Before you go crazy from looking at my list, keep in mind it is uncanny to say the least. A man can’t help but love what he loves and my list for 2013’s best games makes that very evident. Although you can tell my crew doesn’t play around, I mean I have Stan Lee down to ride or die.
Number 10. NES Remix
I always see those $20 game machines Walmart has, and even though they always seem tempting, the games aren’t the classics I want to play. I thought Christmas came early this year when I heard it was announced during the latest Nintendo Direct. NES Remix is Nintendo giving fans the classics they want to play again, just with a new flare this time.
Wario-Ware is a good way to describe the gameplay of NES Remix, because there are different challenges throughout and to unlock other games and challenges you need to gain more stars. Although the rewarding of stars can be generous, the challenges themselves are difficult, but you have the choice to jump around from game to game. The controls are vastly improved from their predecessors, but that’s not to say you won’t be questioning if you pressed A from time to time.
Don’t dismiss NES Remix from this list due to it being brand new or an arcade game, because these games haven’t seen the light of day for awhile and a fresh take is just what they need.
Number 9. Ryse: Son of Rome
Spoiler warning.
When I reviewed Ryse, I had to keep my own biased views out of it, because I love anything Ancient Rome (for the most part). I get the criticisms about this title, but for me, I enjoyed every bit of the story and the combat. I mean, Ryse has easter eggs for Lord of the Rings when you get to command an army of the dead. Seriously awesome.
It does suffer from repetition towards the end of the game, but some features are great, and carry the combat of Ryse. The combat helps to drive the story in a great direction, and Ryse really develops a cinematic nature to itself as you progress the main campaign.
End of spoilers.
Number 8. Dead Space 3
Back off, I love Dead Space. Sure it didn’t follow the classic formula Dead Space founded itself around, but it’s still a great game on its own merits. The crazy cult members did dilute the eeriness that revolves around Dead Space, leaving less moments for the horror of this title to come through. Although, it was exciting to see the secrets behind the Markers and the necromorphs revealed. Everyone needs some stress relief in their life, and nothing says serenity like curb stomping a necromorph, so a new Dead Space is always welcome.
Number 7. Super Luigi Bros. U
This game was challenging due to only having a limited amount of time to complete every level, but that’s exactly what made it fun. Something about running recklessly through each level in order to finish it kept this installment of the Super Bros. legacy exhilarating.
The actual levels were not as challenging, but when faced with limited time, you have to find a way to make it work. Luigi made sure to keep his 25th anniversary intense with his race against time. It also has the star coins that help unlock secret levels after the game is complete, leaving you with no other option but to keep playing.
Number 6. Injustice: Gods Among Us
I love Marvel, but this game stole my heart. Even though there were more Batman characters than I cared to have, playing as Deathstroke never gets old. This would have been higher on my list had it not been for keeping the DLC characters off the original roster. DC has so many great characters for Injustice to neglect or give a roster spot up to Scorpion.
That aside, the game is fantastic, especially if you were following along with the Injustice comic that DC was running. Nothing about this game was half-assed during development and it shows. Plus, how can you turn down a chance to play as the Martian Manhunter, DLC or not?
Number 5. Dead Rising 3
This game was just a huge breath of relief in regards to the zombie apocalypse genre. I wasn’t originally planning to get this game because I was getting so tired of everything horror being zombie, but Alex and the trailers swayed me for the better. Dead Rising 3 never takes itself too seriously, and never fails to bring humor into situations with goofy weapons and scenarios. It does rely on a ‘go fetch’ mentality but still is able to bring an interesting story that delivers the next gen for Xbox One.
Number 4. Splinter Cell: Blacklist
It can take some getting used to how Blacklist plays, but once you get it you can’t stay away. The game keeps you on your toes with different situations and the type of strategy or gameplay you’ll have to use to complete the mission.
Usually in these types of games, I can’t make a connection with the characters because they’re just black-and-white for the story, but in Blacklist the characters seem believable. This gives Blacklist a big push against the contenders, let alone other shooters.
Number 3. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD
The Wind Waker Wii U bundle came at the perfect time for the price drop, and the new features that came along with HD model didn’t disappoint either. I’ll spare you how great the game itself is because if you haven’t played it within the 10 years it’s been out, you’re doing something wrong. Trivial things like sharing experiences through Miiverse and having the map on the gamepad’s screen causes a drastic transition into making Wind Waker a smoother game to play through.
Number 2. Super Mario 3D World
This game was flat out fun. I couldn’t set down the controller because I’d keep telling myself just another level. The new abilities that were available helped develop another unique Mario title, but I hope it’s not the last time we see these abilities. Also the various stamps give people another reason to go back through the levels and assert their dominance when sharing messages through Miiverse.
Being able to have the option to play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad was another awesome aspect because usually these games are so one-sided for Mario, the rest of the gets cast set to the side. Whether you thought this game was too easy or not, it’s hard not to get absorbed in unending fun that this Mario title delivers.
Number 1. Bioshock Infinite
Bioshock Infinite falls nothing short of spectacular when you consider all of the immense features that are presented throughout the story. I found myself losing hours upon hours because I couldn’t leave the game alone. Columbia seemed like it was pitted 
against Goliath when comparing it to the Rapture, but Infinite introduced a rivalry between the two that could last a life time.
Between the Vigors and weapons, the combat was impressive to say the least. I couldn’t help but get excited every time I’d set up the perfect trap. The Skyhook was major part of the combat that I fell in love with because it was fast, chaotic, and fun. No matter what part was your favorite about Infinite’s combat, you couldn’t help but love it.
Booker and Elizabeth just make a badass duo, no question. Whether it’s Booker and his alluding story or Elizabeth being a slaved display case, the story made you feel each of these characters like you’d known them for years.
I fell in love with Bioshock Infinite and if you have the chance to, do yourself a favor as 2013 winds down and go out and get it.
The Bioshock series can rest soundly knowing Infinite solidified it as one of the best video game franchises.
