The Player

JOE GRIFFINgives unofficial, targeted end-of-year accolades to 2011's games

JUST IN TIME for the end of the year, we have one more opportunity to reflect on what’s been. Now that you’ve voted for your favourite game, it’s time to delve a little deeper. Here are some super-specific, unofficial awards for games released this past year . . .

Best graphicsTough one, this, but Battlefield 3edges it by a nose, thanks to its beautifully rendered combat, locations and virtual camera work. Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Skyrimand Uncharted 3were lookers as well.

Best musicFor this writer, Deus Ex: Human Revolutionhad a sumptuous score (by Michael McCann) – cinematic and atmospheric.

Best production designDon't step down from the podium, Deus Ex!Those gold-hued cities and elaborate, convincingly futuristic buildings (above) were gorgeous.

Best heroEasy: The vulnerable, wise-cracking but ultimately decent daredevil, Nathan Drake from Uncharted 3.

Best villainAgain, a clear winner: GLaDOS from Portal 2,a computer with more depth than most human characters (in videogames and beyond). GLaDOS is distinctive, hilarious, terrifying, but also sympathetic and tragic.

Best scriptBig respect to LA Noirefor crafting a rich gumshoe story, while also tying in commentary about the early days of a blossoming city. However it's pipped to the post by Uncharted 3, with its fine characterisations, witty dialogue and dash of poignancy.

Most overrated Crysis 2was a competent, reasonably good-looking game, but not deserving of its rave reviews, especially when compared to other first-person shooters released this past year.

Most underratedWe loved Driver: San Francisco, with its teleporting gimmick, fast pace and spectacular car chases. From Dust, a god- simulator, was original and gripping; and Bulletstormwas a cheeky, crass and immensely playable first-person shooter. It's everything that Duke Nukem Forevershould've been. And speaking of Duke . . .

Biggest disappointmentThe most disappointing game of the year was Duke Nukem Forever. The vulgarity, childishness and silliness were bad enough, but the dated graphics, infinite load times and endlessly awkward gameplay was fatal. A disaster.