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Personal Picks for GOTY 2013

Winners in our hearts.

Pokémon X and Y

by Jon Lewis

Since my initial review of Pokémon X, I’ve dumped about fifty to sixty more hours into the game. Funny thing about that is that I still feel like I’m just getting started. Pokémon X really managed to remind me why I always find these games addicting, while breaking down barriers that had been holding the franchise back.

For me, two things have been pulling me back into the game: the competitive scene and the community around it. My college campus is constantly buzzing with other players who are training Pokémon either for fun, or for battle. Sharing friend codes with them is extremely essential with post-game features like the Friend Safari that allow special and stronger Pokémon to be caught. What better way to encourage people to use it than by attaching random Pokémon and types to each trainer? It is a little tedious, but it keeps the game relevant as I’m always on the lookout for people who may have something of value.

Having trained up a few strong Pokémon, it’s incredibly satisfying to test out the fruits of my labor in a good old fashioned Pokémon battle. Trying out different strategies, move sets and team set ups is exhilarating and fun. The metagame of Pokémon is incredibly deep, and while I doubt I’ll be winning any tournaments any time soon, I can still be proud of my EV trained team.

Coupled with some oozing nostalgia and endless replay value, Pokémon X and Y are definitely some of the best games in the series and some that I feel should get represented in game of the year discussions. Any game that can capture a young, new audience while retaining its older and more experienced fans deserves some credit. I still plan on spending much more time with Pokémon X, and with Pokémon Bank on the way, I’m sure that I will have much more to do.

 

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Comments

Michael117

01/17/2014 at 12:21 PM

Hah, I like that Chris picked the DSII Beta. I didn't expect that but I should've seen it coming. 53 days till launch, Chris. Then we all dine in Hell together.

Matt Snee Staff Writer

01/17/2014 at 12:23 PM

yeah that pick is hilarious... but reasonable.  Laughing

Chris Yarger Community Manager

01/20/2014 at 09:50 AM

Whoa Michael..

You expected less than that from me?
puh-lease!!!

lol

C.S.3590SquadLeader

01/17/2014 at 01:35 PM

So many good games in 2013, not nearly enough cash to go around. Oh well, looks like I'll be playing my least-favorite game of catch up once again!

transmet2033

01/17/2014 at 03:27 PM

Way to be awesome Joaquim.

Joaquim Mira Media Manager

01/17/2014 at 04:13 PM

hahahahahahaha thanks. I kind of got suggested to write it because it was either Steamworld, Shantae (3DS VC), or Luigi's Mansion.

BrokenH

01/17/2014 at 03:31 PM

I still need to play Raymen Legends. Looks like a real stunner! Blood dragon is up my alley too!

Super Step Contributing Writer

01/17/2014 at 03:54 PM

So the GOTY year list was quantitative, this was qualitative. Personally, I enjoy the more esoteric, but also more in-depth results you get from the latter. 

I really wanted to get DuckTales Remastered when it was on Steam's Winter Sale, but I had already bought so much crap by then. I may just bite the bullet and buy it anyway. I've only played its original NES sequel on nintendo8.com, but it looks fun. Plus, I actually did watch the show, so I'd like to hear the voiceovers. 

Blood Dragon looks so cool. I love 80s neon. The fact it focuses on entertainment like entertainment should makes it even more appealing. 

I'm still not a mark for anything close to an RPG or RTS that has its complexity talked about ad nauseum, even if it is more accessible now. However, this is the first I've heard of the dialogue and characters, which are elements that have always interested me in RPGs, and made me wish they weren't turn-based or strategy games. Hey, Roy was my favorite character in Smash Bros.Maybe his story is good, too. 

I haven't played Pokemon since Blue, and I'm amazed that it's stayed relevant so long, but X & Y sounds like another reason to maybe get a 3DS. I don't know what it is, but I tolerate RPGs made by Nintendo much more easily. Also sounds like they made Internet interaction a part of it, which that series was screaming for from the start. 

Like Joaquim, I think Steamworld sounds dull at first glance, but maybe if I had a 3DS, it would win me over too. 

Also, Rayman Legends is too expensive on Steam for me right now, but as a platforming enthusiast myself, I'm keeping an eye out. Guess I'll miss that gamepad stuff, though.

In closing ... you would, Chris. lol

Joaquim Mira Media Manager

01/17/2014 at 04:16 PM

Steamworld is on... Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/252410/

If you're still hesitant just get it when it's on sale like $4.99, or less.

Chris Yarger Community Manager

01/20/2014 at 09:50 AM

I totally did..

lol

daftman

01/18/2014 at 08:23 AM

I think it's so cool that they gave DuckTales Remastered a physical release. I'm hoping to get it for the Wii U sometime. That just seems like the platform it ought to be on.

This list reminded me that I was going to get Blood Dragon on the PlayStation sale. It's $3.75 right. I love things that go for that crazy '80s vibe.

I think I have enough credit on my 3DS to get SteamWorld Dig but I gotta play the new Phoenix Wright game first. I love that pixel art though.

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