Stevivor.com’s Game of the Year 2011: #3

We swear, this is the last tie we’re going to present to you, fair readers. Let’s face it, though — we’ve had SO many good games this year, we were bound to have our ten writers deadlocked over what made the cut.

In the #3 spot for Stevivor.com’s Game of the Year 2011, we present to you Dead Space 2 and Dance Central 2.

Dead Space 2

This is one of Steve’s personal favourite games, and sadly overlooked by many GOTY lists for 2011 as it came out WAY back in January of this year.

If you’re unsold on this game, play the first five minutes of it. We dare you. Trust us, you’ll be hooked. EA should first be applauded on trying out some new IP for this generation with the original Dead Space, and then congratulated moreso for improving on it tenfold for its sequel.

Check out our review of Dead Space 2 here. Here’s a snippet: “…without giving plot points away, I want to give HUGE props to this game for two big items: the marker-induced flashpoints involving a main character from Dead Space, plus the chapter involving a huge set piece from the first game. These two items are hugely satisfying, terrifying and drive the plot extremely well. The set piece really screws with your mind as you can’t help but think you’ll know what’s to come, and then proceed to get blindsided. It’s awesome.”

Dance Central 2

Dance games have been HUGE hits since, well, the original Dance Central hit the scene alongside Kinect. There have been many imitators (Just Dance, The Michael Jackson Experience, DanceStar Party…), but none have had the power to move Harmonix’s gem from the top of the pile.

From Hammond’s review of the game: “Once again, Harmonix delivers the goods with the latest Dance Central title. With the additions to the multiplayer mode, this makes a perfect party game, as no skill others than being able to follow an on-screen diagram or avatar are needed. Featuring at my housewarming party, I can attest that this goes down a treat with a bunch of semi-drunk gamers — you’ll be surprised at how many of your friends have hidden dancing talents.”

Game of the year…so far:

To recap, here’s where we’re at for Game of the Year 2011:

1. ?????
2. ?????
3. Dead Space 2 (Visceral, EA), Dance Central 2 (Harmonix, Microsoft)
4. Uncharted 3 (Naughty Dog, Sony Computer Entertainment)
5. Portal 2 (Valve, EA), Saints Row the Third (Volition, THQ) and Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos Montreal, Square Enix)

• Readers’ Choice: ?????

What do you think, gamers? Are we getting it right?