When it comes to holiday gifts for students, video games are always a viable option. However, throughout the year so many are released that it can be overwhelming to choose, especially with the dawn of a new console generation this year. Here are our top two picks for each platform.
PS3– LEGO Marvel Superheroes– After 2012’s LEGO Batman 2, Warner Bros. Entertainment decided to continue the comic book trend and head to the other comic giant, Marvel. The game contains over 130 characters, including Iron Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Deadpool, and so many more. Already being hailed as the best LEGO game of all time by reviewers, LEGO Marvel Superheroes features an open-world version of NYC to explore, as well as Marvel mastermind Stan Lee as a playable character.
Also available on- PS4, PC, 3DS, PSVita, X360, Wii U, Xbox One
The Last of Us– When it was released earlier this year, The Last of Us garnered perfect reviews across the board. Set in 2033, protagonist Joel must traverse an apocalyptic America, ravaged by mutated, zombie-like humans, all while protecting a young girl who is immune to the virus. Violent, clever, and carrying a surprisingly sweet and poignant story, The Last of Us is a modern masterpiece.
Exclusive to PS3
PS4– Battlefield 4– The release of the Playstation 4 signals the beginning of the new console generation, and as such, many Playstation games are getting their 4th installments. Battlefield 4 takes everything good that the series has done previously and revamps it, gives it a fresh shiny coat of paint, and throws in some new elements like interactive terrain. With a plethora of multiplayer options, Battlefield 4 is the game your friends will be playing for weeks.
Also available on- PS3, X360, Xbox One, PC
Assassin’s Creed 4- The previous installment in the series, the aptly-named Assassin’s Creed 3, set players in the middle of colonial times. Skipping backward a few centuries, AC4 drops players off in the Caribbean amongst pirates and sailors. A huge open world, tons of quests to complete, and sailing the high seas are just a few things that make Assassin’s Creed 4 great.
Also available on- PS3, X360, Xbox One, PC, Wii U
360– Grand Theft Auto V– If you haven’t already heard, Grand Theft Auto V is one of the biggest games to hit shelves in years, and as such has already sold like hotcakes, hitting 29 million units in its first six weeks. Grand Theft Auto V’s Los Angeles-inspired city of Los Santos is massive and will take weeks to fully explore and complete, and with activities such as golfing, yoga and off-roading, it’s sure to keep players busy for a long time.
Also available on- PS3
Rayman Legends– The sequel to 2011’s Rayman Origins takes the limbless hero and tosses him into an all-new platforming adventure, with up to three other players accompanying. Beautifully animated and overflowing with charm, Rayman Legends looks and plays like a cartoon come to life.
Also available on- Wii U, PS3, PSVita, PC
Xbox One– Killer Instinct– When fighting games were the hottest thing on the block, Killer Instinct was up there with big names like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. However, as the years dragged on, Killer Instinct got left in the dust. Now, with the launch of the Xbox One, Microsoft is looking to revamp the series with a reboot. All the classic characters return, along with the new addition of online multiplayer.
Exclusive to Xbox One
Call of Duty: Ghosts– The Call of Duty franchise is annually one of the most successful franchises, but when last year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops II underperformed sales-wise, developer Infinity Ward went back to the drawing board. This year’s release, subtitled Ghosts, explores what would happen if the Middle East was destroyed by nuclear weapons. Similar to Battlefield 4, the new maps in Ghosts feature destroyable terrain, as well as new multiplayer modes.
Also available on- PS3, PS4, X360, Wii U, PC
Wii U– Super Mario 3D World– Bringing 4 player multiplayer in a 3D space to the table isn’t easy, but Nintendo has done it with Super Mario 3D World. Giving a much-needed boost to the Wii U’s game library, SM3DW has four playable characters, over eight worlds, and new power-ups like the Cat Suit.
Exclusive to Wii U
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD- One of the most loved games in The Legend of Zelda series is The Wind Waker, due in part to its cel-shaded visuals that still hold up today. Nintendo recognized this and released an HD remake of the game, using shaders, dramatic lighting and more. Running in full 1080p, the game is better than ever, thanks to the drastic graphical redesign and new additions to gameplay such as upgrades for protagonist Link’s boat.
Exclusive to Wii U
3DS– Animal Crossing: New Leaf- Animal Crossing is known for being a peaceful series, and the newest entry doesn’t stray from that theme, even with the addition of new elements. New Leaf casts your character as the mayor in a town full of animals, and the whole game operates in real time. This means that if it’s 8 a.m. in real life, it’s 8 a.m. in the game and your neighbors are just waking up. Fishing, catching bugs, decorating your room, and swimming are just a few of the activities that Animal Crossing: New Leaf offers.
Exclusive to 3DS
Pokemon X/Y– The sixth generation of Pokemon games takes the pixelated graphics of the previous entries and replaces them with polygonal graphics and fully rendered environments. There are 69 new Pokemon to catch, with more on the way. X and Y sport updated online features, as well as new items and game mechanics, including Mega Evolutions, which let your Pokemon evolve and become more powerful temporarily, and much more.
Exclusive to 3DS
PC– Gone Home– While most games focus on action and pulse-pounding gameplay, Gone Home goes against the tide and puts the spotlight on story. In Gone Home, you play as Katie Greenbriar, a woman returning from war. She comes home to find her family home deserted, and the gameplay stems from exploring the house, trying to piece together what occurred while you were gone. Short, sweet, and story-focused, Gone Home is a great argument for games being art.
Exclusive to PC
Fez– Created by one man, Phil Fish, Fez stars an adorable character named Gomez who comes across a magical fez that allows him to shift dimensions. Fez is a puzzle-platformer, and is particularly loved by the indie community for all its secrets and codes hidden throughout the game. Fez is beautiful, challenging, and masterfully designed, and is available on all major platforms.
Also available on- PS3, PS4, PSVita, X360
What are your picks for the top games of 2013? Let us know in the comments!
