The most interesting games released in 2011
All the best and most popular games of the year, upcoming releases, and hits from the past. Use filters to narrow down search.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
RPG
December 20, 2011
An MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe and a spiritual successor to the Knights of the Old Republic series. It was created by a seasoned RPG developer, BioWare Studios, also known for such cult titles as Baldur’s Gate, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect. The game lets you choose between the dark or the light side of the Force and create a unique avatar, selecting from 8 available classes. Gameplay focuses on exploration, combat, and developing your hero’s skills, although much emphasis is put on the story presented in the distinctive BioWare style. It is possible to play solo, but the game’s essence is about playing together with friends. The game lets you join a team and either complete story-related missions together or compete against others in one of PvP modes. A great deal of vast locations – both well-known to the Star Wars fans as well as brand new ones – await to be explored.
Batman: Arkham City
Action
October 18, 2011
A sequel to the 2009 Batman: Arkham Asylum. Just like its predecessor, the game was produced by British studio Rocksteady in cooperation with Warner Bros. Interactive. The story campaign in Batman: Arkham City is set several months after the events of the first game. An old district of Gotham City was walled off and the most dangerous criminals were put inside. Afraid that the situation is getting out of control, Batman tries to stop the wrongdoers before it is too late. Gameplay mechanics combines elements of action with beat’em up game. As compared with the first installment, Batman: Arkham City gives players much greater freedom when it comes to exploration of the game’s open world and carrying out the missions.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
RPG
November 11, 2011
A heroic action RPG and the fifth main installment in the popular The Elder Scrolls franchise. Bethesda Softworks once again takes the players to the fantasy continent of Tamriel. The plot of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is set 200 years after the events depicted in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The main character is the last of the Dragonborn (Dovahkiin), a human (or a member of one of the several other available races) able to wield the powerful magic of dragons. With the arrival of the last Dragonborn, an old prophecy heralding the return of Alduin - the dragon god of destruction - is set into motion. The game combines elements of dynamic action with Bethesda-style cRPG, featuring a complex system of character development and a vast, open world. High quality visuals in the game are generated by the Creation Engine, Bethesda's original graphics engine.
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Action
November 1, 2011
The third installment of the very popular series of action-adventure games created by Naughty Dog. The story of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception tells another tale of the treasure hunter Nathan Drake. This time the main protagonist must find the legendary city of Ubar. A group of thugs led by Katherine Marlowe is standing on his way. The basic fundaments of the gameplay haven’t changed. The developers from Naughty Dog wanted to combine elements of adventure game, action game, shooter and even beat’em up genre with a cinematic feel. In comparison to previous installments of the series, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception offers much more advanced multiplayer mode and visuals that push the PlayStation 3’ power to the limit.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
RPG
May 17, 2011
An action RPG game and the second chapter of the adventures of Geralt of Rivia. Similarly to its predecessor from 2007, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings was developed by CD Projekt RED. The game follows the foiled plot to assassinate King Foltest. With the appearance of a mysterious man called Kingslayer the titular witcher becomes entangled in a complicated political intrigue, in which the fate of several kingdoms will be decided. The developers tried to faithfully recreate the world known from the literary works of Andrzej Sapkowski while enriching it with new elements. Great emphasis was put on moral choices leading to one of 16 possible endings, and on the completely rebuilt, dynamic combat system. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is distinguished by excellent visuals powered by the developer’s proprietary REDengine.
Might & Magic: Heroes VI
Strategy
October 13, 2011
The sixth main entry in one of the most popular turn-based strategy fantasy games, started by the legendary developer New World Computing in 1995. To refresh the series, the development has been entrusted to the team at Black Hole Games, known from highly-rated RTS games Armies of Exigo and Warhammer: Mark of Chaos. The game takes place 400 years before the events depicted in the previous entry and revolves around an intrigue of Angels trying to re-instill a long-forgotten war. The only ones able to stop its outbreak are the members of the House Griffin, who went separate ways a long time ago, all of them now leading their own factions. Gameplay is a classic combination of turn-based strategy with RPG features, supplemented with some new solutions, like the reputation system, lack of separate screens for each town or the option to convert enemy cities into our own type of stronghold. As per new trends, the game offers astounding, three-dimensional visuals and social options.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Action
November 15, 2011
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 is the sequel to a 2010 release, an action adventure game by Traveller's Tales, combining the world of LEGO with the universe from the popular series of books and their movie adaptation. The plot of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 is based on the last three books in the series, and the story is focused on Harry's fight against the powerful Lord Voldemort, who, after gathering more followers, becomes a real thread to the whole world of magic. During the game, the players can control various characters known from the universe created by J.K. Rowling, and visit a number of equally well-known locations, which at the same time feel completely new, since they are built out of LEGO blocks. The game is filled with adventure and arcade elements, but it also has its share of logic puzzles. Compared to the prequel, this game presents a gloomier and more serious world.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Action
November 8, 2011
The third part in the first-person shooter series being one of the spin-offs of the Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was developed by Infinity Ward with the assistance from other development studios owned by Activision – e.g. Raven Software and Sledgehammer Games. The plot continues the action of the first two installments of the game. Players are presented with the further fates of the members of Task Force 141 as they try to eliminate the leader of the Russian Ultranationalists responsible for the outbreak of the international conflict. Developers draw on the well-proven formula employed by the previous installments, such as the spectacular, yet heavily-scripted single player campaign, dynamic shootouts and numerous multiplayer modes. The fourth generation of the IW Engine provides high-level audio-visuals.
Dragon Age II
RPG
March 8, 2011
A third-person perspective RPG sequel to the greatly received game from 2009. It’s another installment of the series that is considered as a spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate. It was developed by the creators of the legendary series – BioWare studios. The story takes place in the well-known dark fantasy world and it concentrates on a completely new character – a refugee named Hawke who becomes a legend and a hero of Kirkwall. What’s interesting, the plot is presented as a set of stories told by various bards. In difference to the first game, in Dragon Age II the player can become only a human character. The lack of choice is compensated by a much more advanced character development system. Combat system was improved as well, and the dialogue system was changed. The graphics of the game are not only much better than in the predecessor, but they also have a different, more comic book-like style.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Action
November 15, 2011
An open-world action game played from the third-person view. It is another installment in the Assassin's Creed series. In terms of the plot, the game ends the so-called Ezio trilogy, which comprises of Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and AC: Revelations. The game is set mainly in the 16th century, though in-game flashbacks reach as far as back to the 12th century. The protagonist - Ezio Auditore da Firenze follows the traces of Altair - both his ancestor and the master of the Assassins. The trail leads to Constantinople, where the Templars are gathering a powerful army. The creators combined successful mechanics of the previous installments, enriching them with an ability to create bombs or with a modified system of gaining control over particular city areas. Apart from the single-player story campaign, the game offers a fully functional multiplayer mode.
Resident Evil 4 HD
Action
September 20, 2011
A remastered edition of the fourth installment in the legendary Resident Evil series, regarded as the most important one in the franchise. The original title was published in 2005 on GameCube and PlayStation 2. In Resident Evil 4 you assume the role of Leon S. Kennedy, the famous policeman from the second installment, who travels to Spain in order to find the president’s lost daughter. The mission turned out to be more complicated than he thought – he has to fight hundreds of mutants infected with a virus and a mysterious sect ruled by Osmund Saddler. Gameplay is almost identical to the original title, as the developers decided not to alter mechanics and focused on converting graphics to HD. Most of textures and the lighting system are updated and an achievement system typical for contemporary productions was also implemented.
Dead Island
Action
September 6, 2011
A first person survival-horror action game with cRPG elements. Dead Island was developed by Techland Studio, together with the Deep Silver company. The story features a tropical island, cut off from the world, where a zombie epidemic spreads out. Few remaining people are trying to survive and find a way to escape the living dead. Gameplay in Dead Island is built around exploration, completing quests, crafting useful items, and fighting undead opponents. This last element frequently features contextual weapons (sticks, pipes, etc.). Apart from the single player experience, the game offers multiplayer with several cooperative and competitive play modes.
Minecraft
Adventure
November 18, 2011
A sandbox game that defies classification, developed by the independent Mojang AB studio. Minecraft has been developed with the intention of unleashing the creativity of players, who can freely change the game's virtual world made from voxels (cubic blocks). The gameplay concentrates on terrain transformations, building structures, crafting items, and creating your own adventures. The game consists of two modes: a classic one, which allows for unending experience, and survival, in which we have to prepare to fend off monster assaults at night. In addition to single player, Minecraft also offers online multiplayer. The game from Mojang AB is distinguished by its unique retro visuals.
Dark Souls
RPG
September 22, 2011
An action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. It has been developed by the Japanese From Software studio, known from e.g. Ninja Blade, Demon’s Souls, and the Armored Core series. The story of Dark Souls takes place in a grim universe, greatly resembling the medieval age. The plot in scarcely depicted, and the players take role of an undead character, whose actions will shape the fate of the world. The game is a third-person perspective hack-and-slash. In a manner befitting a sandbox game, players are given a lot of freedom at exploring locations and undertaking various tasks. The game stands out with its high difficulty level and complex multiplayer mode.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
RPG
August 23, 2011
The third installment in a series of cyberpunk action games with RPG elements. The franchise was launched in the year 2000 by Ion Storm, led at the time by Warren Spector. The reactivation of the series was made possible by the Eidos Montreal studio. Story-wise, the game is a prequel to the original series, taking us back to the year 2027, when Sarif Industies only begins to explore the possibilities of biomechanical augmentation of the human body. You assume the role of Adam Jensen, the company's chief of security, who gets seriously injured when an unidentified armed force suddenly attack the company HQ. Saved by a series of surgeries and mechanical implants, he decides to investigate the puzzling truth behind the events. Gameplay boils down to combat, exploration, and interactions with the environment. Of course, there are the also series’ landmark features, such as sneaking and hacking mini-games. Depending on the augmentations you choose to implant in the hero’s body and the skills they provide, each in-game problem can be solved in several different ways.
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
Action
May 10, 2011
Another installment in the popular arcade action games series by the British studio Traveller’s Tales that re-imagines famous pop culture universes as LEGO bricks. This time around, it is the Pirates of the Caribbean movie saga. Plot-wise, LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game covers themes from four movies dealing with the adventures of captain Jack Sparrow, starting with The Curse of the Black Pearl and ending with On Stranger Tides. The well-known events are presented with a light sense of humor that is typical of the series. In the title, around 70 characters with various skills make an appearance, including Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann. There are also more than 20 levels full of arcade sequences (platformer levels, combat) and simple logic puzzles. Each stage is focused on certain events from the movie original and enriched with cinematic cut-scenes. One of the novelties of this installment is the possibility of visiting one location multiple times in search of additional treasures. LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean can be played either solo or in cooperation mode with another player on a split-screen.
Mortal Kombat
Fighting
April 19, 2011
A brutal fighting game and a reboot of the Mortal Kombat video game series - one of the most popular fighting-oriented franchises, launched back in 1992. The game was created by NetherRealm and the works were supervised by Ed Boon - the father of the series. This new installment is based on the best mechanics of its predecessors, both improving and modernizing the classic Mortal Kombat experience. Thus brutal fighting is the core of the game - fights are filled with spectacular special attacks and creative ways of finishing off the enemy. The players received a massive number of both well-known and completely new fighters. The new X-Ray system was introduced as well, allowing the player to launch special attack sequences. New game modes were also added, including challenges, Story Mode and Tag Team, which allows two teams of two players to fight against each other. Combining classic elements with the new can be also observed in the visuals that combine 2D and 3D elements.
Need for Speed: The Run
Racing
November 15, 2011
Another installment in one of the most renowned racing game series developed by Electronic Arts since 1995. In contrast to the previous installment, the game was developed by EA Black Box - an internal studio of the American company. The story is centered around the eponymous coast-to-coast race across the United States. Winning this huge event is the only way for the protagonist to obtain money required to pay his debt to a dangerous criminal organization. In the game, the player has to complete different racing challenges, and the story campaign features quick-time events for the first time in the entire series. The relatively short story campaign is complemented by a set of separate challenges. These require the player mostly to drive on twisted mountain roads, sometimes buried under avalanches. Impressive visuals have their source in the Frostbite 2 engine, popular mainly for being used in the Battlefield series.
Battlefield 3
Action
October 25, 2011
The third core installment in a popular first person shooter series. Battlefield 3 was developed by Swedish studio DICE, an Electronic Arts subsidiary. The game is set during a modern-day conflict and the events are presented in the form of flashbacks as remembered by Henry Blackburn, an American soldier who tries to stop Islamic terrorists from detonating a nuke. The game features three playable characters, as well as various weapons and vehicles. Single player campaign consists of several missions, serving a complimentary role to the expansive online multiplayer mode, in accordance with the series’ long-standing tradition. Technically, Battlefield 3 is powered by Frostbite 2 engine, featuring high quality audiovisuals and realistic physics.
Trainz Simulator 12
Simulation
March 17, 2011
The jubilee installment of one of the most popular series of railway simulators, developed continuously since 2001 by Australian studio Auran. The aim of the game is invariably to develop railway tracks together with the surrounding infrastructure, and then to travel along the routes created in this way in a realistically executed simulation mode. In keeping with tradition, the authors have reproduced an impressive number of locomotives in terms of appearance and parameters, ranging from old steam machines, through diesel, to electric ones.
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Action
March 22, 2011
A 3D action-adventure platformer that came out as the third installment in the LEGO Star Wars game series. The story of LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is based on the popular animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Players can take part in the galactic conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. The developers prepared 3 campaigns, each consisting of 6 missions corresponding to the consecutive episodes of the TV show. The gameplay focuses on fighting opponents, overcoming obstacles, and solving puzzles. The game also features special levels, in which you pilot a space fighter or control the massive AT-TE walker. Moreover, the developers from Traveller's Tales implemented some improvements in visuals, including brand new lighting system.
Sonic Generations
Arcade
November 1, 2011
Sonic Generations is an arcade platformer designed to celebrate the 20th birthday of the title blue hedgehog. In the game created by the Sonic Team there are two incarnations of Sonik - classic and modern, which try to eliminate holes in space-time. There are many locations in the game, which are a reference to the levels, known to fans of earlier versions of the cycle.
God of War: Origins Collection
Action
September 13, 2011
A compilation of two God of War spin-offs, originally released only on the PlayStation Portable console, made for PlayStation 3 users. The first of these, Chain of Olympus, is a prequel to the entire series and takes place before the events shown in the first game, when the protagonist of the series, Kratos, is still a Spartan warrior. The second game, Ghost of Sparta, is set after the events of the first, when our hero, having slain Ares, ascends to Olympus as the new god of war and attempts to finally deal with his dark past.
Crysis 2
Action
March 22, 2011
Crysis 2 is a sequel to the science fiction FPS created by Crytek studio. The game is set three years after events of the first installment and takes place mostly on the streets of New York City, where we face members of an alien civilization and hostile soldiers of the C.E.L.L. corporation. In the title, we control a completely new character – a commando named Alcatraz who dons the sane suit the hero of the first part did, drawing attention of opponents. The authors expanded solutions known from the predecessor, including a special nanosuit 2.0, which can be improved by obtaining alien catalysts. In contrast to the previous episode, individual missions take place mainly in closed locations and during gameplay there is much more emphasis on the story. The game is complemented by an extensive multiplayer mode, in which through successive skirmishes we gain experience necessary to unlock new weapons and nanosuit extensions.
Men of War: Vietnam
Strategy
September 9, 2011
The third standalone expansion for Men of War, a real-time strategy game. Similarly to the vanilla game and its two previous add-ons, it was developed by Best Way. This time around, the players can take part in the Vietnam War, fought in years 1955-1975 by US-backed South Vietnam and North Vietnam, supported in turn by the Communist Bloc. Both sides of the conflict have their separate story campaigns. The missions we have to complete include rescuing American prisoners, taking over important strategic points, and eliminating enemy officers. The title also lets us participate in historical events, such as ambushes on the Ho Chi Minh trail or defending a bridge during the Tet Offensive. Men of War: Vietnam gives the players control of a squad of several specialized units, while the gameplay itself is focused mostly on performing silent and precise missions.
Test Drive Unlimited 2
Racing
February 8, 2011
A sequel to the bestselling Test Drive Unlimited - a game that managed to reinvigorate the classic racing series launched by the Accolade company in 1987. The game is set in two locations, namely the islands of Ibiza (Spain) and Oahu (Hawaii) - the latter appeared in the first Test Drive Unlimited where it is accessible later in the game. The player can freely explore both islands, taking on subsequent racing challenges. Alongside the game's progression, the player purchases new luxurious cars, but also villas and other properties. The game introduces several changes to the mechanics. Instead of individual races, the player takes part in racing tournaments. Also, the player obtains special licenses, which unlock subsequent challenges. Although the single-player mode was supplemented with a storyline, the game focuses mainly on multiplayer competition. Thanks to the improved game engine, the player can drive in daylight or at night. Dynamic weather conditions were implemented as well.
L.A. Noire
Adventure
May 17, 2011
A noir detective action adventure game developed by the Australian studio Team Bondi in cooperation with the veterans from Rockstar Games. The game invites you into Los Angeles of the 1940’s, a city filled with corruption and drug dealing organizations. You assume the role of Cole Phelps, an ex-soldier who becomes a police officer after the war. The game lets you experience the key moments of Cole’s career, starting from the traffic police all the way through murder and drugs department. Gameplay is mainly about examining crime scenes in search of clues and evidence, as well as interrogating witnesses and suspects. The game also offers multiple action sequences, including pursuits (either on foot or by car), fist fights, and spectacular shootouts. When it comes to graphics, the most noteworthy feature are the realistic face expressions that allow you to judge the reactions of interogatees. The game overflows with a noir atmosphere characteristic of the 1940’ and 50’ movies.
Dungeon Siege III
RPG
June 17, 2011
Dungeon Siege III is the third installment in the best-selling hack'n'slash series started in 2002 by Gas Powered Games. This time, however, the game was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, creators of Neverwinter Nights 2 and Fallout: New Vegas. The story begins 150 years after the events of the previous game. Our job is to bring balance to the kingdom of Ehb by restoring the legendary Tenth Legion that once kept guard over the country. There are four character classes available, each of them having their own abilities and combat styles. The plot is quite linear, but our decisions have visible impact on how it turns out. Dungeon Siege III is the first game in the series that was released on consoles, which can be seen in the game's visuals and controls. The game also offers a co-op mode for up to four players for the first time in the history of the Dungeon Siege series.
Terraria
Arcade
May 16, 2011
A sandbox platform game by indie studio Re-Logic, sometimes called the 2D version of the popular Minecraft. There is no set goal; your task is basically to shape the randomly-generated world around you. At first you only have a few basic tools, which allow you to dig and find resources, chop wood, and create simple structures. As the game progresses, due to the extensive crafting system, you discover better tools, allowing you to create advanced materials and to fight monsters. There are many possibilities in the game, and the only restriction is your own imagination. Terraria features a single player mode, but you can join forces with other players, thus gaining precious allies, who can help you with the more challenging tasks.
Gears of War 3
Action
September 20, 2011
The third installment in the futuristic series of shooters developed by Epic Games. The series is the pride of the Xbox 360 console. After the city of Jacinto, the last stand of humanity, is destroyed, COG coalition persists in its fight against the superior forces of the Locust. Marcus Fenix and his companions set out on a journey to find the protagonist's father, who has knowledge of what might be humanity’s last hope to defeat the enemy. The gameplay of the third game in the series employs similar mechanics as its predecessors while offering some new attractions such as never brand-new weapons and enemies. During the single player campaign the player can find almost 60 various types of collectibles. A new multiplayer mode called Beast Mode was added to the game and the cooperation mode was greatly improved, now allowing for up to 4 players to play by using a single console.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North
RPG
November 1, 2011
A multiplayer-focused action role-playing game, taking place in the famous Lord of the Rings universe. The game was developed by Snowblind, creators of e.g. the console edition of the legendary Baldur's Gate. You play as a man, an elf or a dwarf, fighting the forces of Sauron and participating in the events in the norther part of Middle-Earth, happening concurrently to the main story of the Lord of the Rings novel. Depending on your chosen character, the gameplay mechanics vary slightly, and you use different abilities. The story unfolds depending on your choices, enabling us to do many sidequests. Of course, your character can level up and gain new useful abilities. The game can be completed in a three-person co-op mode or in a singleplayer mode, in which you are supported by AI-controlled party members.
Two Worlds II: Pirates of The Flying Fortress
RPG
September 20, 2011
An expansion for the second installment of the action RPG series by Reality Pump, a Polish development studio. Two Worlds II: Pirates of The Flying Fortress offers a new campaign that takes place in a previously uncharted area. The plot of the add-on is focused on a pirate captain and his crew who are confined on a cursed archipelago. The player helps the corsair save his beloved, find the legendary treasure, and suppress a mutiny on his ship. Of course, the story is non-linear, concluding with one of three endings. Gameplay-wise, the expansion introduces changes in the alchemy system, enables the player to steer a boat, adds new kinds of weapons and enemies, including powerful bosses, such as a Basilisk or a Stone Golem, who require the player to conduct a research on their weaknesses in order to defeat them. Apart from the single player campaign, Pirates of the Flying Fortress offers four new multiplayer maps for the Adventure mode. Moreover, the add-on slightly improves the graphics and introduces new, dynamic weather effects.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2012
Sports
September 27, 2011
A sports game that plays football games belonging to the popular Konami series. Compared to previous editions, the artificial intelligence and cooperation between the players has been improved. The zone confront was heavily rebuilt and the graphics, especially character animations, were thoroughly refined.