Most Surprising Game of 2011

By Daniel Bischoff

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
Daniel Bischoff
Daniel Bischoff

Welcome to GameRevolution! If you've got any questions, comments, or concerns, I'll be sure to help you out if you send me a PM.

I attended San Jose State University and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor's in English and a Minor in Journalism. I've been playing games my whole life and will continue to do so as long as they stay entertaining! Some of my favorite games include Team Fortress 2, Battlefield 3, Star Fox 64, Batman: Arkham City, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, Counter-Strike: Source, Super Mario Bros. 3, Kirby's Dream Land, and the list goes on.

Don't forget to tune in to GameRevolution Radio!

**My game collection below isn't complete, but I'll try to keep working on it.**

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