Jimbo's Ramblings 2: December 2013

10. Omerta - City of Gangsters

There simply aren't enough good mafia-themed games out there. This one succeeds where so many have failed by being more of a strategy game than an action game. I usually describe it to others as a mafia-themed XCOM. You have to build up your criminal empire from practically nothing. You start out by setting up some illegal distilleries and speakeasies, and work your way up to casinos and insurance rackets. It even has a decent story mode. That's far better than I can say for something like Mafia II.

9. FarCry 3: Blood Dragon

This game is just funny. It really doesn't need to do anything else. The silly weapons and satisfying gameplay are just icing on the cake. Remember Blood Dragon, winners don't do drugs.

8. BioShock Infinite

Sorry, I was too busy ogling Elizabeth's totally hot corset. I guess the game was good or whatever.

7. Euro Truck Simulator 2

Phew, this game is just barely a 2013 game (remember, the release date only matters if it's America). If you were to tell me that I would have so much fun driving trucks up and down Europe, I probably would've believed you since I enjoy sim games like these. I confess, this game isn't for everyone, but I sure had a lot of fun with it.

6. Super Mario 3D World

They should've just named this game Super Mario Bros 3: 2. Everything about it made my eyes glaze over as it reminded me of the greatest Mario game ever made. This game has every potential to be one of the great ones. It has intuitive controls, old-school gameplay, and is fun. Plus, any Mario game that lets you play as Princess Peach and Rosalina is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If I have to complain about anything, it's the constant annoying cat sounds every character makes.

5. Tales of Xillia

I generally do not like JRPGs, so for me to actually play one to completion says something about how good it is. I've been sitting here for several minutes trying to quantify how this game differs enough from others in its genre for me to like it. I guess it's because I always felt like I was moving forward. In other JRPGs, I felt like I had to hang back and grind at certain points in order to proceed, and I hate how that breaks flow. This one, with its active combat and reasonable level progression, never had that feeling. And I loved it for that.

4. Tomb Raider

This game impressed me much more than I would've expected. This was the first Tomb Raider game I ever played, and it felt like it did everything right. Everything about it kept me engrossed. The great controls, the visceral story events, the beautiful graphics, and the gradual improvements in character were all impressive. The only thing that kept this game from scoring higher was that stupid parachute scene. I must've skewered myself fifteen times trying to get passed that dumb event. There was much taking of the Lord's name in vain that day.

3. Pokemon X

I haven't felt this good about a new Pokemon game since HeartGold and SoulSilver came out (and those hardly count since they were just remakes). The 3D, Pokemon Stadium-like battle system added a new level of immersion that just felt missing from newer games. But most important was the new and improved Exp. Share item. Holy crap, I don't know how I played these games without it. With this item, a portion of battle experience is shared with all of your active Pokemon, which allows you to avoid the groan-inducing grind involved with keeping your main set at roughly the same level. Oh, and moving diagonally and sitting in chairs is cool too or whatever.

2. Grand Theft Auto V

I've heard more than a few people complain about GTA5's story and how it's somewhat incoherent. But, for me, this game was not really about the story; it was about the characters. You are given three characters, and everything is about how the interact with each other and everyone around them. Franklin and Trevor were great, but I found myself especially attached to the character Michael. He's just a middle-aged white guy trying to make his way in a world he increasingly doesn't relate to. And, holy crap, the world. Los Santos is a richly detailed world that, on more than one occasion, I took a break from crazy shenanigans and just walked (that's right, no running or driving) across the city to see and hear all the little things the creators added. The only let down I can think of is that there are too few multipath heist missions, but that's a minute gripe for such an awesome game.

1. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Of all of the 2013 games I've played this year, this one has the most time clocked (over 150 hours!). I've been a fan of the series for some time now, but I can't say I have played any of the newer ones as much as the Gamecube original. Even then, I haven't touched the game in years. That all changed when this game came out. It improved on the original in all the right ways. As the mayor, it's not just your house you have to dump money into. Now, you have tons of different and expensive town-improvement projects to flaunt your hardly earned wealth over. Tired of the same old furniture colours? Take it over to the consignment store and have it refurbished. Don't know why you bother decorating your house when you're a lonely introvert like myself? Turn on streetpass so any other schmucks will get the chance to see your homestead and silently pass judgement. Want to know what it's like to be hooked on drugs, but don't want to do anything illegal? Play this game. You'll want it every single day. I still do. Excuse me, I gotta get my fix for today.

Honourable Mentions

LEGO City Undercover

A fun game that feels like a letdown because of a lack of customization and wonky controls

Saints Row 4

This game could've been amazing if the superpowers didn't make the open-world environment more of a chore to traverse than ever before.

Disney Infinity

I want to love this game and its expertly crafted toys, but I feel the bingo-board item unlocking mechanism makes it hard to get exactly the pieces you want for making an awesome level.