Find out what games of 2011 best represented the nine most notable genres in gaming.

 

Skyrim is the perfect encapsulation of what an RPG should be. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, is accessible to the player’s whims. Where you go, and who you are is completely up to you. In a landscape where RPG’s are being toned down in an effort to increase accessibility, Skyrim depicts how a current generation RPG can provide an unheralded level of customization in conjunction with a streamlined experience.

Like other games in The Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim puts a heavy emphasis on exploration. Only this time they not only allow you to explore the surrounding world and lore, but yourself as well. In a controversial move Skyrim opted to remove the arch-class types that we have grown accustomed to, in favor of allowing players to instead formulate their own styles of play. Creating a system that not only allows players flexibility in dealing with various problems, but also a greater sense of ownership as each character completes these challenges in their own unique way.

Skyrim further enriches the RPG experience through fully developed and realized quest lines. The Elder Scrolls series has always been known for lush and rich storytelling, but past iterations of the series pale in comparison to the ever present adventures that reside within the land of Skyrim. Via the new “Creation Engine” Skyrim boasts an impressive 350+ hours of gameplay that is jam packed with various quests and characters. Even more astounding is the game's ability to evolve; as players progress through the game their actions will alter the world and characters perceptions around them. Completing a quest may close a door with one faction, but it could also give you the opportunity to join another. All of this culminates in an experience that gives weight to the player’s actions.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Runner Up

The traditional RPG is going the way of the dinosaur. To survive, the role-playing genre has had to become a hybrid, blending stats and hit points with action and smooth controls. It’s fitting, then, that Deus Ex: Human Revolution is one of our favorite RPGs of the year. Not only is it a prime example of a hybrid RPG, but Adam Jensen, the game’s gravelly voiced protagonist is himself a combination of old and new. Deus Ex has a little bit of some great games, from a dialogue mechanic similar to L.A. Noire to the best stealth action this side of Batman: Arkham Asylum, this is a game that has something for everyone.

The thing that really makes Deus Ex: Human Revolution special is the freedom that is afforded the player. In almost every situation, you have multiple options on how to tackle your next objective. Go the silent and non-lethal approach, hacking terminals to get access codes and insider information, or go in with sheer brute force, crashing through walls and unleashing bullet hell on your enemies. Or maybe you want to do a little bit of both. It’s up to you, and Human Revolution doesn’t limit your options by locking you out of abilities and perks. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore all aspects of the skill tree, which really gives you carte blanche to explore this future dystopia on your own terms. And, while the game isn’t without its graphical flaws, the art direction and architecture make Deus Ex stand out from every other game this year. Eidos Montreal has hit one out of the park with this one, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Mr. Jensen.

Honorable Mentions