Games of 2011 - ranked by preference

Release Date: November 11, 2011 (NA/EU/AU)
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Genre: Adventure

I think that, overall, I enjoy Oblivion more than Skyrim. That's taking nothing away from the fifth entry in the Elder Scroll series at all - it's an absolutely great game, and I do prefer taking down dragons to closing Oblivion gates...But there's something I can't put my finger on that Skyrim lacks and Oblivion has that makes me prefer my time in one game more than the other. Anyway, if you're looking for some great sandbox-style gameplay, Skyrim is an excellent choice. It's so well done that even its glitches (which aren't as bad or often as Fallout 3 or New Vegas, in my experience) don't hold the game back much. If you haven't played an Elder Scrolls game yet, give Skyrim a shot. It'll likely hook you.

Release Date: November 1, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Atlus
Developer: Atlus
Genre: RPG

If Persona 3 Portable would have simply been a port of the fantastic Playstation 2 game, I would have gladly purchased it. But Atlus instead changed the gameplay up a tad, added all of the content of FES, included even more new demons to aquire, AND introduced an optional, female lead character, which essentially gives you a second game to play as going through the game as a female introduces a few different situations to the story. There is enough different and new here to easily justify a purchase if you want more Persona 3, or if you just want to visit the Dark Hour on the go.

Release Date: October 11, 2011 (EU/AU)
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom Vancouver
Genre: Action

Dead Rising 2: Off the Record successfully blends the best of the original Dead Rising with the best of the second Dead Rising to create the absolute best game in the series to date. More than a simple re-telling of the story found in Dead Rising 2, Off the Record is very much its own game with new psychopaths to kill, new areas to explore, and a new final boss to battle that results from an interesting twist of the story up to that point. I enjoyed Dead Rising 2 a lot. I enjoyed Off the Record a lot more.

Release Date: September 28, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Edmund McMillen
Developer: Edmund McMillen & Florian Himsl
Genre: Shooter - Third-Person

The Binding of Isaac is a unique blend of twin-stick shooter and NES Legend of Zelda-style dungeon crawling that works really, really well. It's also a game with a dark story and some horror elements tossed in, which may make it even more appealing to some. It certainly was for me, as I found myself absolutely hooked to this game. With randomly generated dungeons, the repetition of starting from scratch whenever you die in this rougelike is minimized. Plus, there's secrets to discover along the way, as well. The Binding of Isaac is a game that you need to check out of even one thing mentioned above sounds interesting to you. It won't disappoint.

Release Date: December 17, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Bend Studio
Genre: Adventure

I didn't think I'd be crazy about this game, but it surprised me. To me, this is the ultimate game to show off what the Vita is capable off as far as launch titles are concerned. Uncharted manages to work in ways to introduce players to how the Vita can be used, with the front and rear touch screens, the light sensitivity of the rear touch screen, the motion sensors...It shows off what the Vita can do, but without it hindering the experience. On top of that, I could easily see this being released on a console...But instead, this is in portable form to play wherever and whenever. That said, it's not perfect, with deaths often feeling cheap rather than your own fault...but Golden Abyss is a very solid title well worth the shelf space for any Vita owner.

Release Date: December 8, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: PopCap
Developer: PopCap
Genre: Puzzle

The original Bejeweled is, and always has been fun. So when you take the original classic and add in a few more modes like Bejeweled Blitz (which is also a free, standalone game you'll find later down on the list) and my personal favorite, Diamond Mine mode, and you've got an absolute must-have puzzle game for your iPhone that gamers of both the casual and hardcore kind can enjoy. The iPhone has a lot of good puzzle games, but this is THE one to get, in my opinion. Heck, I've had it for months, and until Fortune Street Smart came out and took my attention away, I was completely addicted to this game...I played it so much that I've managed to get a score of over 1,000,000 in Diamond Mine mode. It's a nerdy accomplishment that I'm quite proud of.

Release Date: April 19, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Genre: Fighting

I think that the only game in this franchise that I spent more hours total with was Mortal Kombat: Deception on the Playstation 2. Konsidering that this game in the series doesn't have Konquest mode for me to wander around and explore in, that's really saying something. While I don't think the fighting is as polished or pick-up-and-play-ready as Street Fighter IV is, it's still very good. The return of Babalities also made me smile, as I enjoy nothing more than a game with bodies getting dismembered to also have a komical side to it. With plenty to do outside of the normal arcade mode and a giant Krypt to unlock goodies in, Mortal Kombat has enough kontent to keep fighting fans occupied for a very long time. I replaced all words that start with "c" with a "k" for this komment. Krazy, huh?

Release Date: August 23, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Atlus
Developer: Atlus
Genre: Strategy - Turn-Based

Yes, it's a re-vamped version of a Nintendo DS game, but a very good Nintendo DS game. It helps that I'm a Megami Tensei fan, but the game itself is just a very solid, enjoyable experience. I beat it and immediately wanted to play through again...I don't get that feeling much these days, so the games that do leave me with that feeling have a special place in my heart.

Release Date: June 16, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: GREZZO
Genre: Adventure

It's widely considered to be the greatest game ever made. And this handheld version is still a very enjoyable experience...However, there are aspects of the original N64 classic that have not aged well...And unfortunately, most of those aspects are left largely unchanged, leaving me wishing for an update. That being said, this is still a great game...And being able to play it while on the toilet is like a dream come true.

Release Date: December 15, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games
Genre: Action

Holy curse word for turd. This is THE Grand Theft Auto III...The game that pretty much redefined what video games could be with its sandbox-style gameplay...And it's in its entirety. Every radio station, every cut scene, every hidden package to find...Everything that was in the console versions of the game is here in the palm of your hand via the iPhone. There are two things keeping it from the number one spot on the iPhone list, though....One, the touch screen controls. They're done well enough, and you can even move the buttons to where you'd be most comfortable having them...But like most touch screen controls, they can still be a pain at times. The second thing preventing it from being number one: It was a great, great game for its time...But the gameplay hasn't held up as well with age as one may like, considering that later games in the GTA franchise refined the gameplay with each entry in the series. But despite those flaws, I absolutely love this game even to this day. I can finally fly the Dodo while on the go, so I can show off my sick flying skills, son.

Release Date: July 7, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: SNK Playmore
Developer: SNK Playmore
Genre: Fighting

Well, for about a year and a half, Street Fighter IV reigned supreme as the best fighting game available on the iPhone. That all came to an end when this gem came out. King of Fighters i has pretty much everything that Street Fighter IV has, plus several extra modes and options that Capcom's fighter doesn't have, which adds to the replay value quite a bit. Also, there are goals for you to complete during the match, which may convince you to alter your strategy in order to obtain some of the goals as you pummel your opponent. Add in a large roster of fighters to choose from as well as some absolutely gorgeous graphics, and King of Fighters really is a complete package and THE fighting game to get for your iPhone.

Release Date: January 17, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: BioWare
Genre: Action

The original Mass Effect was more of an adventure-style game with an emphasis on exploration and interacting with people. Mass Effect 2 still has some of that, but a much larger emphasis is placed on action this time around. The end result isn't bad, but I don't feel like it's as solid as the original. If games with more action is your kinda thing, though, you may have the opposite opinion of me and prefer this game to the original. It all depends on your preference, I suppose. Anyway, Mass Effect 2 is still a very good game, and well worth playing if you enjoyed the original to see where the story goes.

Release Date: October 14, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Genre: RPG

I adore Costume Quest. I remember playing this for the first time and walking from house to house, ringing doorbells, and instantly feeling nostalgia from when I was a wee lad, with face paint covering my mug while I begged for candy. That nostalgia mixed with a clever story and fantastic gameplay make Costume Quest a must-play RPG. My only real complaint about the game is that it's way too short...But if you're new to turn-based RPGs, the length of this game may make it a good choice to give the genre a try.

Release Date: October 13, 2011 (AU)
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Toys for Bob
Genre: Action

Since I try to not stay up-to-date with the latest video game news (surprises make games more fun, in my opinion), I had no clue about this game until I stumbled across it at a Wal-Mart with its fancy display stand and the like. I bought it on a whim and I'm glad I did. The concept of Skylanders involves a "portal" while hooks up to whatever system you're playing it on. You then place figures that you can buy in stores on the portal, and the particular figure that you have on the portal will then be playable in-game until you swap it with another figure. The game itself is very kid friendly, but not in a way where adults won't enjoy themselves here, too. It's also worth noting that the console versions of Skylanders differ from the 3DS version. The handheld Skylanders is a platformer, while the console versions are more along the lines of an action-RPG dungeon crawler hidden behind cutesy and colorful graphics...And a well done one, at that. If this game sounds interesting to you at all, give it a try. I think there'll be a decent chance that you'll like it.

Release Date: August 4, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Genre: Strategy - Turn-Based

Final Fantasy Tactics, after all these years, is still THE turn-based strategy game to play, in my humble little opinion. There's just so much here and so many hours to sink into it. And now, it's on smartphones, too? Son of a daisy. That means I can play this game and then call everyone to tell them how much I'm enjoying it. The price tag is a bit steep (as it is with most of SquareEnix's games) but it may be worth it for fans of the game. I, personally, prefer the PSP version simply because I'm not a huge fan of the touch controls on this version, but if you lack a PSP or any other means to play this game, this version is still very solid and you'll get plenty of bang for your buck.

Release Date: December 17, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Developer: Namco Bandai Games
Genre: Action

This is a shining example of the list being ranked by preference. I LOVE the Katamari series, and while I had an awkward moment when the store clerk asked me if I needed anything and I responded with "Touch My Katamari," once I turned on the game, the joy I felt rolling a katamari with the Prince made any awkward moment from me purchasing the game well worth it. It's the same Katamari game we all know and love, but with the addition of some touch controls, which help you morph the katamari to allow you to pick up more items or squeeze through tight spaces. It's a very minor gameplay addition that seems worthless, but sometimes using it can be the difference between getting a high or low score in a level. But then again, even if it was the exact same game as one of the previous entries in the franchise, I'd probably still absolutely love it.

Release Date: December 17, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Clap Hanz
Genre: Sports - Golf

Golf on the original Game Boy proved that golf was a great sport for portable systems...Mario Golf on Game Boy Color drove that point home even further. Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational isn't quite as good as the GBC Mario Golf was, but it's an extremely well-done golf game that anyone can enjoy, sports fan or not. If you want a really well done game that even casual gamers can enjoy, you can't really go wrong with Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational.

Release Date: September 15, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Compilation

Street Fighter II Collection is a compilation of Street Fighter II, Street Fighter II Turbo, and Street Fighter II Special Edition...And they all play on the iPhone wonderfully, even with the touch controls. Like all touch control controllers, you're not going to get 100% accuracy with your attempted inputs, but from my time playing all three games, I can say that it's one of the most accurate touch controllers I've used in a fighting game yet. If you love the original Street Fighter II games and don't want any fancy graphics to go along with the gameplay, then Street Fighter II Collection is a fantastic addition to your iTunes gaming library.

Release Date: December 1, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Retro Studios
Genre: Racing - Kart-Style

Technically speaking, I think that Ridge Racer 3D is the better racing game, but what I like about Mario Kart 7, and what places it higher on the list than Ridge Racer, is what a difference the items you pick up and use on the track can be. You can race against a beginner and have them still put up a decent fight if they're lucky enough to get the right items. It essentially means that there's always a challenge to be had, even if you master a track, as your opponents are often just one or two item uses away from taking away your lead and/or sending you back a few positions.

Release Date: May 19, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Media Vision
Genre: RPG

Chaos Rings Omega, the prequel to the original Chaos Rings, is just as good as the first game in the series...The problem is that it feels almost too much like the first game. That's not too bad of a thing in my opinion, as I absolutely loved the first Chaos Rings, but aside from some very minor additions and refinements, this feels like the exact same game (complete with the same random enemies returning), just with new characters and storylines. It's still an solid and enjoyable experience, but I docked its score and ranking due to the fact that there isn't any reason to play this game if you've already had your fill of this gameplay formula with the original.

Release Date: December 17, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Aksys Games
Developer: Arc System Works
Genre: Fighting

Since the BlazBlue franchise was born, it has delivered solid, good (but not great) fighting action with plenty of extra modes and the like to keep you playing for a long, long time. This game is no exception. In my opinion, the fighting isn't quite as smooth as Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but the extra game modes add so much more replayability that I feel the need to bump it past Capcom's first Vita fighter.

Release Date: March 18, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Raptisoft
Developer: Raptisoft
Genre: Adventure

I've gotta thank Pumpkinate for suggesting this game to me, 'cause it's just plain awesome. Do you like Super Metroid, but would rather it be a five to ten minute game instead of a game that lasts a few hours? Robot Wants Kitty does just that. It's like Super Metroid for folks with short attention spans....And it works. I was hoping for a little more personality in the game, given how the title sounds comical, but the gameplay far exceeded my expectations. It's quickly become one of my favorite games on the iPhone.

Release Date: September 15, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Adult Swim Games
Developer: Adult Swim Games
Genre: Puzzle

Monsters Ate My Condo kind of surprised me...And I'm not really sure why. When I see that Adult Swim put out a game, I always expect the worst, but they usually deliver with something both good and bizarre. Monsters Ate My Condo easily fits that bill, providing a very solid puzzle experience mixed with a bizarre premise of feeding sections of buildings to various, giant monsters, while trying to prevent your condo from falling over at the same time. It's a blast to play and a must-buy title if you're a fan of puzzle games. With how many hours this game has taken from my life, I think it should be re-named Monsters Ate My Life....That was a bad joke, but this is a good game. Get it.

Release Date: May 19, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Team Ninja
Genre: Fighting

The last Dead or Alive game that I just could not stop playing was DoA 2. The games in the series since then have been good, but they just didn't hook me like that one did...Until this little gem came out. The story mode alone makes this one of my favorite games on the 3DS. The mode goes back and follows the story of Kasumi, Ayane, Hayabusa, among others from the first Dead or Alive tournament to the latest one. There are aspects of the fighting that I find to be inferior to what's found in Blazblue and Street Fighter IV, but when I look at the overall package, this is the fighting game I currently most prefer on the system.

Release Date: October 6, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Phosphor Games
Developer: Phosphor Games
Genre: Adventure - Horror

If you liked Infinity Blade, but wanted more story and exploration, then Dark Meadow is the game for you. Dark Meadow, like Infinity Blade, is a point-and-click adventure game with combat that you control, via the touch-screen, in the style of Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!. While just as visually pleasing as Infinity Blase was, Dark Meadow forgoes the giant opponents in order to provide the player with more of a creepy atmosphere and an emphasis on story just as much as the combat. But, Infinity Blade mostly felt like a finished, polished game...Dark Meadow is littered with bugs and glitches that are sure to annoy some people. That said, if you can deal with the technical issues, Dark Meadow is easily a worthwhile game to play.

Release Date: May 16, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Re-Logic
Developer: Re-Logic
Genre: Action

Terraria is a solid action game...Almost feels like a 2D platformer, without an emphasis on platforming - mostly an emphasis on digging and rebuilding...and occasionally fighting. I suppose you can toss exploration in there as well - half of the fun is digging a tunnel and falling into a cavern you were unaware of as you dig. It's essentially a 2D sandbox game...It kind of feels nice exploring a 2D world and discovering surprises as you wander around. The randomly-generated worlds help add to the replay value as well. As far as indy games go, Terraria is one of the better-known titles, and it definitely deserves the attention.

Release Date: July 24, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Gamevil
Developer: Gamevil
Genre: Sports - Soccer

I love the Baseball Superstars series, so I decided to give Soccer Superstars the ol' college try, curious how they'd translate everything to the sport of soccer. They do so almost flawlessly, to be honest. Much like Baseball Superstars, you control a character trying to make their way up the ranks in the sport they love. Along the way, you'll interact with coaches, decide when to train, when to practice, when to go out and meet people, etc. It's not a serious game, which is exactly why I adore it. If you've played any of the Baseball Superstars games and enjoyed them, give Soccer Superstars a chance. You'll probably be very glad that you did.

Release Date: March 1, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Moon Shepherd Limited
Developer: Moon Shepherd Limited
Genre: Puzzle

I've gotta give credit to Moon Shepherd Limited...They made a heckuva game when they decided to mix the rules of poker with the shooter-like qualities of Space Invaders. This hybrid game plays surprisingly well and can easily suck minutes of your life away without you realizing where the time has gone...It's also got some personality tossed in, so it's not just a fun game with a boring presentation...it's a game that's got it all.

Release Date: January 25, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Visceral Games
Genre: Action - Horror

Dead Space 2, to me anyway, was just more of the same in regards to the first Dead Space. It's a solid action game, but predictable scares and a focus on totally dismembering your enemies really takes away any sense of fear that one might have. What exactly do I have to be scared of when I mutilate everything that gets near me? Just like the original Dead Space, it's a very solid action game and fun in that respect, but as a horror game it falls a bit flat.

Release Date: September 7, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Atlus
Developer: ACE Team
Genre: Action

Rock of Ages is a visually unique game that's one half Marble Madness-like rolling of a ball of rock and one half strategy of laying down traps and hazardous stuff for your opponent, who is also rolling a giant ball of rock. The goal is to traverse the course and plow into the wooden door at the end of the level enough times to knock it down. First one to knock down the door and flatten the person behind it is the winner. It's a simple premise, but it works really well. The little bit of a story that you follow when going through single player is pretty nice, too. I never thought that I'd think that a character representing the plague would be so charming....Then again, I never thought a game about rolling a giant rock through a level would be, either. Rock of Ages proved me wrong on both accounts.

Release Date: June 24, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Black Coal Studio
Developer: Black Coal Studio
Genre: Racing

Paper Racer HD is probably the closest we'll see to a Micro Machines game on smartphones. In some ways, that may be a good thing. Paper Racer HD has some nice, stylized graphics to go along with the solid racing. It's also got a neat feature that allows you to import a picture of your own custom car that you drew to use in the game, if you grow tired of the vehicular options already in-game. If you're a fan of the Micro Machines games, you'll likely enjoy your time with Paper Racer.

Release Date: May 24, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: 505 Games
Developer: Artificial Mind and Movement
Genre: Action

Naughty Bear Gold Edition is the original Naughty Bear included with downloadable content for the game in one neat little package. The game isn't really an improvement over the original in any way, but if you can't get enough defluffing bears from the original, Gold Edition's extra content and low price may make a second purchase worthwhile for owners of the original or create a good selling pitch for newcomers to the game. At the very least, the control issues are fixed right out of the box this time.

Release Date: October 27, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Aksys Games
Developer: ApolloSoft
Genre: Strategy - Turn-Based

Ragnarok Tactics isn't as deep or engaging as popular strategy games like Final Fantasy Tactics or Tactics Ogre, but that doesn't mean that it's a bad game. On the contrary, it's a good, enjoyable experience if you're a fan of the genre. That said, I'm sure there will be folks disappointed that this isn't at the level of those previously mentioned Tactics games, but there's nothing broken here. It's a turn-based strategy game that does what it needs to do to be good, but not a whole lot more, preventing it from being great, but not preventing it from being enjoyable. As long as you don't walk into this game expecting to be blown away, I think you'll enjoy your time here.

Release Date: December 17, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Fighting - 2D

From what I can tell, Capcom managed to pack everything the console version of UMvC3 has into the tiny little Vita game cartridge...Which is pretty impressive. Unfortunately, it leads to the problem that Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was released a few months ago, so unless you're a Marvel vs. Capcom fanatic that absolutely must play it at all hours of the day, regardless of where you are, you might have already played your fill of the game. If you don't own it on any of the consoles, then the Vita version is a great version to get, since it's basically the exact same game (with all the features and playable characters of its console big brothers), but portable, so you can throw fireballs while on the can. But, if you already own the PS3 or 360 version of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 there's nothing new here (aside from lame touch screen options) to warrant another purchase...Unless the throwing fireballs while on the can stuff I mentioned above sounds great to you.

Release Date: February 26, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Genre: Racing - Arcade-Style

I've been a huge fan of the Ridge Racer series since R4: Ridge Racer Type 4...However, I also haven't played a game from the series since that got me as hooked as R4 did. Ridge Racer 3D isn't a game that will de-throne R4 as my favorite from the series, but it's still a good, solid racing game for the 3DS. If you want a racing game, but don't like banana peels on the track that make your car spin out, then Ridge Racer 3D may be the 3DS game for you.

Release Date: December 7, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: PopCap
Developer: PopCap
Genre: Puzzle

Bejeweled Blitz kind of feels like a glorified demo of Bejeweled, as it's actually a game mode in the recent Bejeweled released on iPhone...But it's still a very, very fun glorified demo of Bejeweled. In Bejeweled Blitz, you have 60 seconds to rack up the highest score possible...That's it. While it might not sound too impressive, if you play it once, you'll likely play it at least several more times in a single sitting. It's a perfect game for waiting at a bus stop or various other on-the-go situations, as it only keeps your attention for a minute at a time. If you like the game, but want a longer time to enjoy it, or different versions of the same formula in one package, then the recently-released Bejeweled might be a better option for you than this game.

Release Date: June 23, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco Bandai Games
Genre: Compilation

While the two games exclusive to this compilation (Pac-Man Tilt and Galaga 3D Impact) both use the motion sensors of the 3DS to create an interesting experience, it's not necessarily a good experience. Luckily, this compilation also includes the original arcade versions of Pac-Man and Galaga as well as Pac-Man Championship Edition and Galaga Legions. The inclusion of those four great games helps offset the annoying, exclusive games and their motion controls. If you like Pac-Man and/or Galaga, this is a great compilation to pick up.

Release Date: February 26, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Simulation - Virtual Pet

I hold the first Nintendogs games close to my heart. I was away in college when it came out, and my dog was not allowed to live with me in the school-sponsored apartment complex I lived in. So, while on the weekends I got to see my pup, I wasn't so lucky on the weekdays, which is where the original Nintendogs games came in. This sequel is just as good in my opinion, but aside from the addition of cats, there isn't much else new. That still didn't stop me from logging several hours into this game, though. As far as pet sims go (and a TON of them have popped up since the original Nintendogs) this series remains at the top of the heap.

Release Date: August 2, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Dan Fornace
Developer: Dan Fornace
Genre: Board

Elementimals is a very crude version of the popular Triple Triad card game from Final Fantasy VIII. It lacks a lot of what made Triple Triad fun, like collecting cards, choosing the cards you wish to use, losing/gaining cards from winning/losing battles against opponents, etc. But even in this crude form, I really enjoyed my time playing this game. It gets old after a while, as it seems that each creature only has one number set for its card, and it can get frustrating when you're randomly given all of the worst possible cards while on a winning streak, as it's very hard to come back and win with that handicap...But it's still the basic game that was enjoyable in FF8. If there are future updates planned to fix many of its issues, this game will shoot up the list, as even in its current form, it's become a favorite of mine.

Release Date: February 26, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Fighting

I really enjoyed Street Fighter IV (as well as the two re-vamped versions that followed). With Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, I can take much of the fun from that game on the go. If I was more of an online-kinda person when it came to my games, I bet this game would be ranked higher, as it seems to be quite good for battling folks via WiFi. But if you're not a huge fan of that stuff, you'll run out of stuff to do after beating the game with everyone and seeing their endings. The game is great, but my personal preference is what holds it back from being higher up on the list.

Release Date: March 31, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Aksys Games
Developer: Arc System Works
Genre: Fighting

While BlazBlue offers much, much more in the means of gameplay modes and the like, the fighting isn't as smooth or as even between the characters as Street Fighter IV is. That being said, I'm still a big fan of this game, but I just have more fun beating the snot out of the computer in Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition...But, when I want more in a basic story mode, and when I want more difficulty, BlazBlue is where it's at. Since I plan on moving things around on here all the time, this may end up above Street Fighter before it's all said and done.

Release Date: October 6, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Fuse Powered Inc.
Developer: Fuse Powered Inc.
Genre: Action

Jaws Revenge is an entertaining, simple action game where the player controls the iconic shark as he ravages the sea life, human life, and even planes dumb enough to be flying near the water's surface. Touching the screen makes Jaws dive, releasin makes him surface and/or jump out of the water depending on the length of time you had your finger on the screen. The gameplay is simple, but hey, it works...Plus, destroying and eating stuff as a giant shark is always fun.

Release Date: November 17, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Flaming Mitten Studios
Developer: Flaming Mitten Studios
Genre: Action

I'll be honest, I really only played this game because of the ridiculous title. Super Funtime Retro Pixel Panda Rainbow Adventures is not that bad of a game, though. It's very, very simple and a throwback to the days of the Atari VCS, which the app store icon hints at. It's similar to Robot Unicorn Attack in that your only real goal is to just stay alive and not crash into anything. It starts out simple enough, simply having to avoid twirling platforms...But then you get missiles to content with and laser beams, all making the effort to shoot down the flying panda. It's not a great game, but it is a decent way to kill a few minutes here and there.

Release Date: December 17, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Cellius
Genre: Racing

I'm gonna argue with most critics and say that this isn't a bad title at all. In fact, it's pretty solid as far as gameplay goes, and the racing is good fun. The downside to this game, and the aspect that many critics have blasted this game for, is the content. Ridge Racer doesn't offer a whole lot for the single player fan. It has some single player options, but the meat and potatoes of the game involves racing online against others, and building up your level. The game also only includes 3 tracks out of the box (toss in another 3 free track downloads if you bought the game new) and a handful of cars (toss in 5 more if you bought it new), but quite frankly, this game came out at the low-end of the Vita game prices...And for its price, I think it's a good, quality racer if you're into online gaming. If you're more of a single player guy or gal, then you'll likely be disappointed here.

Release Date: November 22, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Yuke's
Genre: Fighting - Wrestling

WWE '12 had some nice ideas, but some poor execution. With the exception of some neat new ideas tossed into WWE Universe mode, this game felt like a step back from the very enjoyable WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011...Especially with the disasterous server issues that plagued the online experience. That said, the game was still a decent purchase for hardcore fans of wrestling games...But if you're a more casual fan and already had SvR 2011, this was a year you could skip...Even with Demolition making an appearance in a video game for the first time in twenty years.

Release Date: December 16, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Knuckleface
Developer: Knuckleface
Genre: Action

Pesky Penguins is a so-so action game that has you wandering around a slab of ice, trying to collect fish as you go. The catch? Penguins are constantly sliding down from the top of the screen and trying to push you off the ice and into the water...That makes them pesky, doesn't it? Clever title, Knuckleface. Anyway, this is a decent title for mobile devices to play every now and then to kill a minute or two, but there's not enough meat to it to make it a must-play title by any means.

Release Date: February 26, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Genre: Sports - Soccer

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D is a decent handheld soccer game. When it comes to "shooting stuff into a goal" video game sports, I prefer hockey because the pace of the game is a lot quicker than the pace of soccer...That and I enjoy plowing people into plexiglass walls. However, every now and then a slower-paced sports game can be enjoyable. But anyway, if you're a soccer fan, you'll probably enjoy this game. It's not perfect, but it's definitely passable, and well worth a purchase for any sports nut who'd like to play some soccer on the go.

Release Date: February 26, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: KOEI
Developer: Omega Force
Genre: Action - Brawler

If you miss the glory days of brawlers, you'll probably find at least a little bit of enjoyment here. Samurai Warriors Chronicles, is a brawler set in Japan in the 1500's with a focus on how wars used to be fought -- a bunch of folks from each army running in and fighting in hand-to-hand combat. It's a decent enough of a game, and when I'm in the mood for it, it's quite fun, but it can also get very repetitive very quickly. If you're a big fan of the console Samurai Warriors games, this handheld version would be perfect for you, though.

Release Date: December 17, 2011 (JP)
Publisher: Codemasters
Developer: Codemasters
Genre: Racing

F1 2011 is a solid racing title from Codemasters that has the distinction of being one of very few racing games that I enjoy that requires me to hit the breaks. I'd much rather plow into cars to slow myself down or drift around corners, but for reasons I'm not sure if I can explain, I just got hooked by F1 2011 and found myself enjoying my time as I raced through the season. I'd still rather play Ridge Racer of ModNation Racers: Road Trip over this game, but when I'm in the mood for realism, F1 2011 can easily hold me over until the (I assume) inevitable release of a Vita Gran Turismo comes about.

Release Date: October 8, 2011 (NA)
Publisher: Charlie's Games
Developer: Charlie's Games
Genre: Shooter - Third-Person

Scoregasm is a decent, but short, twin-stick shooter that I got for dirt cheap (I think for less than a dollar) during one of the Steam sales, and at the $4.99 regular price, it's still a decent deal if you're a fan of the genre. Even after beating the game, there is stuff to do with branching paths to reach the final level, so while it may only take 30 minutes to beat, you can add a little more time to the game if you try to unlock all of the pathways. Anyway, it's a decent shooter - not great, but still pretty good.