Game of the Year 2011 – 10-6

2011 is gradually becoming a distant memory, but before it’s completely forgotten we’re bringing you our Games of 2011 list. We’ve picked the 40 best after a fair bit of arguing. Over the next week or so we’ll count down from 40-6, then deliver our top five in video form complete with thoughts from each of us at VideoGamer.com. If you turn away in disgust at the sight of our faces, there’ll be a text Top Five too.

10. LA. Noire

“There’s something entrancing about the way this game plunges you into the violence, the corruption, and the sadness of post-war Los Angeles. Each of the four major desks has a remarkably different tone, and while the slow reveal of Phelps himself is the major narrative thread, it’s equally true to say the dark heart of the city itself is an equally important protagonist,” said Neon in his review of LA Noire. “As you stoop to inspect the naked body of a mutilated young woman, as you shakedown a gambling racket in a dusky backroom, as you pick through the skeletal cinders of a burnt-out building… as you do these things, you’ll silently admit the truth: you don’t want to stop the bleakness, you want to revel in it.”

Where did LA Noire place in the VideoGamer.com Community Game of the Year awards? No. 5

9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Martin handed Activision’s latest FPS sales juggernaut an impressive 9/10 in his Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 review. “For better or worse, this is a slick and well-metered trio of modes that make an entertaining package, but Sledgehammer Games and Infinity Ward are simply looking to augment previous games rather than expand the series into pastures new. Modern Warfare 3 is another beat in the colossally successful rhythm Activision has mastered, but what this year’s game lacks in imagination it makes up for in quality.”

Where did Modern Warfare 3 place in the VideoGamer.com Community Game of the Year awards? No. 6

8. Forza Motorsport 4

“Alongside manifold technical improvements, Forza 4 brings a noticeable spark of excitement to the series,” said an enthusiastic Martin in his Forza 4 review. “Where former entries in the series took themselves a little too seriously, this game likes to humour, dazzle and entertain, losing none of its technical competence but swapping stoic sterility for fun. Forza Motorsport 4 is fiery, passionate and thrilling – much like the 458 Italia on the front cover.”

Where did Forza 4 place in the VideoGamer.com Community Game of the Year awards? No. 16

7. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

“Skyward Sword is Nintendo’s most time- and workforce-intensive project yet, and it shows in every hour you spend with it,” said Chris in a state of wonder before handing the game a 10/10 in his Skyward Sword review. “It’s a masterful blend of taut design and boldly non-traditional controls, an adventure liberally studded with memorable moments it would be remiss to spoil. Your favourite Zelda is usually your first. For many, come November 18, that won’t be the case any longer.”

Where did The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword place in the VideoGamer.com Community Game of the Year awards? No. 12

6. Super Mario 3D Land

“As a gateway drug for those reluctant to embrace Mario in three dimensions, Super Mario 3D Land should be a huge success,” wrote Chris in his 9/10 scoring Super Mario 3D Land review. “And if Nintendo does manage to convince that audience, that’s something for us all to be excited about. After all, next time, he won’t have to wait around for anyone to catch up.”

Where did Super Mario 3D Land place in the VideoGamer.com Community Game of the Year awards? No. 25