Splitkick’s 2012 Game of the Year feature starts off with Rocket Jump podcaster, and all around nice guy, Todd Fuller.

Oh sure, I know the anonymity of online gaming means there will always be 12 year-olds (and 22, 32 and 42 year-olds as well) doing their best virtual impression of chest thumping. However, there are just as many kids that see the value and necessity of positive social interaction both online and off. For that, I’m truly thankful.

The great thing about Burnout games usually is the sense of speed and the feeling that you’re teetering on the edge of all hell breaking loose. I never got that feeling playing Burnout Crash! In fact, often when playing Road Trip I experienced more a sense of helplessness as I watched cars meander by while I waited for my crash meter to fill.

I am an Age of Empires player from way back. I still remember creating an AOE level called Robin Hood that some German company took and put on a disc and sold worldwide. I didn’t even get a thank you, let alone a copy of the disc. Bastards. But that is a story for a podcast. Fast forward 14 years later and I am still excited about a new iteration of AOE. Turns out its some kind of mashed together RPG, MMO, RTS strapped onto a flight simulator. Hoochee mama, sign me up!

As the days grow shorter and the Summer of Arcade begins to wind down, many of us have started to save our pennies for the onslaught of games this holiday season. However, before you put your Microsoft points away for good, you need to download one more great XBLA game – Toy Soldiers: Cold War.

Finishing the first inFamous was a satisfying, open-world experience. The challenges were reasonable, enjoyable and did a great job of moving the story forward to a cliffhanger of a conclusion. I’m happy to report that inFamous 2, while not revolutionary, makes some worthwhile improvements that compliment the fun gameplay of its predecessor.