VGOTY 2011 #3 - Binary Domain

The primary reason why I was so nonchalant about Mass Effect 3 this year was because I played it back-to-back with Binary Domain; which was mostly superior in every way! Largely overlooked both by critics and the general public, Binary Domain is an excellent third-person shooter that not only had an engaging storyline and memorable well-voiced/acted characters, but also had some of the tightest shooting controls since Vanquish. In fact those two games bare more than a passing similarity, and while Vanquish hasn't made a GOTY list for me before, in 2012 Binary Domain stood out and deserves a spot in the top three.

If you like the Ridley Scott film Bladerunner, then you'll like this game. If you enjoy the robo-anime output of Mamoru Oshii (specifically seminal masterpiece Ghost in the Shell) then you'll like this game. If both of those things apply to you and the idea of having a smack-talking character called Roy "Big Bo" Boateng and an openly gay french robot sound hilarious, then you will absolutely **LOVE** this game!!

For what initially comes across as yet-another-fricken' mindless shooter, Binary Domain quickly introduces its core themes of post-humanism and simulacra/simulation of human beings through some amazingly directed cut-scenes. This is a game produced by Sega's Yakuza Studio and their experience in long complex storytelling really shines through and transforms what could have been a by-the-numbers game into something special and quite thought-provoking in places. Structure-wise, the game is actually very linear; funneling you down a tightly woven and constructed narrative that throws all sorts of sticky situations and boss-fights at you in relentless succession. Small "hub" areas provide some refreshing breathers and a chance for the game to build up not only the narrative but also the relationships between the different characters.

Branching dialogue and several important player-choices make it seem like you have much more control over the game than you actually do, although this is not a detriment - the game never purports to be an RPG or anything more than an action/adventure romp. It delivers this in spades. I mentioned boss fights above, which is something often either missing from western games or greatly underused. Not here! They're some of the best moments of the game, requiring careful tactics and some precise cat-like reflexes to beat, with the difficulty ramping up nicely as the game progresses. The game never outstays its welcome however, and just as the tendrils of fatigue start to tickle you slightly, the pace increases and speeds you to the violent tempestuous conclusion.

I played Binary Domain during an especially tumultuous period of the year, yet it captivated me, entertained me and held my attention right through to the end; leaving me begging for a sequel. I hope it gets one.