The 15 best video games of 2013 (pictures)

2013 was a wild ride for gamers. So which games were good enough to be crowned the year's best?

Jeff Bakalar

Dec. 19, 2013 9:04 a.m. PT

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Media Molecule

15. Tearaway

The creators of LittleBigPlanet did it again with this surprise portable hit that combined a great art style and an ultra-creative incorporation of the Vita's unique camera and touch features.

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Ninja Theory

14. DmC (Devil May Cry)

DmC hit consoles back in January and delivered one of the best action games in years with its amazing and satisfying combination possibilities and respectful reimagining of the classic series.

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Galactic Cafe

13. The Stanley Parable

2013 was a great year for indie games, and at number 13 is The Stanley Parable. Easily one of the most unique games of the year, The Stanley Parable takes gamers on a self-reflective journey that pokes fun at video games and their mechanics. Odds are you've never played anything like it, and that's an awesome thing.

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Drinkbox Studios

12. Guacamelee!

Coming in at number 12 is Guacamelee!, another surprise hit that first launched on Vita and PS3 simultaneously. The light-hearted platformer mashed up satisfying beat-em-up action with a lovable cast of colorful characters.

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The Fullbright Company

11. Gone Home

The indie love continues with Gone Home. It tells the story of a young girl who returns home from traveling abroad only to find that her family is gone. The mystery begins to unravel as you explore for clues.

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Starbreeze Studios

10. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

This downloadable title put players in control of two separate characters using both the left and right analog sticks to move them at the same time. The unique setup took puzzle solving to a new level.

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Ubisoft

9. Rayman Legends

The sequel to the gorgeous 2D side-scroller we first played in 2011, Legends not only looks amazing but provides some of the best platforming to hit consoles in years.

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Volition, Inc.

8. Saints Row IV

We didn't expect much from this one, but the game's over-the-top setting and the addition of superpowers made it the ultimate sandbox experience and breathed new life into the aging franchise.

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7. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

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Nintendo

7. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Not only is A Link Between Worlds a worthy sequel to the 1992 game, A Link to the Past, but it's also likely the 3DS' best game yet.

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Ubisoft

6. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Dropping anchor at number 6 is Assassin's Creed IV. While recent entries in the series have fallen a bit flat, AC4 totally delivers on every level, making it our pick as the most fun Assassin's game in the series.

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Crystal Dynamics

5. Tomb Raider

The reimagined franchise delivered an explosive first entry, with an origin story starring a much more vulnerable Lara Croft who grows as the game progresses.

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Nintendo

4. Super Mario 3D World

Expectations might have been a little low for this one, but you can't argue with 3D World's incredible level design and sheer entertainment value. What the Super Mario Galaxy series did for the Wii, 3D World looks like it might be able to match on Wii U.

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Irrational Games

3. BioShock Infinite

Sure, the original BioShock might be the better game overall, but Infinite's ambitious gameplay, otherworldly setting, and mind-bending storyline make it one of 2013's most compelling experiences. Just make sure no one's spoiled the ending for you yet if you haven't played it!

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Naughty Dog

2. The Last of Us

Developer Naughty Dog terrified gamers with this epic tale of two unlikely partners having to team up during a apocalyptic fungal outbreak. Its gritty, hyperrealistic atmosphere, smooth gameplay, and unbelievable production value and acting cement The Last of Us in the No. 2 spot.

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Rockstar Games

1. Grand Theft Auto V

Of course this shouldn't be much of a surprise to anyone; GTA V killed it on every single level, creating the fully realized and interactive city of Los Santos that was absolutely brimming with personality and charisma. The game's roller-coaster narrative featured fantastic and believable performances from an incredible cast that rendered some of the most memorable characters in recent years. GTA V successfully created an immersive experience unlike anything I've ever played and it should be enjoyed by gamers of all kinds, of course as long as they're old enough.

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