Best New IP:
Creativity in the gaming industry isn’t as hard to come by as one thinks. The avenues for the same have simply changed, with more indie developers stepping up to provide some truly unique experiences, unlike any we’ve seen in years past. AAA developers would have to work extra hard to stand out in this climate, especially with the yearly sequels to Call of Duty, Battlefield, FIFA and the like crowding the market. And for all their wacky awesomeness, Grand Theft Auto V and Saints Row IV still built off some very strong foundations to deliver their experiences. So which game takes the top honour of being the best new IP of 2013 in terms of sheer originality and quality?
Nominees:
– The Last of Us
– Outlast
– The Wolf Among Us
– State of Decay
– Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Winner: The Last of Us
We loved each and every one of the above nominees, but against the might of Naughty Dog’s third person survival opus, they simply can’t match up. What makes The Last of Us unique is that it delivers a whole new universe, from the ground up, that incorporates many familiar elements while making them seem fresh. The utterly grim proceedings are outlined by a touching OST and nuanced characters. The United States seems trapped in a lethargic, melancholic slumber rather than a post-apocalyptic fall or uprising. In terms of setting, characters and story, even with the third person gameplay, The Last of Us is our Best New IP of 2013.
