The world is buzzing with HBO Max’s live-action adaptation of The Last of Us. This has led to loads of excitement among gamers who have, for years now, been enjoying the video game that inspired the show.
In fact, The Last of Us debuted back in 2013, which means the TV series is coming to life just in time for the game’s 10th anniversary. It was a good year for gaming, as there were many incredible and now iconic titles released in 2013. Let’s have a look at the top 10 iconic games.
#1 The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda is one of the best-known video games in the world. These video games are almost always a hit, and A Link Between Worlds was one of the best ideas the series has ever had. The game takes place in the same version of Hyrule as A Link to the Past, a few generations later.
There’s a common misconception among fans that it’s actually a remake or even a reboot. Having said that, there are many similarities, but the story is ultimately entirely different. It incorporated elements from the series’ past that had been long left in the retro titles, while also offering one of the best narratives in the series’ long and storied history.
There is simply so much more to do in A Link Between Worlds. The graphics of the game are gorgeous, and the action and settings of the world are next-level. It’s easily one of the best Zelda games ever.
#2 The Last Of Us
The Last of Us is known to be one of the best story-driven video games of all time. Now, it has gotten its own live-action TV series on HBO Max, starring Pedro Pascal. It’s also one of the most critically-acclaimed games of all time, winning Game of the Year from several publications.
The title was developed by Naughty Dog and released for PlayStation 3 in 2013, centring on the duo of Joel and Ellie navigating a post-apocalyptic America together. The game is a third-person video game where the player plays Joel who uses various weapons and makeshift items in battle. Stealth is also a large part of the game and helps add to the overall atmosphere of the game.
#3 Super Mario 3D World
As one of the few mainline Mario titles released for the Wii U, Super Mario 3D World had a lot of pressure behind it. Unfortunately, Wii U video games were not selling well due to the console’s poor sales. However, Super Mario 3D World came in to change the scenario.
After being re-released on the Nintendo Switch, the game managed to reach far more players. The initial release of the Wii U will soon have been ten years ago, and it’s a shame that more fans don’t talk about it.
The game takes the platformer concepts from the early Super Mario games and places them into this one with vibrant colours and settings, and 3D visuals. The game is far from challenging, but it is fun and incredibly addictive.
#4 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Being a vibrant and fun game with beautiful depictions of the Caribbean Islands, Black Flag quickly became a fan favorite and happened to be one of the best Assassin’s Creed games. Black Flag had remarkable and colourful characters as well, like Black Bart, Blackbeard, and Calico Jack.
The game also ties nicely into the narrative of Assassin’s Creed by showing Edward with his son Haytham at a theatre. Haytham mentioned in Assassin’s Creed III that he had once visited a theatre with his father as a child.
#5 Grand Theft Auto V
Admittedly, Grand Theft Auto V is one of Rockstar’s best video games so far and is without a doubt the best Grand Theft Auto game yet. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, so, it’s quite a hard pill to swallow when realising the game is going to be ten years old now.
Grand Theft Auto V
The game allowed players to explore an open city and commit various crimes while avoiding the police. Although the series was no stranger to controversy, Grand Theft Auto V has seen its fair share of critical acclaim over the years. It’s also earned a significant place in gaming history as the second best-selling game of all time, behind Minecraft.
Regardless, fans have had more fun with this game than any other in the franchise, with gamers putting thousands of hours into the online version of the game, some never even touching the main story.
#6 Pokémon X and Pokémon Y
2013 was a game-changing year for the Pokemon franchise, which, for the past 10 years, has seen even more change. It was the series’ first 3D title for the Nintendo 3DS, bringing the well-known Mega Evolution and the brand-new Fairy-type.
However, Pokémon X and Y have a mixed reputation. Many players harboured a strong dislike for both the newly added Pokémon of that generation and the perceived ease of the games. On the other hand, some fans felt they were among the best Pokémon games yet due to the visuals and the Mega Evolution.
Suffice it to say, Pokemon X and Y remains a fan favorite amongst Pokemon fanatics. It will turn 10 in 2023, which can be difficult to imagine for some fans given that the 3DS era didn’t feel that long ago. The game introduced some of the best series in the franchise. Even if there were many weak attributes to the game itself, it helped define many of the later games.
#7 Saints Row IV
Saints Row IV is a third-person shooter game that is a bit bizarre with a fairly unique story. The playable character in this game is the President of the United States, who is trying to stop an alien invasion.
The game completely embraces goofiness and makes it a fun and memorable experience. Players who have been with the main character since the beginning will find the transition of his role in Saints Row IV to be the most enjoyable and amusing.
#8 Injustice: Gods Among Men
Injustice was highly praised on its initial release and was the type of game that DC fans had been longing to have for years. The combat of this game is similar to that of Mortal Kombat due to having the same game developer, but there are plenty of abilities that fit each superhero and supervillain.
Injustice: Gods Among Men
The storyline of Injustice: Gods Among Men itself is surprisingly good, and it does a great job of focusing on so many different characters. Many fans do blame this game for beginning the “evil Superman” trope, however, and fans have long since gotten bored with it.
#9 BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite is the third major BioShock video game and one of the best time travel games ever made. It’s a first-person shooter game in which the main character, Booker, has special abilities such as throwing a flaming projectile or conjuring a shield to block bullets.
The game’s story is incredible and takes place in a fictional steampunk city in the US called Columbia.
#10 Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider (2013) is the first title in the reboot of the franchise. This game received major acclaim from both fans and critics, and this game completely helped redefine the future of the franchise.
The game has a lot in common with the Uncharted series, which isn’t surprising given that they’re both action games with treasure hunting. The story itself is incredible, and players will uncover astounding mysteries about fictional historical figures.