Best games according to Metacritic users

Metacritic has released game publisher rankings for 2012, and while the usual suspects are on top, it’s interesting to look at what the Metacritic users voted as the best game of 2012 for the respective publishers.

EA: Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Vita) – 8.2 / The Secret World (PC) – 8.2

On Electronic Arts’ front, the Vita version of Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and the sci-fi MMO, The Secret World, were tied with the accumulated highest Metascores .

Need for Speed: Most Wanted Vita was praised for its handheld-friendly gameplay and sharp graphics, as explained by user mrbendel: “This is a high class game. Its a bit like a pig with lipstick. Its still a pig, albeit a pretty one.”

The Secret World was loved by fans for its dynamic gameplay and huge world.

Microsoft: Forza Horizon (360) – 8.3

Metacritic users banded together to express their love for Turn 10’s Forza spin-off, Horizon.

Users appreciated the gorgeous visuals, fast-paced racing and phenomenal soundtrack that the game had to offer.

Forza Horizon

Sony: LittleBigPlanet PS Vita (Vita) – 8.9

LittleBigPlanet’s jump to Sony’s handheld was a blessing for Vita owners, as the adorable platformer added some quality to the game-lacking Vita.

LittleBigPlanet’s Vita features, such as touch-screen controls and integration of the camera into the level creator were highlights for gamers.

Nintendo: Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS) – 8.6

Kid Icarus’ return was a long time coming, and Uprising, impressed the Metagamers in 2012.

The music, visuals and effective use of 3D made gamers feel the nostalgia of the on-rails shooters.

Capcom: Okami HD (PS3) – 9.2

Okami was one of those games that was sadly underplayed and under-appreciated, and the white wolf’s jump onto the PS3 (and to HD) helped Capcom’s artistic endeavour gets some real praise.

As expected, fans fell in love with the smooth combat and beautiful visuals.

Okami HD

Warner Bros: LEGO: The Lord of the Rings (PS3) – 8.6

While some may raise their noses at the Lego series of games that have emerged in recent years, the blocky reincarnations are damn good.

LEGO: The Lord of the Rings was Warner Bros highest user rated game in 2012, filling the LoTR fix that gamers needed.

Ubisoft: Far Cry 3 (360) – 8.7

Far Cry 3 was undoubtedly one of (if not the) best games of the year.

The threequel improved on everything that made the second game fall short, and gamers acknowledged that on Metacritic.

Konami: Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (Vita) – 8.3

What’s better than Metal Gear Solid? Metal Gear Solid in your pocket.

The MGS:HD collection was perfect for Vita, and fans loved replaying Kojima’s great sneak and shoot adventures.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection PS Vita

Sega: Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (PS3/360) – 8.6

Sonic & All Stars Racing was one of the pleasant surprises of 2010 with its over-the-top speed and vibrant tracks; and the sequel improved upon those ideas.

The series has now found itself in the hearts of kart racers, looking for something different to the famous Italian plumber’s speedy exploits.

Activision Blizzard: Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (360) – 8.4

While most would expect Diablo III to earn the accolade of most beloved user title, it was actually Transformers that swooped in and took the honours.

The third Transformers game from High Moon Studios (who also did the movie-tie in for Dark of the Moon) managed to impress and deliver on promises, giving an authentic Transformers experience which chronicled the destruction of Cybertron.

Namco Bandai: Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss (360) – 8.2

Namco Bandai’s soul-crushing series managed to make the top spot for the publisher, with Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss being the highest user rated game.

The DLC featured new areas, enemies, weapons, and epic boss fights, which got the nod of approval from fans.