The year 2012 was a remarkable time for the gaming industry, with numerous iconic titles that still hold a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking role-playing games, 2012 had something for everyone. As we take a stroll down memory lane, let's revisit the top 10 games released in 2012 that left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
10. Sleeping Dogs
Developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, Sleeping Dogs was an open-world action-adventure game set in Hong Kong. Players took on the role of Wei Shen, an undercover cop tasked with infiltrating the Triad organization. With its engaging storyline, impressive combat mechanics, and stunning visuals, Sleeping Dogs quickly gained a loyal following.
Key Features:
- Immersive open-world environment
- Engaging storyline with complex characters
- Varied combat mechanics, including martial arts and gunplay
- Stunning visuals and detailed character models
9. Dishonored
Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, Dishonored was a stealth action-adventure game set in a steampunk world. Players took on the role of Corvo Attano, a former bodyguard framed for murder and tasked with seeking revenge. With its unique blend of stealth, strategy, and supernatural abilities, Dishonored received widespread critical acclaim.
Key Features:
- Unique blend of stealth and supernatural abilities
- Immersive steampunk world with detailed environments
- Engaging storyline with complex characters
- Challenging gameplay with multiple solutions
8. Borderlands 2
Developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, Borderlands 2 was a first-person shooter with RPG elements and a dash of dark humor. Players took on the role of a Vault Hunter, tasked with stopping the evil Handsome Jack from taking over Pandora. With its engaging storyline, improved gameplay mechanics, and hilarious characters, Borderlands 2 became a cult classic.
Key Features:
- Improved gameplay mechanics, including character customization
- Engaging storyline with memorable characters
- Humorous dialogue and quirky characters
- Endless hours of co-op fun with friends
7. XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, XCOM: Enemy Unknown was a turn-based strategy game where players took on the role of a commander tasked with defending Earth against an alien invasion. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, challenging difficulty, and high replay value, XCOM: Enemy Unknown received widespread critical acclaim.
Key Features:
- Engaging turn-based gameplay mechanics
- Challenging difficulty with high replay value
- Customizable soldiers and base management
- Immersive storyline with branching narratives
6. Far Cry 3
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, Far Cry 3 was a first-person shooter with RPG elements and an open-world environment. Players took on the role of Jason Brody, a tourist stranded on a tropical island and tasked with taking down the pirate lord Vaas. With its engaging storyline, improved gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, Far Cry 3 became a critical and commercial success.
Key Features:
- Immersive open-world environment
- Engaging storyline with complex characters
- Improved gameplay mechanics, including crafting and base management
- Stunning visuals and detailed character models
5. Mass Effect 3
Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, Mass Effect 3 was a sci-fi RPG that concluded the epic trilogy. Players took on the role of Commander Shepard, tasked with saving the galaxy from the Reapers. With its engaging storyline, improved gameplay mechanics, and memorable characters, Mass Effect 3 received widespread critical acclaim.
Key Features:
- Engaging storyline with complex characters
- Improved gameplay mechanics, including co-op multiplayer
- Memorable characters and branching narratives
- Emotional conclusion to the epic trilogy
4. The Walking Dead
Developed by Telltale Games and published by Telltale Games, The Walking Dead was an adventure game set in the Walking Dead universe. Players took on the role of Lee Everett, a convicted murderer tasked with protecting a young girl named Clementine in a world overrun by zombies. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and emotional impact, The Walking Dead received widespread critical acclaim.
Key Features:
- Engaging storyline with complex characters
- Emotional impact and memorable moments
- Branching narratives and player choice
- Immersive atmosphere and sound design
3. Diablo 3
Developed by Blizzard Entertainment and published by Blizzard Entertainment, Diablo 3 was an action RPG that concluded the epic trilogy. Players took on the role of a hero tasked with defeating the forces of evil and saving the world of Sanctuary. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and extensive character customization, Diablo 3 became a critical and commercial success.
Key Features:
- Engaging gameplay mechanics, including character customization
- Improved graphics and detailed environments
- Extensive character customization and skill trees
- Endless hours of co-op fun with friends
2. Guild Wars 2
Developed by ArenaNet and published by NCSOFT, Guild Wars 2 was an MMORPG that revolutionized the genre with its dynamic gameplay mechanics and lack of subscription fees. Players took on the role of a hero tasked with saving the world of Tyria from the forces of evil. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, extensive character customization, and stunning visuals, Guild Wars 2 became a critical and commercial success.
Key Features:
- Dynamic gameplay mechanics, including dynamic events
- Extensive character customization and skill trees
- Stunning visuals and detailed environments
- No subscription fees and endless hours of gameplay
1. Borderlands 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, Borderlands 2 was a first-person shooter with RPG elements and a dash of dark humor. Players took on the role of a Vault Hunter, tasked with stopping the evil Handsome Jack from taking over Pandora. With its engaging storyline, improved gameplay mechanics, and hilarious characters, Borderlands 2 became a cult classic.
Key Features:
- Improved gameplay mechanics, including character customization
- Engaging storyline with memorable characters
- Humorous dialogue and quirky characters
- Endless hours of co-op fun with friends
What is the best game of 2012?
+The best game of 2012 is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, according to critical acclaim and commercial success, Borderlands 2 is often considered one of the top games of 2012.
What is the most popular genre of games in 2012?
+The most popular genre of games in 2012 was the first-person shooter, with games like Borderlands 2, Far Cry 3, and Call of Duty: Black Ops II dominating the market.
What is the best platform for gaming in 2012?
+The best platform for gaming in 2012 depends on personal preferences and the type of games you want to play. However, the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC were the most popular platforms for gaming in 2012.
We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, revisiting the top 10 games of 2012. These iconic titles have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry, and many of them continue to be enjoyed by gamers worldwide. Do you have a favorite game from 2012? Share your thoughts in the comments below!