Was it the PC?

I feel as if you're not giving enough credit to the fantastic downloadable games that have hit every platform this year. Reatil-wise, it was pretty quiet across the board. But I think 2012 should be remembered as the year in which downloadable games came into their own. For better or worse, depending on what you choose to believe.

you only owned a Gamecube in 05 and 06? no PS2?

2012 was a really bad year for gaming. A lot of games ended up being dissapointments, like Max Payne 3 for exemple.

Halo 4

Mass Effect 3

Xenoblade Chronicles

Journey

The Walking Dead

Kingdoms of Amalur

New Super Mario Bros U

Mark of the Ninja

Quantum Conundrum

Sleeping Dogs

Fez

Far Cry 3

Bourderlands 2

That's a baker's dozen of killer games. Halo 4 alone is enough to keep 2012 from sucking. 2012 is one of the best years in gaming and nowhere near the worest. I could keep listing games, but 13 off the top of my head should be enough proof.

There are two kinds of Halo fans. Multiplayers and Campaigners. Multiplayer fans tend to hold Halo 2's multiplayer on a pedestal and complain about any and all changes to multiplayer. Campaigners like myself see nothing wrong with and enjoy the upgrades to both the multiplayer and single player. Halo 4 IS the best int he series. Play it and you will see.

I still think Halo Reach has the best campaign in the entire series.

Having said that, I also think H4 has better multiplayer than Reach.

Reach edges it over Halo 4 for me.

As a Nintendo gamer, yes this was easily the worst year of gaming I have ever had to live through. I will say it's a transition period, and give Nintendo the benefit of the doubt, but if next year is like this, I will not be a Nintendo gamer any more.

As a Sony gamer, man this year was one of the most amazing ever. Games I loved and I will remember 10 years from now:

Walking Dead- truly touched me
Journey- touched me as well
Far Cry 3- Crazy good
Dishonored- Also crazy good
Borderlands 2- Also quite good

Oh and Xenoblade is pretty cool so I here, as well as Hitman.

It was not so bad of a year, unless you like Nintendo.

When I first played Halo Reach I enjoyed it, but I didn't think it beat out the previous games. I've since replayed it several times and each time I've appreaciated what it did more and more. I loved Halo 4 from the first mission to the last and have replayed it twice since and my love for it has not changed. It's my favorite.

the worst year is 1983 for gaming. but for this decade then.... well the wii u has just launched so don't expect it to have sooooo much games. its not that 2012 is a bad year for gaming just not great.
but imo Nintendo did an excellent job with the 3ds this year.