August 2013: Best Release

There's just one third of this year remaining as we speak- discover the eighth instalment in our Best of 2013 monthly awards series now.
Which ever release scooped the title of Best Release for August 2013 at On-Screen, one thing remained constantly certain: that particular release would have had the intelligent grace to enter our radar shortly before the most hectic time of the year by far. Indeed, given that Grand Theft Auto V, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, Atlantis, Arrow, Batman: Arkham Origins, Thor: The Dark World, Gravity, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary celebrations, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Sherlock, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and Anchorman: The Legend Continues are all on the horizon before these twelve months reach their climax, the act of being the first major blockbuster of the Autumn was an admirable feat for August's victor.

There's no more deserving entry in the past month's roster to earn this accolade than Rayman Legends. A triumphant follow-up superior to its predecessor in every respect, Legends boasts some of the most impressive visual effects and animations, not to mention amongst the most innovative gameplay mechanics that this reviewer has had the pleasure to experience for a long time. The Super Mario Galaxy franchise instalments redefined platforming for this current generation, yet in its dying light, this prolonged period of video gaming history has spawned yet another revolutionary masterpiece. That said, I'll use the term 'revolution' lightly here, for perhaps the greatest strength of the product overall is its insistence on simply building upon the magnificently sturdy foundations that the iconic Rayman series has laid out over the course of its subtle yet brewing presence in the industry for the past two decades!

Perhaps in the end, the obscenely taxing final world's difficulty spikes will prevent this astounding sequel from acquiring our Game of the Year 2013 award. No matter. What it may lack in a satisfying climax, Rayman Legends compensates for with one of the most thrilling journeys in this year's entertainment roster. If you take one metaphorical leap of faith as an entertainment fan before 2013 reaches its end, then give Legends a chance and let it take your world by storm- Eye of the Tiger will never be seen quite the same way again and it's all the better for it.
JANUARY 2013- LES MISERABLES
FEBRUARY 2013- BEING HUMAN: THE TRINITY
MARCH 2013- BIOSHOCK INFINITE
APRIL 2013- GAME OF THRONES: AND NOW HIS WATCH IS ENDED
MAY 2013- THE GREAT GATSBY
JUNE 2013- THIS IS THE END
JULY 2013- MONSTERS' UNIVERSITY
AUGUST 2013- RAYMAN LEGENDS