15 Video Games From 2013 Everyone Should Play
Three major factors combined to make 2013 a great year for gamers.
First off, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 received a final flurry of exclusive games before the arrival of their successors. That final wave contained a solid mix of experimental titles like "Beyond: Two Souls" and blockbusters like "Grand Theft Auto V."
Next up, Nintendo released a number of exciting games on its 3DS and Wii U platforms, including critic and user favorites "Pokemon X and Y" and "Super Mario 3D World."
Finally, there was huge growth in support for independently made games with a focus on narrative over gameplay mechanics. With the help of Steam and the Humble Store, these indie titles were able to achieve far more exposure than they would have in years past.
"Bioshock Infinite" combined exciting game play with an engrossing story that looks at issues like nationalism and racism in early 1900s America.
See a trailer for "Bioshock Infinite" »
Available on: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
"Grand Theft Auto V" had multiple characters and ways of tackling heists that brought an unprecedented amount of freedom and choice to a series known for its open and interactive worlds.
See our review roundup for "Grand Theft Auto V" »
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360
"Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" took a massive departure from its predecessors by changing its focus from cities in Europe and the Middle East to the islands of the Caribbean.
Critics couldn't get enough of the game's naval travel and combat.
See our review roundup for "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" »
Available on: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U
"The Last of Us" is the latest game from the studio that made the "Uncharted" series. Gamers expected a fun twist on the zombie-survival genre; what they got was an emotionally gripping tale backed by engaging gameplay.
See a trailer for "The Last of Us" »
Available on: PS3
"Injustice: Gods Among Us" tells the story of Superman becoming a patriarchal tyrant after failing to stop the death of millions.
With combat from the designers of "Mortal Kombat" and a story featuring the greatest heroes and villains in the DC Universe, "Injustice" is the must-play fighting game of the year.
See a trailer for "Injustice: Gods Among Us" »
Available on: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Wii U
This year's "Tomb Raider" reboot borrowed some of the best aspects of the "Uncharted" and "Assassin's Creed" series to create an amazing origin story for Lara Croft, one of gaming's most iconic heroines.
See a trailer for "Tomb Raider" »
Available on: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (PS4 and Xbox One in Jan 2014)
The developers of "Beyond: Two Souls" used motion capture to create a beautiful, interactive story starring Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe.
See a trailer for "Beyond: Two Souls" »
Available on: PS3
"Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch" combines great role-playing game play with beautiful artwork by Studio Ghibli, the animation studio behind "Spirited Away" and "Ponyo."
See a trailer for "Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch" »
Available on: PS3
"The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds" is a direct sequel to 1992's "A Link To The Past."
Unlike other Zelda titles, players are free to tackle the temples in A Link Between Worlds in whichever order they prefer.
See a trailer for "The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds" »
Available on: Nintendo 2DS/3DS
"Super Mario 3D World" is the best 3D platformer of the year, hand's down.
If you were on the fence about buying a Wii U and love classic games like "Super Mario 64" and "Super Mario Galaxy," this should make your decision a lot easier.
See our review roundup of "Super Mario 3D World" »
Available on: Wii U
"Pikmin 3" kicked off a wave of fantastic games hitting the Wii U when it hit stores this summer.
The game's stylized yet realistic graphics are perfect for showing off the Wii U's horsepower.
See a trailer for "Pikmin 3" »
Available on: Wii U
"Gone Home" has players piece together what happened to a family in the 1990s by finding clues and making observations about their recently abandoned home. It's received numerous game of the year awards and near-perfect scores from critics.
If you don't mind interaction and mystery taking precedence over action and horror, this might be the best game you play all year.
See a trailer for "Gone Home" »
Available on: PC
"The Novelist" is a game that makes you think about what matters in life.
You play as an entity haunting a house that a novelist and his family are staying in for the summer, and throughout the game you observe their wants and try to help the dad find ways to makes compromises so that he can succeed with his career while being a good father and husband.
Click here to see a trailer for "The Novelist" »
Available on: PC
For those with kids, there are a few games from 2013 they're guaranteed to love.
"Pokémon X" and "Y" delivered the series' classic feel while streamlining the game play for more experienced gamers.
A warning: X and Y each have exclusive Pokémon that aren't available on the other. This doesn't effect game play too much, though many kids have an aesthetic preference. Ask your son or daughter which he/she would prefer to avoid any problems.
See a trailer for "Pokemon X and Y" »
Available on: Nintendo 2DS/3DS
In "Animal Crossing: New Leaf," you're charged with serving as the mayor of a town full of adorably anthropomorphous animals.
Through mini-games and multiplayer, you improve and customize your town, character, and home. While it might sound silly at first, critics this summer couldn't get over how addictive it all is.
See a trailer for "Animal Crossing: New Leaf" »
Available on: Nintendo 2DS/3DS
Want better games for your tablet?
See the 11 best iPad games for hardcore gamers »
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