Welcome to the Best Of 2012 Awards. This year has awarded us gamers with some truly amazing games; Shooters, RPGs, Sports, Adventures, Horror and so on. You name it and there was probably something amazing. So what better way to kick off our awards, then to go through each of the respective platforms’ exclusives and find out which titles reined supreme.
BEST XBOX 360 EXCLUSIVE
Halo 4 is one of the best games of the year and quite possibly the best game on Xbox 360. Period. Of course, many Halo fans didn’t think this was going to be the case, and you can’t blame them for thinking that. Afterall, Bungie, creator of the Halo franchise was no longer at the helm and in their place was newly founded 343 Industries. Consisting of industry veterans, including some Bungie alums 343 Industries had the enormous task of creating not just another Halo game, but creating a new future for the series. The original Halo trilogy has ended and in its place a brand new one emerges, with deeper, richer story-telling, unbelievable visual prowess, and the series tried and true challenging combat help to make Halo 4 standout as the number 1 title for Xbox 360 this year.
Developer: 343industries | Publisher: Microsoft Studios
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BEST PLAYSTATION 3 EXCLUSIVE
“Journey is a game that is not for everyone, that much is probably apparent by now. Those gamers who are interested in a more traditional gaming experience will probably find this game as too much of a slow burn with little to no payoff. Yet a glorious achievement in gaming awaits for those gamers who enjoy something a little different. Journey deserves your attention as it marks a milestone, not only in downloadable gaming (early contender for downloadable game of the year) but in gaming as a whole. Now go forth and experience the journey that awaits.” – Frank Soldato, Senior Editor
Check out the review.
Developer: thatgamecompany | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
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BEST WII U EXCLUSIVE
Yes, zombies are everywhere and they’ve even managed to get their grubby, decomposing hands on the brand-new Wii U, but in doing so, they show that there is still some truly unique and interesting ways for them to lumber around. ZombiU might not necessarily be the first thing you think of when you hear the words “Wii U”, but it definitely should be; even if you’re fed up of zombies already. ZombiU is hands down one of the best survival horror games released in years. ZombiU combines zombies, rogue-likes and the Wii U’s gamepad into something that will truly have you on the edge of your feet. No longer are you a badass with plenty of weapons, instead you are a sole survivor who WILL die. Zombies in ZombiU are enemies that you will learn to fear and attempt to avoid as much as possible. Now if this is how the zombie apocalypse will be, then count me out, but for a game I’m ready to go.
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier | Publisher: Ubisoft
BEST WII EXCLUSIVE
“Xenoblade Chronicles is a great game, and it bodes well for the future of the genre. Hopefully more Japanese developers will have a look at what Monolith Software has managed to pull off. I think that a lot of Japanese developers have seen a decline in sales in the West but have misinterpreted them as a sign that American gamers just want games with big, burly dudes with huge guns. That’s not what it is at all; it’s just that games like Mass Effect and Skyrim have improved upon the core foundations of prior games and as a result we have received games that are easy to enjoy while retaining a sense of satisfaction. Japanese games, meanwhile, have stalled, and as a result we haven’t seen any games offering up anything new for quite some time. Xenoblade Chronicles does just that, and for that reason it is a must-buy. Support this forward-thinking Japanese RPG and enjoy all the splendor that it has to offer, because game’s like these are few and far in-between nowadays.” – Reis Mahnic, Contributing Editor
Check out the review.
Developer: Monolith Software | Publisher: Nintendo
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BEST PC EXCLUSIVE
Developer: ArenaNet | Publisher: NCsoft
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BEST 3DS EXCLUSIVE
Entering its second year, the 3DS was still on uneven footing. Sure, we had Super Mario 3D Land and a new Mario Kart game, but gamers were clamoring for more. They were waiting to see what the system was truly capable of and Capcom decided to show everyone just that with Resident Evil: Revelations. Of course, Revelations isn’t just a technical masterpiece on the small handheld system, it is also one of the best Resident Evil games to come out in quite some time. Revelations marked the return of Jill as the main character, along with what has been missing from the series for far too long, tension and darkness. Controls have been modified to work well with two circlepads (courtesy of the 3DS boat add-on) or with a single circlepad, allowing you to play the classic Resident Evil 4 way or like a typical 3rd person shooter. The game also had some great set pieces, including a cruise liner where you spend most of your time. If you are a fan of Resident Evil then you owe it to yourself to play Revelations, especially after the disappointment that was Resident Evil 6.
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom
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BEST PS VITA EXCLUSIVE
Persona 4 was and still is one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. It boasts great combat, superb characters, dialog and a charm that is simply irresistible. So how is it that a game released in 2008 on the Playstation 2 ends up earning the title of best PS Vita exclusive title, well simply put it is still an amazing game, now with upgraded visuals, a bevy of new content and the benefit of being portable. There is no other game on the PS Vita (unfortunately there aren’t many) that will keep you glued to the tiny screen in your hand, as much as Persona 4 Golden. For everyone who missed out on the 2008 release now is your chance to see what all the hoopla is about and for all those who have already experienced it, now is your chance to experience all over again with some truly great new content.
Take one of the best JRPGs of all time, add in some great new content, update the visuals and put it in the palm of your hand.
Developer: Atlus | Publisher: Atlus
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