The Games of 2013: 24-19

With the potential for two new consoles to arrive just in time for Christmas, 2013 could well be a landmark year in the video game world. But it’s also a year full to the brim with AAA releases for current consoles that we hope won’t disappoint. Here’s our look at 24 through to 19.

24. Star Wars 1313

Star Wars 1313 might well be a game of visuals over substance, but it doesn’t half look impressive. If this is the kind of visual level we’ll be getting at the launch of new consoles, then things look promising for the years ahead. Still, pretty graphics will only get you so far, so we’re hoping the cover-based gunplay is at least competent and that the campaign manages to throw in some spectacular set-pieces. We’ve been let down by Star Wars games in the past that prioritised visuals over gameplay (we’re looking at you, Force Unleashed 2), but we’re hoping this is the game to change that.

23. GRID 2

Codemasters has taken its time to bring us a sequel to 2008’s brilliant street racer, but hopefully that means GRID 2 won’t disappoint. With most of 2012’s big racers being open-world offerings, we can’t wait to get back into a pure closed track game; an area Codemasters has excelled at in the past. Fingers crossed that F1 Race Stars and Dirt Showdown were slight blips in the company’s otherwise stellar history, and that GRID 2 signs off Codemasters’ current-gen efforts with a bang.

22. God of War: Ascension

It seems like everyone is down on God of War: Ascension, and we can understand why considering most of what has been shown is a frankly uninspiring multiplayer mode, but surely this is going to be good. Chances are Ascension will be one of the final showpiece games for the PS3, and we just can’t imagine Sony letting the series go out in such a disappointing manner. All we want is the spectacle of God of War 3 with as many great moments of God of War 2. That can’t be too hard, can it? Please, Sony – get it right.

21. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

We’ve kind of gone off traditional RPGs in recent years, but it’s hard not to be at least a little bit excited about Ni no Kuni. Just look at it: it’s gorgeous. If you’re thinking the art style looks familiar but can’t quite put your finger on its origin, this is a game made in collaboration with Studio Ghibli, the wonderful animation team behind Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro. If, like us, you’re not usually bothered about JRPGs, Ni no Kuni’s beautiful world and delightful characters might well be enough to warrant giving this a look.

20. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Buzzwords: Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Two of the biggest from 2012 were ‘meaningful innovation’, and they’re exactly the words you’d use to describe Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Possibly.

As the name suggests, New Leaf is packed with meaningful innovation – as far as innovation within the confines of Animal Crossing will allow for, anyway. Unlike other Animal Crossings, you no longer start the game by paying off a debt for a house. That’s change no. 1. Instead, you live in a tent (change no. 2) and you can now swim in the ocean (change no. 3). Want more? Well, how about customisable clothes (change fo… – oh, forget it), the ability to hang furniture from the walls and the option to build new items for your town, like bridges and fountains. There are even shrubs and lamp posts! If that isn’t meaningful innovation, we don’t know what is.

19. Total War: Rome 2

So, you’ve been watching Spartacus: Blood On The Sand and now you want in on some of that lovely/violent ancient Roman action, albeit in strategic format. Well you’re in luck, as The Creative Assembly returns to one of its earlier classics, expanding on the 2004 original and implementing the lessons learned from Total Wars Empire and Shogun 2. We’ve always been a fan of CA’s work, and the new graphics engine, player choices (such as turning the Republic into the Empire) and larger game world excites us. And, if we’re honest, terrifies us too. Because we just don’t have the time.