The best games of 2012 (so far)

A look back at Q1′s best offerings.

The first quarter of 2012 is done and dusted, and as we head into the second quarter of the year, let’s have a look back at which games have stood out so far.

According to Metacritic, the following games have averaged out the highest scores for 2012 in relation to an average score for all the platforms the games appeared on.

SSX – Metascore: 81 (PS3), 82 (360)

Much to the displeasure of fans, EA’s over-the-top snowboard franchise disappeared over recent years after some exceptional entries into the series, but in late February the trick-packed series returned with somewhat of a reboot for the franchise.

SSX delivered exactly what eager gamers had been waiting for, as everything from the insane tricks, vast mountain ranges, interesting characters and the expected heart-pounding soundtrack was intact and better than ever before.

Street Fighter X Tekken – Metascore: 84 (PS3), 83 (360)

Fighting fanatics were finally given the chance to let Jin square off against Ryu, King take on Ken, and Heihachi have a shot at Bison, giving fanboys exactly what they had imagined for years.

The crossover of the century finally happened, as Namco and Capcom teamed up to drop Street Fighter X Tekken (developed by Capcom). The game uses the tried-and-tested solid Street Fighter IV engine to produce the fast and frenetic combat synonymous with the SF series, as well as transporting the famed Tekken fighters into the hand-drawn stylised visuals Capcom pride themselves on.

UFC Undisputed 3 – Metascore: 86 (PS3), 85 (360)

The Undisputed series has proven itself the unrivalled king of the octagon, but THQ’s fighter didn’t stop there, as it has continued to improve upon itself year after year.

UFC Undisputed 3 is the pinnacle of the series, as it manages to maintain the elements that have made the series such a knock-out hit, while also adding a host of new additions and features to keep it fresh.

The game has opened its cage, allowing inexperienced players to easily access the gameplay, while veteran gamers are now exposed to further depth within the genre.

Journey – Metascore: 92 (PSN)

Who would’ve thought a small downloadable title would already be one of the big hitters of 2012?

From ThatGameCompany, the people who brought us Flower, Journey is a unique title which captures the feeling of discovery and adventure by allowing online players to experience the game anonymously without traditional communication.

While Journey isn’t a conventional game in terms of gameplay ideals and difficulty, it more than makes up for it with beautiful visuals, gorgeous vistas and a soundtrack which will rival that of a Hollywood orchestral score.

Mass Effect 3 – Metascore: 93 (PS3), 93 (360), 89 (PC)

It comes as no surprise to see Mass Effect 3 at top of the list, as Bioware’s epic conclusion to arguably the greatest trilogy this generation has dropped jaws of critics and gamers alike.

ME3 places an emphasis on the decisions and actions players made in previous games, by allowing gamers to transfer their saves in order to benefit from the past accomplishments, but also face future consequences.

Mass Effect 3 ups-the-ante in every department and hits new heights with the story, gameplay mechanics and visuals, to deliver a game that will stand strong, not only in 2012, but for years to come.

MyGaming’s games of 2012 (so far)

Journalists around the office also have their fair share of comments and opinions regarding what games should be considered as having an impact this year.

Quinton Bronkhorst

“Sims 3: Showtime, because I like recreating Snooks, Sitch and rest of the crew from JS.” – (Don’t worry, no one really understands Quinton’s nonsensical ramblings.)

Jan Vermeulen

“Humble Android Bundle – what’s better than being able to play your games on Windows, Mac and Linux? Being able to play them on Windows, Mac and Android!”

Jan then added:

“There was also Humble Bundle 2, and yes, equally as awesome.”

Dan Parmenter

“Ben 10 Galactic Racing, because what’s better than Ben10? Ben 10 in a pimped-out space car.”

Tarryn van der Byl

“I’ll be controversial, and go with “Mass Effect 3. I just pretend the ending never happened, and it’s okay.”

James Etherington-Smith

“For me it’s a toss-up between Alan Wake on PC, which is satiating my psychological action-horror hunger, and Angry Birds Space, which has really livened up my bathroom breaks.”

Derrick Cramer

“Angry Birds Space, because it’s Angry Birds, in space.”

Jeremy Proome

“I would like to say Binary Domain, it was a refreshing surprise; but I’ve gotta go with Call of Cthulhu: The Wasted Land, because no matter how average it is, it’s the most fun to say.”

What is your favourite game of 2012 so far? Sound off in the comments below and in the forums.