Game of the Year Awards 2011
New Game Network staff make their annual selections for the best video games of the year!
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Welcome to NGN Game of the Year Awards 2011
The year of 2011 has been one to remember. We have seen our share of amazing games, from Skyrim to Deus Ex, LA Noire to Forza 4. Both new and existing franchises have made their mark on the gaming landscape, as some old ones have been reborn with renewed brilliance.
But it goes beyond that. Who could have thought that in a single year, PC Gamers would rejoice at playing not one but two titles in the Assassin’s Creed Franchise? What wild dreamers could have guessed that Duke Nukem Forever will finally be here, for real this time, and in your unsuspecting hands.
There was a very notable push for mobile and casual gaming this year, with Angry Birds and the lot dominating charts. On a more serious front, persistent services such as Call of Duty Elite pushed the boundaries of what is possible in online communities. Steam made a smooth transition to PlayStation 3, presenting some exciting new console possibilities for the future. EA, meanwhile, stirred controversy with their Origin service, requiring it for all future PC releases and presenting direct competition to Valve’s service.
We’d also see the next generation of console from Nintendo, with WiiU, which could potentially escalate the pressure on Sony and Microsoft to update their hardware sooner than expected. In the meantime though, Microsoft has continued to push Kinect, while Sony diverted its attention to the upcoming PlayStation Vita handheld.
It wasn’t a perfect year, of course. Downtime of the PlayStation Network shed a very harsh light on the realities of personal information safety within the gaming community. Some studios did not survive the tough market economy, with the likes of Bizarre Creations, Kaos Studios, and Team Bondi closing their doors. Some games didn’t fare any better, with the Guitar Hero franchise being put on hold. Oh, and no Half-Life 3 or Diablo 3 either (though, at least the latter looks set for 2012).
But our industry keeps marching on, in the face of adversity and uncertainty over the collective future of our hobby. New Game Network staff have put the words on these pages that highlight the best of the year that’s passed. After Red Dead Redemption claimed GOTY of 2010, who could emerge victorious this year?
There is only one way to find out. Read on!
Introduction | Gameplay Awards | Special Awards | Genre Awards | GOTY
Gameplay Awards
Best Story
Being a prequel to one of the best video games ever made is no easy task for the writers. Lead writer, Mary DeMarle, crafts a world dealing with the issues of augmentations. The protagonist, Adam Jensen, is the head of security at a major augmentation firm. An attack almost results in his death and the loss of several key scientists. Augmentations save Adam’s life, but at what cost? The gripping tale of betrayal and conspiracy makes Human Revolution’s story the best of the year.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Graphics (Art)
This platformer from Frozenbyte uses incredible color and saturation to bring the world to life. Consistent design across each of the levels, from murky swamps to chilling ice caves, brings a unique element to each setting. Large snails or menacing trolls are all created with attention to detail and feel at home in this mystical universe. Each level is a huge 3D painting that is indeed a work of art.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Graphics (Technical)
DICE uses the new Frostbite 2 engine to great effect in their latest battlefield experience. Amazing new lighting effects which include simple radiosity, smoke shadows, and subtle high dynamic range effects, enhance the incredible destruction. Improved animation with more natural transitions creates a feast for the eyes.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Original Music
Jeremy Soule was asked to compose the music behind Bethesda’s latest Elder Scrolls game. He once again proves more than capable of producing musical themes that are memorable and enjoyable to listen to after many hours. Creating an immersive experience, the music injects a powerful feeling into all Dragonborns.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Audio Design
The thunderous boom of a tank shell and the screams of fear from fellow soldiers are just some features that make the sound so crucial in BF3. Building on the great sound design from BC2, it takes the atmosphere up a notch. The entire battle rages on in your speakers, bringing forth a presentation aspect of the game that’s often underutilized elsewhere.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Voice Acting
Portal 2 Whether it’s GLaDOS’ snarky remarks about testing and subsequent failure, or the quibble from Wheatley to the main protagonist Chell, the voices in Portal 2 are as unique and memorable as the character designs. Well written dialog only adds to the already excellent voice acting and well-timed delivery, making Portal 2’s voice actors the best in 2011.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Character
Aperture Science’s CEO, Cave Johnson, is one of the most memorable characters this year. And he doesn’t even exist! Well, not in the present time, anyway. Voiced by the always entertaining J.K. Simmonds, the character is brought to life with old audio recordings as we only get to hear as he rises to power as CEO and carries on through his life, until eventually he is no longer able to continue testing due to old age. “The testing area is just up ahead. The quicker you get through, the quicker you’ll get your 60 bucks.” Who could resist easy money?
Honorable Mentions:
Best Atmosphere
Being aboard the Sprawl is an eerie experience for Isaac Clarke. Bulkheads creak and you can hear screams echoing from the distance as monsters tear apart humans. The necromorph outbreak is captured with all the tension that goes along with it. Every corridor is a threat and even the lack of sound can question your sanity. The Sprawl is a dark and frightening place, and that’s why we love it.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Singleplayer
Although the main quest line might not have the best story, Skyrim excels because it has a world with lots to do. Side quests take you to unexpected places to meet interesting people. You can truly forge your life as the Dragonborn and feel part of a living world. There are dozens of hours to be found simply exploring the world, offering the best offline experience this year.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Multiplayer
Multiplayer in Battlefield 3 is a truly dynamic, engrossing experience that may have you screaming in pain or laughing in astonishment. Each match plays out differently and every squad requires different tactics.There is great sense of being a part of a conflict much bigger than just the next encounter, and that’s not something many shooters can claim.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Gameplay
Rarely does everything come together quite like this. Tight controls, great visuals, strong immersion and a long-lasting adrenaline rush are just some of the terms used to describe the Battlefield 3 experience. With endless variety in weapon customization, solid shooting mechanics, and breathtaking presentation – this is the most complete gameplay experience of 2011.
Honorable Mentions:
Most Original Gameplay
L.A. Noire is something different, not just for Rockstar, but for the genre as a whole. There has never been quite a game like this, with an interesting setting and unique gameplay that falls outside of established mechanics. With its amazing animation tech and interrogation system, as well as investigation mechanics, L.A. Noire brings new mechanics to the table that may later evolve to revolutionize the industry.
Honorable Mentions:
Introduction | Gameplay Awards | Special Awards | Genre Awards | GOTY
Introduction | Gameplay Awards | Special Awards | Genre Awards | GOTY
Special Awards
Best PC Game
If you are a fan of RPG’s and don’t mind a steep learning curve, PC exclusive Witcher 2 is a game that demands your attention. The plethora of game-changing choices, complex and highly political story combined with the fast-paced combat and immersive world of the Witcher 2 make this a stand out experience and worthy sequel to the first Witcher.
Honorable Mentions:
Best PlayStation 3 Game
What the first inFamous established as an original but sometimes unpolished experience, the sequel takes to a new level. The gameplay hasn’t changed much, which is perhaps the sequel’s weakest selling point, but it remains unquestionably fun and that’s more than enough for most. Action has been ramped up with updated animations and devastating Ionic powers, and platforming still feels like a great mix between realistic and superhuman, making it the best PlayStation 3 game of 2011.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Xbox 360 Game
It only took two years to make, and yet it offers possibly the best simulation racing experience on the market as of right now. Forza 4 is a deep and engaging title that offers a ton of value, making it not only a great racer, but also the best game this year on Xbox 360.
Honorable Mentions:
Best New IP
A successful attempt at something unique, L.A. Noire proves that the adventure genre is far from dead. Though not without issues, LA Noire’s unique mechanics and technology make it a great start for a hopeful franchise, which comes recommended to anyone who’s tired of today’s formulaic action games.
Honorable Mentions:
Most Improved Sequel
inFamous 2 is a sequel that improves on the original in most ways. Though not perfect, and lacking any true game-changers, the title’s trademark gameplay remains fun, engaging, and helps the franchise push forward towards greatness. With many sequels simply “phoning it in”, inFamous 2 shows how to keep a series moving forward with significant strides, pleasing both fans and newcomers.
Honorable Mentions:
Most Surprisingly Good Game
Driver: San Francisco is quite simply a stellar reboot of a franchise. Delivering a unique and, most importantly, well executed Shift mechanic helps the game stand out alongside its peers. The arcade racing feels right, the open world is huge and littered with things to do, and though the AI could use some work, it’s nothing gamebreaking. Included online multiplayer options are varied and promise to provide many hours of entertainment. For a title whose concepts seemed odd at best, we couldn’t be more thrilled with how the final game turned out.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Downloadable Game
Trine 2 is a solid yet simple platformer that succeeds in bringing players into a rich fantasy world. It doesn’t change the mechanics of the original but it adds enough new things for players to learn and enjoy. The beautiful, saturated environments represent some of the best art design for any game released this year.
Honorable Mentions:
Best DLC / Expansion
Four maps from BF2 wonderfully reproduced in the Frostbite 2.0 engine with lots of destruction. Most of the maps preserve the structure but the new designs are fantastic too. Some new assignments, new weapons and vehicles are also great. The best part of the expansion though: it was free for everybody with the limited edition. Now that is a great reason to pre-order.
Honorable Mentions:
Deus Ex: Human Revolution (The Missing Link), Dawn of War II (Retribution), Infamous 2 (Festival of Blood)
Most Disappointing Game
In the end, RAGE feels like a lackluster effort from iD considering the length of the game’s development. The inconsistency of the campaign means that you get about 6 hours of high quality shooting and a whole bunch of pointless filler in the form of uninspired side quests, ridiculously easy racing and some basic vehicular combat. RAGE is notable for its great enemy AI and visually varied levels, but it feels bloated and often repetitive.
Dishonorable Mentions:
Introduction | Gameplay Awards | Special Awards | Genre Awards | GOTY
Introduction | Gameplay Awards | Special Awards | Genre Awards | GOTY
Genre Awards
Best Driving Game
A very solid racing experience that comes with a wealth of cars, tracks, and modes. There is a lot of racing to be had here, and with a game that looks this good – you simply can’t go wrong giving Forza Motorsport 4 a green light.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Platforming Game
This sequel provides players with new gameplay, robust tools, and seemingly endless experiences. This is still a fantastic sequel for anyone who enjoys traversing three dimensional environments presented in 2D, where you can jump, swing, and ride furry animals to your heart’s content . Alone or cooperative, this is a complete and very user friendly platforming experience, and it’s the best this year.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Shooter
Being in a squad that is a small part of a team fighting for control of the entire battlefield is a remarkable experience. The shooting feels fantastic as do all the weapons and vehicles. The balance is good and the replayabilty is simply astonishing. A wealth of weapon customization options combined with dynamic combat environments makes this the best shooter experience of the year.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Action Game
First class action, clever suspense and a killer sci-fi setting make Dead Space 2 a very worthy sequel. The game is not necessarily terrifying due to the high action and deadly arsenal at Isaac’s disposal. That does not mean you won’t be shooting each dormant Necromorph corpse blocking your path.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Strategy Game
Shogun 2 is an excellent and cohesive package that is also remarkably diverse thanks to its extremely well implemented real-time and turn based components. Epic large scale real time battles are like something out of a Akira Kurosawa film, and never fail to surprise as new scenarios require new tactics with every battle.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Adventure Game
Putting together the pieces of the proverbial puzzle hasn’t been this exciting since the days of point-and-click adventure games. No longer are you required to tie a shoe string to a bottle to solve a problem – this is the new age of adventure. LA Noire showed that it’s never too late for intelligent titles to enter the market and take players on a classic adventure with modern gameplay mechanics.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Role Playing Game
Many have called The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim one of the best RPGs ever, and for a good reason. It’s expansive “do anything, be anyone” play style is done here better than ever before. Bethesda appears to have learned from many of their past missteps in Oblivion and Fallout 3, snatching the top RPG honors for the second year in a row following Fallout: New Vegas as our best RPG of 2010.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Sports Game
Despite being on a yearly release schedule, this football franchise continues to improve in rather meaningful ways. To the delight of the fans, FIFA 12 is a great footy title with numerous significant improvements that you should most definitely have a crack at.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Simulation Game
It may lack diverse weather conditions and different terrain to race on, but what Forza 4 does have – pure asphalt – feels fully realized. From the feeling of racing at breakneck speeds around accurately recreated circuits, to the feedback of burning rubber on your tires, there is no other racing game which came close to Forza 4’s realism this year.
Honorable Mentions:
FIFA Manager 12, Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad, Rocksmith
Best Puzzle Game
A worthy sequel to one of the most unique games of the last ten years, Portal 2 offers a hilarious and mind-bending, albeit all too brief, romp through the world of Aperture Science. With the addition of new gameplay elements, puzzles are more complex than before, presenting a challenge even to the experienced players. The satisfaction of figuring out a solution by random experimentation with the elements is just as satisfying as crunching the physics engine’s possibilities.
Honorable Mentions:
Fractal, Trine 2
Best Arcade Game
The game’s strong focus on party goers and casual players shows with great execution of all the right features. Just Dance 3 is easily accessible to players of all skill levels and ages, and with the use of Kinect, it is the most freeing arcade experience to date.
Honorable Mentions:
Bit.Trip Runner, Dance Central 2, NBA Jam On Fire Edition
Introduction | Gameplay Awards | Special Awards | Genre Awards | GOTY
Introduction | Gameplay Awards | Special Awards | Genre Awards | GOTY
Game of the Year
The realm of Skyrim is a strikingly beautiful one. Long mountain ranges jut up from the horizon in all directions leading to stunning, fog-lined vistas, cities carved directly out of the side of mountains, and dank, roughly-hewn dungeons spidering their way far underground. Dwemer ruins make their fortunate return and lead to some of the game’s most visually impressive and culturally interesting locations in the game.
Hundreds of hours of compelling content, a better primary plot, and a rich world create one of the best singleplayer experiences ever. The realm of Skyrim is a beautiful and endlessly enticing one. If you enjoy great video game experiences, then you absolutely should not miss Skyrim.
Honorable Mentions:
What a thrilling year indeed! Thanks for joining us, and we hope to see you next year!