The key to our awards is not the release date but when we played the game in question.

The team's top 5 games of 2013; Paul

When it comes to list I am in my element. The jockeying for position the constant alterations and most of the all the moment you forget a great game and think damn now I have to put that one in.
In a change from the rest of the staffs list I will put five categories with varied choices. To find out the winner just find the Photo that is actually a hyperlink.

Best Vita Title Contenders Are;

Killzone Mercenary;
A true FPS on a handheld. Guerilla Cambridge did an astounding Job with this game.

Zen Pinball 2;
The constant table updates and the addition of Star Wars tables have this game high on play list all year.

Dead or Alive 5 Plus+;
It gets written off as a boobfest but with a deep combat system and a great cast of characters this is my fighting go to game.

Unit 13;
I loved the short mission style and the replayability was top notch. It's a shame this game went largely unnoticed.

Need For Speed Most Wanted;
To date my one and only Platinum on the Vita. It's conversion from the console was great but could it be the best?

Most emotional Roller-coaster of a Game contenders Are;

The Last of Us

I think wrote about the emotional pull to this game so eloquently in his article that I will link to it here as kind of a document of evidence.

The Walking Dead

The walking Dead is 2012 title but I replayed the game for the release of the  400 days dlc . The ride of this game makes it a standout experience for gaming to sing about.

Best Sports Title Contenders are;

Konami was back with an old Gen title that I truthfully only played in Demo format, making this addition just a noteworthy addiotion for a game finding its feet again and not a real contender

My first ever FIFA experience on a PC but are the short loading times and excellent graphics enough to put this version at the top of the league.

This is for the Vita version of the game.

Best Gaming Platform contenders Are;

PC

That's right I am a new member of the PC master race. The question is has my limited time with the system been able to convert me away from my console based life.

PS3

My main living room system, the heartbeat of Fiander family entertainment in the form of TV, films and games. However only the last part is eligible for this list.

Vita

Its small and sleek and powerful for a Handheld system, but will the two other Behemoths of systems overshadow the Vita?

Best Game Contenders are;

The Last of Us;
I think it has already been said above but this was a great experience for me.

Battlefield 3;
My multiplayer of choice. All the thrill  of Warfare with none of the responsibility or mess.

Tomb Raider;
Lara's back and in the words of the mighty Take That I hope she is "Back for Good"

Bioshock Infinite;
My first trip into the Bioshock universe turned out to be a lot of fun

Saints Row 4;
Just a crazy over the top experience that warrants a good few hours of everyone's time.