2013 was a monumental year for video games, with several critically and commercially successful launches that made history in the gaming industry. While Grand Theft Auto 5 dominated the spotlight, there were other iconic games released that deserve equal recognition. Let’s take a look at seven memorable games from 2013 that deserve some love and attention.
The Last of Us (2013)
The Last of Us isn’t just one of the best games of 2013, it’s one of the best games of the decade. This post-apocalyptic masterpiece from Naughty Dog introduced us to unforgettable characters like Joel and Ellie. With its captivating story, emotional moments, and terrifying encounters with infected creatures, The Last of Us easily held its own against GTA 5.
Bioshock Infinite
Bioshock Infinite took the beloved franchise to new heights by setting the game in the airborne city of Columbia. With its philosophical themes and engaging gameplay, this highly-anticipated follow-up received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Pokémon X and Y
Pokémon X and Y marked a significant milestone for the franchise as the first games to fully transition to 3D. While the story and characters may not have been as well-received, the game’s 3D models and world were universally praised, making it a memorable entry in the Pokémon series.
Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World brought a fresh perspective to traditional Mario platforming with its 3D isometric view. The introduction of the cat power-up, which became a beloved meme, added to the game’s charm. Despite being released on the underperforming Wii U console, Super Mario 3D World became a financial and critical success.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag combined the stealthiness of an assassin with the thrilling adventures of pirate life. The game’s ship gameplay, where players could captain their own pirate ship and explore the West Indies, was a standout feature. Black Flag remains one of the best games in the Assassin’s Creed series and deserves recognition as a standalone classic.
The Stanley Parable
The Stanley Parable, an indie gem developed by Galactic Café, offered a unique and unexpected gaming experience. With its mysterious office setting, hilarious narrator, and original storytelling, this game stood out from the crowd and became one of the best games of 2013.
Tomb Raider
The 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider gave us a more human and relatable Lara Croft. This origin story showcased a vulnerable yet capable young woman navigating a treacherous island. The game’s refreshing take on the series and character reignited interest in Lara Croft and captivated both new and old fans.
| Game | Release Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us | 2013 | A post-apocalyptic game featuring memorable characters, a captivating story, and terrifying encounters with infected creatures. |
| Bioshock Infinite | 2013 | A highly-anticipated follow-up to the Bioshock franchise, exploring philosophical themes in the airborne city of Columbia. |
| Pokémon X and Y | 2013 | The first Pokémon games to transition to 3D, praised for their 3D models and world despite mixed reception of the story and characters. |
| Super Mario 3D World | 2013 | A fresh take on traditional Mario platforming with a 3D isometric view and the introduction of the beloved cat power-up. |
| Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag | 2013 | An Assassin’s Creed game that combines stealthy assassinations with thrilling pirate adventures, featuring captivating ship gameplay. |
| The Stanley Parable | 2013 | An indie game with a unique concept, set in a mysterious office and guided by a hilarious narrator. |
| Tomb Raider | 2013 | A reboot of the classic Tomb Raider series, offering a more human and relatable Lara Croft in an origin story. |
Source: DOTESPORTS
