Top video games of 2011 - what are yours?

[Striker81]

Well, 2011 has come and nearly gone, and for those of us who enjoy video games, I'd say it was a pretty good year. So with the year nearly over, what were your favorite games that came out in 2011? I'll list my top 5, but just know if a game you expect to be on the list isn't, it probably only means I didn't get a chance to play it. And with that, here are my top games:

5. Pokemon Black & White (DS)
Yes, the formula hasn't changed much since the first game. And yes, it only adds more of the little critters, making it harder to keep track of how many there are and how we are supposed to "catch 'em all." But I had too much fun to care. The game play is as addictive as ever, and it's easily the best-looking title in the main series.

4. Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
A fun game with varied levels and power ups new and old. A successful mix between Mario's side-scrolling adventures and his forays into 3D, a la Super Mario Galaxy. And the best use of 3D yet on the new 3DS. The only beef: it's pretty easy.

3. Batman: Arkham City (360, PS3)
From beating up thugs to soaring around Arkham City, no game does a better job of making players feel like they truly are Batman. Great look, great controls, great fan service, everything about this game is great. I tracked down all 440 of The Riddler's challenges. How about you?

2. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
It took a while, but Nintendo showed what its little white box was truly capable of. The game looks great, blending the styles of "Wind Waker" and "Twilight Princess." And the motion controls are simply awesome. It makes the game play great. And it's long. So why is it only #2? It's so long that I haven't beaten it yet, and I can't see giving the #1 spot to a game I've yet to complete.

And the number one game is...
Portal 2 (360, PS3)
I've only had "Portal 2" related avatars and signatures for most of the year, so it is really any surprise this is my top game? And why not? The puzzles are better than in the first game. It manages to throw new elements into the mix to keep things fresh. It's a longer adventure, with a separate co-op mode to boot. The music is great. The writing is hilarious and the voice acting is top-notch. All in all, "Portal 2" has my Game of the Year nod for 2011.

So what did the rest of you like?

[Disney_Guy]

1. Dark Souls
2. Portal 2
3. Batman: Arkham City