Top 5 Video Games Of 2013

#5 NHL 14

Undoubtedly the best sports series of all time beginning with NHL 94, which is arguably the best sports game of all time, this edition of the series tries to recreate the same flawless features that the classic had 20 years ago. I only really buy annual games when the changes are significant and this entry into the series brings with it multiple changes to improve from the rather lackluster performance of 13.

The thing I love about this game is the two brilliant engines, the physics engine that has been duplicated from the FIFA franchise that now makes fights and hits feel more realistic, if a little arcadey, and the main engine that makes the game feel as smooth and efficient as it has ever been. The main gameplay changes come in the form of a revamped Be A Pro mode that now gives you real life situations that affect gameplay, it's a great little touch that stops the career from becoming stale. The other main addition is the NHL 94 mode that plays out identically to the classic, it's a fun feature that really does recreate the brilliance of the original title.

The commentary is also the best of any sports franchise. Gary Thorne & Bill Clement have a seemingly endless pot of lines that really add to the hockey experience. My only criticism is the usually brilliant soundtrack. This year the songs are barely recognizable and all sound very poor including some of the worst songs I have heard all year. Having said this the game is still brilliant fun to play. Another stunning entry into a brilliant franchise that just keeps improving.

#4 Surgeon Simulator

I can't remember ever playing a game that was this much fun, the dark but hilarious take on being a surgeon is so basic but so much fun all at the same time. The game is really easy to begin with but the difficulty even when performing the most simplest of tasks makes the game so much more entertaining. I also love the attention to detail, it's just simple thing like getting high when accidentally leaning on a needle or being able to write on a notepad with a pen that improves the overall experience. It's just one of those games that are so fun to play at a really low cost, a genuine gem from an unlikely source.

#3 Prison Architect

This may come as a surprise as even I will admit that this game is far from perfection, but the great thing about this game is that it is still in Alpha and so therefore incomplete. This is my reasoning for putting this entry so high on my list, for its potential. The game makes the seemingly boring task of prison building into a genuinely fun and engaging experience, giving me a nostalgic feel that reminds of classic episodes of Porridge (which was actually filmed in my hometown of Chelmsford). When this game is completed it will surely become one of the greatest PC games in recent years as even under heavy development it is a simple but yet quite complex simulation of prison life.

The game reminds me of Theme Hospital with it's playing style and I often find that they both produce the same amount of enjoyment, let's hope that the often rocky road of development doesn't hinder the potential that this game has and take it off my list.

#2 GTA V

A seemingly obvious choice as anyone will agree that this game is brilliant. You may be wondering why this isn't number one and that is predominantly because for me it didn't push the boat out as much as GTA IV. I feel the game was almost played safe in many ways with a predictable campaign and rather stereotypical characters. Rockstar didn't help with their endless promises that of course ended up not happening (damn, I wanted Radar Love) and then making up an excuse like that it would ruin the games' economy despite the fact the game didn't have an economy yet as that was something else we were promised and STILL haven't got. Despite all this there is no doubt that the game is a fantastic achievement and still great fun to play on a huge map that looks insanely good with a huge amount of effort gone into every single inch of the map. It really does bring the best out of the current gen consoles and makes every use of processing power to create a truly spectacular game.

I just feel that as good as this game is it is lacking in storyline. GTA IV made me care about the characters, so much that I would accept Roman's endless bowling invitations and everyone felt unique, it was truly a diverse and unpredictable storyline that kept to the realistic setting of GTA. Five just gives me three quite dull and predictable characters that really don't interest me. The internet may be raving about Trevor but in reality all he does is hinder the storyline, just endlessly arguing with Michael for 15 minutes at a time that doesn't go anywhere or achieve anything, and the characters are given limited back story and are nowhere near unique or diverse as their GTA IV counterparts.

Despite these small floors I still love the basic concept of the game, the constant attention to detail and customization really make the game feel special. In addition the heist missions are truly spectacular and my only criticism of them would be the game doesn't feature enough and the meantime is spent endlessly roaming around the desert in seemingly directionless missions. I also love the many easter eggs scattered around the map that really do make you want to explore the world more. None of the vast space on the map has gone to waste with every area teeming with secrets and random events that just eat away into the many hours I spent playing the game.

This truly is a landmark moment in gaming and certainly one of the best games of the year. It is definitely an overrated title but the floors are small in comparison to what is a brilliant overall game, just not quite good as number one (or Red Dead Redemption, sequel please Rockstar).

#1 Papers, Please

Man that comma annoys me in the title, it just doesn't fit in, and that is my only criticism of a superb game, the only game for me that could beat GTA hands down and it comes from the most unlikely culprit. It is amazing how such a simple concept of a game can be presented in such a way, I urge you all to play this, it is truly remarkable.

It follows such a simple system that on any normal game would seem rather dull, but what this game does is turn this basic system into a brilliant experience that deals with real world problems such as corruption. The beauty in this game is the fact that you don't realise you're corrupt, it just gradually plays with your mind until before you even realise you're more corrupt than Robert Mugabe.

This game has a sense of immersion I have never experienced in a game before that really makes you think about modern politics. It is genuinely amazing that a game this good comes from a desk job as its sole setting.