

1. "The Last of Us": It may not have the scope of Rockstar North's crime epic, but Naughty Dog's postapocalyptic survival game has more going for it. It's new intellectual property in a world full of sequels. It boasts a better narrative, and the developers coaxed out unforgettable performances from actors Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson. "The Last of Us" is the exact opposite of the blockbuster titles where players are empowered to save the world. It tells the personal story of Joel and Ellie with subtlety and grace, something that most games fail to do.


3. "Rayman Legends": No game is as pure as Ubisoft Montpellier's platformer. Delayed a few months, the project used the extra time wisely, making sure that every jump and obstacle were perfect. The level design proves that in the right hands, even older genres can be fresh, inventive and exciting.


5. "SimCity": Yes, Maxis stumbled out of the gate with its city builder, but months removed from its disastrous launch, this game proves to be just as addictive and educational as others in the series. This edition is prettier and adds the concept of regions where players have to work with or against each other by sharing resources, managing pollution and offering public services. It's eerily similar to real-life city government issues.


7. "Animal Crossing: New Leaf": Taken alone, this life simulator may not seem like much. It may even appear boring, but if played with a group of friends, it can be a huge time suck, as players build a town, decorate their home and deal with a slew of demanding residents. It's a game that capitalizes on the feeling of discovery and growth, rewarding players who visit each day.

8. "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag": The series gets back on track with this pirate-inspired adventure. As Edward Kenway, players explore the high seas in search of a mysterious place called the Observatory. It takes the best part of the previous entry -- the seafaring -- and builds a great game around it.

9. "BioShock Infinite": The good: Irrational Games' follow-up to "BioShock" features a fascinating world and notable characters in Elizabeth and Booker DeWitt. The bad: When it comes to gameplay and story, the team drops the ball, especially toward the end. The best thing about "BioShock Infinite" is that it takes an unflinching look at the darker side of America's history and tackles issues that most developers shy away from.

10. "Tearaway": Media Molecule's foray on the PlayStation Vita is an innovative one, as the makers of "LittleBigPlanet" get the most out of the system, using its touch screen, touch pad and camera for an enthralling adventure. Despite its flaws, the game constantly surprises players and has a finale that they won't forget.