Bioshock Infinite

The first time I played Bioshock Infinite I knew this was my game of the year. The artists at Irrational Games outdid themselves with the gorgeous floating city of Columbia. It just feels so real with its bright colors and its people. The voice actors of the main characters are Troy Baker and Courtnee Draper and there are no words to describe how great they did. They did a wonderful job making it seem perfect but having its dark side. The story is phenomenal, especially with its main character Elizabeth. She might seem like a Disney Princess, but she is someone a girl can look up to. She’s such a strong character. I could go on about the plot about this game, but you really need to play it and get lost in all it has to offer.

Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

This is the first great Zelda handheld game. The Zelda fanbase has been plagued with games like Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. All we wanted was a handheld game that wasn’t trying to hard to be a console game! That’s what we got with A Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. It’s the sequel of A Link to The Past, and Nintendo did a great job with bringing the nostalgia. The puzzles and dungeons are just hard enough to keep the player interested. If you have never played a Zelda game this is your opportunity to get into a wonderful franchise.

The Last of Us

It looks just like a movie doesn’t it? The Last Us had a great team behind it. Known for their Uncharted series, Naughty Dog has made another masterpiece. But if you have a XBOX 360, you’ll have to watch a play-through on Youtube. This is a Playstation exclusive. The graphics and story are phenomenal. The game takes place after an outbreak that has infected many and gave them fungal infections. They might look like zombies, but the fact that they are still people makes the game that much more heartbreaking. You become so emotional attached to these characters, and the game will make you cry at some points.  Troy Baker plays the main character Joel, and his performance really makes the game. Ashley Johnson who plays Ellie is great as well. Though a story of a post apocalyptic world has been told before, the way Naughty Dog tells it is just heartbreaking.

Gone Home

2013 was a great year for Indie games. Gone Home, developed by The Fullbright Company, is a story exploration game. That means there are no guns or fighting, all you do is walk around and piece together what has happened. You play as Katie Greenbriar, who has just arrived home from a trip across Europe, and realize that no one is home. Your sister, Sam, and your parents have completely vanished. Sam, though, has left a note telling her sister not to go looking for answers where she is. While you going looking around in your house to find out where everyone is, you find out more about Sam and her life while you were gone. The game might only take an hour to complete; the story will move you on an emotional level.

Saints Row IV

Saints Row IV is just a really fun game. Deep Silver Volition really out did themselves with this one. Saints Row isn’t really about the story, it’s honestly about all the freedom you have. Your character, who happens to be the president of the United States, is totally customizable. It’s basically like The Sims but better looking. Anytime throughout your journey you can go to stores and get all kinds of clothes, you can also get plastic surgery to change hair, eyes, chin, etc. Cars are also totally customizable. Again, the game isn’t about the story. Saying that, this game is still a lot of fun. You get so many super powers in this game like super speed, telekinesis, etc. This is a game where you can just drive or run around and create mayhem. Also there’s a dubstep gun.

GTA V

GTA V had to be the most anticipated game of the year. I’ve never been a huge fan of the GTA franchise but this game is really great. Just like Saints Row, this game isn’t really about story. The three main characters, though, make the story much more interesting and something to care about. Many people, though, just unlock all three characters and then start stealing planes or having death matches with other people. Rockstar North has learned, though, to make a story people care about. GTA IV had a story, but I don’t think most people find it memorable. Like Saints Row, sit down and prepare to have a lot of fun.

Tomb Raider

Lara Croft has gotten the makeover she has always wanted. She finally has the right proportions and looks like a real human being. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this game. I had never played a Tomb Raider game before, but I’m glad I didn’t skip this one. The game just looks so pretty. The story is great as well because it isn’t just Lara on another expedition. This is her very first expedition and shows her weak points. It shows her as a human being with flaws but also has the smarts to learn survival instincts. This isn’t just another Tomb Raider game. Lara Croft becomes who she is in this game. The Tomb Raider game has come a long way.

Mario 3D World

Mario games have always been good. Mario 3D World is no exception. This is the first time in 25 years that you can play as Princess Peach. She’s arguably the best in the game.  This game is also really pretty. It’s just so bright and happy! The game has some difficult levels, and even has a bunch of secret worlds at the end. It’s a great game to play with friends or by yourself. The different powerups add a great feel to the game. I mean, you get to be a cat. Why skip a game that lets you be a cat?

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon feels like you’ve just stepped into the 80s. The game is so funny and has the greatest tutorial ever featured in a game. Ubisoft Montreal made a great game that knows it’s funny, but they don’t oversell it. The graphics are amazing, and it’s honestly just a fun game to play. It’s not as emotional as the others, but it’s still a great game.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Another great Indie game. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, developed by Starbreeze Studios, is a masterpiece. The two brothers, Naiee and Naia, must collect water from the tree of life in order to save their ill father. One of the great things about this game is that you control both brothers, not just one. It has you become more emotionally attached to the characters, and boy, is this an emotional game. The graphics are amazing and so is the story. Like I said with Bioshock infinite, you really need to sit down and play and get lost in what it has to offer.