There’s no denying that 2011 has been an absolutely colossal year for video games. Starting off with a bang with some big titles such as Visceral Games’ high-budget action horror Dead Space 2, and drawing to a close with November – on record as the most profitable month for the industry in history – gamers everywhere have been spoilt for choice.
But as the Christmas season is upon us, and the dropping temperatures are keeping more of us inside our warm, cosy homes, what better time to get stuck in to some of 2011’s best?
Portal 2
Valve titles are famed amongst gamers (and perhaps notorious amongst developer competition) for being polished to the finest detail, and the sequel to 2007’s cult puzzle game is no exception. Alongside its mind-bending puzzles which always keep you challenged yet entertained is a rare feature for games of its ilk – an incredibly compelling storyline in a spot-on atmosphere. With the added incentive of split-screen and online co-op, there’s no reason not to give this stellar title a bash.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
The Deus Ex franchise has been dormant for quite a while, and many of the older gamers out there may well remember some incredible times they had on the revolutionary original title back in 2000. Human Revolution brings the sci-fi shooter-RPG back in style, with excellent visuals, a phenomenal narrative over a 35 hour story mode and a vast selection of upgrades and perks. For the Bioware RPG addicts out there, this is especially a must for you.
Uncharted 3
‘It’s like playing an action movie’ is a claim that many games try to attribute to themselves, but none better than Uncharted 3. Rather than sticking to the standard run-jump-shoot formula that the Uncharted series began with, the latter two titles have truly come into their own with unbridled visuals, pacing and interactivity, resulting in a blockbuster action-movie feel that is as fun to watch as it is to play.
For those who loved Tomb Raider in its glory years, welcome to the future.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Oblivion was the primary reason thousands of people bought an Xbox 360 in its early days back in 2006, and there is no doubt the same will be happening again for its gigantic sequel, Skyrim. With an even bigger, more beautiful world full of hundreds of quests to complete, people to meet and mythical monsters to hunt, Skyrim can be defined in one word – adventure.
Create your character, set out into the land which will become your second home, and become the Dragonborn!
Look out for lots more gaming reviews on Flush the Fashion in 2012!