Loved a lot of these games. I really want to try Journey. Looks awesome. I think Xenoblade is the best game I have played in years. However, I thought FFXIII-2 was a POS. I have said it many times, and I say it again. That ending killed any goodwill SE had remaining with me. And the game was a drag. Was like they put together with a focus group. And I couldn't give a crap about the main characters. I was one of the few that liked FFXIII. But the sequel rates up there with FFX-2 to me. Just my two cents.
Game of the Year 2012 - Console Awards
Our picks for the best on each console in 2012.
Xenoblade Chronicles - Winner
Winning Wii Game of the Year is not exactly a tough feat. In anticipation of the Wii U, releases on the system basically dried up completely, leaving only the highly anticipated Operation Rainfall titles. The truth is, however, that even if the competition were stiff, Xenoblade Chronicles would've still reigned supreme.
This sprawling adventure from Monolith and Nintendo fused Eastern and Western RPG styles into a single cohesive experience that didn't let up for 100 hours. A plethora of quests, unique combat, a deep and engaging story, and a gorgeous world hooked players immediately.
Xenoblade Chronicles easily stands as one of the best titles to gather round the console's deathbed. Thankfully Nintendo didn't leave it to languish in Japan and gave players an unparalleled experience in the most unlikely of places. This made it our clear winner for Wii Game of the Year.
Write-up by Nick DiMola
The Last Story - Runner Up
Hironobu Sakaguchi is working on a new RPG? Nobou Uematsu is writing the score? Its name is an obvious callback to Final Fantasy? This is going to be amazing! - we all thought. The reality (when North America finally got the game) was that these gaming legends would craft a title a little more down to earth than its audience expected.
That's not to say that The Last Story was a failure, or a title to be ignored; far from it. The Last Story tried to do new things with a genre many feared was stagnant or lacking innovation. It may not have been 100% successful, but it provided some solid ideas that may be innovated on later. It also gave Wii owners craving something new a pretty good game to play during a time when not much else was being done on the platform. While it may not be a big winner, it is a game that's deserving of mention, and I'm glad to see it earn a runner up spot.
Write-up by Angelo Grant
Comments