Rayman Origins is further proof that even in 2011, expertly crafted 2D platformers still have a rightful place in any gamer's collection.

Rayman Origins is further proof that even in 2011, expertly crafted 2D platformers still have a rightful place in any gamer's collection.

The best THQ-made WWE game to date, but there's still room for improvement. Regardless, fans of professional wrestling are sure to have hours upon hours upon hours of fun with WWE '12.

Disney Universe will give parents and kids alike a fun and enjoyable experience. Without the little ones, however, there's not much to be excited about.

Disney Universe will give parents and kids alike a fun and enjoyable experience. Without the little ones, however, there's not much to be excited about.

Saints Row: The Third is a love letter to gamers who enjoy crazy, over-the-top, and downright absurd action.

Saints Row: The Third is a love letter to gamers who enjoy crazy, over-the-top, and downright absurd action.

While it is abundantly clear that this game doesn't strive for innovation, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 gives players an overall entertaining game and delivers exactly what fans of the series want..

While it is abundantly clear that this game doesn't strive for innovation, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 gives players an overall entertaining game and delivers exactly what fans of the series want.

Uncharted 3 isn't quite as memorable as its predecessor, but that doesn't mean it isn't one of the best games to come out this year.

Battlefield 3 ships an unbelievable mutliplayer with a short, unoriginal campaign.

Battlefield 3 ships an unbelievable mutliplayer with a short, unoriginal campaign.

From standard Exhibitions to the Ultimate Team card game, everything about FIFA 12 is superb. This is sports gaming excellence personified.

From standard Exhibitions to the Ultimate Team card game, everything about FIFA 12 is superb. This is sports gaming excellence personified.

Bit.Trip Complete gives both casual and hardcore fans enough content to satisfy their needs.

When the sun sets on the Kinect some years from now, The Gunstringer will remain an inventive, cheeky Western in a dry spell of compelling content.

Rocksteady Studios has done it again. It may not be perfect, but it has taken it's predecessor's place as the best superhero game of all time. One of the best that this year has to offer.

Rocksteady Studios has done it again. It may not be perfect, but it has taken it's predecessor's place as the best superhero game of all time. One of the best that this year has to offer.

inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood is a great title for long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise. It's worth every minute and dollar you spend on it.

A solid simulation of the sport, PES 2012 is a good addition to the franchise. With a few tweaks, PES could return next year as one of the best soccer games available. For now, it will have to settle as just being a pretty good one.

A solid simulation of the sport, PES 2012 is a good addition to the franchise. With a few tweaks, PES could return next year as one of the best soccer games available. For now, it will have to settle as just being a pretty good one.

Some of Forza Motorsport 4 feels like retread ground, but there are enough improvements to classify this entry as the best in the franchise.

Dark Souls is one of the best action-RPGs this generation, as it pulls of the combination of both elements perfectly. It may only be suited for hardcore gamers, but they are given heaven.

Dark Souls is one of the best action-RPGs this generation, as it pulls of the combination of both elements perfectly. It may only be suited for hardcore gamers, but they are given heaven.

Developer Visual Concepts chose to focus on minor tweaks and adjustments, resulting in the best basketball simulation on the market.

Developer Visual Concepts chose to focus on minor tweaks and adjustments, resulting in the best basketball simulation on the market.

Team Ico has set the bar for many aspects of this industry, and it now can claim a new title: the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection is the gold standard in game collections. This is the way to bring classics back to life.

SSFIV: Arcade Edition brings everything that previous iterations have brought to the table, but with four new characters and some tweaks to the gameplay. Hardcore fighting fans will salivate, but casual fans will wonder.

SSFIV: Arcade Edition brings everything that previous iterations have brought to the table, but with four new characters and some tweaks to the gameplay. Hardcore fighting fans will salivate, but casual fans will wonder.

If gamers want a new point-and-click adventure to sink their teeth into, Blackwell Deception gives all the features that they are most likely looking for.

It's a well-crafted game that will feel off-putting and foreign at first. But once players give it the time it needs, dive into its systems, and learn them, they will find a game that fills a void that the current trajectory of the FPS genre has left.

This game is a must-have for fans of the series, but keep away if you haven't been fond of the first two. While new features are lacking, overall refinement and polish make this game great in almost every respect.

This is still Resident Evil 4. The mechanics are still great, the art and score are still mesmerizing. If you have the $20 to spare and want the convenience of a digital download, it's worth grabbing.

This is still Resident Evil 4. The mechanics are still great, the art and score are still mesmerizing. If you have the $20 to spare and want the convenience of a digital download, it's worth grabbing.

NHL 12 somehow was able to take what NHL 11 did so well, improve upon, then completely run away with it. The best hockey title of this console generation.

NHL 12 somehow was able to take what NHL 11 did so well, improve upon, then completely run away with it. The best hockey title of this console generation.

Ms. Splosion Man Pinball is a great way to spend your Microsoft points and your time. Simplicity and depth are the game's strong points.

Space Marine asks players to become single-minded servants to the call of combat in a variety of brutal forms, each equivalent in intensity, efficiency, and ardor. A satisfying, cathartic release, though with minimal cerebral stimulation.

Space Marine asks players to become single-minded servants to the call of combat in a variety of brutal forms, each equivalent in intensity, efficiency, and ardor. A satisfying, cathartic release, though with minimal cerebral stimulation.

The jump to the supernatural realm may seem puzzling at first, but it makes for an exciting new way to play. Couple that with some wonderful multiplayer offerings and you have one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.

Resistance 3 should not be overshadowed by any other game this holiday season as it gives a unique and action-packed adventure from beginning to end.

The jump to the supernatural realm may seem puzzling at first, but it makes for an exciting new gameplay mechanic unlike most racing games out there. Couple that with some wonderful multiplayer offerings and you have one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.

While the story in this classic RPG takes a backseat to the rest of the game, ClaDun x2 gives players a wealth of content to enjoy that gives a sense of what a traditional RPG should be.

Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection is bloody, nostalgic fun that brings three influential games back into the spotlight. Fans of MK won't want to miss this kollection.

MK: The Arcade Collection is bloody, nostalgic fun that brings three influential games back into the spotlight. Fans of MK won't want to miss this kollection.

Serious Sam: Double D is an amazing feat for an indie game. It has quite a few nooks and crannies for you to explore, challenges for you to conquer after the game is finished, and nonstop action throughout the game.

There are plenty of open-ended games out there, but few really emphasize player choice like Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The result is the follow-up Deus Ex fans have been waiting for and one of the year's best.

There are plenty of open-ended games out there, but few really emphasize player choice like Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The result is the follow-up Deus Ex fans have been waiting for and one of the year's best.

There are plenty of open-ended games out there, but few really emphasize player choice like Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The result is the follow-up Deus Ex fans have been waiting for and one of the year's best.

Capcom has done more than just slap an online multiplayer mode on its classic game, and the work has paid off! The few shortcomings are easily overlooked if you're a fan and most should have a great time playing it.

Capcom has done more than just slap an online multiplayer mode on its classic game, and the work has paid off! The few shortcomings are easily overlooked if you're a fan and most should have a great time playing it.

The block puzzles aren't always engaging, and sometimes the gameplay can prove to be a bit too difficult. But the distinctive story and top notch writing make Catherine an easy recommendation.

The block puzzles aren't always engaging, and sometimes the gameplay can prove to be a bit too difficult. But the distinctive story and top notch writing make Catherine an easy recommendation.

Metroidvania. Ikaruga. Shadow of the Colossus. All the influences are there, but don't mistake it for those. Outland is a game all its own. It doesn't oversell.

Metroidvania. Ikaruga. Shadow of the Colossus. All the influences are there, but don't mistake it for those. Outland is a game all its own. It doesn't oversell.

LIMBO keeps you sucked into its bleak, grim universe with unique puzzles, simple controls, and an approach to game design Playdead calls "trial and death" gaming for long enough to be effective, but certainly leaves some length to be desired.

The best kind of games got unity, got cohesion, and this game, well, it ain't got it. That don't mean it's not the best kind though. I wouldn't of known it to look at the runt, but hell, it is.

Shadows of the Damned is one of those games that needs to be experienced. The wacky version of Hell, the cool characters, and the totally insane action combines to create a game that is a blast from start to satisfying finish.

Shadows of the Damned is one of those games that needs to be experienced. The wacky version of Hell, the cool characters, and the totally insane action combines to create a game that is a blast from start to satisfying finish.

Alice: Madness Returns should please fans of the original and newcomers alike. The game can feel a bit dated and tedious at times, but the incredibly dark Wonderland that American McGee has crafted is just begging to be explored.

Alice: Madness Returns should please fans of the original and newcomers alike. The game can feel a bit dated and tedious at times, but the incredibly dark Wonderland that American McGee has crafted is just begging to be explored.

Alice: Madness Returns should please fans of the original and newcomers alike. The game can feel a bit dated and tedious at times, but the incredibly dark Wonderland that American McGee has crafted is just begging to be explored.

Despite some technical hiccups and a slow story, L.A. Noire challenges the way you think about how great games can and perhaps should be made. It is undeniably interesting and shouldn't be passed up.

Despite some technical hiccups and a slow story, L.A. Noire challenges the way you think about how great games can and perhaps should be made. It is undeniably interesting and shouldn't be passed up.

There may be some disappointment at the lack of new content, but the inclusion of The After Years and the high-resolution visuals make Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection a great release for the PSP.

Any way you slice it, three games of this caliber all bundled together on one disc are definitely worth the price of entry.

Mortal Kombat is BACK. Remember how you felt when you walked through the arcade and saw MK for the first time? That feeling will come shooting back as soon as you put the disc in. FIGHT!

Mortal Kombat is BACK. Remember how you felt when you walked through the arcade and saw MK for the first time? That feeling will come shooting back as soon as you put the disc in. FIGHT!

It's hard to overstate my satisfaction. Play Portal 2 as soon as you can.

It's hard to overstate my satisfaction. Play Portal 2 as soon as you can.

Fighting fans who picked up a 3DS would be foolish not to make Super Street Fighter IV 3D part of their collection. It's a very faithful representation of the franchise, available anywhere you want to play it. Don't miss it.

Baseball fans are obsessed with details and the development team behind MLB 11: The Show knows this. No complaint can be made about a lack of depth. Oh, and it's a lot of fun, too!

Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy does everything a sequel is supposed to do: build on the original system while adding features to keep things fresh. Solid gameplay, great aesthetics, and a improved story mode make this a very enjoyable game.

While not as deep or replayable as SmackDown! vs. RAW, it carves its own niche into the WWE videogame universe. Any wrestling fan will enjoy it.

While not as deep or replayable as SmackDown! vs. RAW, it carves its own niche into the WWE videogame universe. Any wrestling fan will enjoy it.

MotoGP 10/11 has a few problems such as touchy controls and a lack of multiplayer options, but the challenging races and deep career mode will leave motorcycle racing fans happy.

MotoGP 10/11 has a few problems such as touchy controls and a lack of multiplayer options, but the challenging races and deep career mode will leave motorcycle racing fans happy.

Pokemon Black/White does a terrific job of blending the old, tried-and-true gameplay systems of yesteryear with updated graphics, a mature story, and new features that bring Pokemon into 2011.

Pokemon Black/White does a terrific job of blending the old, tried-and-true gameplay systems of yesteryear with updated graphics, a mature story, and new features that bring Pokemon into 2011.

The best Dawn of War II expansion and an excellent value. For $30, you get a solid campaign, tons of multiplayer maps, and the so-much-fun-it-should-be-illegal Last Stand mode, all wrapped up in a beautiful package.

There's no doubt that Bulletstorm delivers a solid ten hours of fresh, bloody fun, but any more time spent with Grayson and crew seems a confused antithesis of modern first-person shooters.

There's no doubt that Bulletstorm delivers a solid ten hours of fresh, bloody fun, but any more time spent with Grayson and crew seems a confused antithesis of modern first-person shooters.

De Blob 2 is a lot of fun to play, but its ease makes it a bit dull at times. It's too easy, but that also makes it a colorful, relaxing experience that you will likely want to see through to the end.

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is an excellent game, bringing turn-based strategy RPGs back to the forefront where they belong. RPG and strategy fans alike will be hooked on this for days.

De Blob 2 can feel a bit simplistic at times, but it's still an incredibly rewarding and fun game with a great style. I just wish it were a little more complicated.

De Blob 2 can feel a bit simplistic at times, but it's still an incredibly rewarding and fun game with a great style. I just wish it were a little more complicated.

Rather than leaving players blasting away indiscriminately, the game introduces more complex and engaging design based around its excellent fluid dynamics, inviting us to invest greater mental energy into our play.

The game looks great and has phenomenal presentation, but the actual meat of the experience is lacking, overall. Multiplayer, co-op, Move support, and bot options earn back what's lost in single-player.

MvC3 is the same crazy, over-the-top fighting game that fans loved back in 2000, just with a fresh control scheme and a new coat of 3D, hi-res paint. Fighting game fans will fall in love with the "easy to play, hard to master" format.

MvC3 is the same crazy, over-the-top fighting game that fans loved back in 2000, just with a fresh control scheme and a new coat of 3D, hi-res paint. Fighting game fans will fall in love with the "easy to play, hard to master" format.

Media Molecule has practically perfected user-generated content for consoles. An improved story mode, increase in creation tools, and focus on community features make this a must-have for PlayStation 3 owners.

A clever, imaginative, and humorous game from the unlikeliest of inspirations that makes one wonder why something like it had never existed before.

A clever, imaginative, and humorous game from the unlikeliest of inspirations that makes one wonder why something like it had never existed before.

Nier won't wow players with its basic mechanics, but in the story it tells, the characters it develops, and the themes present throughout play, it will easily win over anyone seeking something emotionally exploratory and well off the beaten path.

Nier won't wow players with its basic mechanics, but in the story it tells, the characters it develops, and the themes present throughout play, it will easily win over anyone seeking something emotionally exploratory and well off the beaten path.

Take the multiplayer for what it is -- a fun digression from the enthralling action on The Sprawl -- and DS2 comfortably sits waiting for the other Game of the Year nominees for 2011.

Take the multiplayer for what it is -- a fun digression from the enthralling action on The Sprawl -- and DS2 comfortably sits waiting for the other Game of the Year nominees for 2011.

Pinball FX 2 is the best downloadable pinball available, and the Marvel boards are the best yet. It's still pinball, but it's the cream of the pinball crop.