Best Games of 2013 (So Far)

Sly Cooper finally made his return to the PlayStation this year, and not only is Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time one of best PS3 titles to arrive, it's also one of the most enjoyable Vita games, too. New developer Sanzaru Games keeps the hallmark feel and gameplay the series was known for under Sucker Punch's guidance, but also brings the series forward with new additions like costumes and abilities. Add in CrossPlay ability to take your save on the go, and Thieves in Time becomes a lasting experience that's sure to please fans and newcomers alike. Sly Cooper didn't have to sneak his way into our Best Games of 2013 list. We'll gladly open the front door and let him in.

Rebuilding the world pixel by pixel may sound like a challenging task, but Pixel People makes it an addictive experience that's tough to match. A deep and rewarding freemium title, Pixel People provides a streamlined approach to the SimCity formula. There are 150 different job types to unlock as you recreate the world, with more possibilities opening as you go. Real life is hard to manage, but Pixel People makes running a virtual world more fun and easy than ever.

Endless running games have become a big hit with the advent of touchscreen smartphones, and Temple Run 2 is among the cream of the crop in the genre. With new obstacles like ziplines and fiery flames, there's plenty to separate this sequel from its predecessor, and plenty of reason to keep on running from that pesky ape. Even with plenty of mobile games trying to copy Temple Run 2's style, this game stands out as one of the best.

Three strangers must work together to traverse the mysteries of The Cave, the latest adventure game from the minds at Double Fine. With seven different characters to choose from, the experience will be different for everyone involved, and this player choice mechanic also offers plenty of replay incentive. Sharp graphics, laugh-out-loud humor, and intuitive puzzles make The Cave a must buy.

Joe Danger was one of the most fun platformers to hit the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, so when Hello Games announced a mobile version was on the way, it wasn't that surprising. What was a bit shocking though was how good it was. Redesigned from the ground up for mobile devices, Joe Danger Touch managed to keep the fun fast and furious, without compromising any of the trademark challenge and ease of play. If more developers took the time to craft competent ports like this for mobile, the gaming world would be a better place.

Another game that's more about the experience of playing it rather than completing any set goals, Proteus' only task is to wander the world. Seasons pass and the surroundings change, but the only thing to keep you invested is your own curiosity in what will happen next. Proteus' art style adds a bit of mystery and unease to the world, and the music is another intriguing aspect that transforms and shapes the world, though not in any physical way. It's charming, creative, and captivating all at the same time, and that's why Proteus is one of the Best Games of 2013.

Though God of War: Ascension won't be remembered for being the best in the series, Sony Santa Monica's franchise is still an amazing technical work that pushed the PlayStation 3 to its limits. Getting another closer look at Kratos' earliest days as a servant of Ares was a real treat for die-hard fans, and with a combat system that was tighter and more engaging than ever before, Ascension more than showed there was still gas left in the God of War tank. Where the franchise goes from here is anyone's guess, but at least Kratos' seemingly final journey was a good one.

The line between console and iOS gaming is slowly disappearing in regards to how engaging a game can be. You no longer need to spend $60 to have an amazing experience. For just a few bucks, you can dive into something like Year Walk and be totally blown away. Video games aren't art, you say? Let's see if your opinion changes after playing this.

Taking place quite a few years before the events of Gears of War, Judgment took the franchise in quite a different direction. With a focus on quick, action-packed missions, and a look that was inspired by the original title. Though brighter and more vibrant than another other entry in the series, Judgment wasn't a typical Gears of War video game. The multiplayer was as robust as ever, even if the campaign didn't offer much in the way of interesting ideas. That said, Judgment definitely lived up to the high standards of the series, even though Epic let someone else take the car out for a ride.

Crytek's Crysis series returned once more in 2013 with its third entry. This time the game takes place within the confines of a closed off Manhattan, and it's up to Prophet to discover what the Cell Corporation is up to beneath the Nanodome. Traditional weapons and gameplay abound, but Crysis 3 puts a bit more emphasis on stealth and the new bow weapon, giving the overall experience some new life. Few games can compete with Crytek's engine, and if you have the PC to power this game at the highest possible settings, the developer again does not disappoint.