The most interesting games released in 2012
All the best and most popular games of the year, upcoming releases, and hits from the past. Use filters to narrow down search.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Simulation
October 18, 2012
A sequel to the popular truck simulation game. Just like its predecessor from 2008, the game was developed by Czech developer SCS Software. Euro Truck Simulator 2 lets you play as a truck driver and owner of a delivery company. The core gameplay has you transport cargo between towns and cities. The game’s map comprises of a large part of Europe, and features a significant number of cities you can visit. The money you earn doing jobs lets you purchase new trucks or customize the ones you already own. Euro Truck Simulator 2 sports attractive visuals and realistic driving model, which takes into account not only well-researched real-life physics, but also the current road conditions.
Dishonored
Action
October 9, 2012
A first person action game with elements of stealth, set in a steampunk universe. Dishonored is a product of Arcane Studios, a company best known for Dark Messiah of Might & Magic. The game’s protagonist – Corvo, a respected bodyguard of the empress – gets falsely accused of murdering his sovereign. Being one of the world’s most dangerous men, he needs to use his extraordinary skills to clear his name and bring justice on the ones responsible for the crime. Dishonored’s main course constitutes of executing carefully planned assassinations. The protagonist can use his superhuman abilities to aid himself in that quest. Dishonored features excellent audiovisuals with graphics powered by Unreal Engine 3.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Racing
October 30, 2012
A new installment in the legendary racing series. As the title suggests, the game refers to one of the most well-received parts of the series - the original 2005's Need for Speed: Most Wanted. The game was developed by Criterion Games, a company well-know for the Burnout series. The remake resembles the original game when it comes to dynamic police chases and the so-called Blacklist, where the player challenges other most wanted drivers for races and climbs up their ranks. This time the developer put emphasis on the game's open-world environment, and the opportunity to explore it freely. The player can freely roam the streets of Fairhaven and switch between the vehicles they previously managed to acquire. Participation in subsequent races unlocks upgrades and modifications for each car. In doing so, the player earns prestige points as well, which allows them to challenge subsequent Blacklist drivers. What is typical of the series, the game offers an arcade driving system that features spectacular collisions.
Legend of Grimrock
RPG
April 11, 2012
Created in the old style first-person cRPG game, developed by the independent Finnish studio Almost Human. As a leader of 4-person team of daredevils, we wander the vast underground, looking for hidden passages and keys, solving simple puzzles and fighting various opponents. Traditionally for the genre, individual characters represent different classes and skills. Game mechanics refers to classics such as Dungeon Master, Ultima Underworld or Eye of the Beholder. In the game we move by jumps, always turning at an angle of 90 degrees.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn
RPG
December 4, 2012
The final story-driven DLC expansion for the acclaimed 2011 RPG The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim by Bethesda Softworks. The Dragonborn expansion takes place on a cold island called Solstheim, located northeast of the Skyrim province. The place should be known to the fans of the series from the second expansion to The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. The story focuses on the mysterious Miraak – the first Dragonborn, wielding similar powers and abilities as the main protagonist. Hundreds of years ago he had gone mad and vanished from the material plane. During the game, the protagonist is tasked with stopping their mad predecessor from retaking the rule over the island. One of the most important novelties in the game mechanics is the possibility to ride dragons and use them to travel. What's more, the expansion offers many new quests as well as several new types of enemies, weapons, armors and powers.
Darksiders II
Action
August 14, 2012
The sequel to the action game, Darksiders, released in 2010 by the developer studio Vigil Games. The storyline of Darksiders II depicts the adventures of another of the raiders of the apocalypse – Death. The hero sets out to aid his brother – War, who has been accused of unleashing the Apocalypse prematurely. In order to help, the protagonist has to prove the existence of a plot and resurrect humanity, which was completely annihilated in the End-War. In comparison to the first installment, the creators of Darksiders II have prepared a much larger and more diverse world, through which the hero travels, accompanied by his steed (Despair) and a crow (Dust). The gameplay revolves around spectacular skirmishes with enemies; in some areas, however, also the player’s ability to solve logic-based puzzles will be tested. The changes introduced in Darksiders II have also influenced the graphics, greatly increasing their over-all quality.
Risen 2: Dark Waters
RPG
April 24, 2012
A continuation to a 2009 action RPG. Risen 2: Dark Waters is the work of Piranha Bytes, a German studio that gained substantial popularity through their Gothic series. The game is set 10 years after the events of the first installment. The Nameless Hero is approached by Patty, the daughter of Steelbeard; the girl ask for help in her pursuit of a powerful artifact. Meanwhile, the Inquisition tasks the hero with infiltrating a pirate gang on the island of Puerto Sacarico. As befits a typical action-RPG production, the fun in Risen 2: Dark Waters consists mainly of exploration, questing, and dispatching enemies. Compared with the preceding title, significant changes were introduced in the combat mechanics, and a more attractive audiovisuals were provided.
Hitman: Absolution
Action
November 20, 2012
An action game with stealth features and the fifth major entry in the Hitman series. Hitman: Absolution’s development has been handed to a Danish studio Io-Interactive, a subsidiary of Square Enix. Its story shows the further life of Agent 47. The perfect assassin has been betrayed by his supervisors. In order to survive, he must make use of his extraordinary skills and experience. Like in previous games, the core of gameplay in Hitman: Absolution is the elimination of given targets. The players are given a lot of freedom at choosing their way to complete the job, although more creative solutions are better rewarded. The game's appealing visuals are generated by the Glacier 2 engine. Developers also made use of the motion-capture technology to accurately recreate the facial expressions of the characters.
Mass Effect 3
RPG
March 6, 2012
A third installment in the science fiction series created by BioWare, which is a combination of action RPG with a third-person shooter. The title is the culmination of the epic Mass Effect trilogy, completing the story of Commander Shepard and his war against the Reapers. The action begins as the protagonist is about to be summoned to a hearing concerning the aftermath of his last assignment. Shepard's testimony is interrupted by the very same invasion he desperately fought to prevent. Being the only person possessing both the reputation and the experience of successfully fighting the Reapers, the protagonist starts a race against the clock to unite the forces of the whole galaxy against them. Similarly to Mass Effect 2, we can continue playing with a character that completed the previous entry in the series, retaining all of his or her experience. The gameplay mechanics have avoided major changes, although they did become more dynamic and arcade. The introduction of a multiplayer mode and linking it directly to the story campaign is the game's biggest novelty.
Assassin's Creed III
Action
October 30, 2012
The third major entry in the action adventure game series, Assassin Creed. Assassin Creed III has been created by Ubisoft Montreal in cooperation with its subsidiaries. It continues the story of the conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Most of events take place during the American War of Independence (1753-1783). The main character – Connor Kenway – is, once again, an ancestor of Desmond Miles. The half-blood Indian vows to fight tyranny and seek justice. The creators have skillfully implemented many historical figures and events to the story. As per Assassin’s Creed tradition, the gameplay takes place in an open-world environment, with players having a lot of freedom in completing tasks and exploration.
Far Cry 3
Action
November 29, 2012
The third installment in a popular first person shooter franchise. This game was developed by Ubisoft Montreal Studios in cooperation with Ubisoft Shanghai, Ubisoft Reflections, and Massive Entertainment. The protagonist of Far Cry 3 is Jason Brody, whose vacation unexpectedly turns into a fight for survival. Jason and his friends land on an island occupied by psychopathic pirates. He has to free his friends from the hands of the madmen and find a way back to civilization. As befits a purebred FPS, the gameplay is filled with shootouts, in which you use many different weapons. The game offers nearly complete freedom when it comes to exploration, combat tactics, and execution of various missions.
The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
Adventure
September 20, 2012
Another chapter of the popular detective series, developed by the Ukrainian studio Frogwares continuously since 2002. The action of the game takes place in 1898 in London, where the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes is trying to solve a case in which the main suspect is himself. Unable to prove his innocence, the hero loses the trust of the citizens and is forced to flee from the police. This time, Holmes' reputation depends on the outcome of the investigation.
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Action
November 13, 2012
An action game, featuring elements of a 3D platformer, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels and the movie trilogy by Peter Jackson. LEGO The Lord of the Rings is another "blocky" production from Traveller’s Tale studio. It lets us take the role of a chosen member of the Fellowship of the Ring and set out on a dangerous journey to stop Sauron and his minions. The campaign consists of a series of stages inspired by the most memorable scenes from the movies. The gameplay mixes elements of action, arcade, and logical puzzle games. Similar to previous LEGO-licensed productions from Traveller’s Tale, LEGO The Lord of the Rings offers a two-player cooperation in addition to single player.
Max Payne 3
Action
May 15, 2012
The third installment in a series of action-packed TPP shooters with persisting noir movie atmosphere. Max Payne 3 was developed by Rockstar Games, who took over the franchise from Remedy Entertainment. The game is set some years after the events presented in the second part of the series. Max Payne, an ex-officer of the New York Police, is forced to accept a job as a bodyguard for an influential family in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Seemingly trivial job soon turns into a vicious struggle for survival. The creators of Max Payne 3 aimed to retain the atmosphere characteristic for the first two games. There is also the series’ trademark feature – bullet-time (slow-motion sequences). At the same time, combat mechanics was overhauled, focusing around a newly introduced cover system.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
RPG
February 7, 2012
A third-person action RPG set in the universe created by the popular fantasy/sf writer, R. A. Salvatore. The game was developed by the debuting 38 Studios in cooperation with the experienced Big Huge Games, the creators of the Rise of Nations series, among others. We assume the role of a mysterious hero who was resurrected with the use of the magical Well of Souls. Our task is to uncover what powers are behind our revival and why—contrary to other inhabitants of Amalur—we have no destiny. The gameplay combines elements of an epic RPG, in which we perform subsequent quests and explore the vast world, with a dynamic combat system that somewhat resembles the one from the God of War series. Although the classical RPG mechanics are slightly simplified in the game, the developers implemented an extensive character development system that allows our character to master 60 different skills.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Action
November 13, 2012
A sequel to the bestselling first-person shooter released in 2010. Call of Duty: Black Ops II is the ninth installment in the Call of Duty series. It is also the fourth game in the series developed by Treyarch. The story of the game takes place in a not too distant future. The struggle for natural resources between United States and China leads to an outbreak of a new Cold War. The main protagonist of the game is David Mason, descendant of Alex Mason known from the first game in the series. The main campaign of the game is once again filled with spectacular cinematic action. At the same time, the player has more freedom in completing the missions. In addition to single player mode, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 offers also numerous multiplayer modes.
Sleeping Dogs
Action
August 14, 2012
A sandbox TPP action game. The plot of Sleeping Dogs draws inspiration from Asian action movies, especially the works by John Woo. The main protagonist, detective Wei Shen, tries to infiltrate the structures of a dangerous criminal organization called Sun On Yee. In order to gain the gangsters’ trust, the policeman needs to complete quests for them and come up through the ranks of the organization. The game’s mechanics combine elements of action, shooting, unarmed combat, and even racing. The player has complete freedom in the exploration of virtual Hong Kong and completing side quests. The game emphasizes the moral aspects, depicting the dilemmas experienced by an undercover policeman.
Resident Evil 6
Action
October 2, 2012
Resident Evil 6 is the sixth installment of the popular action survival-horror game series. Resident Evil 6 was produced by a dedicated team of Capcom's developers led by Eiichiro Sasaki. Plot is set 10 years the after events of Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. The world is threatened by terrorist attacks using the dangerous T virus. Resident Evil 6 features four campaigns in which we can play as Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jake Muller, and Ada Wong. Depending on the chosen hero, the gameplay's emphasis may differentiate between shooting or survival elements. Additionally, the game features a co-op mode for up to six players.
Borderlands 2
Action
September 18, 2012
A first-person shooter with cRPG features and a sequel to the 2009’s hit. Gearbox Software studio once again managed the development, with the publishing support of 2K Games company. The game’s story is set some time after the events of first part. This time the players will face Handsome Jack, a self-proclaimed dictator of Pandora. The creators of Borderlands 2 have prepared four playable characters: Salvador, Maya, Zero, and Axton, representing one of the four different classes and different fighting style. Gameplay still retains the exhilarating gunplay, but the weapon mechanics have been thoroughly changed. Furthermore, the trademark of the series in the form of a four player co-op mode is also present.
Chaos on Deponia
Adventure
October 12, 2012
The sequel to the funny point-and-click adventure game developed by Daedalic Entertainment. The action of the game takes place on the planet Deponia, which is filled with various garbage. When the board that manages the giant flying city of Elysium decides to destroy that garbage dump, Rufus, the main protagonist of the first game, decides to put an end to their plans and save his home planet. However, in order to get to Elysium, the protagonist needs the codes that are hidden inside the head of his beloved one, Goal. When he tries to obtain them, the girl's psyche splits into three different personalities. In order to save the world, Rufus will have to once again conquer the heart of his beloved, which due to her current state will prove to be almost impossible. Gameplay mechanics of Chaos on Deponia don’t differ from the original game that was released few months earlier. The gameplay consists mostly of exploring, gathering items and solving riddles.
Deponia
Adventure
January 27, 2012
A humoristic adventure game with a classic point-and-click interface. It was developed by Daedalic Entertainment, a studio that specializes in this genre. The story of Deponia can be described as one big comedy of errors and, at the same time, the most unbelievable love story ever shown in a video game. Fans of works by Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, and of The Simpsons animated TV series, will easily find it interesting. The title refers to a planet filled with heaps of garbage among which the main character, Rufus, lives. His greatest wish is to be rich and live someplace high, above the surface of the hated planet. Once upon a time, a beautiful girl, Goal, falls from the sky, and for Rufus it will mean the beginning of an extraordinary adventure that will quickly prove to be much more than a mission of walking a woman home. The story is shown using attractive, hand-drawn graphics, through which, among others, it provides a large dose of wacky humor.
Prototype 2
Action
April 24, 2012
A sequel to the 2009’s third-person action game developed by Radical Entertainment. Second game introduces a completely new protagonist - soldier James Heller, who lost his wife and child to the raging plague, blaming the main protagonist of the prequel, Alex Mercer. The story takes place in Manhattan, now divided into three zones, 14 months after the outbreak, with the gameplay focusing on exploring open world and completing missions to progress the plot that focuses on the deadly virus. Each finished task gives us experience, which can be exchanged for new skills. Compared to its predecessor, Prototype 2 boasts a new combat system, with smoother, more eye-catching fights and wider array of enemies. Graphics remained mostly the same, though all visual elements were enhanced.
Sniper Elite V2
Action
May 1, 2012
The game is a remastered and expanded version of the classic shooter developed by Rebellion and released in 2005. Sniper Elite V2 is set in the besieged Berlin, when the World War II is reaching its end. The player is put in the shoes of Karl Fairburne - an American agent disguised as a German sniper, who is following the traces of Nazi scientists working on a deadly rocket weapon. This new installment does not introduce a new setting, but the protagonist, visuals and levels have all changed. When it comes to the levels, those were based on the missions from the original game. Sniper Elite V2 places special emphasis on realism, taking a set of factors into account when calculating the trajectory of projectiles. Also, the killcam system was improved, displaying an x-ray animation of one's bullet damaging the body of an enemy. An original multiplayer mode is a significant addition here - it focuses on tactical, sniping duels for up to 12 players.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Action
August 21, 2012
The next installment in a cult online fist person shooter series, which originated in the early 2000's as a Half-Life modification. This game was created by Valve Corporation, who purchased the rights to the massively popular mod and later developed its commercial editions. The core gameplay is built upon competition between two teams of players: terrorists and counter-terrorists. Eliminating opponents is rewarded with cash, which can be spent on new gear and weapons. There are four main game modes: Arm Race, Demolition, and two tournament varieties. The authors did not try to revolutionize the classic gameplay mechanics, mostly focusing on visual improvements to match modern standards. Most of the in-game maps are based on the original ones, and most of the changes relate do weaponry.
Stronghold Crusader HD
Strategy
November 1, 2012
An improved edition of a popular RTS game created by FireFly Studios and originally released back in 2002. The HD edition increases the maximum resolution supported and adds zooming in and out in the isometric view. The game offers the entire content of the original release, supplemented with additional units, scenarios and tactical options introduced in the Stronghold Warchest and Stronghold Crusader Extreme editions. The player assumes the role of a castle's administrator living during the first three crusades. Throughout several single player campaigns, the player completes a series of story missions, familiarizing themselves with subsequent game mechanics. Balancing between prosperous economy and powerful army is the core element of gameplay here. Apart from standard campaigns, the game offers a set of individual scenarios and multiplayer missions for up to 8 players. Beyond the aforementioned technical improvements, the audiovisuals as such were not changed.
Dragon's Dogma
RPG
May 22, 2012
A sandbox action RPG developed by Capcom. The player assumes the role of a chosen one whose heart had been torn out by a dragon. The protagonist somehow staved off death and embarked on a challenging journey to uncover the truth about himself and his destiny. As befits a true action RPG, the gameplay of Dragon’s Dogma is based on exploration, questing, and fighting. In combat, we will face many legendary beasts such as hydras, griffons, or harpies. As we progress, the protagonist gains experience which allows him to develop the skills he possesses and acquire new ones. The spectacular visuals of Dragon’s Dogma are generated by the MT Framework engine that Capcom has previously used in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and Lost Planet 2.
Diablo III
RPG
May 15, 2012
The third installment in a highly popular action-RPG franchise, created and developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Diablo III takes players back to the world of Sanctuary, where they have to stand up to forces of evil. The story is set 10 years after the events of the second game. Tristram cathedral gets hit by a mysterious comet, whose impact awakens the armies of Hell. Diablo III features new character classes and a modified character progression system. Blizzard aimed for a further increase of combat dynamics, implementation of extensive social features, as well as atmospheric audiovisuals.
Guild Wars 2
RPG
August 28, 2012
The sequel to a highly popular MMO game set in fantasy world, developed by NCSoft’s studio ArenaNet. The story begins 250 years after the events shown in the Guild Wars: Eye of the North expansion. Due to the return of ancient dragons, the world has changed significantly. Many towns and regions were destroyed beyond recovery. New technologies appeared as well (e.g. gunpowder), which had a visible effect on the lives of inhabitants. Similarly to its 2005 predecessor, players start their journey in Guild Wars 2 by creating a hero, choosing from 5 playable races and 8 classes. The gameplay has been designed mainly with small character parties in mind, making it easier to earn experience and precious loot. The game stands out with its high quality visuals and atmospheric soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013
Sports
September 20, 2012
A realistic football simulation game produced by Konami's development studio. The game is the 12th installment of the Pro Evolution Soccer series, the biggest competitor to the FIFA series. Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is based on proven solutions. Players once again have the opportunity to direct their favourite football teams on virtual pitches. The available game modes allow players to face either computer-assisted artificial intelligence or live opponents.
Farming Simulator 2013
Simulation
October 25, 2012
Another installment in a popular simulation game series, developed by Switzerland studio Giants Software. The game puts you in the boots of a professional farmer, who needs to properly manage and develop his farm. This requires you to cultivate land and breed stock, spending the money you earn on new, more efficient machines. The new edition traditionally brings about a score of innovations and improvements. The game features over 20 licensed machines, also new animals and plants were added, as well as details like wilting and rotting of plants. Since the game world is much more expansive than in the last game, you can now purchase land and raise additional buildings. All this comes in improved graphics. The game supports fan-created modifications.
Mass Effect 3: Leviathan
RPG
August 28, 2012
A major expansion for the third installment in the cult RPG series Mass Effect, created by BioWare. Action of the DLC takes places during the war and concentrates on the eponymous mythical creature, known as the Leviathan of Dis, supposedly able to destroy a Reaper. Such powerful ally would be priceless in the fight against the Reapers so commander Shepard decides to verify the rumors and try to find Leviathan. In the quest-line provided by the expansion you have an occasion to explore some unknown star systems and visit four new locations, where you can, for example, operate a deep sea diving mech. You have also two new weapons at your disposal: the AT-12 Raider shotgun and the M-55 Argus assault rifle. Moreover, Mass Effect 3: Leviathan offers a new skill for commander Shepard and a lot of new lore information concerning the origin of the Reapers.
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Action
June 19, 2012
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is a sequel to the action game LEGO Batman: The Video Game released in 2008. The game was developed by Traveller’s Tales, who also created such product as LEGO Indiana Jones and LEGO Harry Potter. As the title suggests, the player becomes The Dark Knight, and together with other DC Comics super heroes (such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and others) has to save Gotham City from the villains. Gameplay mechanics are based on solutions familiar to the fans of the original game, combining elements of an action game and a 3D platformer. The developers of LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes also provided a large area for players to explore and ransack in search of dozens of collectibles.
Crusader Kings II
Strategy
February 14, 2012
A sequel to the expansive strategy game Crusader Kings, which came to existence in 2004 as a medieval-themed spin-off to the popular Europa Universalis franchise that has been developed for over a decade by Paradox Studios. The game is set in the 11th century, and you play as a prominent Christian noble, who aims to secure a successful future for his house. Throughout the gameplay you have to oversee a a number of areas essential to the development of your kingdom: social and feudal issues, military, diplomacy, and religion. The most noticeable modification, as compared with the previous game, is the developed psychological aspect, giving more weight to social relations and individual motivations of your subjects. Other changes include the introduction of barons who manage provinces, royal spies, increased importance of women, and far-reaching relations with the Church.
The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series - Season One
Adventure
April 24, 2012
An episodic adventure game from Telltale Games, based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman. The main theme of The Walking Dead: Season One revolves around a dramatic struggle for survival in a world infested by zombies. The player assumes the role of Lee Everett, one of the few survivors. The gameplay emphasizes exploration, dialogues, collecting items, and puzzle solving. The most significant feature are in-game moral choices the protagonist has to make, and whose consequences are often made visible only after some time. The developers created a highly interactive environment to give the players a good degree of freedom in puzzle solving. The Walking Dead: Season One catches the eye with its comic-like style, achieved with cel shading.
Jagged Alliance: Back in Action
Strategy
February 9, 2012
A complex remake of the iconic game Jagged Alliance 2, developed by Coreplay. The game builds on a non-linear campaign that takes the players to a fictional country of Arulco ruled with an iron fist by Queen Deidranna, who came up with a scheme and deprived Enrico Chivaldori - the player’s employer - of his rightful crown. As one might easily guess, the player is tasked with ending this reign of terror and shooting the usurper down in flames. As in the original release, in Jagged Alliance: Back in Action, one leads to battle a team comprising diverse soldiers, each exhibiting a unique set of features and abilities that are developed through the experience they gain on the battlefields; one might also boost their performance with new weapons and armors. Arulco has been divided into 50 sectors waiting to be conquered - often, a player has to throw himself at the mercy of the natives, who can offer some help or strengthen and join the team. In comparison to the original release, Jagged Alliance: Back in Action features not only refreshed visuals, but also a number of improvements - the most prominent being the abandonment of a turn-based system in favor of real-time combat. This new system requires the players to plan the actions for multiple characters at the same time. Moreover, the players get at their disposal a wide range of commands, with which they can order their soldiers to climb, crawl, and aim at specific enemies’ body parts.
The Amazing Spider-Man
Action
June 26, 2012
A third-person action game starring Marvel's most popular super hero, released in about the same time as Mark Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man movie. The game was developed by Beenox, the studio that, with a slightly different line-up, created Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions and Spider-Man: The Edge of Time. The events presented in the game take place after the ending of the movie and tell a completely separate story. The plot focuses on biomedical experiments that create hybrids of humans and animals. Peter Parker, disguised as Spider-Man, releases Dr. Connors so he can create a vaccine for the virus that causes the mutation. The mechanics are a little bit similar to the last few Batman games and focus on fighting against groups of enemies and bosses. Unlike the previous Spider-Man games, this one departs from a comic book style and uses more realistic looking graphics.