Saturday, 21 Dec 2024

2013 Shooter Of The Year Awards

For the passionate community of first-person shooter fans, 2013 was a notable year. Publishers took a step away from short single-player campaigns and focused on delivering longer and more engaging experiences. While multiplayer faced some challenges, there were still reasons to celebrate. Let’s explore the best of the shooter genre in 2013.

Best Campaign: BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite delivered a mind-bending plot that captivated players from start to finish. As disgraced former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt, players embark on a journey to rescue a woman from the floating city of Columbia. Secrets are unveiled, and the relationship between the lead characters becomes increasingly complex and intriguing.

BioShock Infinite

Best Character: Sgt. Rex “Power” Colt – Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

Sgt. Rex “Power” Colt, a part-man and part-machine Mark IV Commando, wowed players with his badass persona. Seeking revenge on his former superior officer, Colt’s relentless determination and witty one-liners made him a standout character reminiscent of ’80s action heroes.

Best Setting: Columbia – BioShock Infinite

Irrational Games crafted a visually stunning world with Columbia, a floating city in the sky. From the moment players are baptized in the Welcome Center, the allure of this bygone era is truly captivating. Exploring the intricate details and cultural aspects of Columbia enriched the overall experience and added depth to the narrative.

Best Graphics: Metro: Last Light

Amidst fierce competition, Metro: Last Light stood out with its atmospheric visuals. The PC version, in particular, showcased Ukrainian studio 4A Games’ exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a foreboding and immersive environment. From the derelict Russian subway system to the desolate wasteland above ground, the game’s graphics set an eerie tone.

Metro: Last Light

Best Audio: Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

The audio experience in Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon took players on a nostalgic trip to the ’80s. The score, composed by Australian duo Power Glove, perfectly captured the essence of the era with its synthesizers and electronic drum kits. Combined with fitting gun sound effects, the audio design enhanced the game’s overall aesthetic.

Best Weaponry: Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon introduced unique and inspired weaponry, paying homage to the early days of first-person shooters. From quadruple-barrel shotguns to sniper rifles with explosive rounds, the game’s arsenal rekindled memories of classic FPS games. The standout weapon, the Killstar, an arm-mounted laser cannon, was a force to be reckoned with.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

Best Gunplay: Call of Duty: Ghosts

Call of Duty: Ghosts proved once again that it excels in delivering smooth and satisfying gunplay. With fluid weapon handling, quick reloads, varied weapon performance, and deep customization options, this Activision title remained at the forefront of the genre.

Best Cooperative Multiplayer: Payday 2

Payday 2 provided an exceptional cooperative experience, emphasizing teamwork and skill. Successfully executing a seamless heist with a competent team of four players resulted in a lucrative payday. From careful coordination to strategic planning, Payday 2 rewarded players who worked together.

Best Competitive Multiplayer: Battlefield 4

Despite some technical difficulties, Battlefield 4 emerged as the highlight of competitive multiplayer in 2013. With its large-scale battles and the introduction of the exhilarating Obliteration game mode, Battlefield 4 offered shooter fans a wealth of options and exhilarating gameplay.

Best Multiplayer Map: Guilin Peaks – Battlefield 4

Guilin Peaks, from Battlefield 4’s China Rising pack, stood out as a well-designed map. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed maps of Bad Company 2’s Vietnam expansion, Guilin Peaks offered varied elevations and cover, making it ideal for infantry combat. The map’s network of caves and unique twist on the Air Superiority mode added further depth and excitement.

Guilin Peaks

Shooter Of The Year: BioShock Infinite

Irrational Games’ BioShock Infinite claimed the prestigious title of Shooter of the Year for its stunning world, compelling characters, and captivating narrative. Exploring the floating city of Columbia was an unforgettable experience, and the relationship between Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth left a lasting impression on players.

FAQs

Q: Which game won the Best Graphics award?
A: Metro: Last Light stood out with its atmospheric visuals and exceptional use of light and shadow.

Q: What game had the Best Cooperative Multiplayer?
A: Payday 2 offered an exceptional cooperative experience, emphasizing teamwork and skill.

Q: Which game was awarded Shooter of the Year?
A: BioShock Infinite, with its beautifully realized world and intriguing narrative, claimed the coveted Shooter of the Year title.

Conclusion

The 2013 shooter genre awards showcased a range of remarkable games that pushed the boundaries of player experiences. From captivating campaigns to visually stunning worlds, these games enthralled players and left a lasting impact. Whether exploring the skies of Columbia or fighting epic battles, the best shooters of 2013 showcased the immense creativity and talent within the industry.