Since I have given up on the new Gamespot format, I decided to start a new blog elsewhere. It sucks as I had tons of followers than GS up and decides to revamp it so it's impossible to find friend's blogs and I went from hundreds of comments to only a handful and having to share it with trolls on the forums.
So 2013 was an interesting year for games and like everyone, I figured I'd do a top ten but 2 quick rules.
1) It had to be a game that I PLAYED this year. Don't have time to play everything.
2) It had to be a 2013 release.
Ok here we go.
10) Wind Waker HD (WiiU) Basically I threw this in as I needed 10 and I realized I didn't play 10 new games this year. There's many I either didn't have a chance to play or wasn't interested in (don't care about GTA or any FPSes) So I threw in this HD remake because I liked Wind Waker on the GC and I like it here.
9. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (PS3) It is a shame that this one has been forgotten despite a stellar year of platformers. Sly was never as popular as his Sony counterpart Ratchet but it was great to see a 4th game. Sansaru did a great job picking up with Sucker Punch left off. The visuals were stunning, The story was fun and the gameplay was entertaining. Also do you know Clank makes a cameo in this?
8. Mario and Luigi Dream Team (3DS) For those who were disappointed in Paper Mario Sticker Star will be happy to know Dream Team didn't wildy change the established formula of it's Mario RPG series. In fact it didn't change too much from the previous game with Bowser. It had plenty of humor and while exploring Bowser's bowels is definitely fun, there is some excitement to be had in a giant Power Ranger style Luigi battle.
7. Ducktales Remastered (multi) THIS is how you do a remake of a classic. Wayforward stayed true to the NES original while adding some modern touches. Even more impressive getting most of the original TV voice cast, offering an easy mode with no lives to worry about and giving it an excellent cell shade facelift making it feel like an episode of the show. Please Wayforward give the same treatment to the other Disney/Capcom platformers. (Darkwing Duck Remastered FTW)
6. Zelda: Link Between Worlds (3DS) I haven't finished this one yet hence why it's still somewhat low on the list. The last few Zelda games were good but felt really bloated and padded. Too much fetch questing, ALBW trims the fat and makes for a much more entertaining experience. You have the freedom to explore the entire overworld for hours, you can do the dungeons in any order you like and I actually died a few times in this one. I just hope this philosophy goes into the WiiU Zelda.
5. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS) I will just say now that I didn't love the first Luigi's Mansion. I liked it but I didn't love it however the sequel was amazing namely in expanding on a lot of the original's ideas along with adding new ones. Luigi is the only Mario cast member who's allowed to have personality and you want to root for him in his quest to bust ghosts as much as you can. Also polterpup is adorable.
4. Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS) This was clearly the game I spent more time playing this year than anything. I almost passed this one up namely as the DS and Wii installments did little to expand the series, however this one really expands. Being mayor lets you build public works and control prices of items and weeds growing. The better online makes it easier to hook up with friends and overall, it's a great experience with new stuff to see every day.
3. Puppeteer (PS3) Everyone complains about Nintendo not promoting games but Sony was equally bad about not advertising good games this year. Both Sly and Ratchet's new games got little advertisement and poor Puppeteer had the misfortune to come out the same month as GTAV and Pokémon. For those who loved LBP, needs to try this one. It's a fun, lighthearted sidescrolling platformer with the whole puppet stage feel to it. It has a cute, clever story and fun gameplay revolving around swapping your head.
2. Super Mario 3D World (WiiU) The first WiiU game I got and played and it is amazing how we blew this off at E3 as a 3DS up res when it really is much more than that. I love the kitty suits and finally Princess Peach stops getting kidnapped and gets into the fight. Heck I decided to take on Bowser with her thinking of it as payback. Not to mention the desire to explore every nook and cranny finding stars and stamps. I just wish it had online as I have no friends who would play this with me. :(
1. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS3) for anyone who claims the JRPG is dead in the US, needs to play the Level 5/Studio Ghibli mashup. What an amazing game with an incredible story, fun characters, a deep combat system that you could easily sink 70 hours into. Best of all no forced online, no microtransactions and no DLC. This game really gave you your money's worth and is everything you want from a great JRPG.
So there's my top ten. Hope you enjoyed it.
