Dead Space 2

If the #’s 21-25 were diverse, then the next five only reinforce the eclectic tastes of the EGM crew. From turtle shells to hardcore gore, #’s 16-20 on EGM’s Top 25 Games of 2011 show off a diversity of genres, publishers, and even means of distribution.

#20: Mario Kart 7

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Why It Made The List: During the summer of 2011, the future of the recently launched Nintendo 3DS seemed bleak. It was no Virtual Boy, but it certainly wasn’t flying off shelves, either. Blame a lack of good software—a trend that’s finally turning around as the year comes to an end, and our pick for best 3DS game so far is Mario Kart 7. Expanding on the popular series with the ability to glide after jumps and motor underwater, this Kart’s just the fuel the system needed over the holiday season. – Marc Camrom

#19: Dead Space 2

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Visceral Games Why It Made The List: Dripping with atmosphere from the opening sequence to the end cutscene, Dead Space 2 forwards the story in a logical way while staying true to its roots. Throw in new enemies and new and interesting weapons with which to dispatch them, and Dead Space 2 reminds us that although no one can hear you scream in space, your neighbors in the apartment next door can—and they don’t appreciate it. – Ray Carsillo

#18: Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Eidos Montreal Why It Made The List: Taking the reins of a fanboy favorite is never an easy task, but Eidos Montreal managed to pick up where the likes of Warren Spector and Harvey Smith left off, delivering a sci-fi action-RPG that constantly impressed, offering the same sort of heavy character customization and open-ended gameplay the series was famous for alongside some seriously slick visuals. – Brandon Justice

#17: Mortal Kombat

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Developer: NetherRealm Studios Why It Made The List: Generally speaking, fighting-game fans either like Mortal Kombat, or they don’t. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground. But this year’s franchise reboot changed the minds of many who gave it a chance. Returning to its gory, brutal roots, the new Mortal Kombat featured smooth controls, stunning graphics, and a set of X-ray moves that churned our chalupas. Then NetherRealm went and added Freddy Kruger as a downloadable character, and we’ve had sweet nightmares since. – Marc Camron

#16: Payday: The Heist

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Overkill Software Why It Made The List: As game publishers become more and more risk-averse, button-mashers everywhere have suffered the consequences of their obvious fear of allowing original experiences to emerge. But Overkill’s Payday managed to cut through the crap and deliver something deliciously different, asking gamers to forget the heroics and subscribe to a life of co-op crime over the PlayStation Network—and we couldn’t have been happier with the results. – Brandon Justice

A solid list of games, to be certain, but which titles managed to beat them out on the path to our Game of the Year? Only time will tell. Be sure to check back tomorrow for part three of our Top 25, featuring EGM’s picks for #15 – #11!

Now that #20 – #16 are in the books, what do you guys think of the staff’s picks? Be among the first to comment and let us know below!

EGM’s Best of 2011 Coverage

EGM’s Top 25 Games of 2011
Part 1: #25 – #21
Part 2: #20 – #16
Part 3: #15 – #11
Part 4: #10 – #6
Part 5: #5 – #1

EGM Editor’s Choice Awards
Part 1: Eric L. Patterson
Part 2: Ray Carsillo
Part 3: Marc Camron
Part 4: Brandon Justice
Part 5: Matthew Bennett
Part 6: Andrew Fitch
Part 7: Brady Fiechter