2013 isn't quite over yet, and I just got a 3DS, so I may be adding to this list before the year actually ends. But so far, here's what my list would look like:
-Batman: Arkham City (Xbox 360) - Batman: Arkham Asylum was a great Batman game. But Batman Arkham: City, is a great game, period. So much detail put into this game. So much fan-service. And such a great use of it's high-production value. Instead of just going for big bangs and lots of CGI scenes like most big-budget games; this game put it's money into creating an incredible atmosphere. Arkham City is this living, breathing, and forever memorable character with a great use of lighting (or I should say a great use knowing when not to use it), a distinct style, gritty yet realistic graphics that perfectly fit the style, a good Batman story that could have been used in any ongoing Batman comic, and superb voice-acting.
-Bionic Commando (Xbox 360) - Such an underrated gem, and quite possibly one of the best games this generation. I'm pretty sure it didn't do so well for the simple fact that it was an old-school mentality game that had a high-learning curve and steep difficulty level. But once you get the controls down, the controls and movement is just divine.
-Brutal Legend (Xbox 360) - So metal, and so awesome! If you're not a metal-head, or never have been; then this might not be your cup of tea. But if you are, or have ever been a part of the metal-world, you'll freaking have a blast with this game! It's just so freaking bad-ass and so hilarious at the same time. So many references, and a ton of unlockables too that pay a ton of fan-service to headbangers.
-Chrono Trigger (SNES) - This one is kind of a cheat, since it's not the first time I played it. But the first time I did play it was very long time ago when it was a new game, and I was a kid (maybe middle school). So it's been years since I played it, and while I remember parts of it, for the most part it was a very fresh experience for me. And it still stands up to the test of time. The time-travel story and the way it affects the different timelines is just so cool. And the music is fantastic! Played it this time via Wii Virtual Console.
-Golden Sun (GBA) - At first, it just seems like your average 16-bit JRPG game, but portable on the GBA. That alone makes it a good enough game. But as you continue to play through it, you realize it's a bit different. The world is a bit more affected by your actions than you first realized. And as the story starts to unfold, you begin to realize that there's a lot more going on than what is initially presented to you. Just as you think you may have a grasp on things, too, the last section of the game slaps you in the face and wakes you up with a large plot-reveal, which continues on into the 2nd game, which is a must-play after finishing this one.
-Golden Sun: The Lost Age (GBA) - The direct-sequel to the first game, which picks up directly after the first game ends (really, it's just a continuation of the first game's story). More of what made the first game so awesome. But what makes this one really stick out, is the connecting nature of the 2 games. They really are interconnected so well, that after playing through both games you get that same feeling you get after you just finish watching an epic movie trilogy or a great multi-issue comic book storyline.
-Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) - I tried this game out when it was new. But I was also a new Xbox 360 gamer, so I was quick to judge with so much out there for me to play. The first time started playing it I decided it was too different from past Halos, so I traded it in. Lucky for me, I got another copy for cheap this year and I gave it a real chance. I have to admit, while the environment may get a bit to familiar with all the back-tracking and such; the story more than makes up for it. And I love how it's told through each soldier's eyes.
-Raptor: Call of the Shadows (PC) - An old Apogee Software 2D shoot-em up on PC. Got this one this year via GoG for under $2 during a sale. Well worth the price of a slice of pizza. Shoot-em fans should eat this one up. 2D horizontal shooter with nice, chunky graphics, a great old-school soundtrack, and different upgradable ships you spend money earned on levels for.
-Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage (PS1) - Cutesy 3D platformers are normally not my kind of game, at all. But I just don't know what it is about Spyro. I had blast with this game, as I did the first one. Now I need to get my hands on Spyro: Year of the Dragon.
-WWE '13 (Xbox 360) - It really is too bad THQ took a dive right when their wrestling games were making a huge comeback in quality. What really shined in this game was the storyline mode, better known as the Attitude Era mode. It was just a nostalgia fest playing through this. And it hit all the right buttons with the video footage, the entrances and music, the little documentary parts were better than the WWE: Attitude Era DVD, and U loved the unlockable mid-carders from the era. Any gamer that followed the WWF during the oh-so-awesome Attitude Era needs to do themselves a favor and pick this game up. But be forewarned, I cussed out loud more while playing this game than Sandman did in all his promos for ECW. That damn reversal system can get pretty frustrating at times.
