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GAMING NEWS

Most Surprising Game of 2011

Posted on Thursday, December 22 @ 12:56:47 Eastern by


Rayman Origins


Platform(s): Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PS3, Nintendo 3DS, PS Vita

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft

I feel like I've told the story so many times before, but when a game truly surprises you, it sticks in your memory like a gigantic pink monster. Rayman Origins was an unassuming title in Ubisoft's E3 lineup, but seeing the game played on stage in its HD, 2D, hand-drawn glory struck me in the way Super Mario World struck gamers still enamored with Super Mario Bros. 3.

Then I got my hands on the game and I fell in love. The speed, the comfort, the gentle challenge, the artistry, and the cooperative play. There were hidden areas littered across levels and dancing sprites to collect. Some levels forced players to sprint to the finish line while others gave you control of a mosquito and had you flying to the end. Nothing else this year has been so charming, so enjoyable, and so surprising.

Runners Up:
  • Deus Ex: Human Revolution
  • Rocksmith
  • Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
  • Bastion
Related Games:   Rayman Origins


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Comments
  • Snacko
    Snacko

    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posted: Dec 22nd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
    This game is simply a joy to play. There aren't enough games that I can simply sit down and lose myself in every aspect of its production, but Rayman Origins' feels seamless and effortless. Everything from the controls to the level design to the imaginative visuals feel absolutely perfect.
  • used44
    used44

    Joined: Mar 2002
    Posted: Dec 22nd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
    In no way did this choice surprise me.
  • tinymhg
    tinymhg

    Joined: Jun 2011
    Posted: Dec 22nd, 2011 at 5:58 pm
    Danny picked this one all by himself.
  • drathbone
    drathbone

    Joined: May 2011
    Posted: Dec 22nd, 2011 at 9:17 pm
    FINE GR! You drive a hard bargain. I'll buy this ****ing game.
  • TheJx4
    TheJx4

    Joined: Jun 2011
    Posted: Dec 22nd, 2011 at 11:10 pm
    Yeah, this was Dan.

    but I agree. Hey, are we doing most disappointing? Because I nominate Homefront.
  • DrakelBeast
    DrakelBeast

    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posted: Dec 23rd, 2011 at 2:33 pm
    Great game, not the best.
  • Snacko
    Snacko

    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posted: Dec 26th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
    I'd actually also put Sonic Generations on here. The series has been crap for over a decade, and suddenly they refine their modern gameplay and throw in a plethora of fantastic classic Sonic gameplay to balance it out, and wash it down with a healthy helping of self-awareness and sheer love of the property.

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