This year was packed with great games, many of which I haven't even played, but what I did play, I liked. A lot. I don't want to break this down into categories because I think that just waters down the award (my soap box is small as it is!) so I'm only listing two games: my Game of the Year, and my Runner Up. Let's get down to business.
Runner Up: Dungeon Defenders
I can't say enough good things about this game. First of all, don't play it alone. At least, not at first. You really need to experience this game in co-op because that's where it shines (if you're looking for co-op buddies, I'm "smurphster" on Steam). This game lovingly mixes elements from several different genres. I always want to say a game is a certain genre at its core, but I really can't do that here. The best I can do is call it an RPG/tower defense with a splash of FPS (or TPS) and action/adventure.
There's so much to love about this game, but what keeps me coming back is the high I feel when narrowly beating a level with a group of co-op buddies, after several close failures. Where a traditional tower defense game gives you nothing for failing a stage, the character development (levels, skills, loot, upgrades) in Dungeon Defenders takes the bite out of losing. You emerge from a lost battle, bruised and burned, but stronger and better equipped. On the flip side, the RPG elements are deep, yet simplified if you don't want to spend a lot of time on it. Point your crosshairs at an item and you'll see a quick comparison of that item compared to what you have equipped, plus a thumbs up/down that generally tells you which is better. Thumbs up, pick it up, thumbs down, leave it on the groun(d). It's simple and effective, yet you can still upgrade, buy/sell, and trade equipment if you please. Ok, enough rambling, let's move on.
Game of the Year: Gears of War 3
The Gears of War series continually steps it up, and Gears of War 3 is no exception. It takes Gears of War 2, improves everything, and adds Beast mode (basically reverse Horde mode). It easily has the most and best co-op offerings we've seen this year (maybe ever), and it's all very polished. There's really not a whole lot to say about this game, it's just plain awesome, and you should play it.
So there you have it. Thanks for reading!
OK, so, there wasn't much interest in Bunch of Heroes, but maybe I can entice you with 3 copies of E.Y.E. Divine Cybermancy to give away? Just post your steam name in a comment below, add me (pofigster) as a friend on Steam and I'll send a copy your way. First come, first serve (not in terms of comments, but in terms of frien...
Overall game of the year? That’s an easy answer – Gears of War 3. Was it the most innovative game? No. Was it the best written game? Probably not. So why do I award it GOTY? This is the game that got my wife more into gaming and the first shooter that she actually played and enjoyed.
I have three copies of Bunch of Heroes to give away on Steam. If you would like one, please post a comment with your Steam ID and add pofigster as a friend on Steam. I'll accept the friend requests and send the copies out tonight around 6PM EST. ...