We might be in the year 2012 now, but that doesn't mean we cannot take a look back at 2011. That is exactly what we're going to do with the NPD, showcasing the last month of sales in the United States. Which titles performed the best? Let's find out! Data courtesy of NeoGAF.
NPD Group's U.S. Games Industry Sales (New Physical Sales Channel*) - December 2011 & Annual 2011
5- week month; December retail reporting period 11/27/11 through 12/31/11
Software:
December 2011 Top 10 Games (New Physical Retail only; across all platforms incl. PC) Rank Publisher
1.) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (360, PS3, Wii, PC)** 1 Activision Blizzard
2.) Just Dance 3 (Wii, 360, PS3) 2 Ubisoft
3.) Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (360, PS3, PC)** 3 Bethesda Softworks
4.) Mario Kart 7 (3DS) 4 Nintendo
5.) Battlefield 3 (360, PS3, PC)** 5 Electronic Arts
6.) Madden NFL 12 (360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PS2)** 6 Electronic Arts
7.) Assassin's Creed: Revelations (360, PS3, PC) 7 Ubisoft
8.) NBA 2K12 (360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PS2, PC) 8 Take 2 Interactive
9.) Super Mario 3D Land (3DS) 9 Nintendo
10.) Batman: Arkham City (360, PS3, PC)** 10 Warner Bros. Interactive
Annual 2011 Top 10 Games (New Physical Retail only; across all platforms incl. PC) Rank Publisher
1.) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (360, PS3, Wii, PC)** 1 Activision Blizzard
2.) Just Dance 3 (Wii, 360, PS3) 2 Ubisoft
3.) Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (360, PS3, PC)** 3 Bethesda Softworks
4.) Battlefield 3 (360, PS3, PC)** 4 Electronic Arts
5.) Madden NFL 12 (360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PS2)** 5 Electronic Arts
6.) Call of Duty: Black Ops (360, PS3, Wii, NDS, PC)** 6 Activision Blizzard
7.) Batman: Arkham City (360, PS3, PC)** 7 Warner Bros. Interactive
8.) Gears of War 3 (360)** 8 Microsoft
9.) Just Dance 2 (Wii) 9 Ubisoft
10.) Assassin's Creed: Revelations (360, PS3, PC) 10 Ubisoft
**(includes CE, GOTY editions, bundles, etc. but not those bundled with hardware)
Hardware:
Xbox 360: Over 1.7 Million (-8.6%) [Best selling platform for the full year.]
Wii: 1.06 Million (-55%)
PS3: ~936K (-22.6%) [Math from 46% of console sales are Xbox 360 and above numbers.]
Call of Duty is a monster of a franchise that appeals to males young and old as well as some of the female persuasion. Speaking of monster franchises, how about that Just Dance? I'm guessing the Wii version of Just Dance 3 sold the best as evident by seeing Just Dance 2 in the top ten of games sold for 2011. Skyrim (hopefully not the PS3 version) sold well enough to reach third place with Mario Kart 7 coming in across the finish line in fourth. I can only imagine the legs that will come from that title. Super Mario 3D Land also charted, another 3DS exclusive. Does this mean that the 3DS is out of the danger zone?
Hardware-wise nothing has really changed. Kinect helped the 360, Wii is on cruise control, and the PS3 camp is doing fine, too. I'll update the 3DS, DS, and PSP numbers if and when they show up.
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Top Ten Hand-held Games of 2011
The year 2011 is all but a memory now as we look forward to the great games coming down the pipeline for 2012. However, before we completely turn out back to the year that was, let us take a quick look at the best portable titles for such platforms as the Nintendo 3DS, the Nintendo DS, and darn it, if it isn't trying, the Sony PlayStation Portable. These are the ultimate retail games when it comes to portable platform gaming in the year that was 2011.
10) Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy (PSP)
Duke it out with the heroes and villains of the Final Fantasy series such as Cloud (FFVII), Squall (FFVIII), Terra (FFVI), Cecil (FFIV), Tidus (FFX), Kefka (FFVI), Sephiroth (FFVII), Ultamecia (FFVIII), Kuja (FFIX), Jecht (FFX), Golbez (FFIV), and newcomers like Lightning (FFXIII), Tifa (FFVII), Kain (FFIV), and Laguna (FFVIII). Battle in fully three-dimensional arenas, participate in the many characters' chapters in story mode, customize your equipment, level up your strengths and abilities, and listen to one of many remixed and remastered tracks from Final Fantasy past in Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy.
9) Dead or Alive: Dimensions (3DS)
Celebrating fifteen years, the Dead or Alive franchise appears on a Nintendo system for the first time with this compilation of the greatest in Dead of Alive history. With a huge cast of characters, battle arenas, downloadable costumes (they're free, by the way), and many modes to plow through, Dead or Alive: Dimensions is the ultimate fighting game on the 3DS. The online play showcases the hardware's strengths with trifle amounts of lag or slow-down, the photo mode allows you to take 3D shots of your favorite fighters, and collecting and trading figurines via StreetPass seldom gets old.
8) Star Fox 64 3D (3DS)
Take flight with Fox McCloud and the gang in Star Fox 64 3D, a remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 original. The game sports updated graphics that look incredible on the 3DS screen, optional gyro controls, three difficulties (Easy, N64, and Expert), remastered voice acting that sounds better than ever before, and an all-new multiplayer mode that can be played with or without bots across four maps. Gearing for high scores, earning medals, and taking down Andross' many enemy fighters is all in a day's work for Team Star Fox.
7) Professor Layton and the Last Specter (DS)
This start to a new trilogy in the Professor Layton franchise is actually a prequel to Curious Village. It shows the beginnings of the relationship between Layton and Luke and how the two became teacher and apprentice. There are more puzzles to solve than ever before ranging from block sliding quandaries to arithmetic problems. The story contains some truly touching moments, insane production values with stellar voice acting to boot, and characters that you can't help but love. After you've solved the mystery of the Last Specter, download new and free puzzles as well as take a journey to Little London in the cute, quaint, and charming London Life bonus mode-- exclusive to North American copies.
6) Kirby Mass Attack (DS)
What's better than one Kirby? How about an army of ten Kirbys? That is exactly what you get in Kirby Mass Attack. The game is controlled solely with the stylus, tapping the screen to command your Kirbys, flicking them at switches and enemies, battling bosses, finding gold medals, and furiously touching the screen to lift huge objects. The bonus content in the form of mini-games like a Whack-a-mole mini-game, a shmup, an RPG, and a pinball game all add to the value of this amazing adventure. Suck up a copy today-- you won't regret it.
5) Mario Kart 7 (3DS)
Mario Kart roars onto the Nintendo 3DS with sixteen all-new tracks, sixteen retro tracks like Luigi's Mansion, Coconut Mall, Dino Dino Jungle, and Koopa Beach from past Mario Kart games, the usual ragtag team of racers plus new ones such as Metal Mario (in his second spin-off game), Lakitu, Honey Queen, and Wiggler, and a robust online mode that is decidedly quite unlike Nintendo. The addition of Communities means those with the same play styles can race one another without the need to exchange friend codes. It just goes to show that Nintendo might not be entirely clueless when it comes to online after all. This might not be the ultimate Mario Kart experience, but it is certainly pretty close.
4) Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (PSP)
A remake of the 1998 cult classic, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together brings forth a story of power, war, and attrition in this excellent tactical RPG. Put your brain through the wringer with dozens upon dozens of unique maps and battles that demand your total and unequivocal concentration. The new Wheel of Fortune option adds even more to consider when entering battle as if the battles weren't already exciting enough! With a story from the great mind of Mr. Matsuno (Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story), there is no shortage of tremendous plot twists and epic moments in this modern take on a classic.
3) Pokemon Black and White
A new generation of Pokemon has been unleashed onto the masses, and it introduces over 150 individual Pokemon, new evolutions, a new region to explore, new towns, new rivals, new triple battles, and so much more. Moreover, trading and battling Pokemon online has never been simpler. There is a lot to like about the newest pair of Pokemon games, and it wouldn't be surprising to me if young and old trainers were still playing these games long after they've caught them all.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)
The legend returns with a vengeance with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. More of a remake than a port, Ocarina of Time 3D showcases the brilliance of the 3DS hardware with impressive stereoscopic 3D visuals that have been enhanced from the Nintendo 64 original, a much more difficult Master Quest that unlocks after the main game has been completed, and a Boss Rush mode to pit Link against his toughest foes. Indeed, one of the greatest games of all time just got a little bit better.
1) Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
If only because it is an original title unlike Ocarina of Time 3D, everyone's favorite overall-ed hero returns to a hand-held and earns top honors. Mario hops and skips his way onto the Nintendo 3DS with a brand-new platforming adventure. Run and jump through eight worlds with levels that take the portly plumber through grasslands, deserts, frozen fjords, sunset skies, airships, and Bowser's many castles. The 3D effect is the best the 3DS has seen yet with either the choice for pop-out or pop-in 3D. Even after the first eight worlds have been beaten, you aren't finished yet. There's a whole lot more to trek though if you want to get those highly lusted for five golden stars next to your profile! Giving Mario to the masses has always been Nintendo's mantra, and they definitely succeeded with Super Mario 3D Land!
Those were but a sampling of the terrific titles that first and third-parties dished out for portables this past year. We saw the arrival of the 3DS in all territories which started out slow at the gate but ended strong while in Japan the PlayStation Vita launched with huge fanfare and one of best launch lineups in recent memory. Meanwhile, the DS had its last full year of support from its parent developer and third-parties as they all move onto its successor, the 3DS. All-in-all, it was a bang up year for dedicated portables in 2011.
10) Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy (PSP)
Duke it out with the heroes and villains of the Final Fantasy series such as Cloud (FFVII), Squall (FFVIII), Terra (FFVI), Cecil (FFIV), Tidus (FFX), Kefka (FFVI), Sephiroth (FFVII), Ultamecia (FFVIII), Kuja (FFIX), Jecht (FFX), Golbez (FFIV), and newcomers like Lightning (FFXIII), Tifa (FFVII), Kain (FFIV), and Laguna (FFVIII). Battle in fully three-dimensional arenas, participate in the many characters' chapters in story mode, customize your equipment, level up your strengths and abilities, and listen to one of many remixed and remastered tracks from Final Fantasy past in Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy.
9) Dead or Alive: Dimensions (3DS)
Celebrating fifteen years, the Dead or Alive franchise appears on a Nintendo system for the first time with this compilation of the greatest in Dead of Alive history. With a huge cast of characters, battle arenas, downloadable costumes (they're free, by the way), and many modes to plow through, Dead or Alive: Dimensions is the ultimate fighting game on the 3DS. The online play showcases the hardware's strengths with trifle amounts of lag or slow-down, the photo mode allows you to take 3D shots of your favorite fighters, and collecting and trading figurines via StreetPass seldom gets old.
8) Star Fox 64 3D (3DS)
Take flight with Fox McCloud and the gang in Star Fox 64 3D, a remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 original. The game sports updated graphics that look incredible on the 3DS screen, optional gyro controls, three difficulties (Easy, N64, and Expert), remastered voice acting that sounds better than ever before, and an all-new multiplayer mode that can be played with or without bots across four maps. Gearing for high scores, earning medals, and taking down Andross' many enemy fighters is all in a day's work for Team Star Fox.
7) Professor Layton and the Last Specter (DS)
This start to a new trilogy in the Professor Layton franchise is actually a prequel to Curious Village. It shows the beginnings of the relationship between Layton and Luke and how the two became teacher and apprentice. There are more puzzles to solve than ever before ranging from block sliding quandaries to arithmetic problems. The story contains some truly touching moments, insane production values with stellar voice acting to boot, and characters that you can't help but love. After you've solved the mystery of the Last Specter, download new and free puzzles as well as take a journey to Little London in the cute, quaint, and charming London Life bonus mode-- exclusive to North American copies.
6) Kirby Mass Attack (DS)
What's better than one Kirby? How about an army of ten Kirbys? That is exactly what you get in Kirby Mass Attack. The game is controlled solely with the stylus, tapping the screen to command your Kirbys, flicking them at switches and enemies, battling bosses, finding gold medals, and furiously touching the screen to lift huge objects. The bonus content in the form of mini-games like a Whack-a-mole mini-game, a shmup, an RPG, and a pinball game all add to the value of this amazing adventure. Suck up a copy today-- you won't regret it.
5) Mario Kart 7 (3DS)
Mario Kart roars onto the Nintendo 3DS with sixteen all-new tracks, sixteen retro tracks like Luigi's Mansion, Coconut Mall, Dino Dino Jungle, and Koopa Beach from past Mario Kart games, the usual ragtag team of racers plus new ones such as Metal Mario (in his second spin-off game), Lakitu, Honey Queen, and Wiggler, and a robust online mode that is decidedly quite unlike Nintendo. The addition of Communities means those with the same play styles can race one another without the need to exchange friend codes. It just goes to show that Nintendo might not be entirely clueless when it comes to online after all. This might not be the ultimate Mario Kart experience, but it is certainly pretty close.
4) Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (PSP)
A remake of the 1998 cult classic, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together brings forth a story of power, war, and attrition in this excellent tactical RPG. Put your brain through the wringer with dozens upon dozens of unique maps and battles that demand your total and unequivocal concentration. The new Wheel of Fortune option adds even more to consider when entering battle as if the battles weren't already exciting enough! With a story from the great mind of Mr. Matsuno (Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story), there is no shortage of tremendous plot twists and epic moments in this modern take on a classic.
3) Pokemon Black and White
A new generation of Pokemon has been unleashed onto the masses, and it introduces over 150 individual Pokemon, new evolutions, a new region to explore, new towns, new rivals, new triple battles, and so much more. Moreover, trading and battling Pokemon online has never been simpler. There is a lot to like about the newest pair of Pokemon games, and it wouldn't be surprising to me if young and old trainers were still playing these games long after they've caught them all.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)
The legend returns with a vengeance with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. More of a remake than a port, Ocarina of Time 3D showcases the brilliance of the 3DS hardware with impressive stereoscopic 3D visuals that have been enhanced from the Nintendo 64 original, a much more difficult Master Quest that unlocks after the main game has been completed, and a Boss Rush mode to pit Link against his toughest foes. Indeed, one of the greatest games of all time just got a little bit better.
1) Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
If only because it is an original title unlike Ocarina of Time 3D, everyone's favorite overall-ed hero returns to a hand-held and earns top honors. Mario hops and skips his way onto the Nintendo 3DS with a brand-new platforming adventure. Run and jump through eight worlds with levels that take the portly plumber through grasslands, deserts, frozen fjords, sunset skies, airships, and Bowser's many castles. The 3D effect is the best the 3DS has seen yet with either the choice for pop-out or pop-in 3D. Even after the first eight worlds have been beaten, you aren't finished yet. There's a whole lot more to trek though if you want to get those highly lusted for five golden stars next to your profile! Giving Mario to the masses has always been Nintendo's mantra, and they definitely succeeded with Super Mario 3D Land!
===
Those were but a sampling of the terrific titles that first and third-parties dished out for portables this past year. We saw the arrival of the 3DS in all territories which started out slow at the gate but ended strong while in Japan the PlayStation Vita launched with huge fanfare and one of best launch lineups in recent memory. Meanwhile, the DS had its last full year of support from its parent developer and third-parties as they all move onto its successor, the 3DS. All-in-all, it was a bang up year for dedicated portables in 2011.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Review Round-Up - December
The familiar hero clad in green won best honors at the SPC Best of 2011 Awards.
The last month of 2011 was full of terrific titles and great games. We started off with Pokemon Rumble Blast, the 3DS sequel to the WiiWare original, which earned a solid 7.0. Then we looked at the 3DS hardware itself and ranked it above average (this was before cool features like Swap Note, the updated eShop, and more). My older brother performed his take on Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception and gave it a 7.25. Mario Kart 7 revved its way into an 8.5 while the Best Puzzler of 2011 Pushmo received a tremendous 9.0. Not bad for a downloadable game. We went to Kawawii Island in Go Vacation which got a 7.25, played the Game of the Year 2011 in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, took a shuttle to London for Mario and Sonic's third Olympic Games which did well enough to receive a 7.5, and lastly, Kirby returned to consoles with Kirby's Return to Dreamland. That game inhaled an 8.75. Nine games were reviewed in all, ending the year in style.
All scores are out of 10.
5 = Average
* = Guest Review
Pokemon Rumble Blast (3DS) - 7.0
Nintendo 3DS Hardware - 7.5
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (PS3)* - 7.25
Mario Kart 7 (3DS) - 8.5
Pushmo (3DSWare) - 9.0
Go Vacation (Wii) - 7.25
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii) - 9.5
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii) - 7.5
Kirby's Return to Dreamland (Wii) - 8.75
Kirby and friends rampaged on Wiiwith an excellent return to form.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The SuperPhillip Central Best of 2011 Awards - Day Five
Ah... can you feel it in the air? The air is positively electrifying. It is indeed the final night of awards here at SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2011 Awards. We've had our fun, our ups and downs, our moments of repose, we've laughed, we've cried, and maybe some of you even learned a thing or two. Before we get with the final two awards, let us take our traditional peek at the sponsors of this last night of awards:
Yes, Best Buy and Burger King are this year's [fake] sponsors. One has more electronics and gadgets than a techie like myself could possibly desire while the other makes their hamburgers and other meals your way. Now that we've had our jokes, let us get serious with System of the Year 2011.
[System of the Year]
It was a banner year for platforms in 2011. We had the arrival of a new one with the Nintendo 3DS in March for North America while its predecessor, the DS, marked its final full year as a gaming platform of choice. There are four nominees for this year, fewer than ever before, but don't be tricked into thinking this wasn't a great year to be a gamer. And the nominees are...
Nintendo 3DS
As stated ad nauseum on SPC, the Nintendo 3DS did not impress out of the starting gate, but its situation greatly improved as did its library. Now it seems stores can't stop selling hardware, and games just keep pouring into the marketplace. Such notable titles include Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Pilotwings Resort, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, and Dead or Alive: Dimensions. Don't forget the additions of Swap Note, Ambassador games, and eShop titles like Mighty Switch Force and Pushmo. What started slow has certainly ramped up considerably.
Nintendo DS
While one platform started slow and gained momentum, the opposite happened to the Nintendo DS, one of the systems with the greatest libraries in gaming history. Consumers might be upgrading to the 3DS now, but we will never forget the memories of the software, the revolutionary gameplay brought forth by the touch screen, and Nintendo's first attempts at online. This year we saw a sensational amount of new games such as Pokemon Black and White, Professor Layton and the Last Specter, Kirby Mass Attack, Okamiden, Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie, Radiant Historia, and Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. Goodbye, old friend. We will miss you dearly.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 had tremendous success in 2011, outselling even the Wii. It's amazing and a huge accomplishment that a six year-old system is selling as well as it is and was given new life via Kinect. Sure, consumers don't seem to be buying software for their new peripheral, but if they're content with the prepackaged games, who are we to judge? Apart from Kinect games like Sesame Street: Once Upon A Monster, Dance Central 2, and Kinect Sports: Season Two, there were titles released in the year for the gamer such as Gears of War 3, Forza Motorsport 4, and Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Can Microsoft keep its momentum going through 2012?
PlayStation 3
Sony's black box won runner-up last year in this category, so it is aiming to beat that and win System of the Year honors. Even with the PSN hacking fiasco that sullied Sony's good name, the PlayStation 3 hit its stride with a vast catalog of games both first and third-party. There was titles like Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, Killzone 3, Resistance 3, inFamous 2, and LittleBigPlanet 2. The Move might not be revolutionary, but it did feature some terrific titles to its library like Medieval Moves: Deadmun's Quest, PlayStation Move Heroes, and The House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut. With more blockbusters than the video store of the same name, it was a successful year for Sony's prime platform.
And the winner is...
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 started strong with January's Game of the Year contender LittleBigPlanet 2, and its momentum continued with Killzone 3 the following month. Add in software for everyone from kids to adults in all genres-- platformers, shooters, action/adventure games, and some fantastic PSN titles, and you have a shoe-in for System of the Year.
Runner-up: Nintendo 3DS
We have a reached that point in time where we look at the nominees for Game of the Year 2011. However, as it is a custom every year (at least for the three other years this award show has taken place) we shall take a glance at last year's Game of the Year. Do you recall what that game was?
GOTY 2010: Super Mario Galaxy 2
I was heartbroken that this game was really shunned by the mainstream media in their Game of the Year awards. It earned high marks (it received one of my few perfect scores), so it was questionable that it was beat out by other games. Regardless, Mario's last Wii platformer was purely magical. The level design was impeccable, the orchestral soundtrack had multiple whimsical and wonderful melodies attached to it, the challenge was finally there, and the return of Yoshi made for an astonishing platforming romp. There are no words that can adequately describe my admiration for Nintendo EAD's work on this game. It is truly out of this world.
[Game of the Year 2011]
And now with that blast from the past out of the way, we move onto the moment we've all been waiting for... Game of the Year 2011. Remember that every winner yesterday and from the Multiplatform Game of the Year award will be featured in this category, so that makes seven total nominees, the most ever seen on SPC. This is an event for sure. And the nominees are...
Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 360)
Become what villains and lowlifes of Gotham City dread when you don the black cape and cowl of Batman! With an entire city to fly around in, shooting the batclaw to effortlessly pull yourself from building to building, spreading your wings and gently flying down to the dilapidated streets of Arkham City, completing Riddler challenges and other side errands, and facing off against Gotham's most feared villains in the Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, and Mr. Freeze, there's no shortage of tasks to accomplish as the dark knight in Batman: Akrham City, one of the best licensed superhero games period.
Forza Motorsport 4 (360)
Speed and style rarely go hand-in-hand, but take that thought and throw it out of the driver's side window with Forza Motorsport 4. Cruise and jet across some of the world's most extravagant racing courses and tracks in the seat of one of many classy, sporty automobiles. Paint a custom decal on the side, the hood, the top, or the rear of your car, customize it as you see fit, and then take it online and show the world that you're ready to race. It might be the fourth installment of this stellar series, but there's no sign of slowing down for the team behind Forza.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
Master the Goddess Sword with true 1:1 motion controls. Every battle is a new challenge with enemies that can only be defeated with accurate slashes from your sword. Tackle colossal bosses, explore puzzle and obstacle-filled dungeons, discover health-boosting Heart Containers, catch insects, find and upgrade new items, and roam majestic forests, clear, blue lakes, steamy volcanoes, and dry and dusty deserts in search of Link's long, lost friend Zelda. Never before will you ever feel more like the legendary hero than you will when you hold the Wii remote in your hand and explore the realm of Skyward Sword.
LittleBigPlanet 2 (PS3)
LittleBigPlanet 2 takes the world and parameters of the game and makes them yours. Team up with up to three other Sackpeople as your traverse the rugged and oftentimes dangerous terrain of the game's pre-made levels, slap each other silly, and wave your arms around like you just don't care. Customize your pod with as the many trinkets and doodads you discover in the game's levels, and then hop in the level creator and craft your own concoctions. The only limitations in the creator is your imagination, so think long and hard and start building! ...And who wouldn't want a game completely narrated by the wry Stephen Fry?
Pokemon Black and White (DS)
A new generation of Pokemon always brings a whole slew of Pokemon to collect, raise, and battle. Pokemon Black and White is no different, but don't fall into a false sense of security that everything in these two games is unchanged! No, no, no! Besides the cool 150+ Pokemon added to these pair of games, there's now triple battles where three Pokemon face off against another trio of pocket monsters as well as an updated online system for battling and trading Pokemon. The new region of Unova is a fascinating place with many mysterious creatures-- both Pokemon and human, and the story takes the series to fresh and never-before-seen areas.
Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
3D Mario for the masses is the name of this game. There's a reason that 3DS systems are selling at an accelerated rate since the release of Super Mario 3D Land. That's because every new mainline Mario is an event unto itself, and 3D Land continues that tradition. Containing the most exhilarating use of stereoscopic 3D ever seen on a hand-held, sixteen worlds full of Goombas to jump on, platforms to leap to, star medals to collect, power-ups to obtain, and obstacles to avoid, Super Mario 3D Land may just be the best original portable Mario on this planet. That is quite the accomplish when you look at the competition!
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (PSP)
Cling on, my brethren! Cling on! Combine your party's strengths in intense tactical battles where proper planning and strategy is the difference between a glorious victory and an agonizing defeat. This title may be a remake, and the PSP might have its fair share of those, but this tactical RPG is one of the best around. There's no excuse if you are an owner of Sony's powerful portable to not pick up this 100 hour+ tale of war and power. The battles themselves pit 5-12 of your units against up to eighteen enemy combatants for encounters of who puts their units to the best use wins. Not just the best PSP game this year, one of the best games of 2011 full-stop.
And the Game of the Year of 2011 is...
...
[GotY 2011: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)]
The Wii may have went more with quality than quantity in 2011, but it possesses the exclusive that beats out the rest with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Following a touching and charming story of finding Link's lost friend Zelda, this entry to this beloved franchise showcases five years of Nintendo's efforts in motion control. What most of us thought the Wii would be at its launch has finally been realized with Skyward Sword. From the intuitive swordplay to the tightrope walking, the bomb rolling and throwing to the wall climbing, and the fluid swimming to the weapon aiming, Skyward Sword shows an unprecedented amount of love and polish in its controls and gameplay making it my choice for Game of the Year 2011.
Runner-up GotY 2011: LittleBigPlanet 2 (PS3)
For the last time, the curtains of this award show are closing. They will not be opening again until December 27, 2012 when the SPC Best of 2012 Awards will happen. I know you will be waiting feverishly as you mark the days off on your calendar. Until then, I hope you enjoyed this year's celebration of (nearly) all things gaming, and will join me deep into 2012 for new reviews, articles, top tens/fives, and more right here on SuperPhillip Central!
Yes, Best Buy and Burger King are this year's [fake] sponsors. One has more electronics and gadgets than a techie like myself could possibly desire while the other makes their hamburgers and other meals your way. Now that we've had our jokes, let us get serious with System of the Year 2011.
[System of the Year]
It was a banner year for platforms in 2011. We had the arrival of a new one with the Nintendo 3DS in March for North America while its predecessor, the DS, marked its final full year as a gaming platform of choice. There are four nominees for this year, fewer than ever before, but don't be tricked into thinking this wasn't a great year to be a gamer. And the nominees are...
Nintendo 3DS
As stated ad nauseum on SPC, the Nintendo 3DS did not impress out of the starting gate, but its situation greatly improved as did its library. Now it seems stores can't stop selling hardware, and games just keep pouring into the marketplace. Such notable titles include Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Pilotwings Resort, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, and Dead or Alive: Dimensions. Don't forget the additions of Swap Note, Ambassador games, and eShop titles like Mighty Switch Force and Pushmo. What started slow has certainly ramped up considerably.
Nintendo DS
While one platform started slow and gained momentum, the opposite happened to the Nintendo DS, one of the systems with the greatest libraries in gaming history. Consumers might be upgrading to the 3DS now, but we will never forget the memories of the software, the revolutionary gameplay brought forth by the touch screen, and Nintendo's first attempts at online. This year we saw a sensational amount of new games such as Pokemon Black and White, Professor Layton and the Last Specter, Kirby Mass Attack, Okamiden, Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie, Radiant Historia, and Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. Goodbye, old friend. We will miss you dearly.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 had tremendous success in 2011, outselling even the Wii. It's amazing and a huge accomplishment that a six year-old system is selling as well as it is and was given new life via Kinect. Sure, consumers don't seem to be buying software for their new peripheral, but if they're content with the prepackaged games, who are we to judge? Apart from Kinect games like Sesame Street: Once Upon A Monster, Dance Central 2, and Kinect Sports: Season Two, there were titles released in the year for the gamer such as Gears of War 3, Forza Motorsport 4, and Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Can Microsoft keep its momentum going through 2012?
PlayStation 3
Sony's black box won runner-up last year in this category, so it is aiming to beat that and win System of the Year honors. Even with the PSN hacking fiasco that sullied Sony's good name, the PlayStation 3 hit its stride with a vast catalog of games both first and third-party. There was titles like Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, Killzone 3, Resistance 3, inFamous 2, and LittleBigPlanet 2. The Move might not be revolutionary, but it did feature some terrific titles to its library like Medieval Moves: Deadmun's Quest, PlayStation Move Heroes, and The House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut. With more blockbusters than the video store of the same name, it was a successful year for Sony's prime platform.
And the winner is...
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 started strong with January's Game of the Year contender LittleBigPlanet 2, and its momentum continued with Killzone 3 the following month. Add in software for everyone from kids to adults in all genres-- platformers, shooters, action/adventure games, and some fantastic PSN titles, and you have a shoe-in for System of the Year.
Runner-up: Nintendo 3DS
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We have a reached that point in time where we look at the nominees for Game of the Year 2011. However, as it is a custom every year (at least for the three other years this award show has taken place) we shall take a glance at last year's Game of the Year. Do you recall what that game was?
GOTY 2010: Super Mario Galaxy 2
I was heartbroken that this game was really shunned by the mainstream media in their Game of the Year awards. It earned high marks (it received one of my few perfect scores), so it was questionable that it was beat out by other games. Regardless, Mario's last Wii platformer was purely magical. The level design was impeccable, the orchestral soundtrack had multiple whimsical and wonderful melodies attached to it, the challenge was finally there, and the return of Yoshi made for an astonishing platforming romp. There are no words that can adequately describe my admiration for Nintendo EAD's work on this game. It is truly out of this world.
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[Game of the Year 2011]
And now with that blast from the past out of the way, we move onto the moment we've all been waiting for... Game of the Year 2011. Remember that every winner yesterday and from the Multiplatform Game of the Year award will be featured in this category, so that makes seven total nominees, the most ever seen on SPC. This is an event for sure. And the nominees are...
Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 360)
Become what villains and lowlifes of Gotham City dread when you don the black cape and cowl of Batman! With an entire city to fly around in, shooting the batclaw to effortlessly pull yourself from building to building, spreading your wings and gently flying down to the dilapidated streets of Arkham City, completing Riddler challenges and other side errands, and facing off against Gotham's most feared villains in the Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, and Mr. Freeze, there's no shortage of tasks to accomplish as the dark knight in Batman: Akrham City, one of the best licensed superhero games period.
Forza Motorsport 4 (360)
Speed and style rarely go hand-in-hand, but take that thought and throw it out of the driver's side window with Forza Motorsport 4. Cruise and jet across some of the world's most extravagant racing courses and tracks in the seat of one of many classy, sporty automobiles. Paint a custom decal on the side, the hood, the top, or the rear of your car, customize it as you see fit, and then take it online and show the world that you're ready to race. It might be the fourth installment of this stellar series, but there's no sign of slowing down for the team behind Forza.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
Master the Goddess Sword with true 1:1 motion controls. Every battle is a new challenge with enemies that can only be defeated with accurate slashes from your sword. Tackle colossal bosses, explore puzzle and obstacle-filled dungeons, discover health-boosting Heart Containers, catch insects, find and upgrade new items, and roam majestic forests, clear, blue lakes, steamy volcanoes, and dry and dusty deserts in search of Link's long, lost friend Zelda. Never before will you ever feel more like the legendary hero than you will when you hold the Wii remote in your hand and explore the realm of Skyward Sword.
LittleBigPlanet 2 (PS3)
LittleBigPlanet 2 takes the world and parameters of the game and makes them yours. Team up with up to three other Sackpeople as your traverse the rugged and oftentimes dangerous terrain of the game's pre-made levels, slap each other silly, and wave your arms around like you just don't care. Customize your pod with as the many trinkets and doodads you discover in the game's levels, and then hop in the level creator and craft your own concoctions. The only limitations in the creator is your imagination, so think long and hard and start building! ...And who wouldn't want a game completely narrated by the wry Stephen Fry?
Pokemon Black and White (DS)
A new generation of Pokemon always brings a whole slew of Pokemon to collect, raise, and battle. Pokemon Black and White is no different, but don't fall into a false sense of security that everything in these two games is unchanged! No, no, no! Besides the cool 150+ Pokemon added to these pair of games, there's now triple battles where three Pokemon face off against another trio of pocket monsters as well as an updated online system for battling and trading Pokemon. The new region of Unova is a fascinating place with many mysterious creatures-- both Pokemon and human, and the story takes the series to fresh and never-before-seen areas.
Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
3D Mario for the masses is the name of this game. There's a reason that 3DS systems are selling at an accelerated rate since the release of Super Mario 3D Land. That's because every new mainline Mario is an event unto itself, and 3D Land continues that tradition. Containing the most exhilarating use of stereoscopic 3D ever seen on a hand-held, sixteen worlds full of Goombas to jump on, platforms to leap to, star medals to collect, power-ups to obtain, and obstacles to avoid, Super Mario 3D Land may just be the best original portable Mario on this planet. That is quite the accomplish when you look at the competition!
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (PSP)
Cling on, my brethren! Cling on! Combine your party's strengths in intense tactical battles where proper planning and strategy is the difference between a glorious victory and an agonizing defeat. This title may be a remake, and the PSP might have its fair share of those, but this tactical RPG is one of the best around. There's no excuse if you are an owner of Sony's powerful portable to not pick up this 100 hour+ tale of war and power. The battles themselves pit 5-12 of your units against up to eighteen enemy combatants for encounters of who puts their units to the best use wins. Not just the best PSP game this year, one of the best games of 2011 full-stop.
And the Game of the Year of 2011 is...
...
[GotY 2011: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)]
The Wii may have went more with quality than quantity in 2011, but it possesses the exclusive that beats out the rest with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Following a touching and charming story of finding Link's lost friend Zelda, this entry to this beloved franchise showcases five years of Nintendo's efforts in motion control. What most of us thought the Wii would be at its launch has finally been realized with Skyward Sword. From the intuitive swordplay to the tightrope walking, the bomb rolling and throwing to the wall climbing, and the fluid swimming to the weapon aiming, Skyward Sword shows an unprecedented amount of love and polish in its controls and gameplay making it my choice for Game of the Year 2011.
Runner-up GotY 2011: LittleBigPlanet 2 (PS3)
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For the last time, the curtains of this award show are closing. They will not be opening again until December 27, 2012 when the SPC Best of 2012 Awards will happen. I know you will be waiting feverishly as you mark the days off on your calendar. Until then, I hope you enjoyed this year's celebration of (nearly) all things gaming, and will join me deep into 2012 for new reviews, articles, top tens/fives, and more right here on SuperPhillip Central!
SuperPhillip's End of 2011 Game Collection (And Other Oddities)
It's the last day of 2011, so I thought I would take this time before I announce the System of the Year and Game of the Year for this year to show off my extensive game collection (and other notable goods) made from purchases, gifts, and mostly trades. It's important to note that I am an avid collector, so that's why I have a lot of games. Protip: To view much larger versions of these photos, right click and choose either Open Link in New Window or Open Link in New Tab.
Mario and company guard the Nintendo DS games.
Meanwhile I dual-wield Sonic
who protect my PS2 stash.
My collection of Wii games... who says this system has no games?
Bitter little losers and console warriors, that's who.
More expensive HD games mean less compared to other platforms.
The DS collection is so huge that it requires four photos!
And all collections have to start somewhere!
And the PSP has given me some good times, too.
And bringing in the rear from last gen, the GameCube.
So there you go. I hope this didn't come off as bragging as that was not my intention. I call it my collection, but this is more of my family's. Through many grand deals, smart trades, and quick decisions I have built this compendium of great games. If this doesn't prove that gaming is in my blood and my foremost hobby, nothing will.
Mario and company guard the Nintendo DS games.
Meanwhile I dual-wield Sonicwho protect my PS2 stash.
My collection of Wii games... who says this system has no games?Bitter little losers and console warriors, that's who.
More expensive HD games mean less compared to other platforms.
The DS collection is so huge that it requires four photos!
And all collections have to start somewhere!
And the PSP has given me some good times, too.
And bringing in the rear from last gen, the GameCube.So there you go. I hope this didn't come off as bragging as that was not my intention. I call it my collection, but this is more of my family's. Through many grand deals, smart trades, and quick decisions I have built this compendium of great games. If this doesn't prove that gaming is in my blood and my foremost hobby, nothing will.
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