Best Video Games of 2011

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

This game has graphics that can compete with those of 2015, which is pretty impressive. The scenery is beautiful, and gameplay intense.

Skyrim is just great. Combat is clunky, not a huge problem, but I hope they can improve on it in TES 6. However, the visuals and adventuring are the best!

Come on, we're talking about Skyrim here! It's one of the best games I have ever played. It deserves to be on the top!

Batman: Arkham City

The gameplay, story, immersion, soundtrack, combat, exploration, and puzzles - all of the aspects mentioned here - are very well done in this game. In my honest opinion, this is the best game of 2011 and one of the greatest games of the 7th generation. It makes you feel like you are The Dark Knight himself, especially in Predator missions, which are pretty intense, especially later in the game.
I played this game from start to finish, and man, what a great game. It will never be forgotten. Rocksteady really outdid themselves with this game.

This is not only the best game of 2011, it's the best game EVER!
There's very little differentiation between Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, because in Arkham City, you fight against new enemies and it has a very good storyline.
What the hell! It's in at number 21! Come on guys, this isn't funny!

Portal 2

Portal 2 is the turning point for game innovation. You can actually feel all the hard effort put into it. It's seamless. The characters are dynamic, interesting, and original. Gameplay is clean, precise, and entertaining. The story is thought-provoking, well-established, and easy to immerse yourself into. The ending is just breathtaking, really.
The cerebral gameplay is also highly beneficial. It's puzzle-solving. What's not cerebral about it? The comedy is effective (albeit a bit edgy), bringing life into the intentionally claustrophobic atmosphere. You'll love this game, without a doubt. Play it for yourself, and you'll know.

So glad this made 3rd. I adore this game, from the story to the graphics. Every test felt like a challenge, and though it took a ton of time to figure out some of those puzzles (especially Wheatley's boss fight, dear god), I enjoyed every second of it.
Not to mention, if you do some digging, there are many mysteries in Aperture Laboratories. I personally think this game doesn't need a third installment because it finished on a high note, which leaves viewers questioning and making conspiracies, which is always enjoyable.
I understand why it only made 3rd. Some people don't like puzzle games, and that's okay, but it's still one of the best games of 2011.

Mortal Kombat

This game put the Mortal Kombat universe on a new level. The graphics are amazing, and the characters are very cool.
This game has 2D gameplay but 3D graphics.

MK9 has the best replay value out of any of the games on this list.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

So much better than any other game. The only reason it's not #1 is because it's a PS3 exclusive, and most people have Xbox. Most Xbox gamers hate PS3 just because they have Xbox, plus they didn't play it.

The only reason it's not #1 is because it's a PS3 exclusive, and not everyone has played it. Easily my favorite game. Should have won GOTY. PS: I love how Skyrim won, but it isn't that high on this list.

Sequel to one of the greatest games of all time.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Come on! Call of Duty: Black Ops was great. Every year, the game series gets better graphics and more realistic gameplay. So Modern Warfare 3 will be the best of 2011.

Modern Warfare 3 is overall a good game, but I still don't know why people dislike it so much. The campaign is good, and the ending is amazing. Come on, people.

Yes, come on, this will probably be the best COD. It is the sequel to Modern Warfare 2.

Battlefield 3

Most played FPS on PC and Xbox 360 (IGN). Epic 8 maps including 20 Premium Maps. Winner of best gun weapon selection and vehicles.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Sometimes, I just like to go to the Sand Sea and sail around. Sometimes, I like to fly around in the sky at night. Sometimes, I just like to swim around Lake Floria. It is a very fun game with great environments. The world is huge but compressed, and there is content everywhere.
Many people target this as a point of criticism, saying that it removes the open-world aspect of Zelda. In my opinion, not really. You still feel like you are discovering a new, unknown world. To me, the compression of content in the overworld shows they spent a lot of time with it. It is the greatest game of all time!

I've done some research, and the four most popular games of the year should be Portal 2, Batman: Arkham City, Skyrim, and Skyward Sword, in no particular order.
I was never a big Zelda fan, but once I got this game, I really got into the franchise. Are there any games that could have a bigger emotional effect on me than Skyward Sword? It would be hard to beat.

Gears of War 3

Much like Uncharted, Gears 3 is likely so far back due to being an exclusive. However, the action, graphics, writing, story, and plot twists are all upgraded in Gears 3, and it's definitely the best in the series and one of the 360's greatest games.

Dark Souls

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Yakuza 4

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Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Path

Dead Space 2

I love everything about this game. The original Dead Space game was awesome, but this sequel is no less impressive. Superb atmosphere.

Saint's Row: The Third

Duke Nukem? Seriously? There are a bunch of games that were so good, but this was just my favorite.

L.A. Noire

This is not only a game but a detective simulator!

Mass Effect 2

LittleBigPlanet 2

Not having played many of the others on this list, I really think this is an awesome game. Or, should I say, awesome games? You can do almost everything online. I played 'Moon Lander' with my sister, which brings me to the next point: it is a game for everyone, of every age, and it is fun. The single-player was awesome too. Great game, one of the best PS3 exclusives!

Sonic Generations

This game is truly excellent. It allows for a nostalgia trip while incorporating elements that keep it fresh. Remixes of certain tracks are well done. Levels provide a fun challenge, and challenge modes allow for high replay value. A must-have for any Sonic fan.