TakeThisStudios: Favorite Video Games of FY13

MY Favorite Games of FY13

by Spencer Shoemaker

A little late for a top 10 of 2013? True. Due to school, work, and life. I missed the deadline for a top 13 list. Mostly because Christmas Break was the only time I had to play any games I missed during the semester. Not a lot of time….since I work Retail (Still).

So these are MY favorites. I don’t really read reviews, I watch some video segments, and I use gamefly. So I really get to try some games that otherwise would be demonized to the point of not trying. Just one guys unbiased opinion. I own all the systems (360, PS3, WiiU, gaming PC which is reasonable for a college student who pays all his own bills and then some…had to skip PS4 and Xbox One since I can play their games elsewhere and with the same graphics on my PC)

P.S. I had to leave 3DS out. It over ran my list and I had to make its own list to be posted soon.

NUMBER 10

Poker Night at the Inventory 2

Developed and Published by Tell Tale Games

So, you might not have played this game. But. You probably love the creepy movies of one guy, the loot filled FPS of another guy, the puzzle Game of this one thing, the adventures of one dude and his partner, and the show of another big guy.

Yeah. It’s a Mash Up. A simple Poker Game enhanced by TONS of amazingly hilarious dialogue. The main goal of the game (if there is one) is to collect their individual prized treasures.

Ash, of course, offers his Necronomicon. Sam offers his old banjo. Brock Samson offers an Orb from Venture Bros. GLADOS offers up one of her personality cores. And last, but not actually last on the bounty list, is ClapTrap with the offering of his 2012 Spike VGA Award.

If you are interested in the gameplay of this game….go buy a deck of cards. Instructions for Poker will be there. HOWEVER, interested in a TINY taste of dialogue? Here ya go:

NUMBER 9

Pikmin 3

Developed & Published by Nintendo

This game was my first entry in the Pikmin series. I missed the first two cause the Gamecube had a lot of other games I was playing. But I’m so sad I missed them. This game looks so much different from a jaded view point. Look! Another Nintendo creation with cute characters. But it’s actually Great Game play on top of Great Slavery! If you want a quick explanation on the semi-RTS this is the best I can do.

Now listen up. Here’s the story. About a lil guy who lives in a blue world.

He and his friends go to a foreign planet because their home world has used up all it's Natural Resources. So they must find more in order to save their race and themselves from their own mistakes and gluttony.

They can't so it alone however. So they enslave an indigenous race. Hard working and no choice but to obey the commands of their new masters, this small but resilient race bravely and regrettably sacrifice themselves to do the work of someone else.

This work includes slaughtering all of the other species that call this planet home in quest for the natural resources needed.

This, 3 people reading this blog (Hi Lee) is the truth of Pikmin 3.
You must play it to understand it.
Not to mention the game play is outstanding. the graphics are beautiful. The multiplayer is fun. And if you like it and want some more of it (yep, did it) then the DLC is really cheap too. Just don't let that title music fool you.

NUMBER 8

Ducktales Remastered

Developed by WayForward Technologies (by way of Capcom)

Published by Capcom

Yep. this game is SO good it is the only remake entering my top of FY13. (I was only allowing one and this beat Wind Waker HD...my favorite Zelda game) This game plays flawlessly. Just as it ever did. Wayforward has a way with art and it is showcased here.

On top of the upgrades, there are extras showcasing the games roots. Which shows how much love this game has been made with. Everything has been redone. That new nostalgia definitely hits when you hear the Music.

NUMBER 7

Tomb Raider

Developed by Crystal Dynamics

Published by Square Enix

I was against this reboot in the first place. Once I saw that the team behind the later Tomb Raider were making this one, I was hesitant but also curious. Reboots aren't usually handled by the same people....Am I glad they rebooted it. The game of course focuses on Lara Croft.

But Lara isn't born a smart bad ass warrior. She becomes one. Shipwrecked on a mysterious island and forced to risk everything to save herself and others. This is as good of a coming of age type story as any. And a great start to what I hope is a continuing series. The game play is great, with sneaking and archery at the forefront. Skills and crafting play heavily too. And there are enough collectables to make you happy without making those ragey type people hardcore rage cause they couldn't find something. Oh. And did I mention? Lara is a vulnerable, strong, smart, fighter while also being hot?

Win. We ALL Win.

NUMBER 6

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Developed by Ubisoft Montreal

Published by Ubisoft

One of the most dominant companies in publishing games right now. Ubisoft has a great collection of franchises. With Just Dance, Rayman, Splinter Cell (and all other Tom Clancy games), and Far Cry. But the most recognized amongst the slightly more hardcore crowd is Assassin's Creed. Which had been growing a little stale with Assassin's Creed 3 and it;s very disappointing DLC. I liked 3. A lot didn't So they needed a change. Striking while the iron is hot (10 years ago)

Ubisoft went with the pirate thing. What seemed uninspired actually became their most unique idea yet. outside the Animus you work for Abstergo and collect data for them using a varied Animus collecting data by using Desmond's DNA. It ties to the grandfather of Assassin's Creed 3's protagonist, Connor Kenway. You are now Edward Kenway, no honor or purpose to speak of. A man who left his wife to plunder the sea for riches and good times. He get's in between the Templars and Assassin's and becomes a pain to both. it is interesting to play as a man who doesn't come from assassins and has no want to ever die as an assassin. There are tons of things to do across the huge map. Endless ships to plunder, deep sea diving into wreck sites, gathering the necessities for ancient outfits, tons of tiny islands with treasure, and so much more. Outside the animus is a great way to find out more about the beginnings of Abstergo Industries, about how the Templar's view various assassins, and about Desmond's life.

This story though......it pulls AC3 and AC4 full circle (More so if you buy the tie in books) for Edward, Haytham, and Connor Kenway. If you played 3, do yourself a favor and play this incredible game.

NUMBER 5

Rayman Legends

Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier

Published by Ubisoft

And here is another Ubisoft title in my favorites. They may have had their roughest year in a long time for FY13. But it doesn't represent the quality of titles. Possibly the best Assassin's Creed ever is only beaten out in my favorites by the best Rayman ever. The art and music that we all enjoy is back. As well as the tremendous multiplayer aspect. If I could pick a few highlights from this game, I would pick the music levels, the unlockables like Rayman Origins levels, the splinter cell levels, the skins (Which include everything from Sam Fisher to Mario!)

and last but not least.....MURPHY! Yes, if you were lucky enough to play the PS Vita or Wii U copy of the game you got the true and full experience. a touch screen helper named Murphy. Of course on the Vita, I hope you have friends with Vitas...Because the Murphy levels alone suck. But with friends in multiplayer, Murphy makes this game absolutely amazing.

And Here is a sample of both Murphy's gameplay as the second player on a gamepad helping along a music level :)

NUMBER 4

Battlefield 4

Developed by EA DICE

Published by EA

I don't really fall in love with many military shooters, because their story's are pretty generic. Online heavy games in general aren't my style. But every once in a while, There is a game that focuses on repetitive shooting online that grasps me. I could name them on one hand: Star Wars Battlefront, SOLCOM, M.A.G. and Battlefield 4. This game is amazing. I play it on PC. the story is decent. The online play is where it shines! The Frostbite 3 engine helps power the destructible environments and levolution which changes everything. Don't like a camping sniper in that building over there? Blow it up! Got a group of skilled snipers and engineers on the roof of a building? Blow it up! Stupid chopper chase? BLOW IT UP!

Okay that last one was just to fit in the gif. But destructibility is battlefields calling card. That along with disastrous storms and weather changes bring us something new. Building from the destructibility of BF3 we now have [Levolution] This new concept has triggers in the map that change the match completely.

O Yeah, Another reason to love this game? T-Rex Reference. *Drops the Mic and walks away*

NUMBER 3

Super Mario 3D World

Developed and Published by Nintendo

It truly can't be a top 3 without the only guy with a mustache to not look like a sex offender, MARIO! Sorry Luigi.

Things that are great about this game? It's like there was a really weird and fuzzy night spent between Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario 64, and New Super Mario Bros. Then.....9 months later Super Mario Bros 2 was pregnant even though she was so old that no one thought it could happen. New Super Mario Bros was panicking because he wasn't ready for that kind of responsibility, he just wanted some multiplayer action. Super Mario 64 was a little more mature however and would help guide the little baby game into the world alongside Super Mario Bros 2. They lived happily ever after. And this game is awesome.

Yeah, that didn't explain anything. But it did explain everything. This game incorporates the 4 player experiences (with some 5th player action on the gamepad) that we have grown to love with New Super Mario Bros. FACT

It also has a fully 3D world that allows larger levels and more creative ideas from the 2D inspirations, a lot like Super Mario 64. FACT

Last but not least, these gameplay features have been merged with the varied gameplay mechanics of Super Mario Bros 2. Which means Mario is our usual hero. Luigi is our slippery and high (Jumping guys, jumping!) version of Mario. Peach can float around with her parasol. Toad is fast as lightning. And Rosalina is an unlockable with the ability of a spin attack. Which gives this game the greatest multiplayer experience Mario has ever seen. FACT

Unless you like online play. This game does a great job of integrating Miiverse, which is per the norm for a lot of the games on the Wii U. But this game wants you to play together in the same room instead of playing like mustached strangers online. So that sucks for the friendless.

Extras include side games and the various things you can post to Miiverse to brag about an accomplishment. Also Luigi Bros which is like the great battling game Mario Bros which started it all. The new power ups are great, not just the cat suit. And Honestly, just admit....you always wanted to fight this...

Yep. Cat Bowser. Suck it.

And also, here is a tiny example of the gameplay for Super Mario 3D World

NUMBER 2

Last of Us

Developed by Naughty Dog

Published by Sony Computer Entertainment

The third and final exclusive game on the list. Pikmin 3 and Mario on Nintendo both beaten out by Sony's best game since, well Uncharted 3 from Naughty Dog. This game is labeled an Action-Adventure Survivor-Horror game for good reason. It sometimes seems like a survival horror, mostly it is an action adventure. Which is great because that is what Naughty Dog does best! Especially since some core team members left after doing Uncharted. This game has an incredible story. It has heart. It really reminds me of a great mix between Resident Evil, Uncharted, and Heavy Rain. The zombies get tougher as the game goes on, but not in a normal video game fashion.

You and you're partner (a little girl) will meet up with other survivors and it leads to interesting gameplay and story elements. You really don't know who to trust. This is 20 years after the zombie outbreak....so just imagine what most people who survived DID to survive. There are tons of notes everywhere explaining so many peoples situations. There are heart wrenching moments around every corner. I don't want to spoil ANYTHING since story is 75% of this game. So I'll just give two hints. Collect everything you see by scavenging and beware clickers....

Aside from the main story there are also multiplayer modes and DLC which features a back story for one of your protagonists. One more thing. the soundtracks of games can be as important as anything (i.e. Silent Hill & Fallout) so here is a lil sample of some music.

NUMBER 1

Grand Theft Auto V

Developed by Rockstar North

Published by Rockstar

Number one game for me was also the best selling amongst AAA games. Only available on Xbox 360 and PS3. Completly disregarding the existence of Wii U, PS4, Xbox One, and PC fan bases. Yet this game has the highest sales total of the year. Even on Individual charts they took up spots 1 and 2 for PS3 and Xbox 360 respectively. Only getting any competition from Pokemon.

This game is glorious. The best Grand Theft Auto ever created? Yep. Even better than San Andreas. Sales were even better, during a down market.

Why? because they brought the fun back. They brought back the larger than life characters and the fun that is found in Los Santos. The game features a living and breathing city which is seen through the eyes of 3 very different people. You play as these people and how they interact with their own lives and each other. It's pretty great. The story follows a black guy trying to avoid being in a gang his whole life, a retired former big time criminal with a huge temper, and a weird criminal redneck with a windows phone.

What makes this game even better than the 69 story missions and tons of side missions. Is the great online world. Mission, community, money. that is what it is all about. Get in a gang with your friends and go rob some people! most likely if you are reading this...then you have already played it and loved it. If you have played it and hate it....then you have two options.
1)Go Play in Traffic

2) There are 195 other countries you can move to....get out.

And because the best thing about GTA is randomly killing yourself and others....this is kinda what it looks like when I play...

Just play the video....ignore their stupid logo. Its the only short video without annoying 11 year old commentary.....

And The Rest.......(like Russel Johnson)

Really Great Games that I couldn't fit in to my favorite 10?

The tremendous Bioshock Inifinite!! With a good story and most importantly, entirely different feel from Bioshock, even including a neat nod to Rapture (which was devalued by the DLC sending you there.....why? wtf) This game had a predictable ending but the story was neat and environment unique to Bioshock. Unfortunately that environment is also one we have seen time and time again. So many people might hate me for this not being a top 10 favorite....but it is just one person's opinion. Don't rage. It's still a great game though!

Max Payne 3 is another fantastic game from Rockstar and really pushes the story of Max into a new future and back to his past all at the same time. Flash backs, flash forwards, whatever. It is a really fun game with a really fun environment and great acting, amazing music choices, and proves why Games don't need to be movies.

The swan song for the Wii was better than the swan song for Xbox 360 or PS3 (Gears of War Judgement & Beyond Two Souls) This game is called Padora's Tower and is only in America because of Operation Rainfall and their cause, despite what Reggie FilsAime says. it is a great JRPG, not quite as good as Xenoblade Chronicles which Operation rainfall also brought to us, but this Game is very very close in quality and very different in style. If you like JRPGs and haven't played this...ummm...why. This game is.....umm...

DEADPOO! I mean....Deadpool. Voiced by the talented Nolan North. Who is here a second time, after appearing as Desmond Miles in Assassin's Creed 4. this Game is CRAZY and HILARIOUS. Nothing Makes sense and that's what great, with appearances by Cable and Wolverine that make this game a laugh riot. From beginning to end. Fantastic job. Since we won't ever get the movie....

Awwww poor Splinter Cell Blacklist. Reviews were decent (like Rayman Legends) but eh sales were poor. I really enjoyed this game. My biggest gripe is that the online services have always been messed up, especially at launch (Which probably affected the delays of Watch Dogs) The story is fantastic and it has the right amount of elements from previous Splinter Cell games to show that this one has truly evolved. Most won't like ol' Ironsides gone, but it's not a major loss.....but it doesn't help. Even though Sam Fisher will always be

Sam Fisher.

NES Remix. I'll make it brief. classic NES titles with their own set up speed run inspired goals. Accomplish these goals and you unlock the "REMIX" levels which really give old games neat twists. if you are good enough to accomplish the speed runs of old games then you will be rewarded. If you own a Wii U, it is a must buy for $15.

And the last game actually was in a tie for 10th on my list, but I love Clap Trap too much. It's the Wonderful 101!! Let me give you a run down on why this game didn't become a system seller....

This games has over 100 individual superheros with their own abilites and personalities. The concept of fighting as one major unit under a leaders control is great. It lets the player use the power that they are more comfortable with. Like guns? shoot stuff with little people as your ammo. Like Indiana Jones or have an S&M fetish? Use a pink whip to destroy armor and put eyes out! Like Hell Boy? Then use a giant red fist made of people to Hulk Smash your way through life's problems. Are you deemed worthy to posses the power of Thor? Then drop the yellow hammer on people like and angry turtle with a helmet on! Do you wish to be the villain of Street Fighter but always come up second? Use claws to rip people to shreds...cause I've already made my Wolverine reference earlier! ART! Are you a racist? Be a black guy using black bombs in between playing his 3DS to blow up everything! That was so wrong my brain threw up and imagined this...

Anyways.......back to the rant...
Perhaps it's to dangerous to go alone? Use my favorite hero's power to create a giant blue sword and probe those aliens back! (Wonder Blue is my favorite btw, he is really like me....)

This game offers a fun and hilarious story, Great Characters, Challenging game play, Unique ideas, and cool extras to unlock. Plus, the creator is among the very few "artists" and "Innovators" in his field. this isn't like anything else you have played. Most of my top games are either sequels or just mash ups of other games, this game is truly unique. To get an idea...just watch this trailer (Since Nintendo doesn;t know what advertising is...)