The biggest event of 2012 has to be the release of the Wii U. While the console sold poorly and was not well-received by gamers, it had some excellent games, and many ended up getting ported to the Switch. There were also some really unique games that offered a great, one-off experience. Here is our list of the top 10 games from 2012 that are still a blast to play.

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#10: Dishonored

Dishonored is easily the most difficult 2012 game on this list, but it is also one of the most rewarding. In an era where games became increasingly easier with a number of difficulty settings, Dishonored stands out for not making things easy.

  • The Knife of Dunwall: In The Knife of Dunwall, take on the role of Daud, the legendary assassin who killed the Empress. After assassinating the Empress, and forever changing the fate of Dunwall, you…The Brigmore Witches: Continue your journey as the legendary assassin, Daud, in The Brigmore Witches. This conclusion to Daud’s story will put you at odds with warring gang factions and the dangerous…Dunwall City Trials: In Dunwall City Trials, experience Dishonored’s flexible combat system, stealth gameplay, and distinct settings in a whole new way as you make your way through 10 distinct maps…Void Walker’s Arsenal: With the Void Walker’s Arsenal add-on pack, gain access to four content bundles previously available only through pre-ordering Dishonored. These bundles offer unique character…

Right from the start, you get thrown into the game, and you can approach it stealthily or with knives drawn. The world is also very impressive, and it manages to evoke a rather depressing light despite the world actually being pretty bright and colorful. Despite the colorful visuals, the world has a dull tint that is kind of eerie.

Your approach to either being stealthy or murderous is partly directed by your upgrade choices. However, these choices have a long-term effect on the game, and you will begin noticing the results of your choices.

#9: Max Payne 3

Max Payne is an often-forgotten Rockstar series that never amassed the popularity of Red Dead Redemption or Grand Theft Auto. The game picks up nearly a decade after the conclusion of the previous game. You get thrown into a dark story filled with twists and turns that build upon the previous games.

  • Experience the latest and most grim chapter to date in the Max Payne saga, in crystal clarity of a Next-Gen consoleAn explosive multiplayer experience, bringing Max Payne’s signature Shootdodge and Bullet Time gameplay, along with a range of new and expanded special abilities into the arena of competitive online…A wide range of firearms and other weapons that can be dual-wieldedA dark storyline full od seedy characters and gangs to interact and battle withEnjoy special game-related features including soundtrack info, PlayStation Trophies, and special events and contest opportunities for fans and Rockstar Games Social Club members

One downside is that the game has a lot of cutscenes that slow down the action. Despite the strong story aspect, the game is open for exploration like other Rockstar games.

Unlike the previous games, which take place in the city, Max Payne 3 is set in South America. This allows for really unique locations that are filled with detail. Most of the gameplay consists of gunfights with enemies, which are particularly gruesome as the game displays slow-motion clips of kill shots.

#8: Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2 is a crazy 2012 action game set in the post-apocalyptic world of Pandora. It takes a lot of inspiration from its predecessor. The main difference is that the world is full of characters and things to do.

  • Authentic Marcus Kincaid Bobblehead4 Exclusive Stickers and a Map of PandoraComic Book DownloadInside the Vault: The Art of Borderlands 2 Hardbound BookBonus Digital Content

These characters are what really set the game apart from the competition, as they all have their own stories, and you can chat with them. The cell-shaded art style is also back, and it looks better than ever.

Borderlands 2‘s worlds are really well-designed, and the game plays out like a comic book. One of the best parts of the game is the upgrade system, where you can level up your abilities and weapons. Most of the game consists of exploring and defeating a wide range of enemies that you will have to use a mix of weapons to kill.

#7: Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3 is the long-awaited conclusion that people have wanted since the first game. It concludes the story of Commander Shepard, who is a galactic hero that must prevent the Reapers from killing all life in the galaxy.

  • A New Way to Wage War: Command the battlefield with the WiiPad as the Mass Effect franchise makes its debut on the Wii U with new features and bonus content. “Mass Effect 3” features additional…Interactive Storytelling: Mass Effect 3 plunges you into an emotional sci-fi story unlike any other where each decision you make will completely shape your experience and the outcome of a galaxy-wide…Unleash a Customizable Arsenal: Build your character and squad with dozens of unique weapons and abilities, each with powerful upgrades and modificationsClass-Based Co-operative Multiplayer Missions: Fight the war alongside your friends in four-player co-op missions. Choose from a variety of races and classes and combine your skills to overcome…Adrenaline-Pumping Gameplay: Feel every bullet impact, roll into cover, and unleash devastating heavy weapons in an intense and pulse-pounding action-shooter game

In doing so, you get to explore even more of the galaxy than in previous games, which still has a lot to see and do. The story largely plays off the first two games in the series, and it has a strong continuity that will leave fans of the original games feeling right at home.

Just like in Mass Effect 2, you can pull up your saved data from the previous games to enhance the experience. There are also a lot of choices to make that will dictate how the story plays out.

#6: Journey

Journey is easily the least well-known 2012 game to make the list. It did receive a fair amount of attention when it was released, but it was created by an indie developer and was published by Sony.

  • Includes three full games: Journey, Flower, and flOwBonus content includes the original soundtrack for all three games, three exclusive mini-games from thatgamecompany, a 30 minute documentary about Journey, Creator Commentary play throughs of all…

Journey took the PlayStation 3 by storm with its incredible graphics that were unlike anything else that gamers had seen at the time. The game is truly a unique experience unlike any other.

It still looks great today, but the real standout is the game’s music which matches the gameplay incredibly well. Music also plays a large part in the story, as does the multiplayer mode.

It can actually match you up with another player, but it is not the usual multiplayer experience since you cannot communicate. Journey has a large map to explore despite being a relatively short game.

#5: Far Cry 3

Far Cry 3 is an impressive game that is a blast to play even today. The game is an open world like others in the franchise. However, it creates a convincing narrative where you are thrown into a war with a reason to fight.

  • Use an arsenal of weapons and explosives to run gun-first into the action, take down nearby adversaries with your blade or snipe unsuspecting enemies from a distanceExplore an island playground as stunningly beautiful as it is diverse from mountain ranges to swampy grasslands and white sandy beaches. Fight your way through the island’s towns, temples, river ports…Encounter a diverse and realistic cast of characters as you dive into this deep and enriching story, where morals are questionable and hope is all but abandonedFar Cry 3 is being developed by the world-class game designers who brought you such critically acclaimed titles as Assassin’s Creed 2, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, and World in ConflictInnovative multiplayer modes, maps and features reward both individual skill and team play. After each match, choose to punish or humiliate your foes in fun and twisted ways with interactive…

The story does a good job of keeping you playing through to the end. Everyone has a unique personality which helps balance the game’s dark moments. The gameplay includes a lot of killing, which leads to the main character going from someone on a mission to someone with the goal of vengeance.

As the game progresses and his mental state declines, the combat gets even more extreme. The graphics here are still really good, and the island looks amazing, with plenty of areas to explore in between completing missions.

#4: Forza Horizon

Forza Horizon took the greatness of a racing game and made it open world. Essentially, the game uses many of the cars and assets from the well-known Forza Motorsport franchise and puts them on a gigantic map that you can race around in.

  • Five-car Launch Day Add-on PackFive Exclusive “Forza Horizon” Limited Collector Edition Car Pack liveries"Forza Horizon" Accelerator Token Pack

No longer are you limited to a few laps around a track. Instead, you get to take part in a festival with numerous races taking place around it. This unique take on a racing game still stands out, despite several new iterations since.

The world is incredibly well-designed, with lots to see in addition to racing. There are also other mini-games that focus on things like drifting rather than racing other cars. One of the best things to do is just drive around between races as you see little details spread throughout the map.

#3: New Super Mario Bros. U

New Super Mario Bros. U is the first really good sidescrolling Mario game in a long time. Despite its original release on the Wii U, it is now available on the Nintendo Switch. The game still holds up exceptionally well today, despite being a decade old. It is also a drastic improvement over the previous Wii title, which was just okay.

  • All new ways to Play and share your Mario Fun! New Super Mario Bros. U is a new, side-scrolling adventure featuring Mario, Luigi, Toad…. And your Mii character! Now’s your chance to step inside the…

While Mario is still bulgy here, the game feels like it and plays just as you remember him. He also has some new abilities which, fortunately, don’t rely on the gamepad’s touchscreen too much.

New Super Mario Bros. U also offers a challenge for those who felt that previous games were too easy. It also has mini-games, and you can get the Luigi version (which is included in the Switch version).

#2: Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs is a unique standout and really took gamers by storm when it was released in 2012. Few expected the expansive world and great combat system that the game ended up delivering.

  • A mature and gritty undercover cop drama, set in a high tension underworld where every action is a risk that could blow your coverSeamless explosive action fueled by a mix of deadly martial arts, intense gunfights and brutal takedownsEpic high-speed thrills: Burn up the streets as you ram other cars and drive recklessly while shooting your way through the narrow streets of Hong KongHong Kong is your playground: Enter illegal races, gamble on cock fights, or kick back with some karaoke. There are countless ways to explore the varied districts of the city.

Unfortunately, the game never really gained a large fanbase. Sleeping Dogs is an open-world game that could have easily copied other titles such as Grand Theft Auto.

However, it takes on a life of its own with a really good story that includes complex characters that are very likable. The setting of Hong Kong is also a good choice as it creates an opportunity to take on a unique culture.

Sleeping Dogs also has a large exploration element with a lively world. The combat is also very impressive, with a lot more melee fighting than shooting.

#1: The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series

The Walking Dead was a cultural staple back in 2012, and a video game felt like a natural next step. Especially because so many video games prominently featured zombies in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the Telltale series is a little different as it is set up as episodic adventures in a comic book art style. Season 1 was released in 2012.

  • Graphical enhancements: graphic Black art style brings Season 4’s enhanced visual style to all previous seasons of the acclaimed series. Will also include full dynamic lighting to episodes that…Behind the scenes bonuses: exclusive looks at the making of the game from the developers, VO artists, and other team members that brought Clementine’s story to life. This includes over 10+ hours of…Gameplay improvements: character performances, lip syncing, and other gameplay and UI enhancements make this the definitive tell-tale’s the Walking Dead experience. Even more digital bonuses: music…

Because of this unique approach, the game doesn’t play out as the traditional zombie game does. Instead, it has a lot of narrative-driven moments that create a different experience depending on the choices you make in the game. The gameplay also involves a lot of puzzle-solving and exploration rather than hacking and slashing.