Best games of 2013: exciting new entries, rebooted favorites
New Leaf (Nintendo 3DS): In the newest installation of this life simulation game, you're the mayor of a town populated by anthropomorphic animals, and they're all counting on you to make the town a success.
Black Flag (Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4): Last year's "Assassin's Creed" title saw gamers playing a key role in the American Revolution; this year, we sail the high seas of the West Indies with pirate Edward Kenway.
Devil May Cry (Xbox 360, PS3): The year's other big reboot spends its first few minutes giving the finger to hardcore fans turned detractors, then brashly makes the case for why there should be a new "Devil May Cry."
The action effortlessly slips between human and demon worlds, while nuanced voice acting grounds the high stakes in a tale of sibling rivalry.
FIFA 14 (Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Wii): "Madden NFL" gets more mainstream press coverage, especially with this year's 25th anniversary, but the FIFA and NHL series have quietly become the best sports video game franchises.
Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox 360, PS3): The latest in this ever-popular series moves the action to Los Angeles (rather, Los Santos) and you play as not one, but three antiheroes.