Top 10 Best Games of 2012: The Critic’s Choice

Best Games of 2012

2012 has been one of the best years I can think of, not just got games, but for a variety of different games. No one person could have played them all, but that doesn't mean I didn't try. So here are my personal top ten…well, fifteen games, of those I've played.

Ed: And because Rowan's tastes seem to match our very own here at Gameranx, we've decided to turn what was formerly his personal list into the site's official list of the best games of 2012. As always, I must note that our tastes are subjective so don't expect your personal game of the year to be among our own. These are the games we personally enjoyed, with reasons that Rowan goes on to elegantly articulate. Read on!

Ten: (tie) Binary Domain/Super Hexagon/Diablo III/Warlock: Master Of The Arcane/Far Cry III/The Secret World

All very good games, with something just holding them back. Binary Domain is a great Mass Effect clone with a surprising story, but a weak start and excessive linearity hold it back. Super Hexagon is a total blast to play, although limited in scope. Diablo III should have been toward the top of this list, but a terrible story and bizarre meta-game decisions like the Auction House hurt it, badly. Warlock came out of nowhere and was a shockingly good, if narrow, fantasy strategy game. Far Cry III combined some of the best gaming moments of the year with some of the worst. And The Secret World pushed the boundaries of what was possible with MMRPGs, especially in terms of setting, but was just a little bit lacking in critically important polish.