Game of the Month, November 2012

Winner: Halo 4

Read the Halo 4 review

November can always be relied upon to have way too many games worth playing, and this year was no different. However, rising to the top--and a sure Game of the Year contender in its own right--is 343 Industries' Halo 4. The first non-Bungie installment in Microsoft's exclusive FPS franchise hits all the right notes: a satisfying single-player campaign, a sprawling competitive multiplayer arena, and a salubrious co-op experience. Salubrious probably isn't the right word there, but Halo 4's definitely in the right spot atop November's "Best of" list.

Halo 4's gameplay exceeded expectations.

Runner-up: Hitman: Absolution

Read the Hitman: Absolution review

And, for those wondering, here's how fast you can die in Hitman: Absolution.

Forgetting about Agent 47 is always a big mistake. Due to his propensity for skulking in the shadows. And murder. Mostly the murder. After an extended hiatus, the Hitman franchise returns at the top of its game. Expertly crafted assassination missions, ludicrous costume changes, and a really, really shiny bald head--Absolution has got it all.