Best Strategy/Simulation Game of 2013 - Article

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Strategy and Simulation games differ from most genres thanks to their wide breadth. Players must be concerned with not just one or two focal characters but focus on a large cast. They must also be aware of the consequences of each action, as they can all mean the difference between a successful interaction or battle and an inadequate result or the death of comrades. They are games that encourage us to interact with and consider the world at large and they can be quite the intellectual challenge.

The Nominees Are:

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Dota 2

Fire Emblem: Awakening

Pikmin 3

And the Winner is...

Fire Emblem: Awakening

Nintendo's strategy RPG series has a devout fanbase, albeit one that has traditionally been small in number. Part of the reason for this is its brutal difficulty; players can't expect many lucky breaks and once a unit is defeated, it is gone forever. Fire Emblem: Awakening became the first overseas release in the series to add a casual-friendly difficulty setting, removing perma-death and dropping the barriers that prevented many players from being able to appreciate the series. But it was implemented in such a way that veterans could still seek out the brutal challenge they've always appreciated. Its pre-rendered cutscenes are also a visual marvel for the 3DS and really put this already strong game over the top for our Best Strategy/Simulation of 2013 Award.

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