10 Best Video Games of 2012

With the year drawing to a close, we are taking a little time to look back on the best video games of 2012.  2012 was an exciting year for gamers and brought us an array of ground-breaking titles. Here is our list of 2012’s best games.

10. WWE 13 (Xbox 360/PS3/Wii)

With WWE 13 THQ brought us the best wrestling title to date. The game’s single player mode gives a much better experience than that of THQ’s past attempts, further immersing players in the boot stomping/rock bottom giving/leg drop from the top ropes. The game is a true accomplishment and finally brings us the wrestling game experience we have all been waiting for.

9. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is one of the best tactical shooters games yet. There is a learning curve, so not every noob will be able to play (well) right away. This is a good thing, as it gives even more of an incentive to play as much as possible; the opportunity to learn from your mistakes. New maps and new weapons, as well as polished, updated graphics make this Counter-Strike one of our favorite shooters of 2012.

8. Halo 4

Halo 4 was the first title in the series not created by Bungie…and, surprisingly, it turned out to be spectacular. 343 Industries is no pushover and proved themselves worthy of taking-over Bungie’s revered gaming creation. The company took the exciting gameplay of the Halo series, updated the visuals and this gives players the feeling that they’re dating a now-sexier ex-girlfriend. Sure, she does the same great things that she used to, but man does she look better now than she did back then. Master Chief returns in this thrilling sci-fi shooter that Xbox gamers know and love, creating a truly re-invigorating Halo game. The game is very well polished and has a soundtrack that could compete with any blockbuster film’s.

7. Borderlands 2 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

The original Borderlands was a great title to begin with, but had its flaws. Borderlands 2 fixes those, making Pandora bigger and better in almost every aspect. More loot and more class mods give players more of a reason to level up and search that extra corner of the map for cool guns. And, trust us, the guns are pretty damn cool. Borderlands 2 is well worth both your time and hard earned money.

6. Call of Duty Black Ops II (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a must-own title for fps fans. It is the best Call of Duty game to date, as well as the most ambitious. The campaign is simply groundbreaking. Multiplayer is exhilarating and addictive, as always. While we are disappointed that there are no multiplayer maps set in the snow or rain, the rest of the maps are greatly detailed but not cluttered. Snipers can find their spots just fine, but run-and-gunners will have no problem, umm, running-and-gunning.

5. Torchlight II (PC)

Torchlight II retailed at only $20 on Steam, yet it blew its major big name competitor, Diablo 3, out of the water. Interesting loot and skill boosts drive this RPG past its competitors and gameplay, at its very core, is just a fun experience. While its competitor was short and had no replay value, Torchlight II makes players keep playing and playing, without feeling like an effortless grind.

4. Dishonored (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

Dishonored is another title you will have to, and want to, play over and over again to discover new things about it. The title creates a wildly unique and creative world, as well as beautiful visuals. The way you play the game greatly affects the game’s ending and how characters interact with you. And, because the game is open world, there is a lot of opportunity for different variations of gameplay. Dishonored is, hands down, the best action adventure game of the year. It is a dark masterpiece that you NEED to play to understand how awesome it is. Dishonored is reminiscent of Bioshock, yet not quite the same. Dishonored is stealthy, refined, even borderline artsy.

3. Far Cry 3 (Xbox 360/PS3)

Far Cry 3 greatly improves on the gameplay of the two previous titles in the series by creating a very large, open world and introducing RPG elements to the game. Although the multi-player and co-op modes aren’t really worth your time, the single player experience is one of the best of 2012. Far Cry 3 does what every franchise game should do; take the good from the old and add more to it that improves the game. Open world gameplay and stunning scenery creates the best Far Cry experience yet. Ubisoft has really out-done themselves with this one!

2. Guild Wars 2 (PC)

Guild Wars 2 is the best MMO title we’ve seen in awhile. A large, creative world with fantastic art design, random world events and an expansive crafting system gives players a uniquely awesome experience. NCSOFT/ArenaNet have released update after update, mostly improving gameplay mechanics but also introducing new content for player’ enjoyment. Guild Wars 2 has taken a big bite out of the MMO market, taking much of the good from World Of Warcraft while adding their own great twists. Guild Wars 2 isn’t striving to be W.O.W; it’s striving to be better.  And, it is better. The best part? There is no monthly fee for playing. 

1. The Walking Dead: The Game (PC)

The Walking Dead: The Game hit retail shelves at the height of the wildly popular zombie based television series on AMC, The Walking Dead; which further capitalized on the popularity of the comic book of the same name published by Image Comics. In each episode (there are five), players basically create their own story and make their own choices in the zombie apocalypse, this makes gamers truly care about the characters on the screen. Great intense action and surprises in every episode create a gripping experience every fan of the genre should partake of. The Walking Dead: The Game is an emotional journey and a truly enjoyable experience. It was given a perfect score by Gamespy, Joystiq, Cheat Code Central and Gaming Age and for good reason.

Sound off below in the comments section and let us know what YOUR favorite title of 2012 was!

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