Itchy Fingers #12 - The End of an Era (Games of the Year 2013)

2013 may have marked beginning of the end for our beloved current gen consoles, but the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were never going to disappear into silicon heaven without one last hurrah. Amidst the usual spat of sequels, reboots, it’s hard to believe that some of the most important moments in gaming history were forged this year, all against the backdrop of the new console war.

We’ll come down to brass tacks first. Released just this September, Grand Theft Auto 5 has already broken six Guinness World Records. Granted some of these were already set by other video games, but by becoming the fast selling entertainment product in history it’s also toppled records set by blockbuster movies such as Avengers Assemble and Avatar in their opening weekends. However, through all the praise GTA V was showered with upon release, many critics were quick to point out just how misogynistic the game was.

Thankfully, 2013 also ushered in an era that sought to challenge the typical busty female

stereotype in gaming– after all; approximately 45% of gamers are women. As the first lady of gaming, Lara Croft was naturally at the forefront of this reformation. By substituting her sex symbol status for a human personality, the Tomb Raider reboot not only significantly changed up the gameplay of the series, but offered up a deservedly fresh perspective on the first lady of gaming.  

It wasn’t just gender barriers that were beginning to disintegrate either. A revolution of sorts is happening right now as small, independent game developers are starting to pose a challenge the globally dominant publishers such as EA and Ubisoft. Cult indie hits such as Hotline Miami and Thomas Was Alone migrated from their PC homes and found a new fan base through the online PlayStation store, reinforcing Sony’s promise to support the indie game scene. Without unlimited resources, indie developers have had to think outside the box in order to sell their games.

Enter Papers, Please – a game that takes advantage of the player’s own moral compass and uses their emotional state as a mechanic in the game. As an immigration officer for the fictional communist state of Arstotzka, you have the tough decision of letting in refugees at the cost of facing penalties that will see your family freeze or starve to death.

Finally, let’s take a moment to remember The Last of Us. In a story that could rival any Oscar nominee, The Last of Us followed Joel and Ellie on their quest across a decaying American backdrop to find an underground resistance group amidst an outbreak of a zombie-like mutation. Created by Naughty Dog, this post-apocalyptic survival horror pulled our emotions in a thousand different directions, ranging from fear and anguish to guilt and remorse.  It introduced subtext, characterization and a depiction of the human condition like no other game had ever achieved to date, perhaps giving it the edge over GTA V as top contender for Game of the Year.

Just as songs and films can stir up feelings of nostalgia, I believe video games can have the same personal impact too. From falling out with ex-girlfriends over my Call of Duty 4 addiction, to substituting the real world for Skyrim when the going got tough, I’m at the age now where I’ll always remember where I was in life when I lost myself to these games. So when you’re shredding the wrapping paper of your Xbox Ones and PS4s this festive season, just remember – a console isn’t just for Christmas, it’s for life. 

Originally featured in The Big List Issue #242

As an added bonus, here are my top ten games of the year (I don't own a Wii U or 3DS so unfortunately I couldn't include Nintendo games. Next year perhaps?)

My Top Ten Games of 2013:

10. DmC - Xbox 360

9. Tearaway - PS Vita

8. Battlefield 4 - Xbox 360/PS4

7. Guacamelee - PS Vita

6. Papers Please - PC

5. Tomb Raider - Xbox 360

4. Bioshock Infinite - Xbox 360

3. Hotline Miami - PS Vita

2. Grand Theft Auto V - PS3

1. The Last of Us -  PS3