Dance Central 2
Platforms: Xbox 360 (Kinect required)
Publisher: Harmonix Music Systems
Developer: Harmonix Music Systems (Distributed by Microsoft Game Studios)
This year was depressing for motion gaming, though that's generally my default position whenever I'm approached by the thought of being forced to move my body to do something that a button press can do more swiftly, more accurately, and more sensibly. In fact, I play Child of Eden with the controller and Fruit Ninja on its native mobile platforms. The only other real contender in the nominees list is The Gunstringer, but Dance Central 2 is the definition of why motion gaming exists.
Unlike Just Dance 3, Dance Central 2 tracks your arms, legs, head, and torso and encourages you to move your entire body to choreographed moves. I can spend time dissecting its new cooperative multiplayer and its improved Break It Down practice mode, but at the end of the day, it's all about how, almost instantly, you stop thinking about playing a game and start dancing. And eventually, it can become a solid workout routine (as it is in mine) where you actually learn legitimate dance moves, rhythm, and coordination. (I'm sweating just thinking about it.)
Runners Up:
