October 2013: Best Release

The Hood is back- but he doesn't want to be called that anymore! Arrow scoops our Best Release award in an underwhelming month...
A particularly striking attribute of October 2013 was the number of releases which simply failed to live up to their initial promise. Batman Arkham Origins, Toy Story of Terror! and Thor: The Dark World each had their strengths, with Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag coming painfully close to being something truly outstanding, yet overall they failed to have the same dramatic effect as their predecessors.

Thankfully, Arrow came back with all of its rightful gusto last month, its première episode of Season Two a particularly impressive instalment. While it suffered from dealing with too many plot arcs at once, City of Heroes nevertheless set up the season's own arc beautifully, presenting viewers with the devastating consequences of last season's finale Sacrifice and accomplishing great feats in its emotional depiction of the Undertaking's Aftermath. Only this week's Crucible has managed to match the high standards of Episode 1, so without a doubt City of Heroes must take October's crown.

With Watch Dogs delayed, our Game of the Year 2013 discussions may begin sooner than expected. Meanwhile, the TV Show of the Year 2013, Best TV Episode and Film of the Year 2013 entries continue, with Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor, Gravity, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, An Adventure In Space and Time and Anchorman: The Legend Continues all set to release in November and December. For now, here's our round-up of each of 2013's Best Release monthly award winners up until this point:

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
SEPTEMBER 2013- GRAND THEFT AUTO V
OCTOBER 2013- ARROW: CITY OF HEROES