Games for all seasons | Bangkok Post: tech

Playing becomes more exciting with advancing technology, variety and genre.

TOP 5 MOBILE GAMES OF 2012

By Komsan John Jandamit

Gaming on-the-go these days is a lot more advanced than a few years ago, and you can pretty much have the same graphics and gameplay as big game consoles (PS3, Xbox, WiiU).

And for casual gamers who are on their mobile phones more than real consoles, there is plenty for you to choose from and enjoy on your train ride (or in the toilet) too. Below are my favourites for this year.

KID ICARUS: UPRISING

Nintendo 3DS

Why: Humorous story, action packed, great graphics and music, stereoscopic 3D, fully voiced, plenty to do (fight on-ground & in-air, collect & fuse huge variety of weapons, online & offline multiplayer mode).

PERSONA 4 GOLDEN

PS Vita

Why: PS3-level graphics, very long and engaging story, plenty to do (fight, collect monsters, date girls, manage in-game social life).

PUNCH QUEST

iPhone

Why: Fast-paced action-packed endless runners, it's free, plenty of customisation and upgrades for your character's look and ability.

KINGDOM HEARTS 3D

Nintendo 3DS

Why: Well-established 10-year-old franchise, gorgeous graphics, fully voiced, refined controls, easy to play but a lot to learn & upgrade along the way, uses all gimmicks 3DS has.

INFINITY BLADE II

iOS devices

Why: Gorgeous graphics, easy to get into but a lot to learn & customise along the way, fast-paced action-packed.

Also worthy: Little Big Planet (PS Vita), Angry Birds Star Wars (iOS & Android), Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward (3DS & PS Vita), Bad Piggies (iOS & Android).

---

TOP 5 CONSOLE GAMES OF 2012

By Sithikorn Wongwudthianun

DISHONORED

First-person stealth action adventure (Windows, X360, PS3).

Why: Revenge solves everything (at least in this game). A great combination of stealth and blatant attacks, thrilling storyline, how you get rid of someone affects game's difficulty. Great game for all tastes.

MASS EFFECT 3

Third-person shooter (Windows, X360, PS3)

Why: Epic story (a conclusion to its trilogy), new combat system with ability to choose your outcome. Even though the ending was disappointing, I still remember how much time I spent on it.

DRAGON'S DOGMA

Open world action RPG (X360, PS3)

Why: Most addictive game since Final Fantasy VII. If you love Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry or Resident Evil series, this will suit you since it combines all of those together. You can join quests with people around the world through online connection.

CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS II

First-person shooter (Windows, X360, PS3)

Why: Great multiplayer shooting game of the year. We all know Call Of Duty and its maker has been improving the genre with every release.

HITMAN ABSOLUTION

Third-person stealth (Windows, X360, PS3)

Why: Silent takedown, crazy massacre or plan an accident are ways you can choose to dispatch the enemies. Pretty intense violence but it is one of my personal favourites. Great franchise and a more personal story, I cannot wait for more.

Also worthy: Max Payne 3 (Windows, X360, PS3), Alan Wake (X360, PC), Assassin's Creed III (Windows, X360, PS3), Resident Evil 6 (Windows, X360, PS3).