We’ve had yet another great year of video game releases. With a vast of array of new titles flooding onto various platforms, we were absolutely spoiled for choice when it came to having a new gaming experience.
From brilliant RPGs, to puzzle, strategy and action adventures, we took some time to reflect on some of the best releases this year.
So, in no particular order, because we think they’re all great, here are our top ten video games that were released in 2013:
1. The Wolf Among Us: Episode One
Platform: Windows, OS X, PS3, Xbox 360
Telltale Games garnered much praise when they released their episodic The Walking Dead comic-style adventure, and they’ve continued on with the same trend with The Wolf Among Us. Based on the Fables comic series, the game consists of five episodes that will be steadily released. Episode One: Faith, is a point-and-click adventure that’s well worth tackling.
2. Fire Emblem: Awakening
Platform: 3DS
The 13th game in the Fire Emblem series was a winner again this year, receiving much critical acclaim from reviewers. The tactical role-playing adventure complete with solid character development and extra content aside from the main campaign, added to the game’s replay value. Similar to Final Fantasy: Tactics, this is the second Nintendo developed 3DS title to use paid downloadable content.
3. Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection
Platform: PS3
In almost every gamer’s collection you will see one of the Metal Gear Solid games making an appearance. The Legacy Collection that was released this year exclusively for the PS3 includes all of the Metal Gear games designed by Hideo Kojima as well as lots of great bonus material!
4. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Platform: PS3
Though released in Japan in 2011, the RPG adventure only made its way to the Western world this year. The Level-5 and Studio Ghibli production sees that the signature Ghibli studio art well-placed in this childlike tale. Aside from that, the in-game music in Ni no Kuni was performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and contributes to making this game that extra special and beautifully nostalgic.
5. Tomb Raider
Platform: Windows, PS3, Xbox 360
We’re always a bit wary we see the word “reboot”, but this reimagining of the incredibly popular Tomb Raider franchise is spot on the money. The first installment in the new origin story developed by Square-Enix, focuses in on protagonist Lara Croft with an emphasis on survival and cinematic exploration. Camilla Luddington’s performance as Lara is fantastic.
6. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One
The latest installment of the historical action-adventure and sequel to Assassin’s Creed III didn’t disappoint and upon its release was praised for its vibrant look and freedom of gameplay that let gamers explore at their ease. The pirate storyline in Assassin’s Creed IV, as always, was adventurous without being cheesy or forced.
7. BioShock: Infinite
Platform: Windows, PS3, Xbox 360
The first-person shooter developed by Irrational Games, got rave reviews upon its release back in March of this year and they were all well-deserved. The game, set in 1912, explores the life of the game’s protagonist, Booker DeWitt who’s sent to Columbia to find Elizabeth, a young woman who’s been held captive there. With a gripping storyline and a stunning setting, Bioshock: Infinite is a game that’s well worth investing in.
8. Gone Home
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
Gone Home was one of those games that was simple but incredibly satisfying. It’s a wonderfully personal game with very easy gameplay but the beauty in it, is in its story. The single-player game is a soul-searching one, with emphasis on self-exploration and finding out the truth about what has happened to your absent family. It’s a gem of a game.
9. Grand Theft Auto V
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
An incredibly successful seventh generation installment to the GTA franchise, GTAV was a highly anticipated and well-received on release. The open-world action adventure was kitted out with a fantastic storyline, brilliant voiceovers and easy gameplay which made it very accessible to more gamers.
10. The Last of Us
Platform: PS3
We’re going to go as far as saying that this was probably the game of the year. Developed by the folks at Naughty Dog (the people who created Crash Bandicoot), The Last of Us is not only a thrilling, action RPG that’s full of suspense and skill, but it’s an emotional rollercoaster with superb voice actors and captivating storyline. We have to admit that we cried a bit when it all ended.
