Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag proved a game to treasure.
Here’s a look at our top 10 next-generation games of 2013:
1. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Now this is how a next-gen game should be done. Black Flag was available on current-generation consoles as well, but it truly shined on the next-generation of machines, coming to life with visuals so vivid and lifelike that you could almost smell the leather on Edward Kenway’s costume. The game helped reinvent the Assassin’s Creed series, telling a gripping and splendidly paced story, and it all took place in the most lifelike and exciting Assassin’s Creed world we’ve seen so far.
RELATED: BEST CURRENT-GEN VIDEO GAMES OF 2013
KILLZONE
Sony’s Killzone: Shadow Fall showed what the PS4 could do.
2. Battlefield 4
For at least one year, Battlefield tops Call of Duty. This was another game available on both current- and next-gen machines that truly shined on next-gen, where the large theaters of war could accommodate more users in multiplayer. Battles feel truly grand, and the visuals are among the best in gaming on next-gen machines. A solid game on current-gen as well.
3. NBA 2K14
2K’s next-generation basketball game sets a new bar for sports gaming, bringing basketball to life in a way you never thought possible with a controller. 2K Sports was as ambitious as ever with this edition, although the game loses points here because of its shortcomings, namely, the frustrating dependence on an online connection for even the most basic things (roster creation? really?) and the lack of efficient roster updates.
4. Forza Motorsport 5
Just when you thought a racing game couldn’t look any more realistic, Microsoft graced us with Forza Motorsport 5. How much like real life is driving in Forza? The sun glare on your car windshield will actually make you squint. Add in some unique A.I. that takes advantage of the Xbox One’s cloud abilities, and you have a forward-thinking racer that’s as good as it gets.
AP
Scene from Microsoft’s Xbox One flagship game, Ryse: Son of Rome.
5. Call of Duty: Ghosts
Activision’s yearly military-themed shooter tread the same territory as previous games, but boy did it look good on next-gen machines. And while Ghosts didn’t deliver a truly different multiplayer on next-gen machines, it did deliver another solid edition, headed by the new Domination mode. A solid effort.
6. Need for Speed: Rivals
EA Games reimagines its NFS series here, focusing on the aspects that best play with next-gen. That means easy drop-in, drop-out multiplayer and a seamless world that’s beautiful to boot. This was another game that was also available on current-gen machines, but it was at its best on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. And just in case you want to give it a try, it’s a tremendous game on the PS Vita, via PS4 remote play. Just stick with your home WiFi.
7. Resogun
Yes, a downloadable game makes the list. This PS4 exclusive seems is simple and old-school, but it’s beautifully done, and it challenges you from the very start. The visuals are electric and intoxicating, and the gameplay keeps you on your toes. The best downloadable “shooter” since Geometry Wars 2.
ACTIVISION
Call of Duty: Ghosts looked stunning on next-gen consoles.
8. Ryse: Son of Rome
Microsoft’s Xbox One flagship game showcased the console’s tremendous graphics capabilities, but it’s destined to be underrated because it’s gameplay was viewed as unimaginative. Indeed, the Arkham City-style combat could have used a little bit more polish and creativity, but it’s not exactly boring, either, and developer Crytek does introduce a few interesting ideas. A solid game worth playing, even if it’s more rent than buy.
9. Dead Rising 3
Capcom’s next-gen entry is the best Dead Rising yet. The company has gradually honed its zombie-killing formula, and it reaches new heights of fun here, relying on the Xbox One’s horsepower to fuel even larger waves of zombies. It’s grown less and less cumbersome over the years, too.
10. Killzone: Shadow Fall
Sony’s flagship title is a visual feast, a showcase for the PS4’s horsepower. Lighting effects and water effects abound, and this is one of the few games that utilizes the Dualshock 4’s touchpad in a useful and fun way.
[NYDailyNews]