These are my personal top ten games that were released this year. There have been a lot of great games released this year, and I ended up playing through more games this year than any other. Although a lot of games I played this year were released some time ago, I’ve only included those released in 2013. A lot of you may disagree or even hate this lggist. I’m no console gamer, so I’ve yet to play games such as The Last of Us or Grand Theft Auto V. Maybe sometime in the future. Anyways, let’s begin with number 10.

Number 10 – Disney’s Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

This is a remake of the original 1990 game bearing the same name, but it sure did surprise me. The game’s stages were outstanding, each presenting a new, vivid area for me to explore. The platforming was very smooth and the overall experience was one well-had. Don’t let Mickey Mouse’s presence in the game prevent you from trying it out! Although the game was very short, It definitely deserves a spot in my top ten this year.

Number 9 – Of Guards and Thieves

I was introduced to OGAT by a certain French friend of mine. I was a bit skeptical at first, as the game seemed stupidly simple. I then found myself in a multiplayer match with a few other people and realized the full potential of the game. The game is simply amazing. Everything about it. Even though it’s still being developed, the content already offered is very fun and addictive, especially when played with friends. The game’s formula is simple. There are thieves, who try to steal a thing, and there are guards, who protect the things. I highly recommend the game, its certainly provided me with hours of fun.

Number 8 – Pokemon X & Pokemon Y

Well, it wouldn’t be a top ten without a Pokemon game, right? For the longest time, I was patiently awaiting this duo, finally getting my copy of Pokemon Y on release day. This next installment in the Pokemon series is a new take on the style that we’re accustomed to and this new style was executed well. The games offer countless hours of playtime and are a great addition to the series. Although this may not be the only handheld game on my list, Pokemon X & Y are easily some of the best handheld games to have come out in a while. A great redemption after the disappointing release of Black and White and Black and White 2.

Number 7 – Battlefield 4

This year’s best example of a multiplayer first-person shooter. After making the mistake of purchasing Call of Duty: Ghosts, I turned to Battlefield 4, the other FPS juggernaut at play this year. Excellent decision on my part, Battlefield quickly turned out to be just what I wanted in a multiplayer shooter. The customization system and the variety of large servers really put this game up there. The sniping mechanics in the game force me to actually try when I snipe, making it so much more satisfying to get a kill with a sniper. It’s essentially a polished Battlefield 3, with an upgrade on the graphics, but it still manages to put itself on my list.

Number 6 – Wooden Sen’SeY

This may come as a surprise to a lot of you, but this was one of the first games that I ever reviewed, and it really surprised me. The game was spectacular in many ways. The platforming was challenging, yet doable, and the graphic style chosen was simply fantastic. I can’t say enough good about this game. Go check out my full review for more on Wooden Sen’SeY. Be sure to try it out sometime!

Number 5 – Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition

I might have to explain this one. The game was actually released in 2011, but it never actually made its way to PC until this year, in the form of the “Komplete Edition”. It now sits up there firmly as my all-time favorite fighting game. 2013 was a year of discovery in the fighting game genre for me. I tried Injustice, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, and even a few of the Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi games, but ended up settling with Mortal Kombat. The game features an excellent combo and move system. The fights are smooth and responsive, and the characters are, for the most part, quite balanced. Highly recommended.

Number 4 – Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Another sequel to a game of my childhood. New Leaf retains the core mechanics that are found in any Animal Crossing game, while introducing a plethora of new features, with the most notable one being the addition of the player’s role as the mayor. Many childhood memories were relived when playing this game: the grinding for bells to pay off debts, the decorating of my home, and the various Easter eggs and secrets placed into the experience. It’s easier than ever to play Animal Crossing online with friends, and I did so with quite a few. Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a fantastic game, and I consider it an essential game for any 3DS owner.

Number 3 – Bioshock Infinite

This should have been expected. Already a winner of several awards and considered a gem this year, Bioshock Infinite greatly improves on the original Bioshock formula, combining an epic storyline with fantastic gameplay. I personally did not enjoy the original Bioshock games, but Infinite surely made up for the faults of the originals. I rated this game a 10/10, mostly for the compelling storyline, but also taking into account the many different gameplay aspects that make Bioshock, well, Bioshock. Although the game’s experience cannot truly be replayed, it is a fantastic game that I’d highly recommend.

Number 2 – Rayman Legends

The best platformer of the year and only the second Rayman game that I’ve ever played. I beat the game in a single sitting, which took about eight or so hours, with a friend of mine. The game has many, many different things to do aside from the actual campaign. All of the original Rayman Origins levels are included in Rayman Legends, which was awesome. There was just so much good in this game, the experience was unforgettable. I enjoyed the speed-run levels the most, where we had to reach the end of the level in a certain amount of time. There was also a form of soccer that could be played with another player. This mode was great and provided a quick, fun break from the campaign. Rayman Legends has also earned a 10/10 in my book, so give it a shot.

Number 1 – Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Game of the year goes to the latest entry in the Splinter Cell series. This is the second game I’ve played in the series, other than Conviction, and is definitely the best stealth videogame I’ve ever played. Yes, even better than Metal Gear Solid and Dishonored. Blacklist combines an excellent story with amazing gameplay. The experience may have been cut short by the length of the game, but there were so many great things about the game that I just had to give it the number one spot. The stealth mechanics, the customization, the variety of levels offered and the different ways to play them are just a few of the features that make this game awesome. Hands down, Splinter Cell: Blacklist wins my game of the year award.

Thanks for tuning in to cublikefoot’s top ten games of 2013. Looking forward to a great 2014 and the road ahead.