The most popular game out there, “Angry Birds,” may be from 2009, but 2011 offered gems of its own, from big-name shooters to the Wii game we’ve been waiting for. 1. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’
(Wii; $49.99)
With motion-controlled sword fighting, archery, bowling and even skydiving, “Skyward Sword” feels a bit like “The Legend of Wii Sports.” Which is a good thing. “Skyward Sword” takes all the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii, and ties them together in an adventure that touches your heart as only this series can.
2. ‘Portal 2’
(PS3, Xbox 360, PC; $39.99, $29.99)
The gold standard for platform puzzle games added a few new twists to the series: gels that change physical properties, a cooperative campaign and the introduction of crazed Aperture Science founder Cave Johnson (voiced by J.K. Simmons). His one-liners alone make the return of GLaDOS a must-play.
3. ‘Batman: Arkham City’
(PS3, Xbox 360, PC; $59.99, $49.99)
The Dark Knight and the Joker square off for Round 2 of the critically acclaimed series. “Arkham City” offers a mix of street brawling, stealth attacks and tons of high-tech gadgets to give criminals the smackdown. On top of that, there are tons of side missions and an entire story arc for the sultry Catwoman.
4. ‘Assassin’s Creed: Revelations’
(PS3, Xbox 360; $59.99)
Aging master assassin Ezio Auditore travels to Constantinople to continue his fight with the Templars. Massive platforming puzzles, side-quests galore, tons of rooftops and streets to roam. And, of course, thousands of more unwitting guards to kill with the famed hidden blades.
5. ‘Catherine’
(PS3, Xbox 360; $59.99)
Here’s a formula you don’t see every day: puzzle game as morality play. This deeply Japanese murder mystery, punctuated with diabolical mental challenges, packs the most entertaining story of the year, and an ending you’d never, ever find in a game made in the West.
6. ‘LittleBigPlanet 2’
(PS3; $39.99)
Tired of playing games made by other people? “LittleBigPlanet 2” pulls back the curtain on game development, with simple tools for homebrewing exactly what you want to play. Puzzlers to platformers, role-playing to racing, it’s all here, and you can share your creations with the world.
7. ‘Iron Brigade’
(Xbox 360; $15)
A combination of two classic genres, the mech game and the tower defense game, “Iron Brigade” is the best entry in both categories. Downloadable to your Xbox 360 for just 15 bucks, this co-op dream packs the most fun, pound per pound, of any game this year.
8. ‘Super Mario 3D Land’
(3DS; $39.99)
After the heady experimentation of the “Super Mario Galaxy” games, “3D Land” returns Mario to the realm of action. The game offers fun for all comers, but concludes with levels of heart-pounding difficulty that will bring any fan back to the series’ origins.
9. ‘El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron’
(PS3, Xbox 360; $49.99)
As much an art installation as a video game, this bizarre Japanese take on an ancient Hebrew text goes through constant costume changes, looking like a watercolor painting one moment and a silent film the next. It may be just an average beat-’em-up, but it’s the most visually imaginative game ever made, packed with unforgettable images.
10. (tie) ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’ and ‘Battlefield 3’
(PS3, Xbox 360, PC; $59.99)
The biggest first-person shooters of the year shoot their way to a stalemate. “MW3” offers up spectacular, fast-paced multiplayer action, while “Battlefield” had a better campaign and a larger-scale multiplayer system. So choose your weapon. Either way you’ll be well armed.
Best remastered games of 2011
Game publishers make easy money adapting old favorites to new technologies — and we get a second shot at classics we missed. Here are our three faves.
» ‘The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D’: (3DS; $39.99) Proving that gold doesn’t tarnish, the “Citizen Kane” of video games returns to treat a new generation to a sprawling, emotional epic.
» ‘Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary’: (Xbox 360; $39.99) Get reintroduced to the greatest Spartan warrior. For his 10th birthday, Master Chief gets a high-definition upgrade for his first mission.
» ‘The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection’: (PS3; $39.99) Are video games art? These two majestic, meditative journeys are resounding arguments in the affirmative.
Best sports game of 2011
‘Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters’
(PS3, Xbox 360, Wii; $59.99, $49.99)
The hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club have finally been opened to us mere mortals. Amen Corner, the par-3 course, it’s all there. Plus, crushing Tiger’s scoring record can sure feel good.
