A look back at 2011 yields a few computer gaming surprises

By Christoph Lippok Jan 8, 2012, 3:06 GMT

Berlin - There's usually a lull in the release of computer games after the Christmas rush, and 2012 is turning out to be no exception. However, a look back at 2011 reveals a few gems that might have gotten overlooked in the end-of-the-year rush.

Those who look will find some unexpected combinations: playing the stock market with Mario or engaging in swordplay with Kirby. Those who are more patient can wait until February, which will bring the next installments of Final Fantasy, Soul Calibur and Metal Gear.

Start with the jump-n-run game Kirby's Adventure from Nintendo, released exclusively for the Wii. Here, Kirby is faced with a spaceship that has crashed on his homeworld, Popstar, and the mission of finding all the parts of the ship. The well-rounded hero relies on his ability to take on the attributes of his opponents. Which ability he currently possesses is signalled by his headwear. Medieval headgear means he can use a sword, while a cowboy hat means he has a lasso.

There are five colourful levels and up to four players can play together. It's even possible for all to play Kirby simultaneously. A series of mini-games give it the feel of a party game. It sells for about 45 euros (58 dollars).

Fortune Street is also exclusively for the Wii. Best described as an economics simulator in board game format, it lets players trade, open businesses and trade them on the market --- all with the help of Nintendo perennials like Mario and Donkey King.

Gameplay is controlled by dice. There are 18 different gaming environments from which to choose. Just like in real life, Fortune Street requires players to strike a balance between security and risk. But a lot of the tension is alleviated thanks to mini games. It sells for about 50 euros.

Each episode of the Final Fantasy series has been distinct from the others, with brand new characters in a whole new world. This trend is broken with Final Fantasy XIII-2, picking up where its predecessor left off. After the last fight with the enemy, warrior and main character Lightning, from Final Fantasy XIII, has disappeared. The new goal is to find her while defeating the new chaos that has risen up.

Developers have put a lot of effort into making sure that players' decisions have an impact on the gameplay. And some tasks can only be completed if characters are in the right place at the right time. Final Fantasy XIII-2 is set to appear on February 3 with versions for the Playstation 3 and XBox 360. It will cost about 60 euros.

The battle game Soul Calibur V, from Namco Bandai, is also set for a February 3 release. It also reunites players with a whole host of well-known characters, as well as introducing them to a few new ones. Most notable is an appearance by Exio Auditore, the hero of the Assassin's Creed series. Players are expected to fight with their hands and feet, as well as with swords and other close-quarters weapons.

There are major changes in the online mode and character creation. The story and gameplay have been designed so that new players can enter into the fifth version of the game without being disoriented. With versions for the XBox 360 and Playstation 3, Soul Calibur V is expected to cost about 70 euros.

Konami is also giving players the chance to reacquaint themselves in high-definition with an old friend.

Metal Gear and its successors have long been the champion of stealth games. When players take on the role of Metal Gear's super soldier Solid Snake, they have no chance of winning by wielding their guns. Instead, they have to find ways to creep through opposition sentinel points and avoid patrols and surveillance cameras. The action is set in a complex story.

Some of these classics have now been reworked into Metal Gear Solid - HD Collection. It includes the PS2 title Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty; Metal Gear Solid 3; Snake Eater; and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, which has only been available up until now on the PSP.