PixlBit

2013 was a strange year for myself. I didn't play as many video games as I usually do, but I still managed to get through quite a few. It was a year full of change, uncertainty, and life adaptation, so video games often took a back seat to myself trying to figure life out. That has nothing really to do with games, but I feel that maybe my life state effects my game choices as well.

For example, I never found joy in the bleak world of GTA V. I couldn't get into the gameplay of the lonely The Last Of Us. I also never bought Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, but I feel that if I had played it, it may be on this list. Anyways, without further adieu, here are my games of the year.

13. Tomb Raider
This is the reboot Lara Croft was dying to have. After the Uncharted series stole Tomb Raider’s crown, Lara Croft was stuck starring in a few mediocre titles. The platforming is extremely fun, the combat is well varied, using a combination of bows, guns, and fists. And of course it has a great supernatural story with jaw dropping visuals. This is a huge step up for the series that can easily stand head to head with the Uncharted series.

I only have two complaints with the game – Lara’s murdering of thousands, and some of the gruesome ways she can die herself. I wish there was more focus on platforming, hunting, and exploration instead of soldier to soldier combat.
 

12. Dragon’s Crown

I’m a HUGE fan of the arcade beat-em-ups of the 1990’s, so Dragon’s Crown is a no brainer for me. The game has a great variety of character classes, upgrades, and weapons to purchase. That with couch co-op and online co-op makes for any beat-em-up fan to be satisfied. The art style of the game is great too, with a rich hand-drawn style – even if all the characters are ridiculously proportioned!

11. Saints Row 4

Saints Row 3 is my favorite sandbox game. Saints Row 4 takes that and adds aliens and ridiculous super powers. Though I don’t like it as much as the third installment, this game was endless amounts of fun. Nothing beats running through the streets at sonic speeds, leaping over buildings, and flying like a jet to your net waypoint.

10. Battlefield 4

Battlefield 3 is one of my favorite games of the generation and Battlefield 4 improves on everything Battlefield 3 set out. Though its launch was glitchy, as many EA launches are, There is no denying how smart, fine-tuned, and varied the gameplay of Battlefield 4 is. I played this on the PS4, and its the first “Next Gen” game to really show off the power of what PC players have already had access to for a couple years. The game is jaw dropping, and the skyscraper that can fall in one multiplayer map is insanely impressive.

9.  SimCity

SimCity is another EA title plagued by a buggy launch. Even with those hardships, and the ridiculous “always online” mentality of a single player game, I couldn’t help but indulge in SimCity.  I spent endless days avoiding work and creating my own virtual paradise. I love the accessibility and simplicity of SimCity, so someone more casual like myself can jump in and experience a ton of joy.

8. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

I’m still currently playing this title, but I can say with certainty that it is an amazing game. The wonderful bright world, cute fantastical characters, and heart-warming story make this one of the most intriguing JRPGs to be released in years.

 
 

7.  Pikmin 3

Pikmin 3 had me absolutely hooked. Trying to organize the 3 groups of people and manage your time through a beautifully visualized world is addicting. My only complaint is that I wish the campaign was multiplayer. This is a must have for any WiiU owner though.

6. Resogun

Who would have thought that my favorite next gen title would be an indie game available for free on PS plus. Resogun is a simple sidescrolling arcade shooter, but its high level of challenge, mesmerizing graphics, and alternate goals (ex: get a high score or try to save humans) give it a ton of replay value. I turned this game on and never wanted to take my eyes off of it. Definitely a nice surprise when I plugged in my PS4.

5. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

I haven’t been invested in this series since Brotherhood was released. I played a bit of AC 3 and didn’t enjoy it at all. Luckily I love pirates, the ocean, and tropical locations. The sailing in this game is so so good, the islands are just beautiful, and the gameplay is still great classic AC stealth and parkour. Ubisoft definitely didn’t disappoint with this year’s AC title.

4. Super Mario 3D World

When Nintendo was trying to sell us on a game by promoting “new cat suits”, I thought this was going to be a downfall for the Big N. Luckily this is actually one of the most creative and enjoyable Mario titles there is. Taking the layout of Super Mario Land 3D, vamping it into a full console title, and adding chaotic multiplayer makes this game instantly stand out. The fact that you have 4 character choices with unique controls is a nice change for the series as well. I still wish they create something in the vein of the Galaxy series, but I am still definitely loving the 3D World vibe.

 
 

3. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

Let’s get this out of the way, I love Final Fantasy, but I’ve never a liked an MMO before. I thought Final Fantasy XI was nothing short of ugly and glitchy. The original release of FF XIV was a ridiculous mess, so it was an awesome surprise to see that A Realm Reborn was pretty much a completely new build from ground up. It fixed all the problems of the original release, visually is beautiful, and truly captures the Final Fantasy spirit – specifically the NES and SNES eras. I still can’t put this game down for long.

 
 

2. Rayman Legends

Rayman Origins was one of the best platformers ever made, and Rayman Legends is even better. I’d argue this is the best platformer in existence. Tight gameplay, creative level design, a ton of extras, multiplayer, and amazing graphics solidify this game as an instant classic.

1. Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds

I didn’t realize just how much I’d love this game. The revamp of how you acquire weapons (you can buy any of them at the beginning of the game), and the freedom to do any dungeon in any order made this game stand out. The dungeons, not completely limited to a “weapon” or “element” theme, end up being extremely creative and allow for more interesting puzzles. You’re expected to have a ton of the weapons at once, so you’re always using your inventory to its limits. Despite how nostalgic the game is to A Link To The Past, it absolutely stands on its own with its creative dungeons and refreshing approach to the series.


How about all of you? Any hidden gems I missed from my list? Anyone agree with the list?