engaged in most games. I questioned the appeal of games such as Flower as they weren't that big of a deal to me. I'm as surprised as you at my utter love for Journey. Perhaps its that Journey actually plays like an actual game or that I finally got the appeal for thatgamecompany games. Regardless, Journey is a near perfect game that doesn't require any thing more or anything less. Well, its almost perfect as my one glaring knock against Journey is its annoying use of Sixaxis for the Dualshock 3. Other than that Journey is one of those games that make me realize all the potential that video games can accomplish. Journey is such a wonderful ride that is mixed with joy, glee, danger, death, and a triumphant rise to glory. You really should play this game as it does so much with so little. It also made me realize the importance of artsy games and why people love them.

2: Asura's Wrath

Asura's Wrath is another game that can simply be described as art. From inspection, people can easily write off Asura's Wrath. I also wrote it off as it mostly showed QTE's and dumb anime shit that I despise immensely. I still wished to try the demo so I could understand what I was making fun of then continue to laugh at a dumb looking game. I didn't expect my jaw to hit the floor after playing that demo, but it did happen. After watching a god man transform into an entity that is bigger than the planet itself I was in awe. I would best describe Asura's Wrath as awesome. The word is overused, but I mean it when I say that Asura's Wrath left me in awe at what I was witnessing. Through out Asura's journey I witnessed a sword that cut the moon, a god that threw planets at me, and oh a weird anime bathhouse scene that is completely random, but necessary. Just play it and see the crazy anime shit for yourself. You won't regret it.

3: The Walking Dead

I've never played a Telltale game to completion. I liked my time with Sam & Max and even Back to the Future. After Jurassic Park's disaterous reception I was begining to think that this trend would continue. I still gave WD a chance as I loved the comics and watched the amc show. I'm here to report that the game easily surpasses the comics and tv show. The games have shown a glimpse of the zombie game that I've always wanted. WD so far has delivered an emotional thrill ride that is mostly you talking to people. The zombies like in the source material aren't the main threat in the world. It is all about the evils of humanity and that is displayed in episode 2. This may be a bit too soon for me to put such high regard in a game that still isn't complete, but you'd be wrong. The Walking Dead has done enough for it to be on my list and for me to finally break my Telltale tradition. I will play all of The Walking Dead and be happy that I did.

4: Mass Effect 3

A game that was probably going to be my main pick for my GOTY. I had a huge addiction to Mass Effect. I've bought books, posters, toys, collector editions, and all the games in the series on day one. My excitement was so huge for ME3 that I even contemplated getting an N7 tattoo on my shoulder. After completeling ME3 that tatttoo won't happen any time soon. The ending has been talked to death so I won't cover that. The ending still feels like an intern wrote his shitty fan-fic ending and replaced that with the original ending. Even after the extended cut I still dislike the endings. The endings aren't why this isn't higher. The quest log is another reason and quests in general. The bare bones content in ME3 is disturbing and a clear sign that Bioware's excellence is fading away rapidly. The relieance on combat is also ridiculous. Just look at ME and then look at how so much has changed. Look at ME's Ash and the new Ash from ME3. Its sad to see one of my favorite franchises be transformed into something unrecognizable by fans such as myself. Still, ME3 has some great moments such as Tutchanka and the Geth conflicts. ME3 is a great game, but it is incredibly disappointing. Mass Effect should have been much more important to this generation, but it fails on several occasions.

5: Binary Domain

Its a fun rope through future Japan. The best aspect of BD is its focus on characters and its Terminator sci-fi story. The game is made by the Yakuze team, so it isn't surprising to hear that. The most surprising aspect of BD is that is plays well and for a TPS, the shorting actually feels good. Also, shooting robots never felt so good. Its a good rental for sure. Just be ready for a crazy Japanese ride.

6: Spec Ops: The Line

A game that I love yet hate. Spec Ops is one of those games that everyone needs to play once. It is honestly the most surprising game of this year. Just think about the delays and look of the game before even thinking about the game itself. The opening doesn't even show how fucked up Spec Ops actually is. Its a game that makes you feel like a villain and doesn't wish to reward you for anything. The world of Spec Op is actively against you and you won't find any solace in Spec Ops. Its a game that tries so many strange things that it deserves to be celebrated. One of these innovations is changing dalogue through out the game. Nolan North's standard reload from the main character turns vulgar the farther on you go in the game. You also kill Americans in this game. Think about how many military games involve you killing American troops. Probably none right? There are other aspects of Spec Ops that deserve praise, but also realize that Spec ops is a terrible game besides its story. The gameplay is awful and even the graphics themselves aren't noteworthy. Still, you should play Spec Ops.

7: The Darkness 2

A game that is on here because I haven't played as many games as I would have liked. The asylum story segments are the main appeal. Too bad the ending is kind of bullshit. It is still a fun game to play for a while.

8: Botanicula

A charming PC adventure game that truly captures laughs and gleeful enjoyment. Go play it and have fun.

9: Max Payne 3

A disappointing game in several aspects. It still manages to be fun in some cases. Props to Rockstar for making Max Payne your own thing now.

10: Fez

I don't love Fez, but I appreciate what it does. I never got the appeal of this game so it won't last long on this list. I had my fun with it, but I didn't make my room like the room from Seven.

About Diablo 3...

I'd love to play it, but my shitty laptop probably wouldn't handle it. I'll play it eventually once I get my PC.