Overlooked Gems...More Best Games of 2012

When it came to cumulating a list of 2012's best games, the competition was fierce, especially in some categories. It was impossible to include everyone's favorites, short of cage fights and pony tossing contests, we had to make compromises to account for a variety of factors. As a result, some games didn't make the list, as awesome as they were. Imagine an episode of Chopped where two chefs each made three exceedingly amazing dishes; someone gets "chopped" for the smallest of errors. Well, the same was true behind the scenes of Jayisgames' Best of 2012.

Thus, here's my own list: More Best Games from 2012 (part 1 of 4)...

TOGETHER ALONE _{This narrative puzzle game from Jan Niestadt and Gijs Rosengarten of Qwok Games is unique, artistic, engaging and thoughtful. First made for a game jam competition, the authors improved their creation, smoothing the level progression and fleshing out gameplay. Deserving of kudos for originality as well as overall quality, Together Alone didn't quite muster the attention it might have gotten if the puzzle category of 2012 hadn't been brimming full of strong contenders.}

KVEENDOLNITZA _{The charm in Jacek Szleszyński's Samorost-like point-and-click adventure far exceeds its boundaries. On first look, the surreal artwork alone is attention-grabbing. While, upon play, it seems to lack a bit of flow and polish, Kveendolnitza's every component and quality work together to exude the personality of one tiny protagonist: Triton. Which is why this game is worthy of a second look.}

WEIRDOS ON A TRAIN <sub>Part of the Something Amiss series of games, Tucker Bowen's escape adventure manages to be, yes, weird, but also quite lovely in how it presents the story and draws its players into the atmosphere, which is an offbeat yet perfectly logical mish-mash of strange characters traveling on a train. Here's a game series that manages to strike its own chord, especially for those who highly appreciate uniqueness.

And...if you liked Weirdos on a Train, be sure to also check out: Stupid Cat Snatching Goblins.</sub>

THE WISH _{It's hard to describe this lovely piece of art and music as "merely a game." This BeardShaker Games creation is much more like a diminutive interactive postcard, one that is outstandingly gorgeous and emotionally effective albeit lacking gameplay. It is completely unique in format and style for that reason. Whenever you want to share something beautiful with someone you care about, try sending him or her a link to The Wish.}

Neutral Christmas Escape...

Just an update to escape-the-room fans...Neutral's charming Christmas banner mini game is available to play throughout the month of December.

Read my Jay is Games review of the game for more information, links to Neutral's site and a walkthrough.

Keeping Perspective...

The above words may or may not have been written by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, but they are beautiful and merit contemplation anyway. Happiness is an attitude. When it's a bit fuzzy, changing focus may be all that's needed to bring it into clarity again.

And now for something completely different...

Perhaps not completely different, being it's on a subject we all have to deal with sometime (and will hopefully be more solemn and respectful of when those times come), but as morbid as it may be, this video has gone viral on the laurels of being "best PSA evah!" Commentary? I have none except it's a fun tune and I like fun tunes. Way to make a song about death sound so cheerful and catchy, eh?

We Are So Thankful...

In honor of Veterans Day and in this month when we here in the United States are reminded to be thankful, I'd like to highlight an organization that turns our words of gratitude into a concrete gesture of appreciation and respect: The Fisher House Foundation.

_{UnitedHealthcare's WellnessAd program funding supports the Fisher House "Sponsor A Family" program at the Naval Medical Center Fisher Houses in San Diego, California and at Joint Base Lewis McChord Fisher House in Seattle, Washington.}

The Fisher House ensures that military personal injured during their service to our country have the one thing that medical care cannot guarantee: the presence and support of loved ones. When a service member is hospitalized or in long term care, it is not always within range of their home town and family members. Fisher House provides a place for family to stay, so they can be close by to give love and encouragement to these heroes who have sacrificed their health for our safety and continued prosperity. With locations at every major medical facility, the "Fisher House Foundation donates comfort homes, built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury."

You can donate to and read more about The Fisher House Foundation on their website: www.fisherhouse.org.

You can also help by simply spreading the word: please share this on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you and Happy Veterans Day to the great men and women who have served for our rights and our freedoms!