10. Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogs is not just another Grand Theft Auto clone. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let me tell you why it exceeds where previous sandbox games have failed. The world is gorgeous, the story starts strong and gets exceedingly good as it goes, and the basic structure always feels varied without introducing one too many elements. There are plenty of serious moments, but like any good sandbox, you also have plenty of chances to mess around and have a good time. This is a game that stayed with me long after I finished it and reinvigorated my love for open world games once again. READ MORE
There were a lot of great games in 2012, but here are the best: our Games of the Year. We’re starting off with the portable systems: the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Vita and PSP. It’s been a transition year for all four, but there are gems on each. READ MORE
Editor’s note: From now until January 2, we’ll be sharing our individual favorites from 2012.
10. Orcs Must Die! 2
Orcs Must Die! was great, and the sequel improves on it in every way. There are more traps, more interesting maps, more playable characters, more download packs, more enemy types and the addition of cooperative play. My only complaint with OMD!2 is that my favorite weapon, the swinging mace, is not as effective as it was in the original. READ MORE
We’re human. We don’t always get to every game before the end of its year of release. This is our way of making amends: the best games we missed out on until 2012. Because we can’t go back in time and honor them in a more timely fashion. READ MORE
A great aesthetic can go a long way.
Black Knight Sword is the latest affront to convention from Grasshopper Manufacture, and is the developer’s second collaboration with Digital Reality (the first being Sine Mora). Black Knight is a downloadable title, offering to show what Goichi Suda (Suda 51) and his cohorts can do when not struggling against budget restrictions while trying to achieve AAA status. READ MORE
