By Brett Molina and Mike Snider, USA TODAY

This year in video games was all about variety. The blockbuster releases of 2011 represented a wide range of genres from action-adventure to first-person shooter, as well as a diverse selection of platforms -- from a console to a smartphone.

After much debate and discussion, Game Hunters was able to narrow down our top 10 games of 2011:

10.Dead Space 2

Fans of the first Dead Space knew what was coming when they booted up the sequel. Zombie-like Necromorphs will drop from ceilings or pop through vents, and some "corpses" will suddenly spring back to life. Yet, the sequel still managed to strike anxiety and panic in players, as they scrambled to restore health and find resources with frightening foes attacking from all sides.

9. Jetpack Joyride

"Easy to play, hard to master" is thrown out frequently in the games business, but no title represented this more effectively than this mobile side-scroller from the creators of Fruit Ninja. Armed with experimental jetpacks, players guided Barry Steakfries through a series of levels set in a laboratory. The mechanics were simple: Tap or hold the touch screen to change Barry's altitude. As players were introduced to upgrades such as Gravity Suits and obstacles including guided missiles and electricity fields, the game began to show signs of complexity, and eventually, became very tough to put down.

8. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Even after 25 years, the adventures of Link continue to delight video game players. The latest epic for the Nintendo Wii is no different, blending clever puzzle solving with strong motion-based action enhanced with the addition of MotionPlus technology for better accuracy.

7. Gears of War 3

Epic Games' final chapter in the Xbox 360 trilogy was not only the best in the series, but 2011's best shooter in either first- or third-person form. The reason? It delivered the most complete package across all fronts. Its single-player campaign -- starring Marcus Fenix and his trusty chainsaw bayonet -- is explosive, littered with countless varieties of alien foes to keep players on edge. Meanwhile, the improvements in competitive multiplayer and bolstered cooperative modes including Horde and Beast add some extra power.

6. Bastion

While video game players are treated to a sequel buffet at retail stores, digital downloads such as Supergiant Games' role-playing adventure are proof that originality and creativity still thrive. The unique approach to storytelling -- highlighted by a shrewd, soulful narrator recounting in-game events -- meshes beautifully with a combat system that is surprisingly robust.

5.L.A. Noire

Rockstar Games could have easily released this 1940s-era detective drama in the Grand Theft Auto mold and still delivered a strong game. Instead, they created a sophisticated action experience by blending smart investigative and interrogation mechanics with the traditional combat. Players scoured crime scenes, broke down key witnesses and chased down criminals to restore law and order to Los Angeles.

4. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

The PlayStation 3's premier action hero strikes again with another gripping adventure. His quest for clues about ancestor Sir Francis Drake takes him to the Arabian Peninsula in search of a mysterious lost city. Like 2009's Uncharted 2, the third chapter features astonishing action sequences and sharp dialogue. The scenes of Drake in the desert are particularly mesmerizing.

3. Batman: Arkham City

It's one thing to open up the world for players explore and toss out a who's who of Dark Knight villains inside a city-size prison, but Rocksteady Games' ability to maintain cohesion throughout the story is what elevated this game to the top tier. This continued devotion to Batman lore is why this is the best video game franchise based on a superhero out there.

2. Portal 2

The charming puzzle game features a test subject running through a battery of challenges armed with a gun that creates portals. It's highlighted by two of the year's most memorable characters: the witty assistant Wheatley and GLADOS, the crazed artificial intelligence running Aperture Science. The dialogue and puzzles were wonderfully crafted, and the co-op mode proved equally engaging.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Once players slay their first dragon, the role-playing odyssey from Bethesda Softworks will have them hooked. It's easy for players to sink dozens -- if not hundreds -- of hours exploring new towns and accepting fresh quests and still feel like they've only scratched the surface of what the world of Skyrim offers.