Comic Con is always a wonderful place to enjoy all things related to nerd culture. Video games hit a bit of a slump last year, so we were very pleased to see a strong showing from the industry at this year’s NYCC. While there were dozens of games available to play and see at the show, only a few were outstanding.
Check out the gallery below is our list of five titles that stood out for us at NYCC 2013:
NYCC 2013: Top 5 Games of Show
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5. WildStar
Fans of MMORPGs have more options now than ever before. Not only are there a plethora of games to choose from, but many don’t cost a dime. NCSoft and Carbine Studios would like to argue that free to play isn’t the ideal model for every game, and they can bring the value to prove it.
WildStar boasts features like player housing, 40-man raid content, and a revamped hybrid combat system. It’s hard to ignore a game that blatantly stares into the face of industry trends and says, “that’s not for us, and we think players will agree.” The game is still in development, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on
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4. Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World brings the old gang back together. That’s important for me because recent console Mario titles are always about the coop. If getting three strangers together to play on the show floor was a good time, I can only imagine what it will be like in the living room.
Try not to fight over who gets the cat suit, and try not to leave anyone behind. Nintendo is at its best when they slowly layer on new gameplay elements to the existing ones that we already love. Simple additions can have big effects, and the new Super Mario 3D World is proof of that.
Check out our preview for more!
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3. Shovel Knight
2D platform games are receiving a lot of affection recently. Shovel Knight just so happens to be a massive love letter to the genre. The game features a beautiful and creative 8-bit retro style and soundtrack. Packed with humor, nostalgia, and challenge, this game will keep you swinging and bouncing on your ShovelBlade until your thumbs give out.
It’s a shame Shovel Knight wasn’t on the main show floor for more people to see, but word travels fast about a game like this. Yacht Club Games were able to crush their goal on Kickstarter and were easily Greenlit by the community on Steam. The game should be available later this year on Windows, Linux, Max, the Wii U and the 3DS.
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2. South Park: The Stick of Truth
Even after producing 17 seasons of the controversial cartoon series, Matt Stone and Trey Parker can still find new ways to make us laugh. This time around, they’re focusing their unique brand of satire onto the RPG genre. Poop jokes have never fit so well in the verses of a bard’s cheerful tune.
There’s something about Cartman playing the Grand Wizard, and Butters as the apologetic Paladin that I can’t get enough of. The dialogue alone would be enough to draw me in. The bonus lies in the combat and classic RPG character building that I’m sure will have me hooked on The Stick of Truth.
Check out our preview for more!
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1. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
This game was the unexpected champion of the convention. Barrels and mine carts and bananas, oh my! This game reminds me of everything I’ve ever loved about the DKC series. The game is goofy and challenging all at the same time.
The very talented composer David Wise is back working on the soundtrack for Tropical Freeze. The man is responsible for the Donkey Kong Country music we all know and love. If we’re being honest, the score is almost as iconic as the big ape himself. This is a must-have for all Wii U owners.
