Arstechnica has their list of best and worst games of 2011 up. http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/12/the-best-and-most-disappointing-games-of-2011.ars/3 From what I've played: Best: 1. Skyrim 2. Deus Ex Human Revolution 3. Dead Space 2 4. Portal 2 Worst: 1. Duke Nukem Forever 2. Modern Warfare 3
Preliminary List: Dark Souls The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim The Witcher 2 Uncharted 3: Among Thieves LittleBigPlanet 2 L.A. Noire Portal 2 Deux Ex: Human Revolution Battlefield 3 Dead Space 2 Still need to play more: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Batman: Arkham City Gears of War 3 inFamous 2
I have to add Sonic Generations is one of the best games I've played. They basically took the best part of the best Sonic game (daytime stages from Unleashed) and incorporated that into remade classic levels with remade classic music. It's easily the best Sonic game ever made and if you're even half the Sonic fan I am you should buy it, yesterday.