Before getting into the top ten and game of the year talk of 2013, it felt right to go back and write about some games that, while not making any lists or nomination pools, were still fantastic titles in their own right. Sometimes all of the categories and awards end up showing off a certain brand of game, ignoring others of better quality. So here is a list of games that might not make the exclusive lists, but deserve a moment of recognition all the same. These titles make up the “You Should Play This Because Its Awesome” list of 2013.
Fire Emblem: Awakenings
3DS owners were treated to one of the best JRPGs early this year when they played the amazing Fire Emblem: Awakenings. A continuations of Fire Emblem series, Awakenings was the first of the series to bring the game to the 3DS platform. While Awakenings features a finely tuned, tactical, turn-based combat system, it is what happens between battles that really makes the game intriguing. Character interaction completely independent of the story establish relationships that can come into play when in combat. If characters are close, one might block an incoming attack for a friend or take the blow for them. Looming over these relationships is the possibility of perma-death, forever removing characters from the world and story. This adds a level of depth missing from most JRPGs and makes the experience unique to each player. In a year where the 3DS continued to reward its owners with standout titles, Fire Emblem: Awakenings was cream of the crop.
Metro: Last Light
Based on the novel by author Dmitry Glukhovsky, the sequel to Metro 2033 by 4A Games continued the perilous and merciless journey of Artyom, who seeks to contact the Dark Ones he once helped destroy. The Metro universe almost makes Fallout look cute, with it unyielding darkness and unforgiving mechanics. Few games can create atmosphere like the Metro series, and Last Light is a veritable treasure trove of dread and disgust. Painted in grey, with few friends and a plethora of enemies, Metro: Last Light invites you to spend more time in their grimey world-gone-wrong, and send you on a rollercoaster ride that will leave your nerves shot.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
With a passionate fanbase, unforgiving lineage, and obtuse cannon, making Zelda games has got to be one of the most difficult jobs in video games. Contrarians might argue that games featuring the icon tend to get the benefit of the doubt, but that comes from the fact that the Legend of Zelda series has a tradition of quality. A Link Between Worlds sets itself in the same world of A Link to the Past and has the fingerprints of the Super Nintendo blockbuster all over it. The game uses its close ties with its predecessor to appease traditionalists, while making dynamic changes to how items are procured and used in the world. When you dismiss all the expectations and limitations that surround the game, the core is as magical as every Zelda game before, using complex puzzles with rewarding solutions to drive the player forward. A Link Between Worlds continues the tradition of fantastic Zelda games and returns the series to a handheld platform in a triumphant effort.
Plenty of controversy surrounded Vanillaware’s action-RPG prior to its release. Some of it warranted, some of it exaggerated. In the end, Dragon’s Crown revives a side-scrolling beat ‘em RPG genre that has been floundering for some time. With gorgeous backgrounds and fantastic music, there is much about Dragon’s Crown that stands out aside from its scantily clad characters. Transferring play between the Vita and the PlayStation 3 makes it easy to take the game off of a big screen that shows off its artwork, and transfer it on the Vita so players can take it on road trips or long commutes. Between fantasy lovers and retro-enthusiasts, Dragon’s Crown may have catered to a niche crowd, but it is nice to see that crowd get the special kind of game they are so often denied.
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
It is hard to call a game DLC when the original content is not even needed to play it. All the same, the title was applied to Far Cry 3’s digital add-on Blood Dragon. A love letter to 80’s action sci-fi, Blood Dragon tells the story of Rex “Power” Colt, a human fitted with cyber enhancements who can save humanity with his eyes closed. Using the strong mechanics that made Far Cry 3 so much fun, Blood Dragon makes the appropriate tweaks to completely engross the player in their sci-fi setting. Taking a dark background and weaving bright neon colors through it, Blood Dragon paints a world that looks right at home next to Terminator, Total Recall, and Predator. A must play for 80’s fans or anyone who loved Far Cry 3, Blood Dragon is a masterpiece of nostalgia.
Injustice: Gods Among Us
Marvel may dominate DC on the silver screen, but when it comes to video games, the JLA is where it is at. Sure, Marvel may share the stage with Capcom characters in a fighting game, but the roster of DC characters have a great game that is all their own. Injustice may not live amidst the classic fighting games or become mainstage Evo event, but the game does stand out as the best fighting game this year. Telling the story of parallel universes, Injustice creatively weaves a plot that explains why Batman, Superman, Joker, and Doomsday are all squaring off against each other. With strong mechanics, interesting story, and fun set pieces, Injustice is must own for DC comic fans.
DmC: Devil May Cry
The Devil May Cry series has long been a staple in the Capcom roster of titles. After hitting a wall with the fourth numerical iteration of the franchise, the reset button was pushed and a new series was rolled out. While many were quick to turn against the new short-haired Dante whose rock ‘n roll persona was departure from the stoic protagonist of the past, the game found other ways to pump new life into the series. DmC: Devil May Cry revels in its own stupidity, self-indulging its blood lust with a fluid combat system that allowed players to slice and shoot hundreds of attacking enemies. A dub-metal score and a world colored in electric grunge made the game feel like it was for a new era of demon killers. Much like the new Dante, you’re never sure if you like DmC: Devil May Cry as much as it loves itself, but it certainly is one hell of a ride.
We’re just getting started on talking about our favorite games of 2013, but how about you? What were your favorite games of 2013? What were your least favorite games? Voice your thoughts in the comments below?
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