Monday, 20 January 2014

Our Games of 2013

2013 has been a great year for gamers everywhere and this ‘annual feature’ has been more difficult to decide on than ever before. As most of you know, YVBG has had many ghost writers and contributors over the last 12 months and I’ve contacted each of them to provide their favourite game of the year.
 
Sometimes great games are released to the silent enjoyment of millions, others are harder to find but become cult favourites. They’re talked about, examined and (re)played over and over for months or even years after they are released. Perhaps the most discussed game this year was the February release of BioShock Infinite. It’s one of those games that, while not the most revolutionary shooter, has fantastic ideas, confusing yet spectacular story twists and memorable scope.  While many separate websites and magazines have given it their prestigious ‘GAME OF THE YEAR AWARD’ others touted it as uninventive with stagnant gameplay mechanics. Whatever your opinion of the title it’s safe to say we all now feel differently about a Lighthouse.
 

CHRIS BioShock Infinite

It is probably the most spectacular, grotesque, violent and sentimental game of the entire generation. The art style is particularly gorgeous; with sweeping skylines and art deco architecture. The storyline files the player with sentimental schizophrenia which plagues the title as is biggest strength and its biggest weakness. I admire for it for its spectacular nonsense as much as I understand why people have a problem with it. There’s been nothing like it this year, or this decade, and I’m glad to have taken the journey.
 

BEN Pokémon X and Y

When the 3DS was originally released there was one title all gamers waited for with strict anticipation. Pokémon has always been a title for the ages; enjoyed by young and old alike. At first I’ll admit that I was one of the worried gamers expecting the same standard graphics with similar out-dated gameplay. What I got was a gorgeous visual beating from all my favourite monsters within, granted a very standard story-arch (8 gyms and the elite four), a large expansive world. Each area filled me with joy, the new creatures being the best creations since Gen II, and every encounter was enjoyable and exciting again. It you are a fan of any RPG - regardless of the Pokémon franchise – then you are sure to enjoy this. A welcome journey back into the world of breeding, battling and trading – Fennekin, I choose you!
 

TOBY Tomb Raider

Whether you love Lara or hate her you are bound to enjoy the newest outing. Set on a fantastic island with plenty to see and do – the franchise has moved away from its strategy and ‘tomb raiding’ routes. The remake is far more action orientated and thoroughly enjoyable for new fans as well as old comrades. Yes, I know, this choice is bound to come off a bit weirdly to many readers but it was probably the most fun I had with any title on offer last year. And let’s face it – not one of you expected it to be as great as it was.
 



FELIX Fifa 14

This isn’t the biggest, the best or the most intuitive game on the planet but it sure is super fun. Fifa 14 marks my return to the biggest football franchise on the planet. Usually a solid PES player I didn’t expect Fifa to grab me in the way it has. The title is full of superb gameplay options; and a tantalising volley against your online opponent really is the best feeling in the world. Whether you are building up coins to buy you Messi in Ultimate Team, or taking Brighton to the Champions League final, there is so much fun to be had just kicking a ball around.
 



ALEX The Last of Us

I’m not afraid to follow the crowd – The Last of Us really should be everyone’s game of the year. Naughty Dog have produced many classic titles over the years but the apocalyptic masterpieces tops them all. Whether it’s the eerie silence of the dark city or the explosion of the infected enemies; this epic title has just about enough of everything to please the masses. Everyone that has touched the internet within the last few months knows the Giraffe scene and the final struggle even if they haven’t played it directly and it is this sort of scope that will hold the title – and hopefully franchise – in our hearts for years to come. Its reason enough to but a PS3 over a PS4 in 2014.


So readers, do you agree with anyone’s Game of the Year? Do you have a particular favourite that miss the line-up (*cough* - Super Mario 3D World - *cough* - Ni No Kuni - *cough*)? Does anyone think we’ve left Grand Theft Auto V out on purpose? If so let us know in the comments section below.

0 comments :

Post a Comment

Leave a Comment...