Favorite games of 2011 Part 1

It's a new year. Time for new goals, new adventures and new games. 2011 was a banner year for games as some excellent titles (both original and sequel) were released for nearly every major console. It's most likely very accurate to say that every console a saw a high profile and high quality release during the 2011. Every type of gamer had a title that they most likely enjoyed.

While most publications and sites do a top ten GOTY every year, since this is my own blog I want to do something different. I want to mention games that to me, were incredible experiences, that despite budget, platform or release date, were titles that in one way or another made me take notice. Some of the choices will seem obvious and some you may have never guessed. I also will be listing more than ten choices. In such a fantastic year of gaming, narrowing the list to ten seems very limiting as all of the games I will mention deserve some sort of credit and recognition (and its also my blog, so if you don't like it...tough). Also, each title will have a link to a video showing gameplay, so if my words don't quite cut it, the videos included should give a good idea how the game plays. I will also be doing 5 a day until I reach my final game, so for all of those who are interested, keep checking for updates!

Here they are, in no particular order and with a brief explanation of why they were chosen:

Kirby Mass Attack - Despite not being as popular as Nintendo's other triple A titles, the Kirby series has always been somewhat of an anomaly. Kirby titles always seem to be the games that Nintendo takes the most risks on, the titles where something new and different can be tried without worrying about alienating a huge audience.

Mass Attack was no different. Taking the concept of a Kirby platformer and adding a bit of strategy and micromanagement gameplay into the mix provided a fun and challenging handheld experience that requires a bit more input than simply walking right. The touch controls were spot on, the graphics colorful and the music light, poppy and delightful. A wonderful swan song for a handheld that may be on the way out soon...

inFamous 2 - I was a huge fan of the first inFamous. Open world gameplay, fantastic powers to learn, a true good and evil branching system that accurately reflected your major choices and an epic comic lore inspired story made for a fantastic (and original) super hero and open world title. The second in the series is no slouch in any of the previous title's game related elements, in fact improving on the original in nearly every way. More interesting powers? Yes. An interesting and diverse open world to explore with plenty of hidden items to discover? yes. An improved good/evil system that drastically altered the story and the finale based on your choices? Yes.

inFamous delivered on all fronts and provided a fantastic sequel to an already fantastic original. Fans of comic books, open world games or just well made action adventures in general could do no wrong by picking this title up. When combined with the continued support by the community and the recent release of the DLC add on "Festival of Blood", the reasons not to pick up this title become less and less.

Crimson Alliance - Hack and slash titles seemed to make a big comeback this year with the release of several quality titles and the hype for Diablo III beginning to reach fever pitch.  During the summer months, Crimson Alliance was released for the 360 Live arcade. Deceivingly simple at first (as all hack and slashers seem to be), the joy for this title came from its sheer simplicity and ease of play for anyone of any skill level. Featuring only three classes and dungeons that were relatively short (but provided a slew of hidden loot and weapons. Add in the fact that each character could be purchased separately, and you have a Diablo-lite hack and slash, but something that is very fun, easy to pick up and play, and does not require a large cash investment. A very fun game, whether single player or with friends.

Cthulhu Saves the World - A old school style JRPG that features the god of madness as the hero? You betcha. Cthulhu Saves the World was a lovingly crafted tribute to the JRPGs of old, with its sprite based graphics, simple turn based gameplay and witty dialog among your party. The entire time I played the game, I was grinning like an idiot, feverishly wanting to press forward if not to hear the next joke being cracked or witty dialog being exchanged. Between the high profile RPGs of 2011, this was a simple and enjoyable gem to play.

Dragon Age II - Many gamers and fans were unhappy with Dragon Age II, saying that it was a simplified hack and slash with choices that didn't really matter, a limited world to explore, lackluster story and shallow customization. As a new comer to the series, I can honestly say that I wasn't entirely versed in the lore of Dragon Age, nor did I know about the previous events that transpired. What I was left with was a fun RPG that seemed to carry a more intimate and personal story than most RPG's. Instead of saving the world I was tasked with simply making my way in the world. I was set to carve out my own legacy. It was a rags to riches story set in a world of elves and magic. The gameplay was fun, the characters very likable and the DLC (including one featuring Felicia Day) was also just as much fun. My opinion may change when I finally go back to play Origins, but as of right now, Dragon Age II was a lot of fun to play and an RPG that kept me busy for the spring months.

That's enough for today! Check back in tomorrow for another notable 5 from 2011.