Game of the Year 2010 - The Runners Up

The end of the world, says Ninja Theory, is not just about radiation and mutation. Not just about scavenging, cannibalism and fighting. And definitely not just about greys and browns. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West instead wraps its pained world in lush vegetation and crystal blue skies, making a dilapidated, post-apocalyptic new york one of 2010’s most gorgeous locales. Plus, our heroes’ symbiotic relationship turns each encounter into a delicious mini puzzle, as you pair Trip’s tech with Monkey’s brawn.

Limbo almost deserves a spot for its visuals alone. Its haunting, moody, stark black and white stylings going a long way to making the game so memorable. But it’s PlayDead’s taut, near perfect handful of exquisitely designed puzzle set-pieces that gives this monochromatic Xbox Live Arcade game the nod for a Game of the Year contender.

From the outset, Cave’s pappy J-pop noise and flashy neon lights makes Dodonpachi Resurrection feel like an electric haze designed to infuriate. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll find a smart shmup with a brutally smart scoring system that goes leaps and bounds beyond clearing the screen of enemies. Lock into some heated contests through the game’s leaderboards, and you won’t leave the app for weeks.

I also enjoyed:

The smart swordplay of Infinity Blade, the truly funny Costume Quest, the back-to-basics purity of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, the online battlefield of Call of Duty: Black Ops, the utterly addictive sci-fi grasp of Space Miner: Space Ore Bust and the retro-infused puzzle play of Metroid: Other M.