[Feature] Nintendo Everything’s 2013 Game of the Year Picks

Super Mario 3D World

Perhaps an unsurprising choice, but Super Mario 3D World is pure gaming bliss. That’s the bottom line. It has a ton of new ideas and is bursting with fun gameplay between the Cat Suit and Double Cherry. Even smaller elements like the Canon and Light boxes are worthwhile. Multiplayer turns out to be a welcome addition as well, which is something I was most definitely not expecting.

I wouldn’t rate Super Mario 3D World as highly as the two Galaxy games, but it’s still an incredibly entertaining game to play. There’s no question in my mind that it should be the first title new Wii U owners purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

This is yet another pick that most may have saw coming, but A Link Between Worlds turned out to be a pleasant surprise for me personally. Although I absolutely love Zelda, I had little interest in this one for until I finally got my hands on the game.

A Link Between Worlds is the first Zelda in… quite a while since players have been such a large degree of freedom. Thankfully, that openness pays off very well. You’re essentially free to tackle a majority of the well-designed dungeons in any order you choose, all of which make fine use of Link’s items and wall-drawing ability. Isn’t there just something innately fun about being able to stick Link on a wall in search of heart pieces and rupees, or to progress through a dungeon?

Pokemon X/Y

Pokemon X/Y is another game that surprised me, but not for a lack of hype. You see, I have a strange relationship with Pokemon. Pokemon Gold was the first title I purchased for the Game Boy Color, and I spent countless hours playing it. After that, I just didn’t care for Pokemon – that is, until I picked up Black 2 many months ago. Something about it clicked with me, and after that, I was sold on the series once again and was greatly anticipating X/Y.

The 3D visuals in Pokemon X/Y are by far one of its most appealing aspects. The style presented in the game greatly suits the world of Pokemon I feel. But beyond the graphics, there’s still a lot that’s new here. There are a ton of new Pokemon. There’s the new Fairy type. Pokemon-Amie. A higher level of connectivity with friends. Sky battles. I’d also argue that the changes made to the experience share item are worthwhile for those who don’t always have a ton of time to put into a game like myself.

Ultimately, I’d say Pokemon X and Pokemon Y are among the series’ finest entries yet. Series fans shouldn’t hesitate to play them, and newcomers should also give them a shot.