PSN Game of the Year Nominees 2011

This is the first in a series of posts that will cover every category of the 2011 IGM Awards in an effort to familiarize readers with the nominees in each category. In this post we cover the best PSN games of 2011. This category was one of the easier ones to compile since there are a limited number of truly indie titles released on the Playstation Network this year. Remember that you can cast your vote for the 2011 IGM Game of the Year Awards by going here.

The 2011 Nominees:

PixelJunk Shooter 2

What it’s about: PixelJunk Shooter 2 is a slow-paced shooting game where you save miners and destroy enemies with missiles.  This sequel is a continuation of 2009′s PJ shooter and finds you inside the belly of an alien life form. All the cool fluid mechanics and elements return  in the sequel, but there are some great new mechanics as well.

Why it’s nominated: The original PJ Shooter ended way too soon and left us wanting more.  PJ Shooter 2 is an excellent continuation of an incredibly innovative game.

Rocketbirds: Hard Boiled Chicken

What it’s about: Rocketbirds is an over-the-top 2D Action/Adventure game where you control a super-soldier chicken fighting against an evil penguin dictator.

Why it’s nominated: The game’s presentation and soundtrack is stellar, but what really makes Rocketbirds memorable are the outrageous characters and humorous story.

Rochard

What it’s about: Players embrace the gravity-bending exploits of space miner John Rochard as he discovers the first proof of extraterrestrial life.

Why it’s nominated: Rochard is a fantastic looking game with fresh puzzle-platforming elements.  The game focuses on physics puzzles and platforming over exploration and combat which is refreshing.

Sideway: New York

What it’s about: Set against the gritty art culture in New York City, Sideway follows the adventures of Nox, a 2D rebellious young artist, as he navigates the 3D urban streets.

Why it’s nominated: Sideway creatively mixes classic 2D platforming gameplay with 3D visuals.  It’s really hard to explain, but it’s a very stylish and unique presentation.

Dungeon Defenders

What it’s about:  In Dungeon Defenders, fight for team and territory in a mash-up of action, RPG, and tower defense.

Why it’s nominated: Dungeon Defenders is an incredibly addictive cooperative experience that mixes tower-defense with 3rd person action very nicely.  It also helps to be able to completely customize your own character.

Eufloria

What it’s about: Eufloria is an ambient game of space exploration and conquest that allows the player to explore a beautifully realized universe rendered in a style that is both unique and compelling.

Why it’s nominated: Eufloria is an incredibly unique experience with artistic visuals.  It boils down the RTS genre to it’s basic elements and opens the door to an interpretive and artful story.

Cast your vote for the 2011 IGM Game of the Year Awards here.