Best Video Games of 2013

And the winner is: BIOSHOCK INFINITE

It's been a rather interesting year for gaming. It started with a bang and ended with the release of next generation consoles. The year itself was fruitful for gamers across all platforms and we figured it'd be nice to have a list of the crème de la crème of video games released this year:
Bioshock Infinite
With the release of Bioshock Infinite, the developer Irrational has delivered a game that meets every inch of its anticipation. It's more than a mere frantic shooter, it's a complete piece of art. The characters, gameplay and more notably, the art style, make this game the best of its kind. Given the fact that it was undergoing construction for six years, we really did expect a good title, but what they delivered was beyond expectations. The game is set in the 1920s, in a place called Columbia -- a floating paradise, divided by its own political problems. In the game, racial tensions have risen to the point where it's an all-out civil war. The characters in the game are by definition “well done”. The story along with everything else in the game will render you speechless and compel you to think.
The Last of Us
Following the release of Uncharted 3, Naughty Dog have proven themselves worthy of the console crown yet again with the release of The Last of Us. It's a perfect mix of traditional adventure, survival, action, stealth and exploration. The story revolves around the aftermath of a devastating apocalypse. It takes place after humankind has already been devastated by a mind controlling parasite which has reduces civilisation to cinders. The tale spins around Joel whose initial objective was to smuggle a 14-year-old girl named Ellie to a certain revolutionary group. The game moves on at a relatively slow pace, but that is exactly what keeps the player emotionally attached with the game and its elements. It has set a new benchmark for the modern survival horror genre.
 

The Walking Dead Season 2

Metro: Last Light
The year is 2034. Beneath the rubble of post-apocalyptic Moscow, the remnants of mankind are being besieged by deadly threats. It is in the hands of the player who takes the role of Artyom to tip the scale in humanity's favour. The game unlike its predecessor is a perfect mix of stealth and gun combat which is above your average first-person-shooter. The game has some low profile RPG elements which decide how things are going to end up for you. Metro LL's true wow factor is its visuals. It is one of the best looking PC games to date with the developers putting a lot of effort into the engine. With the perfect blend between good storytelling and outstanding visuals, Metro delivers what was expected from it.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Who doesn't like Assassin's Creed? Everyone does. The franchise did take a downward direction after the release of ACIII, but the series somehow regained its pace with the help of the 4th instalment. Imagine Pirates of the Caribbean done in Assassin's Creed style: that is what Black Flag basically is. Do not be misled; the game is extremely good and fun to play. One of its main selling points is the naval battle feature the game has introduced into the setting. With a ship of your own to do with as you please, exploration has never been more fun. Taking targets down, engaging in grand naval battles and following the traditional rule of the creed is what makes ACIV stand out from its horrible excuse for a predecessor.
The Walking Dead Season 2
TWD season 2 continues the story of Clementine, a stranded little girl who has been through more than the average adult in a world devastated by a zombie apocalypse. With Lee gone, she is left alone to fend for herself. The game forces you to make emotional choices. Its storytelling is peerless and as affecting as the last movie that made you cry. That is the extent of what I'll say about this game, because anything more and you'll end up blaming me for spoiling it. Prepare yourself for a feels trip.
That pretty much concludes my list of top five games this year. With the introduction of next-gen titles next year, 2014 should be a delightful treat for both the PC master racers and console plebeians.

Metro: Last Light