Dead Space 2
More shocks, more gore and plenty more gruesome ways to dispatch the Necromorphs – Dead Space 2 was the perfect horror sequel. By overhauling the visuals, increasing the variety of Necromorphs and weapons, and staging the scarefest in more diverse environments, EA ensured a second ride on its sci-fi ghost train didn't feel overly familiar.
There was even a pretty decent Left 4 Dead-style multiplayer, too. But by far the greatest achievement was the game's deft balance between the visceral and psychological. While the Necromorphs provided the relentless stream of frights, the true horror lurking in Dead Space 2 proved to be Isaac Clarke's slow, disturbing descent into dementia.
Reg Rating 85%
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
With its intricate neo-noir narrative and distinctive black-and-gold cyber renaissance palette, Deus Ex: Human Revolution was easily 2011's most memorable game. While it lacked the radical, genre-defining innovation of the original Deus Ex, Ubisoft Montreal nevertheless delivered a game with both obvious affection for Warren Spector's work and considerable merit of its own.
It wasn't perfect, however. Misguided boss battles ran contrary to the guiding principle of freedom, and a flaccid middle-third temporarily diluted the narrative drive. But considered alongside the game's other achievements, such as the impeccable stealth and cover-based combat system, these were minor blemishes in an otherwise astonishing game.
Reg Rating 90%
Platforms PC, PS3, Xbox
Price £30 (PC) £40 (PS3/Xbox)
More Info Deus Ex Official Site
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COMMENTS
2011's most heavily marketed... games
This reads like a list of "the 10 games with the biggest marketing budgets". Any correlation with "best" is entirely coincidental (and not, I would contend, all that close)
No room for Zelda
Am I missing something? I've not played most of these games but surely there's room any top 10 for Skyward Sword.
Meaningless numbers?
With big numbers displayed prominently from which any reasonable person would infer a ranking.
