Retawes Recongition: 2012

Here is my selection/list of video games, movies and television shows that I believe exultified their genres and concepts.

Most Overrated and Overhyped Game/Movie

Nominees:

- Doom 3: BFG Edition
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- The Dictator
- Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2
- Darksiders 2
- Kinect Star Wars
- Ted

Winner: Doom 3: BFG Edition.

When developer ID Software claimed that their re-release of Doom 3 would contain over 40 hours of content, gamers prepared their preorder money and rushed to the stores. However, upon release and according to 'Howlongtobeat.com', players finished the game on average in less than 10 hours. Also, the anticipated co-op was axed and replaced with a mediocre multiplayer mode.


Most Polished RPG (Role-Playing Game)

Nominees:

- Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
- Dragon's Dogma
- Mass Effect 3
- Xenoblade Chronicles
- Diablo
- Final Fantasy XIII-2
- Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream, Drop, Distance

Winner: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

With its early release, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was one of the most unknown RPGs of the year. That aside, it was the most polished Action RPG among titles such as Mass Effect 3 and Diablo 3. Unfortunately, its developers have shut down (Due to becoming bankrupt) so it's very unlikely that the game would have a sequel yet, it doesn't need a sequel. It's surreal just as the IP it is.


Most Original Game/Movie

Nominees:

- Cabin in the Woods
- Fez
- Asura's Wrath
- Wreck-It Ralph
- Les Miserables
- Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
- Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
- Dishonored

Winner: Cabin in the Woods

Within the film industry, there are thousands of cliche slasher films that are predictable (I.E. The whore and jock character are going to die while the innocent girl will live.). However, Joss Whedon's Cabin in the Woods, among several of his work, dissects the formula and centers a plot that explains the archetypes and elements of the genre.


Most Atmospheric/Engaging Game/Movie/TV Show

Nominees:

- Far Cry 3
- Journey
- Borderlands 2
- Revenge (TV Show)
- The Walking Dead (TV Show)
- Batman: The Dark Knight Rises
- Les Miserables

Winner: The Walking Dead (TV Show)

Recently, I discovered a show about real characters with real storylines, real backstories and real relationships. The odd thing about this show is that the world, wasn't so real. The Walking Dead brings strong personalities together within an emotionally and physically conflicted world that has been affected by a zombie apocalypse.


Most Outstanding Sequel/Season

Nominees:

- Batman: The Dark Knight Rises
- Borderlands 2
- Far Cry 3
- Guild Wars 2
- The Walking Dead (Season 3)
- Torchlight 2
- Community (Season 3)

Winner: Guild Wars 2
Ask any MMORPG fan, what game owns the genre and they'll answer with 'World of Warcraft'. However, with the release of the non subscription MMO Guild Wars 2 (that surpasses everything that 'WOW' does), the obvious statement has become an opinionated arguement. Guild Wars 2 is the king of MMORPGs and maybe even PC gaming overall.

Most Surreal Antagonist

Nominees:

- Handsome Jack (Borderlands 2)
- Bane (Batman: The Dark Knight Rises)
- Vas (Far Cry 3)
- Victoria Grayson (Revenge)
- Queen Ravenna (Snow White and the Huntsman)
- The Governor (The Walking Dead)

Winner: Bane
Re-watching the trailer for 'Batman: The Dark Knight Rises', I noticed and thoroughly enjoyed Bane's speech. In fact, Tom Hardy's performance as Bane showcases the true villian and brutal man that Bane is (It's a HUGE step from Tim Burton's Bane).


Best Revival of a Franchise

Nominees:

- Kid Icarus: Uprising
- Persona 4: Golden
- XCOM: Enemy Unknown
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

Winner: XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Developer Firaxis Games reincarnated an old classic RTS series with a fresh design, gameplay and side-quests/optional tasks that bring the franchise to a new generation.

Most Anticipated Title

- Anarchy Reigns
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Dark Souls 2
- Final Fantasy Versus XIII
- Crysis 3
- Injustice: Gods Among Us
- Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Winner: Dark Souls 2/Final Fantasy Versus XIII