With last Saturday marking the last decent-sized game release of the year (Paper Mario), it’s about time to reflect on how misguidedly optimistic I was at the start of 2012 for game releases.
2012 has been an awesome year for video games, and even if it you are of the belief that it fell short of 2011 in terms of overall quality, it’s hard to argue that we’ve been treated to some fantastic titles. And a fair few delays.
So, just like I did with movies a few weeks back, I’m going to look back at that list I posted back in February, wherein I rolled out a list of my top ten most anticipated games of the year, without the knowledge that half of them wouldn’t hit in 2012 at all:
GAMES
10. Final Fantasy Type Zero (PSP)
Yeah, dream on buddy. This didn’t come to the West and it doesn’t look like it ever will. Certainly not on the PSP, anyway.
9. Mario Tennis Open (3DS)
Turned out to be one of the most enjoyable local multiplayer experiences of the year for me when it launched back in May. Ridiculously intense four-player matches abounded.
8. Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)
Deeper and lengthier than I could ever have expected, KI:U not only looks amazing but features a tantalising online multiplayer mode that runs smoothly and has more than a little in common with Super Smash Bros, including the same creator.
7. The Last of Us (PS3)
Didn’t come out in 2012 at all, although that was always an optimistic hope. As of a few days ago we finally have a launch window, though: May 2013.
6. Gravity Rush (PSV)
Lived up to my expectations when it released in June and is still probably my favourite title on the Playstation Vita.
5. Bioshock Infinite (PS3/360/PC)
Has been delayed at least four times by now and, at the moment, is slated for a March 2013 release. Looks better than ever.
4. South Park: The Stick of Truth (PS3/360/PC)
Also delayed a number of times (with no currently confirmed launch window), my excitement for this title reached fever pitch when I saw the latest demo build at the EB Expo in October.
3. Tomb Raider (PS3/360/PC)
Didn’t launch this year but looks reasonably sure to hit on March 5th next year, like it promised. Publisher Square Enix has been on a good run of late. SO keen.
2. Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS)
This launched on Saturday and I’ve been playing it in any stolen moment I can find. It’s bite-sized segmentation is a welcome feature in this regard. And it is awesome.
1. Borderlands 2 (PS3/360/PC)
I still haven’t finished this game, though I started playing it as soon as it launched back in September, because it’s proving harder than I though to get the same four people together time after time. I have three files going; a four-player, a two-player and a single player, and by now there are already two DLC packs to negotiate as well. But it is all kinds of amazing and by this point I will gladly play anything Gearbox throws my way.
Vagrant Rant 