CHRIS DUNLAP
It’s been a great year for gaming, with the release of so many fantastic games, to the debut of 2 brand new consoles, 2013 was a great year to be a gamer. My list may seem a bit strange as some of the more high profile games that will no doubt be on countless top ten lists across the internet, didn’t make my list. While you may not agree with most (or any) of my picks, keep in mind that most of the popular, million seller games out now failed to interest me as much as the ones that made my list did. That’s not to say games like COD Ghosts, GTA 5 and The Last of Us, are bad games (not by a long shot)? they just didn’t make my top 13. think of it as a Top 20 with 7 picks not shown.
13. Tempest (Atari 5200)
Yes, my first top title is a game from well over 20 years ago. Actually it was supposed to be from that time, but just recently was released thanks to the folks over at AtariAge.com. This game was supposed to be released when the Atari 5200 was still in it’s prime, but sadly only made it to prototype before being forgotten about. If you have a working Atari 5200 Console (and working controllers), head on over to AtariAge and pick up a piece of lost history. This version of Tempest is practically Arcade perfect, and even works with the Giant TrakBall Controller! Check out the review I posted a few months back to see why any collector needs to get this cart!
12. PowerStar Golf (Xbox One)
It’s not everyday that a golf game can get me to scream at my TV as much as Powerstar Golf does. In, fact, I tend to find most golf games boring and just a chore to play. This one, however kept me hooked with it’s interesting course design, quirky graphics and overall fun gameplay. At only 20 bucks, you get quite a lot to mess with, and it does keep you coming back for more even after you hit that fifth Double Bogey! A nice Addition to the Xbox One Arcade Lineup!
11. DarkStalkers Resurrection (PS3, Xbox 360)
As a huge fan of Capcom fighters, this one really took me back. Basically you get a nice collection of past Darkstalker games in one smartly priced pack. The games have been given an HD upgrade in terms of visuals and sound, while still retaining all of the great gameplay you know from the original releases. If you are a fitting game fan, and you miss the wacky characters of the franchise, then download this one now and relive all of the nostalgia. Now, if Capcom could only make a Dalkstalkers 4 happen?
10. Need for Speed Rivals (PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360)
I Typically do not get into racing games, but Need for Speed Rivals is a racer with some purpose. It’s not just about winning races, it’s about exploring and meeting up with live players for a variety of challenges. You can even play as a Cop and chase down the speeders and law breakers all over the vast open world. Rivals takes racing to a whole new level and belongs in your gaming collection, even if you don’t consider yourself a racing game fan!
9. Crimson Dragon (Xbox One)
A Spiritual successor to Sega’s fantastic Panzer Dragoon Series, Crimson Dragon takes what works from Panzer and adds new elements like upgrading your Dragons, hiring wingmen to watch your back and a new fluid control scheme. The story is a bit hard to follow, and some of the missions may seem a bit unfair, but overall you will enjoy your time, flying on your winged death machine, and shooting everything that moves! A very good Launch title for the Xbox One!
8. Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate (Xbox 360, PS3)
I raved about this fantastic fighter in a previous review, but still am loving everything DOA5 Ultimate offers. Originally, I thought this was going to be a run of the mill upgrade with a few changes, but what I got was an almost complete overhaul. Slightly upgraded visuals, new characters, stages and countless DLC content (new ones still being added), that just blew me away! This is the version of Dead or Alive 5 to own!
7. Space Dungeon (Atari 5200 – 1981)
Yeah, yeah, another game from yesteryear. This one was an impulse buy at my local game shop, and quickly became one of my favorite games I played this year. Space Dungeon Started as an Arcade game, it was ported to the Atari 5200 way back in 1983, and retained everything from the Arcade game down to the control scheme. Using the included Controller holder, you get the same twin stick controls found in the original and all of the same challenge you are used to. Many gamers may have never heard of this one, and that is sad since this is a fun, and challenging game that will keep you glued to your TV for hours!
6. Injustice: Gods Among us (Xbox 360, PS3, PS4)
Originally, I had this game a little higher up on the list, as it is one of the best games I experienced in 2013. But, with the release of the Xbox One and PS4, and some of the recent releases on the Wii U, out favorite DC comic heroes took a bit of a back seat. That’s not to say that Injustice isn;t worth your time, because if you don;’ own it by now, I question your gaming credit. This is by far the best Fighting game to come from WB games since the new Mortal Kombat, and I believe will remain the top fighter until Injustice 2, or another Mortal Kombat heads our way. whether you get it on the Xbox 360, PS3 or the newly released PS4 version, you will not be disappointed.
5. Knack (PS4)
With Knack, no matter how frustrated you get with the platforming, the combat or the controls, you always seem to want to keep playing through! Soon after you begin playing, you start to master all of Knacks moves and start really having a blast (especially when he becomes a Giant!!) A fantastic launch title for the PS4 and if you can look past a few flaws, a great experience for gamers of all ages!
4. Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
Mario is one character you can (almost) always count on to deliver a great gaming experience, and Super Mario 3D world does not disappoint! The ability to use different characters, to teaming up with friends to dominate the more difficult levels, I haven’t had this much fun since I first played Super Mario 64. The new powers and enemies only add to the fun while the HD graphics make everything pop! The first time you look out over a level surrounded by water, you will really feel like you are in that world along with Mario! A MUST HAVE for your Wii U.
3. Killer Instinct (Xbox One)
After years of waiting and signing countless online petitions, Killer Instinct finally makes a return with this remake of the classic fighter. This game really shows off some great visuals only capable with the new hardware and plays just as great as the original games in the series. Buying the Ultra Edition gives you 6 characters (with more on the way) and you even get the Classic KI game as a very nice extra. While there isn’t much of a single player experience (when compared to other story driven fighters) the online play is where the bulk of the challenge is found. If you have an Xbox One, you should at least try the free version of the game and see if its right for you. If it is, do not hesitate to download the full version.
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link between Worlds (3DS)
A rather late acquisition in my collection, I was completely blown away from the moment I booted up this 3DS game card! Having just recently played through A Link to the Past, I was pleased to see that this is a direct sequel to that masterpiece. Once I finished Link to the Past and then began Link Between worlds, it felt like I never left the fantasy world of Hyrule. Everything from the story, to the animation and Music will hook you in and keep you playing for hours on end. I lost almost an entire day when I first played as I could not put it down. If you a re a Legend of Zelda fan or just a fan of Video Games in general, you own it to yourself to play this fantastic title! A+ , Nintendo!
1. Dead Rising 3 (Xbox One)
After playing Dead Rising and Dead Rising 2 on the Xbox 360, I was very skeptical of the third of the series. With not much that looked interesting on the shelves for my brand new Xbox One, I took a chance and picked up Dead Rising 3. To my surprise, it became my favorite game of 2013. Everything that did not work from the previous games is gone, and all that is left is a great, engaging story, fantastic gameplay and visuals that will not only leave you breathless, but may require you to change your pants in some cases. Add in the seamless online multiplayer where you and a friend can tear through what seems like thousands of individually moving zombies. Alone, or with a friend, play through the story, or complete the countless side missions? anyway you play Dead Rising 3 you will have fun! It’s not only the BEST game on the Xbox One right now, it is the best game I have played in 2013.
Well, that’s it. Again, keep in mind that if your favorite game or another high profile title did not make my list it doesn’t mean it’s a bad game. It’s just a personal list, and is in no way the final say on what to play. I always say, play everything, experience anything that looks remotely interesting and overall, just have fun!