We’re stepping into the final week of 2013, and we’re continuing our compilations of the Fandomania staff’s favorite releases of the year. Last week we talked about our favorite movies of 2013, and today we’re taking a look back at our favorite video games.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
“After two sub-par entries in the series, Assassin’s Creed was a franchise in need of saving. That’s exactly what AC4 did, providing a refreshingly cavalier protagonist, tons of varied gameplay, and a drastic reduction in the pointless and convoluted storytelling of Revelations and AC3. Assassin’s Creed 4 is my 2013 game of the year.” – Jason Dorough
“This game is just plain awesome. Edward Kenway brought back the charismatic assassin, and the adventures he goes on are amazing. This game brought back what was great about the AC series.” – Mandi Harris
“Finally, an Assassin’s Creed game that isn’t disappointing! Though the story is interesting, the gameplay is what I enjoyed most — there’s so much to do and collect. In addition to being a fun part of the AC series, this is probably the best pirate game I’ve played since Monkey Island.” – Celeste Monsour
“I loved Assassin’s Creed 3, and AC4 has pirates. Who doesn’t love pirates? Plus, I’m really interested in the modern day plot line now that a certain person is no longer there.” – Nikki Day
Tomb Raider
“Being part of Lara’s journey from terrified, self-doubting novice to strong and capable survivor was one of the most meaningful fictional experiences of my year. No matter what’s thrown at her (and there is a lot), she overcomes it all with not much more than a climbing axe, a bow, and her own cunning. That, in combination with an awesome variety of quality gameplay and beautiful graphics, made this reboot my game of the year.” – Celeste Monsour
“Many fans balked when Square Enix announced that they would be rebooting the Tomb Raider series in 2013. That reboot proved to be just what the venerable series needed, and we ended up with a reimagined and believable Lara Croft in the midst of the most gorgeous and engrossing third person action game released in years.” – Jason Dorough
The Last of Us
“The gameplay is fun, but the real strength of The Last of Us is its story, with extremely believable and sympathetic characters, a grim setting, and emotionally gripping crises at every turn. It’s certainly not uplifting, but it’s inspirational in its own way. Endure and survive!” – Celeste Monsour
“The game has so much going for it. The characters, the setting, and the plot came together to create a great gaming experience. Who could forget the bonding between Ellie and Joel?” – Mandi Harris
Saints Row 4
“I loved Saints Row 2 and 3, and this is right up my alley. It’s the most ridiculous idea in the entire world, but I think that’s what makes it work.” – Nikki Day
“The Saints Row franchise has always been about pure, unadulterated fun, and with each game seems to become even more self-aware. This latest entry in the series is a love letter to pop culture (everything from pro wrestling to Macbeth), but especially video games — meta jokes abound in dialogue, design, and gameplay. Plus, you have superpowers and get to fight aliens. What could be better?” – Celeste Monsour
BioShock Infinite
“The ending may have been crazy, but the game was insanely fun. Elizabeth was the first female tagalong that I didn’t want to kill. The visuals in this game were stunning, and I loved the whole story.” – Mandi Harris
“Though you play as Booker DeWitt, Elizabeth is the real star of this game. She’s at once a lovable Disney princess and a terrifying force of nature. Add in the delightful and ubiquitous Lutece Twins, a fantastic soundtrack of covers, controversial sociopolitical commentary, and LOTS of fodder for speculation and interpretation, and it’s easy to see why this game is at the top of so many lists for the year.” – Celeste Monsour
“As an individual entry in the BioShock series, Infinite is a strange and engaging foray into a new city that seems both familiar and utterly strange. As a part of the larger narrative, Infinite informs and redefines the overall BioShock universe in fascinating ways.” – Jason Dorough
Shadowrun Returns
“I don’t typically buy video games when they are released, but I’ve long been a fan of Shadowrun, so I decided to support the Kickstarter. I admit the game isn’t exactly what I expected, but I’m enjoying playing it nonetheless. Actually, the turn-based combat is probably better for someone like me who isn’t very good at fast-paced games. It’s great to return to that world and become immersed like I did long ago when I first played the RPG.” – Chad Walker
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
“I don’t think you can go wrong with a LEGO video game, and they keep getting better every time. It was fun playing with DC heroes, but the Marvel heroes are voice acted which is just awesome! And it follows up on the Avengers movie and even has Coulson. Can’t go wrong with that at all.” – Nikki Day
Ryse: Son of Rome
“While Ryse doesn’t do much that’s interesting with its story and characters, the gameplay is pure and brutal fun. The combat system is deceptively simple but lends itself to hidden complexity after you’ve spent enough time in the game’s co-op multiplayer mode, arguably the best thing about Ryse.” – Jason Dorough
Hearthstone (Closed Beta)
“I was hesitant to include Hearthstone on this list, because it’s still in closed beta and doesn’t actually release until 2014. It already has amassed an enormous fanbase, though, and thousands of players already are hooked on the best collectible card game since Magic: The Gathering. Blizzard’s new free-to-play game is the one to watch in the coming year.” – Jason Dorough
