With more and more titles getting annual releases, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with the number of Triple-A games being released. When games do get put on the yearly release schedule, or bring out new sequels, most what to know how much the new game has improved over the old one. Something that’s vital to the success of any game that looks to become a hit franchise.  

Resistance 3 –Sony’s alien invaded FPS was a hit when it launched with the PS3 back in 2006. It was one of few titles at the time that made the system worth the hefty six hundred dollar price tag. Unfortunately, the release schedule for the game had it battling for market share against one of the most popular shooters around, which happened to be Gears of Wars.  Resistance 2, which also launched alongside Gears of War 2, didn’t have the same quality seen in the original. This lead to some unimpressive sales of the sequel. However, with the third game in the franchise, everything has become three times better than all the games in the past. With a return to its roots in terms of gameplay, and a well-polished multiplayer, Resistance 3 is by far the best game in the series, and one of the best shooters to release this in 2011. Insomniac has done an amazing job closing out the franchise with the final game in the series. They have also created one of the only shooters to accurate sale the idea of being in an alien invasion. It’s one that makes you feel the destitute, as you fight for a destroyed world. Resistance 3 is a must play shooter for fans of the FPS style of play, and an example of how a series should be closed out.    

Battlefield 3 – With some of the most drastic changes made to a sequel this generation, Dice and EA have created a real contender for top shooter. When Battlefield first hit this round of consoles, it was a humorous shooter that didn’t take itself very seriously. But it took multiplayer, and the concept of completive play very seriously. Battlefield 2 came on the scene matching all the style and flare seen in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. But it’s with the inclusion of Battlefield 3 that EA has taken the shooter platform and moved it beyond anything we’ve ever seen before. Graphically, no game is matching what Battlefield 3 has done.  Most improvements on this level are usually seen when a new console is released. But Dice as made some major achievements through the use of Frostbite 2.0; their new graphics and destruction engine. The changes made to Battlefield are so amazing that it’s the only shooter truly competing with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the number one selling shooter of this generation. With all the improvements made to Battlefield 3, the war for the top shooter has changed forever, and a winner is still yet to be determined, but there’s no question that EA & Dice are aiming for the top spot.

Batman Arkham City –Though most would have expected the follow up to Batman Arkham Asylm to be an awesome experience, no one ever thought Rocksteady could create something this amazing in such a short amount of time. Instead of giving fans a new villain to pursue and a new part of the city to explore, Edios has given fans more villains than anyone thought possible for just one game. They have also given players almost the entire city of Arkham to explore, and have created an intriguing storyline to compliment the rich world. Batman Arkham City has now picked up the torch left by its previous game, and continues the series’ reputation for being the best superhero game ever created. From is deeply intuitive combat, and rich villain filled world, this is the best representation of the Dark Knight, gaming has ever seen.  

Killzone 3 –Though the second game in the series was met with complaints over the games input lag, it was the first time to bring one of the biggest graphics leap on the PS3 & 360. Going on to sell millions of copies, Killzone 2 is still one of the coolest shooter to hit this generation. But with Killzone 3 Guerrilla Games improved on every aspect of the game, and has gone above and beyond the call of duty. While the graphics remain one of the games signature features, with Killzone 3, its biggest highlight is its story and its multiplayer. The campaign pays homage to some of the industry’s best battles among the stars. As players take on the galactic battle, epic moments in series like ‘Star Wars’ are immediately brought to mind. Further adding to the experience is Killzone 3’s multiplayer. With some of the best looking maps I’ve ever seen, the multiplayer modes in Sony’s gritty shooter have created a new game type more shooters should use. The mode was originally created with Killzone 2, and now appears in Killzone 3. Warzone is a gametype that switches the game mode on the fly, but never stops the action; creating some fresh variations in gameplay, without the need of lobbies or menus. Guerilla Games has also made the control input more responses in Killzone 3, along with adding some awesome new weapons, and a brutal new melee system for you to take down the enemies. All the improvements have now put the shooter on par with the best FPS’ to release this year. A richer storie, smoother controls, and some of the best visual on consoles makes Killzone 3 one of the most improved FPS’ of 2011, and one of the best FPS franchises.  

Portal 2 –The puzzling FPS form Valve turned us all into mindless drones when it first released on PC and Xbox 360. Escaping from Aperture in the second game stole our souls more than well ever admit. With a better story, and more defined characters, Portal 2 has created a style of puzzle gaming & storytelling for fans to share across multiple platforms. One of the first games to allow players to play cooperatively on both Steam & PS3, Portal 2 could mark the beginning of something new for cross platform play. A richer story, and some of the best environments known to gaming, makes Portal 2 just as much of a classic as the original. Portal is more than a sequel it’s an evolution on the puzzling genre. This is a must play game for anyone claiming to be a fan of gaming. If you missed the first game in the now series, don’t fret, the sequel will get you right up to speed, and plug you right into the world of Aperture.     

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -One of few RPG’s to succeed at keeping players connected to its world for days at a time, Elder Scroll’s has mastered the creation of fictional worlds good enough to keep you living in them, as opposed to you own. Spending months enjoying the adventures of your alter ego in an Elder Scrolls games, is the only way to enjoy all of what Bethesda has to offer. Previous versions of the games have always had massive worlds, and rich characters to interact with. However, that has been take to a new level in Skyrim. Better facial animations, deeper back stories, and a world so large it will take more time to explore than you probably have to play. This has made the new inclusion to the series the best ever. With everything Bethesda has to offer in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, this is the biggest improvements made upon a sequel to hit the RPG genre. Its no wonder its been nomatied for game of the year so many times.