Cole Fitzgerald
Connector Contributor
2013 was a great year for videogames. Blockbusters like “Grand Theft Auto V,” “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” “Battlefield 4” and “The Last of Us” were met with either critical or commercial success, along with dozens of other triple a games that were released this past year. That’s not to say that 2013 wasn’t filled with outstanding smaller releases either. Below, in no particular order, are four great lesser known games from 2013 that are certainly worth playing.
“State of Decay” (Xbox 360, PC)
Over the past few years, zombies have become overwhelmingly popular. State of Decay, which released in August, deals with forming a community of survivors to survive in a zombie-ridden version of rural Colorado. Weapons, food and supplies must be scavenged from the surrounding area, including rural farms, small towns and vast wilderness. Every survivor that you recruit has certain skills that can either help or hinder the survival of your community, causing you to hunt for certain skill sets while avoiding others. Driven by player choices, State of Decay is a great game for zombie enthusiasts and doomsday preparers alike.
“Payday 2” (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
If you have ever wanted to rob a bank or steal a priceless work of art but weren’t cut out for jail, Payday 2 just might be the game for you. Released in August, “Payday 2” is a first person shooter that allows you to plan out elaborate heists with your friends. Cooperation is key. In order to get the biggest haul, you and your team must work together to ensure that the police are not alerted, and if they are, you must stick together to escape with the cash. Essentially an interactive “Reservoir Dogs,” “Payday 2” is definitely worth playing.
“Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon” (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
“Blood Dragon” may be the most 80s thing ever created. Playing as cyber commando Sgt. Rex Power Colt during the Vietnam War II, you must stop a rogue commando from bringing about the second apocalypse. Released in April, this first-person shooter is filled to the brim with cheesy one-liners and lasers. A homage to the 80s, “Blood Dragon” lets you roam a tropical island, all the while killing robot enemies with laser ninja swords and high powered rifles. This game is not to be taken seriously, but definitely shouldn’t be avoided.
“Hotline Miami” (PS3, PS Vita, PC)
Released for PC in October 2012 and PS3 and Vita this past June, “Hotline Miami” may not fully be a game of 2013, but do not let this technicality dissuade you. “Hotline Miami” is one of the best gaming experiences in the past few years. A retro arcade game at its core, it is impossibly hard, yet incredibly entertaining. You play as a mysterious killer tasked with eliminating various gangsters and thugs from 1980s Miami. This premise quickly devolves into madness, and what results is different from any game I’ve ever played. The unique visuals and amazing soundtrack give the game a psychedelic atmosphere, and the tight gameplay will keep you hooked. “Hotline Miami” takes you on a surreal downward spiral that should not be missed.
