Industry picks: The best games of 2013

As 2013 draws to a close, it’s not uncommon to see game of the year awards being handed out by media publications to highlight the best games of the year. We like to do things a little differently here.

Rather than picking our favourite games of 2013, or having our readers pick theirs, we’ve asked people from within the Indian games industry – game developers, distributors and retailers – to tell us theirs.

Vijay Sinha
Game Designer, Tiny Mogul Games

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Metal Gear Rising has definitely left the biggest impression on me this year. While not perfect, Konami and Platinum Games have crafted a fantastic, stylish action game with a bonkers plot, an ultra-satisfying way to cut enemies up, and some epic boss encounters. All that and a cheesy metal soundtrack that I can’t seem to get out of my head.

I also loved: Rayman Legends

Yogesh Advani
Marketing Manager, Game4u

The Last of Us

Definitely the best game ever made for the PS3. The amalgamation of stealth, melee and third-person shooter elements was simply perfect. I haven’t seen such challenging AI since Killzone 2. And the best part about it was the exceptionally well written script, which made the game a delight for even someone just watching. Just waiting for the Left Behind DLC now.

I also loved: Bioshock Infinite

Shailesh Prabhu

Founder, Game Designer and Chief Chimp, Yellow Monkey Studios

Device 6

Device 6 did something so fresh with something as simple as text. The presentation of the game is top notch, and the puzzles were fresh and inspired. The "graphics" were clean and audio was superbly integrated with the experience. For me, this was by far the game of the year.

I also loved: The Stanley Parable

Dhiraj Malhotra
Product and Marketing Manager, E-xpress Interactive

Grand Theft Auto 5

Playing GTA 5 for me has been the most overwhelming experience. I loved it for its vast gameplay, exciting side missions, three protagonists to choose from, its music, the online mode; the list is endless. It is the complete entertainment package.

I also loved: Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.

Arvind Raja Yadav
Founder, Programmer and Game Designer, Pyrodactyl

The Stanley Parable

The Stanley Parable is funny, clever and has a few lessons about branching narrative and the role of the player in a videogame. I also loved the demo, which was expertly made and was an entirely different scenario in itself – a rare thing nowadays. Saying anything more will only spoil the enjoyment.

I also loved: Stealth Bastard Deluxe (technically released last November, but I only played it this year)

Amar Ratnam
Purchase Manager, Games The Shop

Grand Theft Auto 5

Could it really have been anything else? I’d never been a fan of the GTA series, but GTA 5 totally changed my perception of the franchise. It’s easily the greatest game of this generation. The graphics are a huge improvement when compared to GTA 4. It’s is unbelievable how much they have managed to get out of the consoles with this game. Playing as three characters at once works smoothly, and the world is massive with lots to explore. And when you feel like you’re done with the story mode or side missions, you can simply jump online. A must-play game, not only for this year, but this generation.

I also loved: The Last of Us

Rishi Alwani
Associate Producer, Square Enix India

Rayman Legends

The recipe for Legends is simple – one part love letter to old school platformers, one part drool-worthy art direction, sprinkled with fantastic music, and topped with slick controls. Delicious every time; even more so when you’re being chased by raging flames across a whimsical desertscape to the tune of ‘Eye of the Tiger’.

I also loved: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Abhinav Diwan
PR Executive, Milestone Interactive

Need for Speed: Rivals

I really did not expect my best game of the year to be from the racing genre, but this iteration really got me going. I was thoroughly pleased with the comeback of Ferrari and the pursuit tech component just made it better. The seamless online feature was, in my opinion, really stood out. Even though the cops vs racers aspect is a bit clichd, Rivals is still one of the franchise’s best.

I also loved: Splinter Cell: Blacklist

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