This continues the list of games that, while not cracking many top ten lists, are definitely still worth playing. You can find part one of this list, right here.
Assassin’s Creed IV
Maybe we put a little too much expectation on Assassin’s Creed III, maybe Ubisoft sold us a little too hard, either way Assassin’s Creed III was a major let down in the 2012 so it only made sense that when Assassin’s Creed IV was announced it was treated a dismissal shrug. Assassin’s Creed IV sounds like it came to light in executive pitch meeting, a bunch of fat cat producers sitting around talking about how kids, “Sure like those pirates”. That being said, Assassin’s Creed IV reminded people why the series has become such a success. Ditching its humdrum Conner in favor of the witty ne’erdowell Edward, Assassin’s Creed recapture its magic and gave players a litany of exciting adventures on the high seas.
Rain
Studio Japan is a strange developer, the studio has released a roster of titles in the last few years that might leave you scratching your head with their bizarre qualities. Most of Studio Japan’s titles stand apart for their unique premises, but Rain is easily one of the best games we’ve seen from the developer in last few years in terms of quality. The game tells the story of a boy who wanders into a strange world and turns invisible, then must search to find his body. Rain ties itself together with a strong a theme, which brings its striking esthetic and creative gameplay into a harmony that eludes most games. From its watercolor cutscenes to its charmingly simple story, Rain is a game that few people will play, but many will love.
Saints Row IV
It was hard to imagine how Saints Row IV would get more bombastic and ridiculous than its predecessor, the third numerical iteration offered so much bizarrely wonderful mischief there did not seem to be anymore room for the absurdity. Boy were we wrong. Saints Row IV showed that the team at Volition had plenty of tricks up their sleeves to keep players running around Steelport, reeking havoc. Saints Row IV added superpowers, alien adversaries, and a sci-fi world that gave their developers creative license to be crazy as possible. It is hard to imagine how these games could get any bigger or stranger, but we’ve said that before.
State of Decay
Just when I thought I was about done with zombies, along came one of the biggest surprises of 2013. Undead Labs cooked up a zombie RPG that took a different spin on what the genre should really be about. Instead of attempting to find new ways to drench the screen in blood, or tell a story that rocked your world, State of Decay focused on the ideas of survival and the lengths one would have to go to in order to stay alive. Featuring ideas unique to zombie thrillers, like permadeath and home upgrades, State of Decay forced its players to play the long game trying to think beyond a single survivor and act in the best interests of their entire party.
Tearaway
Playing Tearaway prior to its release, it was hard to get a grasp on what exactly Media Molecule had cooked up. There was certainly an esthetic charm to the game, something that drew your curiosity, but it was difficult to discern how the game was going to play. Tearaway uses the Vita in a way that is hard to find anywhere else, its papercraft world integrating touch, augmented reality, and microphone functions to spice up its gameplay. Tearaway’s unique qualities set it apart from other titles, but it also handles crisply and cleanly. Media Molecule has long been the studio synonymous with Little Big Planet, but Tearaway has established the developer’s versatility and creativity.
Tomb Raider
The legend of Lara Croft had somewhat faded since her days of being a PlayStaion star in the late 90’s. Lara might have always been an iconic character in video games, but the reboot of the treasure hunter reignited the obsession with the character, inspiring cosplay and introducing the her to a whole new generation of girls tired of having to play as male meatheads. Tomb Raider sought to find the human side of Lara, taking her from a recently graduated student and putting her through the ringer, until she came out the other side as the hardened heroine we know and love. Tomb Raider was a blast to play through, channeling the spirit of Uncharted, the game stuffed its action sequences with dangerous set pieces and daring platforming. Action/adventure fans are missing out if they have not rekindled their love of Lara Croft.
Device 6
Mobile games often fall by the wayside when it comes to game of the year, but few studios have produced the impressive work Simogo has in the last 365 days. After releasing their terrifying puzzler, Year Walk, the mobile developer followed it up with the most engaging mystery you will find this year. Blending text adventure and puzzle-game, players must guide the amnesiac Anna through a mysterious laboratory to discover the truth of strange island. Device 6 is a game that is played not only on your small iOS screen but also while you go about your day, its deep and clever puzzles picking at your brain long after your phone is tucked in your pocket. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself the best mobile game you’ve played since…well, since Year Walk.
Keep checking back as we look back at the best games of 2013 and let us know your favorites in the comments below.
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