We're a couple of weeks into the new year which gives enough time to reflect on what was played back in 2011. This past year has been one of the best in gaming, even better than the excellent releases back in 2007 which included Bioshock, Mass Effect, Assassins Creed, and Uncharted.

2011 saw a mixture of big budget titles, huge sequels, and quality indie titles. No matter what was your cup of tea, there was a title worth your while. There was a lot that happened on the business side of things most notably the Playstation Network hacking that shut down Sony's online service for almost a full month.

Now I don't expect 2012 to be as full of great titles as this past year and honestly I kind of hope it's not. 2011 saw so many great games that there was hardly enough time to play all of them. My personal game pile is currently at around 10 games (maybe more) that will be keeping me busy for at least a few months. It is however better to have the problem of too many games than barely any at all as far as I'm concerned.

So lets get these categories kicked off! First we'll start with Best Soundtrack.

Best Soundtrack Winner

Bastion

There's something to be said when after beating a game with amazing gameplay, visuals, and story narration that the first thing I do is buy the soundtrack. The closest way I can describe the sound is like if Arabic folk music had a baby with a Western film. For the anime fans out there, Trigun almost comes to mind which is not bad at all to be compared to that soundtrack.

Here's a sample of two songs done by the audio director and vocalist.

Runner-ups: Portal 2, Deus Ex Human Revolution

Best Hero Winner

Nathan Drake (Uncharted 3)

Ahh Mr Drake, although there are tougher and smarter heroes out there it is your wit and charm that wins you this award. Personality speaks a lot for a character and you will be hard pressed to find more of that anywhere else besides the Uncharted series. There's a reason why talk of an Uncharted movie is so plausible, the characters are just that damn engaging and Nathan Drake leads the pack. Kudos to Mr Nolan North for his voice work!

Runner-ups: Batman (Batman Arkham City), Marcus Fenix (Gears Of War 3)

Best Villain Winner

GlaDOS (Portal 2)

Giving this award to anyone else would simply be illogical. Personally I find it surprising how a game where the main characters you interact with are machines can be so comedic. In this case, GlaDOS wants nothing more than to endanger your life for the benefit of science in a world that seems far removed from it. The voice actor really adds a lot of dark humor to each disparaging remark she makes at your expense particularly in reference to your weight. Girls will be girls.

Runner-ups: The Joker (Batman Arkham City), Ra's Al Ghul (Batman Arkham City)

Best Downloadable Title Winner

Bastion

This year has seen a surprising amount of quality titles come from smaller studios. Supergiant Games steals this award with their isometric action RPG, Bastion. Most people refer to the awesome narration when thinking about this title but the art style, soundtrack, and gameplay are absolutely superb as well. There's an interesting story about The Calamity, a mysterious apocalyptic event, for gamers who play for that. There's also the greatly satisfying combat system that can be made insanely hard thanks to the idols you can choose in the shrine for those old school gamers. Being their first release, I personally can't wait to see what Supergiant Games has up their sleeves next.

Runner-ups: Back To The Future (episodes 1-5), Burnout Crash

Game Of The Year Winner

Portal 2

This was a tough choice but my applause ultimately has to be directed at Valve's full on sequel to a surprise hit, Portal 2. I actually almost forgot about this game since it came out so early in 2011 but thinking back on my experience made me realize nothing else compared. The ending is something to be seen for yourself is one of the biggest "they just went there" moments of the year. The puzzles are more varied and challenging which makes for the kind of brainteasing moments you simply don't get in a lot of games nevermind one in the first person view. The co-op mode is an actual fleshed out story as well as opposed to slapped on haberdashery that would be on lesser titles. Valve truly has a special franchise in its hands.

Runner-ups: Batman Arkham City, Deus Ex Human Revolution

Most Anticipated Titles of 2012

Mass Effect 3, Bioshock Infinite, Max Payne 3, Hitman Absolution

2012 is shaping up to continue the recent trend of gluttonous amounts of excellent games released. I'm not anticipating this year to be as generous as 2011 has but these titles could definitely give a run for your money.

Mass Effect 3 will be the epic conclusion to Bioware's famed space RPG. It should be real interesting to see how your choices made in the first two games will reflect the events this time around. Bioshock Infinite brings the franchise back into the hands Ken Levine and the fine folks at Irrational Games, makers of 2007 Game Of The Year winner Bioshock. Max Payne 3 and Hitman Absolution are both examples of older series of games recently marred by Hollywood reimaginings returning to form. Both of these sequels look amazing so far based on trailers and gameplay footage released. They also bring forth game mechanic changes while staying true to the integrity of the franchise.

Feel free to write in the comments with your own personal winners of 2011 and also what you most anticipate to play for 2012.