Considering that Skyrim's not out yet I'd hate to bring it up on the off chance it'd adjust my expectations in a way the gameplay won't compensate for.
I haven't played Dark Souls either, There's a small chance I'd like it at all because I don't take well to frustrating games.
Batman: Arkham City. Yeah, all those 10/10 reviews are probably full of shit the game is still pretty fucking good. Some of the best combat I've ever seen in a game. It's like Assassin's Creed with Batman, and since there was no Assassin's Creed game this year Batman gets to stand out. Yes it's a sequel but it passes the sequel rule of being both relevant and better than the first one.
Catherine: What? An original IP! A narrative focused game! Added bonus, A story that hasn't been fucking done to death! Not a shooter!!! A puzzle game, no less! These are all things I like. Catherine filled a void in my life that I thought would never be filled. I Thought A non shooter game where the main cast actually had to have emotions would never get made in this wold, unless it was an XBLA game. Then Catherine shows to spread parade under my rain.
Bastion: Let it never be said that XBLA games couldn't kick the ass of any triple A title. It has that whole meshed story and gameplay thing that is sorely lacking in games now days. Or ever really. Asides from a couple balance issues that crop up near the end it's a really fun game, and pretty to look at too. You don't get that a lot now days.
Games I'm still considering.
Skyrim
Dark Souls
Blood Rayne: Betrayal
Missed the cut.
Portal 2
Record of Agarest War Zero
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
DR2: Off the Record
All for failing to pass the Sequel rule test.
Child of Eden
Fruit Ninja
For being Kinnect exclusives and I'm just that Petty
Resident Evil 4
Beyond Good and Evil
For being remakes
Apologies to all PS3 games I haven't played any of them.