Best of 2012

More than any other, this generation of gaming has seen the idea of the exclusive title slowly erode, as publishers find themselves wanting to attract bigger audiences. While console-specific games still exist in considerable numbers, the multiplatform game reigns supreme, with titles launching not just on consoles and PC, but even mobile devices such as the iPad. 

With first-party titles off the table, the competition may be reduced, but the fighting is still fierce for multiplatform title of the year. There were many titles to choose from, available not just on consoles and PC, but even handheld devices, including the PS Vita and iPad. Nevertheless, we whittled it down to five choices, so here are your nominees for Destructoid's multiplatform game of 2012:

Assassin's Creed III

Fans of Assassin's Creed should be amply satisfied by these aspects, but some of the shallowness found might be displeasing to lovers of other open-world titles which do a better job of making player investment feel meaningful.

Read the full Assassin's Creed III review

The Walking Dead

I have no doubt that people will want to talk about their own experiences for quite a long time, and I'm bursting to do it right now -- damn you, restraint! The game demands players become invested in it and its memorable cast, and that makes it very difficult to look at each episode separately. The overall package is a phenomenal one, but I must admit that it is the end that will stick with me the most, with all the other episodes leading up to this massive crescendo.

Read the full The Walking Dead review

Borderlands 2

If you are up for a good laugh while shooting things in the face, Borderlands 2 is a worthy game to add to your collection. Soon enough, you'll see numbers popping above people's heads in real life and will feel compelled to search every Porta Potty on the street for cash.

Read the full Borderlands 2 review

Far Cry 3

One of those rare games where I feel no mode has been damaged by the inclusion of any others, Far Cry 3 is a well-rounded package that provides a mass of content clearly produced by developers who cared deeply about what they were doing. Far Cry 3 is going to be the last major mainstream release of 2012, and after quite a spotty year, I can at least say this industrious triad of amusements ends the past 12 months on a high note.

Read the full Far Cry 3 review. 

Dishonored

Dishonored is that game of 2012. It's the big intellectual property that comes to retail and shows up the competition by being bold, original, and -- more importantly -- brilliant. Easily deserving of its place among the BioShocks and the Borderlandses, Arkane's aggressive, non-aggressive, unsubtle, sneaky, thoroughly versatile tale of intrigue makes for the kind of game that reminds us this generation isn't all straightforward shooters and "me too" trend-seekers. 

Read the full Dishonored review.

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Congrats to all the nominees! We'll be announcing the official winner on Friday, December 14. In the mean time we want you to tell us which game this year was the best multiplatform game. Plus, be sure to go vote in our Community Choice Award for your favorite game of 2012.

Check out all our other categories and nominations:

• Game of the Year nominees
• Best visuals nominees
• Best PC exclusives
• Best console exclusives
• Best multiplayer
• Best soundtrack
• Best portable
• Best platformer
• Best action adventure
• Best fighting
• Best shooter
• Best RPG
• Best strategy game