Amazon's Top 10 Video Games of 2013
It’s that time of year again when we take a look back at the most exciting and engaging games of the year. We quickly narrowed it down to around 40 games. Then we discussed the merits of including DLC, Episodic games, and re-released titles and decided to choose from new complete games. Once these guidelines were set, we debated over our finalist and narrowed it down to the 10 titles we most appreciated. After we had this list, each gamer ranked the titles. We tallied up the votes and the Amazon.com Best of 2013 list was born as well as the 2013 Game of the Year, The Last of Us. In addition to our ranked list we wanted to include some other titles that we believe should be recognized as stand out titles for the year as well. Take a look and let us know what you think. That’s not all. We want to hear what your favorite games of the year are. Head over to our Facebook page to vote on your favorite games of 2013. Once voting ends, we will feature our fan favorites on this page and see how they compare to our list.
10. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
If you've gotten hopelessly lost in a massive JRPG overworld once, you may think you've seen them all. However, the folks at Studio Ghibli have painted their trademark whimsy over the old formula in such a way that it makes the whole process of exploring new dungeons and landscapes feel epic and new again. Couple that with a sufficiently novel active battle system and a monster-training process with a surprising level of depth, and you have the perfect light-hearted title to scratch that completionist, level-upping itch you've been neglecting.
9. Super Mario 3D World
This is the kind of game just about anyone can pick up and play—seasoned gaming veterans and those with no experience behind a controller will find something to love. The multiplayer encourages cooperative gameplay, but includes competitive aspects for those who prefer them. The crown mechanism (whoever has the highest individual score per level gets to wear a crown in the next level) became quite contentious among a group of friends—so much that we would frequently die trying to steal the crown from each other. This is one of the best Mario games created, and it shows it with enjoyable gameplay for multiple experience levels.
8. Divekick
Divekick may just be the purest fighting game ever created. It does away with combos, blocking, d-pads, and all but two buttons, leaving only a frantic race to land the first and final blow. What makes Divekick so good is that anyone can pick up and play it, but the variety of characters and the boom-or-bust nature of the one-hit kills reward strategy and timing over skill. If you’re looking for a multiplayer game, the simplicity and intensity of Divekick puts it a cut above the rest.
7. Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is a couch co-op party platformer that channels frenetic chaos into pure fun. The game provides both variety and volume with its stages and mini-games, the best of which is are its rhythm-based musical platforming sections. On the Wii U, Rayman Legends makes good use of the touchscreen for asymmetrical co-op gameplay that flows seamlessly. And, regardless of platform, the imaginatively drawn and vibrantly animated world makes it one of the best-looking titles of the year.
6. Bioshock Infinite
The dedication to story-driven shooter excellence continues. Bioshock Infinite takes things a step further by adding exciting new combat and environmental mechanics, in addition to a lovable character that spends most of the game by your side. By reducing the emphasis on ammo and health, Irrational Games made it easier for players to focus on driving the story forward, and that's what truly shines in this game. Columbia takes players out of the water and into the open air, with brightly colored landscapes and an intriguing world full of layered characters. All these pieces combined mark this as a video game that elevates the form.
5. Grand Theft Auto V
The latest incarnation brings us back to Rockstar's twisted version of Los Angeles, where you'll find plenty of time for casual bike rides along the boardwalk, stealing submarines, and getting abducted by aliens, but no time to go bowling with your cousin (fortunately). It includes the most interesting characters in the series, and a surprising variety of missions. However, GTA shines the brightest when you’re simply exploring San Andreas; the world is simply one of the most detailed and immersive I've ever seen in a game. This, along with the driving and shooting refinements, makes GTA 5 one of the best in the series and one of my favorites of 2013.
4. Tearaway
Media Molecule has hit their stride with Tearaway, and we can’t wait to see where they run. Tearaway improves in almost every way on their previous release, Little Big Planet. Gameplay is tight and responsive, and the world is sensational—everything about this game comes together for a magical experience. User-created components are finally perfected, with elegant character and world customization. Rescued a squirrel king? Better draw him a little crown he can wear. Looking up at the sun? That is a live feed of your smiling face. This game is inviting and catchy, great for the whole family, and a real showcase of the PS Vita.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
A Link Between Worlds is loaded with early '90s nostalgia, obvious to those who played A Link to the Past. It's in the enemies, the overworld map, and iconic items. But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It stands strong on its own, maintaining a style worthy of 2013 thanks to refreshed graphics and new game mechanics such as wall merging, item upgrades, and a non-linear narrative. Veteran gamers will rejoice at a well-done tribute to one of the best games ever, but the tribute may be a classic in its own right.
2. Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy captures the spirit of "just one more try" more than any other games in recent memory. Everything from selecting your next heir (with potentially cripplingly hilarious consequences), to spending your hard-earned loot, to actually running the castle is a delight. There's simply no point where setting down the controller and walking away is a realistic option. The random world generation, the classic arcade difficulty, the wonderful art and music, and the huge assortment of unlockables means this game has an enormous amount of replay value.
1. The Last of Us
This is the final argument in the debate over video games as art. The argument against was already pretty thin, but when faced with a game as rich in characterization and pathos as The Last of Us, it vanishes completely. Ellie and Joel are two of the most well-rounded, human characters in modern popular fiction. Both are shaped by a constant existential threat, which is heightened by the game's precarious mechanics and rich, reactive gameplay. The blend of quality cinematic storytelling, a compelling plot and characters, and tight control mechanics clinches The Last of Us the best game of 2013 spot, securing its place in history.
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Not the kings at #1 again.
