Every year there are a few games that kind of slip under the radar and either forgotten or that given the credit they truly deserve. So we have compiled a list of five unrated games that released in 2012:
5. UFC Undisputed 3:
THQ's final installment in its mixed martial arts video game franchise was the best in the series and featured two distinct game modes, the traditional UFC mode and the all-new Pride Fighting Championship mode. The Pride Mode featured Pride fighting rules, ring, fighters and commentators Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros alongside fight announcer Lenne Hardt. But perhaps the biggest change to the series was the inclusion of a new submission mode that made it easier to submit your opponents. There were also two control schemes for the game, Pro and Amateur controls. Unfortunately, THQ sold the UFC license to Electronic Arts this past summer, so the franchise is likely dead.
4. Max Payne 3:
The game is the first in the series to not be developed by Remedy Entertainment or written by series creator Sam Lake. The game is tonally and stylistically different from previous Max Payne games, but the gameplay shows massive improvement. This game received mostly positive reviews, but was a commercial flop. The game is excellent and gamers should really give it a try. I just hope the nest entry in the series returns to its film noir roots.
3. Alan Wake's American Nightmare:
American Nightmare is a downloadable follow-up to its predecessor, Alan Wake, but is not a direct sequel to that game. The plot is right out of an episode of "The Twilight Zone." In fact it is an episode of fictional TV show, "Night Springs," and features Mr. Scratch, Alan's evil doppelganger created by a dark force. American Nightmare is a unique horror experience and gets away from a genre that has become way too action-oriented. The biggest problem with the game is that it isn't a full sequel and straddles a strange line between DLC and a new game. But it is definitely worth check out if you haven't done so yet.
2. The Darkness II:
The Darkness II is a psychological horror first-person shooter and sequel to 2007's The Darkness by 2K Games. The games are based on the comic book of the same name and centers on Mafia hitman Jackie Estacado. The game takes place two years after the original and Estacado is now the don of the Franchetti crime family. Although, Jackie still wields the supernatural powers known as the Darkness, he has suppressed the ethereal creature. The game is more action oriented than its predecessor and lacks the great narrative of the original game. But it is one of the best shooter and truly and excellent combination of gunplay and supernatural powers.
1. Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning:
This is a sad tale of a great new intellectual property that failed to be the break out hit for new developer 38 Studios. The game sold well and received positive reviews, but the studio went bankrupt only a few months after its release. Lets focus on the positive stuff. Fantasy write R. A. Salvatore crafted an awesome new universe for the game and Spawn creator and comic artist Todd McFarlane created the game's artwork. The game features an awesome narrative, non-linear gameplay, expansive environments and great action. There are tons of weapons and armor to help you during the game's intense real-time battles. The game had few issues like a lack of music, bad lip-syncing and only descent looking player models, but with a few tweaks here and there, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning could have been in the discussion for Game of the Year 2012.
