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
