Uros' Top Ten Games of 2015!

Well, another year, another set of a bajillion games I've either played, missed, or just ignored. It's been a busy year, but I thought with a bit of free time, I'd try to jump right back in it with a favourites list! HERE WE GO!

10. Battlef ield Hardline

Kicking off my list is Battlefield Hardline, which came as a huge surprise to me because it takes a rather large departure from the more militarized approach the series has become so well known for. As a first, it's developed by a different studio this time around (Visceral Games), instead of renowned series regular DICE. The engine used is the same, so you won't see a drastic change in general gameplay, but you can definitely feel the more personal and subtle changes that have become like unique signatures from a consistent developer.

The game has a frantic multiplayer, with a brand new setting (Cops v Robbers), which adds a little freshness to the multiplayer shooter. New modes, vehicles and progression systems are introduced, and it's all worthwhile! The biggest change, which a lot of fans have probably waited for, is a half decent campaign. It isn't exactly the best example of a FPS campaign, nor does it revamp anything either, it's a step up for the Battlefield series and it adds a breathe of fresh air that may or may not have been well needed. 

9. Rare Replay

Now here's a title that came as a massive surprise, and mostly stems from pure nostalgia! The Rare Replay collection, which boasts 30 of the biggest (and best) games that developer Rare put out over its time as an actual developer. It isn't exactly the most revolutionary package around, but you'd be crazy to say you don't get bang for you buck with this one! Many favourites like Conker's Bad Fur Day, the Banjo titles, Perfect Dark, Battletoads and more, make this more than worth picking this up alone. As a heads up though, these aren't full remasters, or remasters of any kind. They're simply ports, cleaned up a little to fit into a newer generation of hardware. Not that this hinders the experience at all, but it would've been wonderful to see how an Xbox One version of Bad Fur Day would've played and felt like.

But that's just me being complaining a little.

8. Mortal Kombat X

Mortal Kombat. Man, how this series has made a complete 180 over the course of the past two games. Ditching the more popularized 3D battleground of recent fighters of years, developer NeverRealms decided to revamp and reboot the series back to it's (brutal) roots and they couldn't have done a better job than Mortal Kombat 9. Oh wait, I just ate my own words. Mortal Kombat X nearly improves on every aspect of the previous title and then some! Pitch perfect control scheme, gorgeous visuals, a worthwhile story (even if it is short) and a fantastic cast of characters, blended nicely with old and new. It's a gem amongst the fighting genre and one I was glad to get my hands on. Here's hoping NetherRealms hits it three for three!

7. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition

Alright, so a remaster doesn't exactly count as a an actual full game to some people, but I couldn't resist and I mean wait... Whose list is this anyways huh!? Well if you have never played Gears of War, and you own an Xbox One, now is the time to pick this gem up. It was absolutely revolutionary in 2006 when it came out, changing the way we saw the third person genre completely. The cover system was a game changer, and the active reload system was adapted by many games to follow. A lot of what made Gears of War what it is, was the setting ,the characters, and man oh man, the multiplayer... One of the toughest, skill focused and competitive offerings that ever hit the market. It drove away the less competitive and hooked in the extreme. With the campaign and multiplayer being remastered, the latter offering full 1080 resolution and 60 FPS, I couldn't have been happier when this was announced, and it felt so natural jumping right back into one of my all time favourites. 

6. Halo 5

For most (or anyone) who really knows me, Halo has always been a staple of my gaming life. Ok, that was a really stupid sentence, but bear with me alright! So it may come as a surprise to some to see it lower on my list than it has typically been for previous installments. That doesn't mean it is any less of a Halo game, just that there were a lot better games this year, and the competition was stronger. But there were a lot of things holding Halo 5 back, and some subtle improvements could've made it the absolute best Halo title in the entire series. First off, let me just say that the multiplayer is probably the BEST we've seen, competing easily among the likes of Halo 3. It's superbly balanced, bringing back the arena gameplay we all came to love, and Spartan abilities are equal among every player, adding a fresh layer of movement that speeds up, but doesn't ruin the experience. It just helped everything become better, while remaining true to what Halo has always been.

Now, the part which could've been better. The campaign. Man, I don't know how to talk about this. It wasn't terrible, it wasn't particularly bad. It was just a massive let down. It was short, it had no drive, and it had no direction. It felt like a stumble for where Halo 4 succeeded so heavily. The new characters brought nothing to the story, they weren't particularly interesting because they had nothing to flesh them out. Any tension that Halo 4 brought was quickly snuffed out because of the constant four player squad play that was implemented. Don't get me wrong, I've read all the lore, I know the history between Master Chief and his fellow Spartans, but for newcomers, nothing is done to fill them in.

In the end, Halo 5 shouldn't be missed out on. It is still a great Halo game, and definitely a great game in it's own right. Hopefully, the third outing is where 343 really meshes both worlds and creates the Halo title deserving of what both the developer CAN put out, and what the fans have been wanting. 

5. Batman: Arkham Knight

It's always a wonderful year when we get a new Arkham game from Rocksteady. This year wasn't any different. This game had almost everything! GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS open world, entertaining new combat options, addictive riddles, fun boss fights! Did I mention the game looks gorgeous? There are a lot of unfortunate things that happened with this game this year, especially for those who waited for the Steam release. A completely broken port, which seems like it will never get fixed. But, I'll be sticking to the console release for this, and it was nearly flawless (not a bash at PC's). This isn't a perfect game though. Some of the boss fights were tedious repeats, or they were easy enough to breeze through. And I know a lot of people had issues with the Batmotank, and while I didn't, I can definitely see where those complaints would come from. But I felt as if it didn't exactly hinder the experience for me, and if this was the finale for Rocksteady's trilogy, well then colour me satisfied!

4. Star Wars Battlefront

Now here's a title that greatly divided gamers and Star Wars fans alike. DICE's Battlefront. To many, and even for me, this game is a shell of what it could've really been (content wise). It's not exactly lacking in modes, more so with maps. But it is lacking in depth. It seems a tad rushed on the content front, boasting support for gameplay up to only around mid level 30's, and despite addicting, there isn't all too much to bring the extremists coming back consistently. 

But anyone would be a fool to say that on a technical level, there is nothing like this game at all. The graphical capabilities that DICE has with their Frostbite engine. It's unmatched. You feel like you're in a Star Wars firefight, IT LOOKS LIKE IT TOO! And oh man... the sound design. Close your eyes, and just let the action envelop you. That's all you need, for some of course. But that only retains so much power over the course of time. It's a shame it couldn't have been more, but I have never had more genuine fun with a FPS/TPS shooter all year than I did with Star Wars Battlefront. 

3. Tales from the Borderlands.

Telltale Games is a developer that shot to stardom and caught everyone by storm. Their games were an overnight sensation and they haven't missed their mark ever since releasing The Walking Dead. TFTB is no exception. This could be, and I genuinely mean this, one of the best story driven games I have EVER experienced. And it's not just because of the series it stems from. The writing is so fantastic, you sometimes forget you are even playing a game. It was that immersive for me. The characters, the humour, the balancing of tension and emotion. It's wonderfully crafted together to make this... BEAUTIFUL GAME! I can't even handle talking about it. 

Just... do me a favour and pick it up. Words, no matter how generous, do this game no justice. 

2. Rocket League

Rocket.League. 

This is the epitome of sports games folks. Nothing comes close to touching this game. This is, and I say this conservatively, the most entertaining and time consuming game I've played in years. I've probably contradicted myself already throughout this list, but to hell with it. THIS. IS. ROCKET. LEAGUE. Never have I ever been so amped up and pissed off within the span of seconds. This is a true game changer among sports games. It's simplicity is the games strong suit. Less can sometimes be more, and I cannot express that more than with Rocket League. You are a rocket powered car... playing soccer. It seems silly on paper, but it's execution is marvelous.

If you haven't picked it up and want a refreshing competitive take on sports games, give it a shot. Actually, GO GET IT. I'm not recommending it, I'm telling you to go get it. JUST DO IT! 

1. Dying Light

Here it is, my creme of the crop ladies and gents. My favourite game of the year. OH LOOK, WHAT A SURPRISE. HE CHOSE ZOMBIES AS HIS FAVOURITE GAME. WHAT A PLEB! Yeah well, you're... not wrong... 

Awkwardness aside, this is single handedly and without question or argument, the BEST zombie game ever created. It meshes the absolute best parkour/movement system ever seen in a first person title (adapted from Mirrors Edge), with the creative combat of Dead Island to create the masterpiece that is Dying Light. It's frightening, it's exciting, it's ohgodmypitsaresweatingwhatdidIdo. Yeah, I just went there. It's also a surprisingly deep game. Loads of side quests and exploration, a story worth playing through, and refreshingly lengthy for the genre. There are interesting characters to run into, HUGELY diverse environments that are meticulously crafted to fit perfectly with the games movement system. It just feels all too perfect to be accidental. There's a decent crafting system, a mock RPG system which works well, and the game is wonderful to look at. Oh who am I kidding, I've found myself stopping multiple times just to stare into the distance and admire it creatively and technically. 

 Oh and I'll leave you with one thing. Grappling. Hook. Yup, that's all.

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So there you have it! My favourite games of 2015. Thank you trudging through this bore fest. UNTIL NEXT TIME.

A retrospective look on my top five comics of the year

Alright, I'm going to take a jab at trying to isolate my favourite comic book's this year and the series that they centre around. I wouldn't say there is any particular order, just the ones I enjoyed the most.

Green Lantern (New 52)

Oddly enough, Geoff Johns' Green Lantern series is arguably the most unaffected title through the New 52 reboot. Essentially kicking off right where War of the Lanterns, we see a bold move by the Guardians in reinstating Sinestro as Hal's replacement in the GL corps. One heck of a way to kick off the reboot of the series, especially when we have Hal left in the dark and Sinestro reluctantly seeking his aid. Despite all the chaos, this unexpected alliance turns into one of the most refreshing concepts that the series has taken in a while. It gives us a unique insight of how these arch enemies truly feel towards one another and how far they are willing to in order to "one-up" each in entertaining ways.

Retrospectively, I loved the heck out of the Green Lantern series because it had a consistent representation of the characters throughout while outside of this main series, Hal was written almost as a completely different character. On the flip side though, the art was fantastic, constantly keeping up a balance of emotional storytelling and immense action sequences that felt believable with every panel. Doug Mahnke truly is the ideal Green Lantern artist and he's more than proven himself time and again. Thankfully, after Johns' departure, the series still holds strong and manages to carry on with the legacy created by the former while managing to craft its own identity. Here's to many more years to a fantastic series!

Favourite issue: Green Lantern #20

Well, I think it's safe to say that this has to be the single best send-off to any series, despite the series not actually ending), but it just as well have ended. With every panel, you can see the emotion Johns pours into his work and how much he truly cared in re-imagining one of the most expansive settings in the DC Universe.

While some of the additional artists who paid tribute to the issue did a decent job, it didn't end up translating all too well or, fluidly for that matter. Of course, Mahnke's work shines the brightest here and the final send-off to the entire "crew" was heart-breaking. THAT FINAL INTERACTION BETWEEN HAL AND SINESTRO!

Aquaman (New 52)

Yup, another Geoff Johns title and another which happens to be one of the most underrated titles headed into the New 52. Now, a little over two years into the reboot, Aquaman holds strong with some of the best stories showcasing how absolutely epic the King of Atlantis really is and how truly ridiculous it can be when doubting his little corner of the universe. Disregarding the absolutely fantastic Throne of Atlantis arc which spanned the DCU, Johns managed to flesh out and intricately revolutionize Arthur's character for a new audience whilst remaining void of any cameo's for that matter from his teammates.

There was just a distinctive feel to Aquaman that really drew me in from the get-go. Many it's that I like rooting for the underdog and you can't get any more underappreciated than Aquaman in this day and age. With that said, the series has ALWAYS held the biggest and best names in the comics industry in terms of the artistic duties. Ivan Reis, and more recently Paul Pelletier, beautifully illustrate Arthur's world from the depths of the ocean, to the King of Atlantis' former "getaway" home on the surface. Each page is sprawling with detail, exuding emotion and intensity at every turn. That final arc focusing on Arthur's ancestry and reestablishing his place as King after Orm's betrayal was a touching one as despite the mixed feelings from both his people and that of the surface, he strives to find peace and balance between the two worlds and it exposes his vulnerabilities, even if only temporarily.

Favourite Issue: Aquaman #25

Another send off issue which helps wrap up all the work Johns has done in revolutionizing Aquaman's character and putting him back on the map once again. Best moment of the entire issue? DAT BEARD! Seriously, who else was disappointed when he shaved that badboy off? There were many key moments in this issue that just made me hilariously anxious to re-read the issue again, just to recapture everything and anything I missed the first time around. From accepting his heritage to the EPIC final showdown, this issue had it all. It's just a shame it all had to end.

Thor: God of Thunder (Marvel NOW)

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a big Thor fan outside of Straczynski's run several years back. I enjoyed the character but never enough to stick to an ongoing. With Marvel NOW "rebooting" its characters in a sense, I decided to give God of Thunder a whirl since I largely enjoyed Jason Aaron's work in the past and man, what a decision that was. For the entire first arc, we are almost completely devoid of any guest appearances from Avengers and instead, we are taken on a beautifully illustrated mythological journey through Thor's past, present and future. It's just something you cannot experience with any other character in Marvel considering the depth of Asgard's reach in the universe and the impact Thor seem and his kinsmen seem to have.

Amidst a new series comes a new villain and he definitely delivers as he becomes a threat not even Thor can face alone. It registers almost as a horror story for all Gods alike as they're slowly picked apart, one by one and it's a gripping tale throughout watching Thor (re)discover the purpose of such murders. All of this is even better portrayed through the ridiculously stunning art of Esad Ribic. His splash pages are jaw-dropping, his action electric and while he draws some goofy faces, there's no denying that he's soon to be a titan amongst artists.

Favourite Issue: Thor: God of Thunder #12

Some may see this as an odd choice as compared to the massive eleven issue story arc before it, the twelve issue is a rather slow and actionless issue. But to me, that's the beauty of it. After the non-stop chaos, the atrocities witnessed by Thor, Jas Aaron allows for the Thunder God to take a little breather and it is one that is extremely heart warming.

Thor rekindles a friendship with his old flame Jane Foster, a sad situation in which he learns she has cancer. Despite the grim circumstances, there are plenty of laughs to be had and even tears to be shed (for those with a heart of course). It was quite honestly the most impactful issue I've read in the series thus far and arguably, the most touching of any comic by extension. Stop reading and go pick it up if you haven't... I mean right now.

... Why are you still here!?

Scarlet Spider (Marvel NOW)

Well well, here we have the best Spider title on the market and what happens? It gets CANCELLED! GASP! Yeah, I have nothing to say to that and it's honestly the most disappointing news of the year in my opinion considering that Christopher Yost was killing it by breathing new life into Kaine's character in addition to pulling up one of the most diverse supporting casts in comics. There's not too much I can complain about in regards to Scarlet Spider. Yost pens a largely consistent story coupled with some of thebest fight sequences I've ever seen in a Spider-book. Even so, I adore how Yost manages to so excellently attempt to distant Kaine from his "brothers" life and influence but no matter how hard he tries, you can see both glimpses of the hero he strives to be, and the monster he so desperately attempts to run from.

All of this is supported to a superior degree (hehe) due to the fantastic art teams that constantly switched over. While I would have preferred if the artist was locked down, I can't complain too much as the art remained consistent and gorgeous nonetheless through the multiple transitions. On top of that, I loved that Scarlet Spider seemed to lack the typical predictability or "happy ending" of most superhero comics. Kaine's luck may seem positive in one aspect, but lying just around the corner is a new challenge ready to rip his new life apart and the people he loves.

Favourite Issue: Scarlet Spider #12

Getting a little seasonal here I know, but issue twelve of the series is still by far my favourite. It rests in a period of self doubt for Kaine as he attempts to figure out his next move. He feels like he could have a new life and possibly a new home with the friends he's made, but he fears that his past is constantly catching up to him and he's constantly trying to run away. (Un)fortuantely for Kaine, a heist crew attempt to rob the hotel that Kaine's frequenting and take the employee's, including Annabelle, hostage. After some comfort from the good ol' Doc, Kaine decides to relieve some stress by pounding in the head of some jolly old miscreants and in magnificent fashion. What follows is arguably one of the best action pages I've ever seen and could be considered hilarious all together.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (IDW)

hOk, forget everything I said earlier about Aquaman being the most underrated and underappreciated title... of any publisher. TMNT is by far one of the most fantastic comics on the market and it's sickening when you realize how ignorant people are to its existence. This is a title completely riddled with life in every aspect. So much so that the fantastic coupling of art and writing just scream out at you. The story arcs are intricately written, each title playing into each other and functioning like a well tuned engine.

By far though, this could be the single title that continually manages to surprise me with each issue. One that leaves me impressed and aching for more, something I'd argue isn't seen all too often anymore with some of the more mainstream titles. TMNT has the benefit of claiming that it is one of the sole titles that can flow effortlessly from peaceful, down-to-earth moments and ramp the action back up to the maximum within the blink of an eye. There's a little bit of everything here that will appeal to the biggest fans of the franchise and enough to attract brand new readers just looking to find somewhere to jump in. If I could recommend ONE title to someone, this is the first one that would come to mind in a heartbeat.

Favourite Issue: City Fall Part Six

Oh noes, he chooses the epic finale to one of the best story arcs of the year! SAY IT AIN'T SO! Yeah that's right, the finale to City Fall was brilliant and delivered in tying up loose ends, bringing the pain in terms of a long anticipated fight and pushing one of its main characters in a new direction. This is an emotional roller coaster of an issue duders/dudettes! The Turtles and co. do their best in rallying up their forces in attempts to stop the Shredder from causing all out destruction on the city and struggle to free their brother Leo from his grasp.

The real kicker though is how the conclusion leaves an ever-changing impact on the Turtles dynamic as we know it. Without diving into spoilers, it really hits hard on a specific character and you cannot help but feel their pain but also wish they weren't so stubborn in refusing help. It's a stunning conclusion to a stunning story arc that tossed around twists and turns at every corner.

Uros dabbles with his Captain's hat- Assassin's Creed IV Preview

There's a special sort of creativity when it comes to the Assassins Creed franchise. Instead of focusing on ground-breaking elements such as a revolutionized gameplay system year after year, or pushing the boundaries of graphical prowess, the titans behind Ubisoft instead choose to highlight the beautiful re-imaginations of historical rich settings. These worlds that Ubisoft manages to capture and breathe life into are downright incredible. There's an inescapable aura to it, one that cannot be so quickly absorbed and ignored. It becomes apparently clear how much detail and how much care is addressed and considering the short developmental times, it very well leaves you in awe.

Despite the mixed reception of the previous installment, Assassins Creed 3, Ubisoft decided to press forward and stronger than ever before. This time though, the setting was quite a surprise and takes a jab at the franchise's strict chronological order. Now, I'll gladly admit that I am not finished with Assassin's Creed IV, nor am I even close. Roughly 28 hours in and I'm about halfway through the main story. Although before I continue any further, let me point out that Black Flag didn't draw me in within the opening sequences as I would've liked it to. With regards to my adoration of the franchise, this felt like the most alienated piece of the puzzle. There was a certain abruptness to the pacing of the story, a relatively disjointed lack of initial motivation to care for protagonist Edward Kenway. But as with all brilliant pieces of art, a single short-handed forray does it very little justice.

Black Flag decides to strip itself from the norm, disregarding the importance of the Assassin/Templar feud, both from the view of Kenway and the gamer. Instead, you're taken on a journey of self-importance, one that abolishes that which was previously seen as the pinnacle of direction. Edward Kenway is a pirate and yet, an oddly honourable and charismatic man among the devious figures he allies himself with. There's a certain attribute to his character that makes him feel so familiar but refreshingly capable as a leading man. His motives are not one of selflessness yet you cannot help but care for his mission and while bordering that line, you're given a remarkable second glance at an unseen nature of pirates. Some ring terrifyingly true with the stereotypes given but it may come as a surprise as to how the true nature of these "famed" pirates pales in comparison to what can be seen as "atrocities" produced by the British and Spanish armies.

Now, we've seen how Assassins Creed 3 took the time to dabble a little in the world of naval combat but sadly, to a limited extent. Black Flag takes this to an entirely different level, emphasizing greatly on "true" open world exploration and freedom, which it does so tremendously. Your ship is not just another means of travel, but an extension of yourself and the crew considered your family. Shanties ring true as you ride the waves of the ocean, plundering various naval ships, scouring uncharted lands for loot and diving to the depths of the sea to discover long forgotten wrecks of old. There's an outstanding level of care, detail and passion that is seen with representing the true nature of the open seas and it's represented to such a level that you find yourself lost among the wonders of its world.

As such, Black is not without faults although in this case, it could be purely subjective. There's an unrelenting amount of atrocious escort and eavesdrop missions that left me groaning audibly under my breath. It serves little purpose to the story and pacing, only managing to worsen the overall experience due to the occasional sticky free-running controls. Retrospectively, the Assassin's franchise has been well known for recreating some of the most gorgeous locations in all of gaming. This time around, despite having the most choice at hand, Black Flag lacks any sort of true draw or recognizable landmarks that will leave you in awe as did the wonders of Rome and the multitude of cities from the adventures of Ezio in Renaissance Italy.

On top of that, there's a modern setting to the game which plays a largely miniscule part in the entire story of things (at least from what I've experienced so far). Thankfully for those who care little for the modern events that the franchise has attempted to push towards, there isn't much time spent with the nameless protagonist of that era and the objectives given to perform are actually some of the most entertaining and creative puzzles the series has come to offer. Pushing to the realm of combat, Black Flag remains relatively consistent as it has since it's earliest entries, if not more simple this time around. What really caught my attention though was the sheer depth of possibilities with how to approach combat. While the other games technically boasted about "stealth", you were never given much aside from hiding within crowds for the right moment. Now, with the fantastic addition of a crafting system and an enormous collection of tools, I was left stunned at the countless possibilities I was given considering how dull a straight up approach to combat has become.

From what I've experienced so far, I only really became engrossed with the latest entry into the series after two dozen hours or so but it'd be a crime in saying that it so wasn't worth the wait. Edward is a powerfully addictive lead despite his mediocre supporting cast. The open seas, naval battles and exploration will drain your life away and the combat has taken a newly ingenious direction. Black Flag represents a stepping stone for the franchise, a shining symbol that the series if far from dried out and you'd be crazy to let this one pass out of your grasp. There has never been a better time to stretch your sea legs.

Uros' Top Ten Games of 2013!

Waitaminute, waitaminute, waitaminute!

WHERE THE HECK DID 2013 GO!? Well damn, I missed everything didn't I!? I guess all that's left now is to make some list about my favourite games of the year or something right? Yeah, that sounds familiar, I'll go with that. AND GO!

(SIDE NOTE): I did not finish every game this year nor am I including next-gen because I simply have not had the time to complete the games I do have and it just wouldn't do any justice to toss them up without fully experiencing what they have to offer!

10. State of Decay

It wouldn't be much of a stretch to clarify that I may have a hilariously awkward obsession with anything relatable to post-apocalyptic worst case scenarios. It's an odd fixation that centres around my need for observing how we fantasize over the collapse of modern human society and how the survivors manage to cope and adapt to these new worlds. With State of Decay, developer Undead Labs pushes that boundary even further by giving you those EXACT tools for true survival aspects with managing a community, providing for your people and taking risks that affect either those you care about or selfishly looking out for yourself.

There's isn't a clear cut sense of right and wrong with SoD and that's what I love about it. The game manages to perform at its best when it forces the player to second guess themselves and their decisions, whether it be for the betterment of their community or not. It's a game that keeps you on edge, a world that doesn't hold your hand out in the wild and it becomes terrifyingly evident when you realize that you ARE NOT invincible against the endless waves of the undead. You struggle to find supplies to keep your community adrift and just when you think it's time to lay low, SoD allows you to believe that you are safe and comfortable until you get swamped in the middle of the night by more powerful, mutated versions of the monstrosities aching for your flesh.

For an arcade title, the game boasts quite a production value. It won't be the itch you're looking for when comparing it to top profile titles but that's not where Undead Labs laid their focus on and that's the beauty of it. The game is more than competent when it comes to acknowledging the diverse playstyles of gamers and gives you the option, and a satisfyingly enormous world, to engage with whatever you come across in any which way you please. This is why State of Decay kicks of my list with a bang.

9. Dead Space 3

Largely considered one of the last titles on the market that truly boasts the survival horror aspect of old,Dead Space 3 manages to yet again craft a brilliant, dark, mind-numbingly thrill ride of an experience. Following Issac Clarke yet again but this time around, our protagonist is borderline insane after the trauma's experienced throughout the first two titles. The game changer this time around? Tossing up against human enemies and having the ability to do so with a friend.

Now, Dead Space 3 follows the same route that Resident Evil 5 went after both games were highly acclaimed for being revolutionary amongst their genres. In this case, I feel co-op only helps enhance the experience and in no way does the game become any easier by doing so. There's also further improvements with the fantastic weapon crafting in addition to a wide selection of goodies in terms of chilling audio collectibles and a creative degree of unlockable outfits to utilize, some even allowing for beneficial boosts to the player's gameplay.

While Dead Space 3 lacks the initial "oomph" that the former titles provided, co-op manages to provide a reinvigorating motivation to continue on and a new set of absolutely stunning locales just keep things fresh throughout the lengthy experience. Dead Space 3 is sadly a largely overlooked and underappreciated experience in 2013 but despite that, I couldn't help but drain dozens of hours into the latest installment of Visceral's top notch shooter.

8. Tomb Raider

Re-imagining of a cult icon? Check. Extremely gorgeous and accessible world? Check. Wonderfully engaging story and expertly crafted gameplay? Check and check. Despite some of the initial negative feedback when first hearing about the news for a Tomb Raider reboot, Crystal Dynamics still managed to conquer through the pessimism and succeed in recreating one of the best third-person action/adventure titles on the market that originally went on to inspire modern titans such as Uncharted.

On top of being one of the few IP's to not only pull off the impossible of breathing new life in an all but exhausted franchise, it jumps an extra step in improving and adapting the changes that modern titles have since revolutionized since Tomb Raider's dawn over a decade ago. This new outlook on Lara Croft is engaging as instead of jumping straight into the shoes of an experienced warrior, we struggle with our protagonist every step of the way. Every injury, every achievement, every heartbreaking loss. It's a touching and even stressful experience that you just cannot help but become engrossed within.

7. Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Just when you thought a franchise was inadvertently headed in the completely wrong direction, it manages to pull the most abrupt U-turn in the history of gaming and rush head on and completely surprise almost everyone who once doubted its existence. Ubisoft Toronto has crafted an experience for everytype of gamer and that's not even an exaggeration. Ok well, maybe it is but trust me, Blacklist manages to appeal to almost any style that has come across the "stealth/action" genre in the past decade.

Yeah ok, one of the aspects of the game that truly disappointed or even isolated a group of fans was the dismissal of veteran Sam Fisher voice actor: Michael Ironside. This time around, they chose to go with a fresh take on the character, a younger take if you will, and if anyone is familiar with Smallville's Eric Johnson, they'll feel relatively at home. He lacks the general experience and gruff that Ironside brought to the table but he still manages to bring an interesting take and even a relatable one.

Alongside a gritty story with some incredible options for co-op, Blacklist knocks it out of the park by reintroducing the critically acclaimed Spies vs Mercs multiplayer portion, long since abandoned by the past few titles in the series. A truly unique experience that pushes players to tactically cooperate with their teammates to succeed in a multiplayer component completely focused on objective based gameplay. It's almost a call-back to the days of old, a time where it took more than a itchy trigger finger to keep you alive and it's a wonderful experience that helps complete and already fantastic package.

6. Grand Theft Auto V

Well, I'm pretty sure that this is the only title on this list that won't need an introduction. GTA V, arguably the most popular title of the year, manages to comfortably ease its way into my top ten list without any hassle whatsoever. Ok hold up, can we maybe take a second to acknowledge how ridiculously MASSIVE this game is. I don't mean in the sense of the game world, just in terms of how much content Rockstar Games has managed to stuff into one title, crafting what could be the final hoorah of the seventh generation of gaming.

Interestingly enough, with boasting three main protagonists rather than just one, GTA V juggles the intertwining stories with remarkable awe but at the same time, it almost becomes an intimidating or even overwhelming experience, one that you cannot even help but fathom or even applaud the developers for taking genuine time and appreciation with. Rockstar, with their unmatched experience in the sandbox genre, further continues to improve upon not only their storytelling, but finally tweak their previously sluggish and buggy control system to near perfection this time around. This allows for an overall increased enjoyment in nearly every sector that the game provides, INCLUDING the driving.

It'd be an understatement in saying that GTA V wasn't a pretty gem. It becomes clear from the get-go how incredibly detailed everything is in the game, and you find yourself just taking the time to appreciate the scenery. Sadly, the only thing that keeps GTA V from rising higher on my list is my ever continuing poor experience with the multiplayer side of things. At times it manages to function and when it does, it's quite the thrill ride. Yet, it's still largely inconsistent and a lot of the promises made have yet to be provided for. Despite that being said, this is an experience that cannot be missed.

5. DmC: Devil May Cry

There's a certain authenticity that comes with approaching the Devil May Cry reboot, which even to this day is disregarded merely on the approach to the reimagining of another video game icon; Dante. Sadly, I find those claims to be a tad bit overbearing as with experiencing everything Ninja Theory's reboot offers, I have no shame in claiming that this entry in the (new?) series is arguably one of its most refined and focused. The revered combat makes a triumphant return and for the better If I were to be so bold. There's a more focused approach this time around, with fluidity between powers and weapons being the focus, making it both accessible to new players and those who have spent years with the series.

On top of refining an already near perfect combat experience, Ninja Theory takes a gamble of tackling a similar but fresh take on Dante's origin which manages to only further impact both the story and combat in a more positive way. There's an impactful experience to be found with Dante's tragic and hidden past and despite being largely crude at many points throughout its rather lengthy playtime, the jumps taken into more mature territory administer surprising results. With mentioning a DmC title, you can't help but applaud the gorgeous art styles that follow. While being a little buggy at times, the game carries an artistic style that is to be envied and perfectly blends the diverse themes addressed in the wild ride that Ninja Theory thankfully managed to recreate.

4. BioShock Infinite

So yeah, BioShock Infinite am I right? See now, we've reached in my list where everything I say just becomes incoherent babble and I just end up rambling on about how these games even manage to exist. Bear with me, it's about to get messy. I'm going to kick things off with stating that Irrational Games manages to make the absolute BEST introductions that just drag you in every time, despite how you feel going into the game. In my case, I waited several months before jumping in and truthfully, I totally tried going all hipster with this one. The end result, just nope. I cannot express how much I loved this game, a triumph that borders the creative brilliance of the original back in 2007.

Infinite is only linear in its combat and honestly, while they have improved the shooting aspect, I feel like it just left the Vigors (Infinite's version of Plasmids) completely obsolete in a lot of situations considering the sheer power of some of the weapons, and how generally uninteresting a large majority of the Vigors were. Now we jump into the the mess that is explaining how ridiculously amazing the story is. It cannot be put into words, it just can't or I'm just too limited in my vocabulary to do so. Every time you may think you know where the story is headed, Infinite just rears up and slaps you in the face, as if the developers are laughing at your expectations.

And then we have the locale and the visuals. Holy moley is this game jaw-dropping. There are moments where you find yourself forced to put down the controller and just gaze upon the creativity behind these expertly imagined worlds. Despite being held back at times with a relatively general combat system, the story more than makes up for it and helps push the overall package into stardom.

3. Injustice: Gods Among Us

Say whaaaat?! A fighting game made my top ten list?! And it's NOT Mortal Kombat? Blasphemy! Hey, I'm with you guys. When I initially heard about Injustice, I had every right to believe this would fail considering the track record of the superhero genre, and despite my best hopes that it would surpass everyone's expectations. Thankfully, NetherRealm Studios has a fantastic history with the fighting genre by being the creators of the massively lauded Mortal Kombat series and man, does their expertise ever feel so present with Injustice.

So, on top of having arguably the best and most accessible gameplay systems out there for fighting games, Injustice also manages to craft the best storyline as well, which comes as no surprise considering the sheer quality and quantity that comes with the DC brand. While it's a tad bit short, it remains all the more engaging and helps quicken the removal of your training wheels before really tackling the tough stuff, which can get extremely aggravating at times. Brilliantly enough, NetherRealm takes a twist by utilizing a alternate reality in which Superman and co. (with a few exceptions) absolutely lose their minds and enslave the Earth. It's an interesting take on the mythos and one that translates quite well on screen thanks to the easy transition into the fighting genre.

Now, the creme of the crop lies with the roster and the online play. I mean, everyone knows that's where all the fun truly sticks with fighting games since it is the last remaining challenging that remains ever present despite how much you play. Boasting a rather impressive roster, split down the middle with a side of heroes and one for villains, each character is unique enough that the game forces you to spend time in mastering their massive array of combo's, strengths and weaknesses. It's an invigorating experience, one which I spent dozens upon dozens of hours of getting smacked around and yet, I just kept coming back for more.

2. The Last of Us

"Can you survive?" There lies the one, simplistic question that The Last of Us rests upon those who gracefully approach this masterpiece of a game. It's here where Naughty Dog excels the most. Not with the graphics, not with the gameplay, but with one simple theme that haunts you through the entire duration of your experience. The Last of Us is simply remarkable because of its tone, because of its setting and because of its characters.

Before I continue praising the game, I'll get some of the negative aspects out of the way. Probably my single complaint with The Last of Us is its gameplay, which is borderline atrocious at times but at others, immensely engrossing. There are times where you just cannot get enough of how stressfully giddy the combat makes you feel, always on edge and watching your back. Comfortability is a feeling that is very rare and transparent throughout the entire experience and the developers take note of this, completely ripping away at your safety at every opportunity. In other cases, it can just be utterly frustrating with how poorly some of the mechanics function, especially at a close distance, where you'll spend a large portion of your time stuck in. However, the brilliance of the story is the single aspect pushing you forward through some poor mission design at times and you'll be thankful for it.

I cannot praise The Last of Us more than just for simply recognizing that gamers are not stupid. We do not need a constant reminder as to what the objective is, nor where we need to go next. In almost any case, it takes away from the the thrill of discovery and the fear of the unknown. Naughty Dog corrects that and appreciates the fact that gamers are smart, edgy and persistent. They give you free reign of controlling where and when you proceed, highlighting only for utmost importance but not intrusively. Just as a final surprising and welcomed addition, Naughty Dog introduces a creative and refreshing multiplayer very much akin to that of Gears of War where it pushes for tactical dependency with your teammates and that's where I was drawn in. There's a moderate survival dependency reminiscent of the story but it centres around the crafting to later improve your weaponry and such.

Now while The Last of Us boasts some of the most alluring visuals I've ever seen, it's not without faults. The game tends to having an odd blurring effect whenever moving and it tends to be oddly jagged as well. However, almost everything about this post-apocalyptic world screams out at me and leaves me drooling for more.

1. Metro: Last Light

Where does bravery surface from where there rests no hope? This was the single most endearing aspect that Last Light provided me with. A complete sense of hopelessness, a mission continued simply to provide hope for the survivors of a devastated world, one which they could never dream of returning to. It's a frightening thought, one that leaves you contemplating your decisions and every single action you take.Last Light, more than any other game I've played, forces you to second guess yourself every chance it gets and it's painfully rewarding on top of engaging.

Last Light follows a world in which Russia fell into nuclear war, rendering the surface world completely uninhabitable and slaughtering the vast majority of the population. The survivors now live within the countries vast Metro system, some in a welcoming tone, others so treacherous that you are left wondering who the true enemy is. It's a tone that appeals greatly to me as it leaves the gamer questioning how youwould react in a similar situation and man, does the game ever give you the opportunity to do so.

The gameplay is refined to the point where in any given situation where you encounter enemies, you are freely given the option to engage in either a hostile or one of complete avoidance. While you can engage your enemies, you gain even more options by choosing to be either lethal or non-lethal. Each action you take affects a morality system, one that will help dictate a specific ending and here's where the brilliance comes in. You have absolutely no idea whether the actions you perform are "good or bad". Yes that's right, you are completely left in the dark with only your own morality to dictate your actions. It's an incredibly innovating mechanic that helps thrust you into the world and hits you hard when you discover the impacts of your choices.

Last Light makes my list almost solely because of those aspects on top of being arguably one of the most jaw droppingly exquisite games I've ever laid eyes on. In my opinion, this is one of, if not the most engrossing experiences I've ever played in the past few years and sadly, one of the most underrated and overshadowed of the year.