Amazon names The Last of Us ‘Best Game of 2013’

Online retail giant has posted its "Best of 2013" video game list, crowning Naughty Dog's The Last of Us as the official best game of this year.

"This is the final argument in the debate over video games as art," Amazon writes. "The argument against was already pretty thin, but when faced with a game as rich in characterization and pathos as The Last of Us, it vanishes completely.

"Ellie and Joel are two of the most well-rounded, human characters in modern popular fiction. Both are shaped by a constant existential threat, which is heightened by the game's precarious mechanics and rich, reactive gameplay. The blend of quality cinematic storytelling, a compelling plot and characters, and tight control mechanics clinches The Last of Us the best game of 2013 spot, securing its place in history."

The Last of Us was developed by Sony's Naughty Dog studio as a PlayStation 3 exclusive. It was released worldwide on June 14, 2013 where it went on to receive numerous perfect scores, including a 9.5/10 here on GameZone.

Other games on the list include the newly released Tearaway for PlayStation Vita and, of course, Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 5, which was a huge hit for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Below is the full list of Amazon's top 10 games of 2013.

1. The Last of Us
2. Rogue Legacy
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
4. Tearaway
5. Grand Theft Auto V
6. Bioshock Infinite
7. Rayman Legends
8. Divekick
9. Super Mario 3D World
10. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Amazon's list initially started with 40 titles, but was narrowed down to 10 games that the site "most appreciated." Each gamer then individually ranked each of the 10 games and the votes were tallied. Honorable mentions on the list include Tomb Raider, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, Metro Last Light, Papers, Please, and Gone Home.

Are you surprised with any of the site's best games of 2013?