The Inferno's "Top 10 of 2013"

2013 has been an eventful year to say the least. The world has witnessed many tragedies, many political catastrophes, and has even seen some worldly war threats. Amongst all the chaos though I, as many of you have found a safe retreat in the world of gaming. Game developers, and console makers alike have worked their asses off to bring to us these noteworthy experiences which were worth our time, and our hard earned money often time gambling their own hard earned money in the process. While there was the occasional flop gaming for the most part has been truly exceptional this year. Being the privileged journalist that I am I was lucky enough to experience a lot of these noteworthy offers that the developers brought to the table. As such I feel obligated this year to bring to your attention my "Top 10" list, so that you can seek out the games for yourself, or for your loved ones. I feel that narrowing the list down to 10 makes the list more special for the developers who sought out my critiques, and that it helps you to narrow down your choices when you go to the local game retailer for your holiday shopping. Along with the "Top 10" you will find that I have also included some honorable mentions as well. I feel it is only fair to do so, because I have played and reviewed many games this year. While the honorable mentions will be more of a list, and less than an explanation as to why I chose them they will serve as a reference in case you want to go back, and check out the reviews I have given. Without further adieu though let us get into this list, so that you can get those presents that need to be gotten!

Let us begin! ...

1) Diablo III (PS3) - This year I was lucky enough to nab the best game of the year. This game I speak of is none other than Blizzard Ent.'s "Diablo III". While some PC enthusiasts felt like this was a lesser version I found it to be the most engaging, fun, and content heavy title that ever graced consoles. You could play this game for months, and still not have fully completed it. There's plenty of difficulties to take on as well as tons of in-game content to unlock, and explore. For these reasons "Diablo III" earns spot "numero uno" on my list, and gets my "Must Have!!!" stamp of approval. Keep in mind that "Diablo III" will also be available on PS4 & Xbox One, so the quality and value will more than likely exceed what the PS3 version had to offer.

2) Dragon's Crown (PS3 / PS VITA) - This action RPG came in at a very close second place to "Diablo III". The game not only looked amazing, and had some of the most engaging RPG related mechanics, but it has also had update after update of quality improvements, and additional add-on content making it one of the definitive must haves of 2013. ATLUS really went out of the way to please RPG fanatics, and it shows. I'm still at this time trying to complete every difficulty setting. If you haven't picked this up for the PS3, or the PS VITA you are doing yourself a great disservice.

3) One Finger Death Punch (XBLIG) - You're probably asking yourself why does an indie game deserve such a high spot in your top 10? The answer is simple. I was psyched about this game from the moment I saw the pre-release footage, and was not disappointed when I got my hands on the final product. Silver Dollar Games went above, and beyond their means to provide an action packed martial arts experience unlike any other. Every button press felt like it mattered. The developer's innovative gameplay mechanics were simple yet profound. I cannot for the life of me think of another indie game deserving of the number 3 spot on my list!

4) Darkstalker's Resurrection (PSN) - While I don't agree with all of Capcom's business strategies, and releases this Darkstalker's collection is hands down the best retro fighting game collection of 2013. Not only were the two games in it kept intact, but online modes were added to each of them making the fun factor sky rocket. I had a blast taking on Japanese, and European players. I even loved the fact that I could upload match replays directly from the console to my very own Youtube channel. The added fact that the upload's quality was exceptionally good had me returning to play the game often. If you are into fighting games it is not too late to get in on the action with this bad boy. There are still dedicated Darkstalkers fans playing the hell out of this game.

5) DOA5U / Dead or Alive 5: Ultimate (PSN) - When it comes to DOA fans some were on the fence with this title. My friend "The English Dragon" for example thought DOA had lost it's luster with the release of "DOA5U". I for one thoroughly enjoyed it though. It looked amazing, and played well. The integrated Facebook, and Youtube video sharing made the gameplay experience all the more better. The fact that it was also made as a free-to-play version helped the game's popularity somewhat also. To this day I still play DOA5U, and will continue to do so for as long as it is supported.

6) Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014 (XBLA) - The guys, and gals of Wizards of the Coast, and Stainless Games once again did an Awesome job of presenting the MTG goodness that all us MTG players have grown to love. While the menu system was simplified it still held that signature quality associated with the MTG product line. The tutorial, as usual was delivered in an easy to learn fashion that will no doubt guide newcomers as they continue to try, and learn the game. As such this continued MTG experience is an open one that caters to newbies, and old timers alike.

7) Pinball FX2 (XBLA) - Once again the guys, and gals of 'Zen Studios' have delivered an Awesome pinball experience in the form of two very well done "Star Wars" collections. The latest Star Wars collection which was released not long ago was by far the best, and contained a Darth Vader tribute table that did the all powerful space villain justice. If you have yet to play any of Zen Studio's 'Pinball FX2', or 'Zen Pinball 2' tables you are missing out on one of the greatest digital arcade experiences of our time.

8) Ys: Memories of Celceta (PS VITA) - While the "Ys" series has been around for a while, and has gathered a cult following from JRPG fans this was my first time playing one of the Ys games. I found it to be a pleasant, and overall fun experience similar to the experiences I had with past "Legend of Zelda" releases. The fact that it was redesigned from the ground up for a more visually impressive look made this a must have for PS VITA owners, and Ys faithfuls alike. If you are a PS VITA owner, and you are looking for a worthwhile gaming experience you cannot go wrong with "Ys: Memories of Celceta"!

9) Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God (PS VITA) - I recall a fellow journalist telling me that this game would not make it on my top 10, but I was so surprised by how fun it was that it did indeed make it here amongst my top 10. Sorcery Saga is an Aksys Games JRPG release that incorporated some of the RPG genre's greatest elements. In the end it came together quite nicely with it's nose bleed humor, and cast of fun loving characters. I'm actually still trying to complete the game as we speak, because it can prove to be quite the unforgiving experience if you don't mind yourself within the game's dungeons. If you haven't got this game for your PS VITA yet you should!

10) Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness (PS3) - If you like getting more bang for your buck, and believe that a game should have 100's of hours worth of gameplay time you cannot go wrong with NISA's "Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness. This cutesy JRPG is one of the JRPG genre's shining stars when it comes to story, gameplay, and humor. You will find nothing quite as expansive as that of the Disgaea series within the JRPG universe. The real bonus lies with the fact that you can pick up this game, play it, and enjoy it without any prior knowledge of previous installments of the series. In fact it contains on of the most indepth, and easy to understand tutorials to ever grace an RPG. Disgaea games usually go on sale soon after the release so finding an affordable copy should not be an issue. Also consider buying it new, because at most it will only set you back $40.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

PS3/PS VITA

- Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland (PS VITA)
- Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland (PS VITA)
- Tales of Xillia (PS3)
- The Guided Fate Paradox (PS3)
- Mamorukun Curse! (PSN)
- AquaPazza (PSN)
- Strength of the Sword 3 (PSN)
- Killer is Dead (PS3)
- Super Motherload (PSN)
- Guacamelee (PSN)
- Contrast (PSN)
- Time and Eternity (PSN)

XBLA/XBLIG/XBOX 360

- Aqua Kitty (XBLIG)
- Arcade Craft (XBLIG)
- Rise of the Ravager (XBLIG)
- BattleBlock Theater (XBLA)
- Beat Hazard Ultra (XBLIG)
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (XBLA)
- CastleStorm (XBLA)
- Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate HD (XBLA)
- Dawn of the Fred (XBLIG)
- Final Exam (XBLA)
- Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams (XBLA)
- God Mode (XBLA)
- Phantom Breaker: Battlegrounds (XBLA)
- Spelunky (XBLA)
- The Bridge (XBLA)
- Worms Revolution (XBLA)
- Death Goat (XBLIG)