Game of the Year Shortlist: Journey

Before we knew it, December was upon us and all the games had arrived in stores in time for everyone to buy them as presents. We've got the reveal of our Game of the Year coming after Christmas, but for 24 days starting December 1 we'll bring you a new contender for the title. Please note that these games are in no particular order, but feel free to speculate on where they might appear in our final list.

Tom Orry, Editor

Journey isn't the kind of game I'd typically enjoy. It definitely falls into the "Are games art?" category, which is something I usually steer well clear of. I'm glad I didn't though, as Journey is one of my most memorable gaming experiences of 2012 and a game everyone should play. It is absolutely beautiful, not only in the way it looks and sounds, but also in how it plays. While this isn't your standard game, you are still very much in control of your actions, and this helps establish a real connection with your character. This is a wonderful game.

I'm amazed that no one else here played Journey or feels it worthy of a place in our Top 24. I'd put Journey inside my Top 10 and encourage anyone with a PS3 to buy it immediately.