It's been a great year for games. Sure, 2012 looks set to be even more exciting, with more new hardware launching, but there have been stacks of unmissable games this year, as developers have pushed the current generation of consoles to their limits. Of course, there had to be some titles that missed out on a place in our top 20 (sorry in particular to DiRT 3, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and FIFA 12!) but what made it? Read on...

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Platform: Xbox 360

Why it rocked: Stunning visuals underpinned by adrenaline-pumping handling, excellent and unpredictable opposition and online modes galore. "Delivers the most convincing yet accessible driving simulation we've ever seen. For those of you hankering for a bit of excitement in your driving simulators, this is mana from heaven" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "Forza Motorsport 4 is a racing game that tries to be all things to all people, and you know what? It actually pulls it off" - 9/10 Official Xbox Magazine (91% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: These two state-of-the-art first-person shooters went head-to-head. Which won? Arguably both. "The quality of Battlefield 3's multiplayer is undoubtedly remarkable" but Modern Warfare 3 was "a superbly crafted piece of action schlock, dropping you into the middle of world war three" (both MSN). Both are brilliant - Modern Warfare 3 wins on single-player, if you can ignore the increasingly ludicrous and bombastic plotting, but Battlefield 3 arguably edges it in multi-player (and certainly on visuals).

What the web said: Battlefield 3: "Battlefield 3's incredible multiplayer edges this ahead of its accomplished rival" - 9.1/10 CVG, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: "The vision, the choreography, the sense of scale and detail are awe-inspiring at times" - 5/5 The Guardian (Battlefield 3: 89% PC, 85% PS3, 84% Xbox 360; Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 81% PC, 88% PS3, 89% Xbox 360 Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: Alongside last year's more innovative Heavy Rain, this hardboiled LA detective game revitalised the adventure genre. "Displays an intelligence and willingness to tackle grown-up subjects that’s rare in console games, all wrapped up in some startling new technology, brilliant characterisation and an immersive game world" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "Full of story and style and oozing playability and charm. Unfortunately the awkward mechanic of the interrogations mars what could have been a flawless recreation of a classic genre" - 4.5/5 The Escapist (83% PC, 89% PS3, 89% Xbox 360 Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: This cleverly constructed hack-and-slash action role-playing game had some unusual gameplay ideas, and was unusually polished for a game from a small, independent developer. Bastion won plaudits for its ""dazzling visuals, artful commentary and moving score" - 8/10 MSN

What the web said: "A game built from great art and clever mechanics, but it’s an adventure born of both deeds and words" - 9/10 Edge Magazine (87% PC, 86% Xbox 360 Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC

Why it rocked: Epic samurai strategising and proof that PC gaming is far from dead. ""Most notable is the sheer level of loving attention to Shogun-era detail. But there's also a greater attempt to humanise your generals and ninjas with role-playing-style stats and personality traits" - MSN

What the web said: "Those after a sumptuous, weekend-whittling strategy epic heaving with flavour and challenge can reach for their uchi-bukuro with confidence. This is a corker" - 9/10 Eurogamer (90% Metacritic.com)"

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Platform: PS3

Why it rocked: Nathan Drake comprehensively usurped Lara Croft (for now) as the tomb-raiding action-adventure hero of choice here. Stunning setpiece sequences, marred only slightly by the on-rails feeling. ""Distills everything that's brilliant about the series into a perfectly-paced, gorgeous and joyful experience" - 9.5/10 MSN

What the web said: "A beautiful, cohesive, and, most importantly, fun adventure that cements the Uncharted franchise as one of the best around. More of a good thing is welcome here" - 9/10 Gamespot (92% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: This download-only HD remake of the legendary Beyond Good & Evil game - a bizarre action-adventure involving talking pig people, photojournalists and science fiction shoot-outs - should hopefully bring the game to a new generation. "One of the most critically acclaimed games ever (which failed to reach matching commercial success) gets a very welcome second breath of life" - MSN

What the web said: "A trend-setting, rounded and entertaining adventure game. Given the lower price and upped quality of presentation, what was already a great experience is that much better now" - 8.5/10 IGN (83% PS3, 84% Xbox 360 Metacritic.com)

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Platform: iOS

Why it rocked: A slick mobile game that neatly subverts the common 'tower defense' strategy genre and simultaneously proves that mobile games are no longer five minute, 59p throwaways - between this and Infinity Blade II, there's proof that mobile games are now every bit as full-on as console titles (and often more inventive). "A serious and rewarding strategy title, with a unique idea - and great visuals" - MSN

What the web said: "One of the most entertaining and enthralling real-time strategy games on iOS" - 10/10 PocketGamer (95% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC

Why it rocked: It's been a big year for dragons and dungeons - this is the first of three full-on fantasy epics on this list. This action role-playing game features a beautifully realised, if grimly adult world. "With a little time investment, this game offers everything the fantasy genre can be" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "No competitor can touch it in terms of poise, characterisation and storytelling, or the way in which it treats you... as an adult, free to make your own mistakes" - 9/10 Eurogamer (88% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: 3DS

Why it rocked: The legendary Ocarina Of Time action-adventure got a remake from the N64 original, with new visuals for Nintendo's glasses-free 3D handheld. But underneath the spruced-up graphics, what was key was the beautiful gameplay stunningly recreated on a handheld. It's only this far down the list because it's a remake (so in some senses doesn't even belong here!). "One of the greatest things that video games have ever achieved" - 10/10 MSN

What the web said: "The ultimate version of one of the most endearing videogames you could ever hope to play" - 9.5/10 Destructoid (94% Metacritic.com)"

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Platform: PS3

Why it rocked: The "create, play, share" platforming game that lets you make and remake your own levels (and play cooperatively with others) returned with improved creation tools and a better and more inventive set of already-created levels. "More style, class and breathtaking invention in a single level than most games manage over several hours" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "A smarter, more fun and accessible LittleBigPlanet that does everything better" - 9.4/10 CVG (92% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: A reboot for the critically lauded Deus Ex action role-playing series. The adult, cyberpunk science fiction setting of warring corporations and cybernetic implants was backed by compelling, choose-your-own-route play (but sadly let down by the boss battles). "Utterly slick... with stunning and artistically beautiful visuals and settings, and with lots of gameplay to get your teeth stuck into" - 8/10 MSN

What the web said: "Many of its individual elements don't withstand close inspection. But those elements add up to an impressive and absorbing adventure that invites you to improvise" - 8.5/10 Gamespot (PC 90%, PS3 89%, Xbox 360 89% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PS3

Why it rocked: Two of the greatest, most artistic and most emotionally complex and moving action-adventures of the last console generation, remade in high-def. "Games often bring out the armchair detective in people. These two bring out the armchair anthropologist. That's a big part of why they've endured, and also why this HD collection is such a delight" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "I really can't think of any other games that I'd recommend more. The originals are both so lovingly crafted and inspiring that I think gamers 50 years from now will still be talking about them" - 9.5/10 Destructoid (91% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: A return to the 'god game' genre, and a self-described spiritual sequel to Peter "Fable" Molyneux's legendary Populous - this download-only game mixed strategic gameplay, spectacular visuals and a thought-provoking style effortlessly. "A crescendo - of ideas, but mostly of the glorious and fearful drama of nature - that will leave you feeling humbled and thrilled" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "Memorable, beautiful and unique... It’s a game that’s as fascinating to watch as it is to play, a thought-provoking spin on the power fantasies of the traditional god game" - 8.5/10 IGN (76% PC, 81% PS3, 80% Xbox 360 Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: Batman: Arkham Asylum proved to be a nigh-on perfect mix of biff-bang-pow pugilism, stealth action-adventure and fan-serving bat-detail. The sequel dramatically opened the environment and upped the gameplay ante in every way. "Outstanding visuals, gripping storyline, expert pacing and flawless controls, it's everything fans wanted - and more" - 10/10 MSN

What the web said: "One of the greatest Batman interpretations of all time. And you know what? Maybe even one of the best games ever" - 9.5/10 CVG (92% PC, 96% PS3, 94% Xbox 360 Metacritic.com)

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Platform: Wii

Why it rocked: Perhaps the last great game for the Wii (before the arrival of the Wii U)? Skyward Sword is an action-adventure classic that's up there as one of the best Zelda games ever (and there aren't any bad ones). "It does almost everything right, and may well even surpass Ocarina of Time as the people’s favourite Zelda game" - 10/10 MSN

What the web said: "The freshest, most contemporary Zelda game in over a decade. An ingenious collaboration of design and motion control, the only shame is that it’s taken the Wii so long to come to such fruition" - 5/5 The Telegraph (93% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: Infamously even harder than its already tough-as-nails precessor, Demon's Souls, this action role-playing game is brutal, but uniquely rewarding for those who stick with it. "If entertainment is fun without failure and progress without pain, you'll have to find it somewhere else. But you'll be missing out on one of the best games of the year" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "An extraordinary role-playing game that transports you to an awesome and menacing world you may never forget" - 9.5/10 Gamespot (PS3 89%, Xbox 360 89% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC

Why it rocked: The games sensation of 2011, Minecraft triumphed by doing things differently - the blocky visuals, the build-and-survive dual gameplay, the independent publishing approach, including an extended 'beta'. But Minecraft is also a triumph simply because it's a great fun game to mess about in. "Minecraft might be inseparable from its own fame by this point, but one thing's for sure - it deserves every bit of it" - 10/10 MSN

What the web said: "The game's premise [is] ultimate freedom in a near-infinite world... Minecraft, with all its flaws and quirks, has already joined Super Mario Brothers, Wolfenstein 3D, and Tetris in the pantheon of games that prototyped an entire genre" - A+ 1-Up (94% Metacritic.com)

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Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: Epic fantasy action role-playing in an open and freeroaming world, filled with detail and distractions - that's Skyrim. Oh, and sodding great dragons too - "Quibbles aside, this is one of the best games of not just this year, but any recent year. It's an epic, masterly story, set in a stunningly-detailed beautiful land, with so much to find, and see and do that it's pretty much peerless" - 9/10 MSN

What the web said: "One of the most gargantuan undertakings gamers will experience all year. The sheer size of the adventure, in terms of environment and amount of activities, is mind-blowing" - 5/5 The Guardian (95% PC, 93% PS3, 96% Xbox 360)

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Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Why it rocked: At its heart, Portal 2 is a fairly simple puzzle game, played in first-person. But it's done with such invention, wit, intelligence and such a high level of polish - the end result is game of the year. "When people look back at the most creatively important games of our time, there's no question Portal 2 will be on the shortlist. Few games have ever been so perpetually absorbing and engaging on every level" - 9.8/10 MSN

What the web said: "Portal 2's single-player campaign is superior to its predecessor in every way. It's the co-op mode, however, that makes this 2011's first must-play game - even for those that don't like first-person or puzzle games" - 5/5 GameSpy (95% PC, 95% PS3, 95% Xbox 360 Metacritic.com)

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