Ben-DutkaNot everyone is privileged enough to be able to buy every last great game available.
So when you have to prioritize, you want to get as much bang for your buck as humanly possible. And thus far in 2012, there haven't been too many hugely long games to turn to, so here are some fantastic titles that should prove both satisfying and lengthy. Disclaimer- As always, it helps if you're a big fan of the genre in question.
Mass Effect 3
One of the year's top RPGs, there's always plenty to do in any Mass Effect game. Doing everything will result in a 40-50 hour adventure (or longer), and you'll check out a pretty solid storyline, interesting characters, and a big wide universe that's just begging to be explored. Yeah, there was all that hoopla about the ending but the bottom line has never changed: Mass Effect 3 is a top-tier game and for most, well worth the price of admission.
Dragon's Dogma
Another RPG, but this one is set in a fantasy setting and although it isn't perfect, there's always something to do and somewhere to go. The combat can be tons of fun and very often, you'll find yourself running around fighting just 'cuz it's so damn entertaining. Plus, it's absolutely beautiful; the artistry and animations are second to none and that's a big bonus considering the sheer size and scope of the game. You don't want to be lookin' at mediocre stuff for that long! Dragon's Dogma is a biggie.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 or Dead or Alive 5
Fighting fans may only need one or the other; if they're a hardcore follower of either franchise, they're good for the fall. I know some of these people…they have something in their blood that I don't have, this almost manic desire to master their favorite character(s) and become absolutely supreme at using them. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is so freakin' deep gameplay-wise (massive roster, too), that it might take you the rest of your life to master everything you want to master. You nutty fighting fans you.
Rainbow Moon
A good 30 hours or more for $14.99? That's not easy to find, especially if we're only talking about one play-through and no multiplayer. Rainbow Moon is a gem for those who miss the good ol' days of turn-based RPGs. This one mixes in some strategy, too, and it's colorful and addictive. It can get a little repetitive, unfortunately, but for bang for your buck, I can't think of many other downloadable experiences in 2012 that top this one. Maybe Journey just because you want to play it over and over and over…but that's pretty subjective, I guess.
Darksiders II
Another game that goes for $60 that can keep you playing for 30-40 hours. There was a time when such titles weren't so difficult to find, but these days… Not only is Darksiders II easily one of the year's best, it blends just about every genre you can think of into one totally awesome package. Platforming, puzzle solving, action, role-playing, and even third-person shooting; it's all here and as soon as you're done, you feel this overwhelming urge to start again for some reason.
Rayman Origins and LittleBigPlanet for Vita
I figured I'd toss this out there for Vita owners, just because both games are filled with a ton of gameplay, especially LittleBigPlanet . Rayman Origins is the absolute best Vita game available thus far in our opinion, and it's a lot bigger than you think it is. It's wicked challenging, for one, so that automatically makes the game feel longer than it really is, and besides, don't you want to get and do everything there is to do? All you completionists know what I'm talkin' about.
Borderlands 2
Again, I can't say much right now but trust me when I say, this game could totally own your life. I'll just leave it at that for the time being.
By the way, sports fanatics always have options to keep them playing; Madden NFL 13 for football fans and MLB 12: The Show for baseball followers are guaranteed to be big hits. Oh, and I should also mention Final Fantasy XIII-2 ; as much as I can't stand Square Enix right now for that Lightning Returns mess, FFXIII-2 has a ton of content, even more than ME3 and Darksiders II if you want to get everything done.
Upcoming, you have to know Assassin's Creed III will be so worth every penny. And for the multiplayer aficionados, obviously, Call of Duty: Black Ops II . Lastly, don't forget about Far Cry 3 in December…big, robust, involving, and top-quality, guaranteed.
