Gamedot’s 2011 review – Editor’s thoughts

By Liam Hunn on December 23rd, 2011

Well a great year for games is nearly over, 2011 has truly been one to remember. There have been some real gems released over the last 12 months, with Batman: Arkham City, Dark Souls and Skyrim being just a few examples of high quality titles that have graced the disk tray of our consoles. But there’s been a few surprise quality games as well. Just recently I reviewed Rayman Origins which was brilliant. I doubt Origins will receive the credit it deserves at award ceremonies next year, with the “bigger titles” such as Skyrim more than likely sweeping them clean. But if there’s only one title you can buy with your Christnas money, then for me it’s Origins.

I don’t know why I was surprised Origins was such a high quality title, as it’s been a theme with the titles Ubi have published this year. Driver San Francisco was all sorts of crazy, but damn good fun. And I think that’s what 2011 should be remembered for, the fun games released.

It’s been a year where Kinect has really taken off, and brought fun filled games to a market Microsoft could have only dreamed of 5 years ago. Kinect Sports Season 2 is one example, where hardcore Battlefield or Call of Duty players can be found enjoying themselves on the golf course or ski slopes.

I’m trying to ignore the stinkers that have been released through the year, as I’d like to keep my end of year thoughts fairly positive. But a little moan at publishers and their scheduling is a warranted one I feel. Once again the few months after the summer were packed full of AAA titles. Sure the sight of all these great games being released at the same time makes the industry look strong, but surely it’s harming sales? I’ve still not played Arkham City as I couldn’t afford it at the time and have just been too busy since. And I suspect I’m not the only one who had to miss out on a title or two because of the cash flow.

So here’s hoping that in 2012 publishers use their heads a little more, shake things up a bit and release their AAA games at different times through the year, instead of bunching them together and causing gamers to miss out on their must have title.

I’d also like to raise a glass to mobile gaming, something that has really kicked on this last year. It’s something that we here at Gamedot will be covering more of, but more of that in a bit.

The dross that is released for mobile devices far outweighs the brilliant. But with each passing year, the technology improves and some would argue that iOS and Android devices provide a better gaming experience than the PSP or DS. I wouldn’t go that far, but the graphics and gameplay has certainly improved at a quite scary rate. With OnLive now also available on the iPad for example, mobile gamers have never had it so good.

But what about 2012? Well it’s shaping up to be another bumper year for AAA titles. Then there’s another new piece of hardware being released (at some point) in the form of the Wii U. I remember stating the Wii was destined to make Nintendo a publisher only – how wrong was I there? But the Wii U I just can’t see working. Hopefully I’m very, very wrong, as Nintendo are under a bit of pressure after the 3DS failed to spark the imaginations it probably should have.

Also expect 2012 to be the year the first details of the next gen of consoles are drip fed out. Rumours of the next Xbox have really heated up over the last month, and certainly towards E3 some solid details mean some pieces of the puzzle should start taking place.

On a personal level, this year has also been another record breaking one for us here at Gamedot. In the short space of time since the site was launched in 2009 as part of a university dissertation project, we’ve seen growth each year and 2011 was our best so far. We plan on bringing you more content in 2012, including more news and reviews for mobile devices. There will also be more features, so expect more fence sitting by Jeremy!

So thank you for helping to make 2011 a great year, and to all our readers we’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas, and a happy gaming new year.

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