EGM’s Best of 2012: Part One: #25 ~ #21

EGM’s Best of 2012:
Part One: #25 ~ #21

By EGM Staff
Posted on December 26, 2012 AT 08:00am

The time has come once again, as the staff at EGM sat down and fought it out over which of this year’s released we’d put into our list of the top 25 games of 2012. There were a lot of choices, a lot of mixed emotions, and a lot of arguments. However, a list we created—and here are the first five entries. One thing is certain: it was an exciting year for games, one that provided ups, downs, joy, tears, and a wide variety of experiences.

Actually, two things are certain: that, and that some of you will hate us for where we’ve ranked your favorite games. It’s nothing personal, we swear.

EGM’s Top 25: #25 ~ #21

#25: Tokyo Jungle

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: PlayStation C.A.M.P., Crispy’s
Platforms: PS3

The world has fallen to decay and ruin. Mankind has vanished without a trace. In this world, you must do whatever it takes to survive, thrive, dominate, create life. You are a warrior, a fighter, a survivor—a Pomeranian. Or a house cat. Or a lion wearing sunglasses. Or an alligator in a schoolgirl uniform. This is Tokyo Jungle—a game that could only come from Japan, and a game that proves why we still love games that come from Japan. —Eric L. Patterson

#24: Halo 4

Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: 343 Industries
Platforms: Xbox 360

Halo was once again back in our consoles, but something felt a little off this time. Whether it was the story, the combat, or something else entirely, there was definitely an odd feeling in the air. Halo 4 was a solid enough entry and in no way let the franchise down, however it really just felt like an extension of Halo: Reach, which is a little disappointing. —Matthew Bennett

#23: The Darkness II

Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: Digital Extremes
Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC, OS X

Utilizing unique “quad-wielding” controls that allow players to wield both snake heads of the Darkness entity as well as a pistol in each hand, The Darkness II had you feeling like the ultimate bad ass as you literally dismembered, disemboweled, and disassembled every foe you faced piece by piece with the amazing power at your fingertips. And you get all this while riding a roller coaster story that pushes protagonist Jackie Estacado to the limit. And if the epic single player wasn’t enough, the new “Vendettas” co-op mode will keep you coming back for more for sure. —Ray Carsillo

#22: Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Publisher: EA
Developer: Criterion Games
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Most Wanted took everything we love about Need For Speed and everything we love about Burnout and mashed it up into a brilliantly, blazingly fast open-world racer. The streets of Fairhaven are an absolute joy to drive, and thanks to some surprisingly impressive Autolog integration, every last event and collectible becomes another contest for bragging rights. Plus, the game is practically bursting with welcome innovations, not least of which is the way it ditches the standard racing game formula of grinding through boring races to unlock cars you actually care about. —Josh Harmon

#21: Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward

Publisher: Aksys Games
Developer: Chunsoft
Platforms: PS Vita

Some call them “Visual Novels”, other call them “Adventure Games”—whatever term you use to classify them, Japanese games such as Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward are finally starting to get the respect that they deserve in the West. Why? Because of a mix of brain-bending puzzles and rich, developed characters that help craft experiences that challenge us both mentally and emotionally. Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward is an example of how the medium of videogames can be used to tell stories in ways never seen before—and show us that the future for storytelling in our hobby is rich with potential. —Eric L. Patterson

EGMNOW’s Best of 2012 Awards Schedule

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