Game of the Year 2013 - NoobFeed's Top Contenders

This year three games stood out in a list of many for NoobFeed's 2013 game of the year. Each game has attributes making it worthy of the title, yet only one can be this year's champion. Three of our editors have come together to discuss why each game is deserving of the title, each feeling strongly about their choice. In no particular order here are the top three contenders for NoobFeed's 2013 game of the year.

Grand Theft Auto V

Undoubtedly, Grand Theft Auto V was one of the most anticipated games of 2013 and, as is Rockstar’s tradition, it delivered. GTA V is not only one of the best games of the year, but one of the most important titles in videogame history. Grand Theft Auto V’s attention to detail, immense world and what can be described as a tri-linear story make the game stand out from this year’s other strong titles. Not to mention superb screenwriting and use of music licenses that make Grand Theft Auto V the complete package.

The intricate and compelling story of three completely different criminals living in the chaotic and plastic city of San Andreas reminds us what happens when video game studios pay attention to what they’re doing.  It is hard enough to make us like and love a single protagonist, but in this case Rockstar has achieved an almost impossible task and made us care for three main characters at the same time. Three completely distinct lifestyles, personalities and images  create perfectly defined characters that are easily likeable.

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Furthermore, the game renews the always funny, satirical humor that the studio is famous for and, as with previous titles in the series, Grand Theft Auto V is accompanied by a great selection of music. This time around, not only do radio stations play an important role in the creation of the San Andrean ambiance, but also the inclusion of an original score for game segments that don’t require a vehicle.

Grand Theft Auto V deserves a well-earned place among 2013’s greatest video games because of its elegant narrative and intelligent gameplay - with this excluding GTA Online, an amazing multiplayer complement to the original game. If GTA V’s single player experience is great by itself, GTA Online reaffirms the game’s position. Nevertheless, this is both good and bad for the video game industry. For one, Rockstar created an impressive game that leaves us wondering what the next installment could be like; on the other hand, it raises the bar and creates a new standard for AAA games that for the most part may leave us disappointed.

Jonathan Coutiño, NoobFeed (@JohnnRckr)

BioShock Infinite

Many gamers would easily name BioShock Inifinite their game of the year and many would be so bold as to claim it is “the greatest game of this generation.” Now that the year is almost over and the newest generation of consoles has been released, BioShock Infinite continues to prove that it is a strong contender for game of the year and beyond.

Irrational Games created an extraordinary masterpiece with the stunning original world of Columbia teeming with retro-science-fiction technology and gorgeous scenery. The entire game is filled with memorable characters that deliver a true emotional impact, and combat that will literally have players hooked. Flying throughout Columbia on the Skylines and using the various Vigors at ones disposal provides a sense of yearning for the next arena, but this is nothing in comparison to the story’s eventual twist that is still leaving players shocked to this day.  

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A bit of a debate occurred this year on NoobFeed over BioShock Infinite. Editors challenged each other’s opinions about the game with some claiming BioShock Infinite is overrated and other’s defending the game’s significance.  Despite conflicting opinions, BioShock Infinite offered drama, philosophy, and shocking violence that was enchanted with thoughtful plotting, intense combat and excellent characters. The world of Columbia was built on calamitous physics and unstable beliefs.

In conclusion, BioShock Infinite is an amazing shooter that pushes the entire genre forward with bold innovations in both story and gameplay. Like other titles, BioShock Infinite has its flaws, but these are tawdry issues that are barely noticeable. If any game deserves the title of Game of the Year it is BioShock Infinite.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed (@AdamSiddiqui1)

The Last of Us  

The Last of Us was one of the most anticipated games of 2013 selling 1.3 million copies in its first weekend and well over 3 million copies to date. It's one of the best selling PlayStation 3 exclusive games, differentiating itself from others with a completely new storyline revolving around a uniquely original cast of characters.

The main characters of The Last of Us, Ellie and Joel, have had different experiences within the game's apocalyptic environment with Joel remembering a pre-infected world and Ellie being born into a world full of runners, stalkers and clickers. Their differing views provide players with two different background storylines and a main plot that is full of action and emotion.

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The Last of Us is at times an emotionally draining affair that not only immerses players warmheartedly but provides a visually appealing environment for the story to unravel on. Most are familiar with the giraffe scene, wherein players are reminded of Ellie's innocence and given a spectacular view. Further scenes are filled with beautiful art design - from the smallest details of the characters facial expressions to the larger specifics of an entire city overthrown by the infected.

The creatures of The Last of Us are disgustingly frightening, and it is all too entertaining to take them out. Searching for items and collecting artifacts is fun itself, and crafting weapons from these resources to take out the infected is a savage treat. From shivs to modded baseball bats to explosives, killing the infected can be a unique experience for each player as they discover their weapon of choice.

The Last of Us' multiplayer mode is a breath of fresh air requiring stealth and communication with teammates. Camping rarely lasts long with players sneaking about taking enemies out with shivs and 2x4s. It's a good time for even the most unskilled players.

The Last of Us is well deserving of many awards this year including NoobFeed's game of the year. It embodies everything that a game should be with a solid storyline, online play and weapon crafting. For it not to be crowned game of the year would be a shame.

Megan Bethke, NoobFeed (@XboxBetty)


What is your game of the year? Grand Theft Auto V, BioShock Infinite and The Last of Us are all strong contenders, but what game will be declared NoobFeed's 2013 game of the year? Check in next week for the big reveal and see what other games came out at the top of our list.