Have you ever played Melee? I'm asking, because gameplay and mechanics-wise it was much, much better than Brawl if you ask me! Also, the Last of Us might be an amazing game when it comes to story and such, but other 2013 games like Rayman Legends and BioShock Infinite surpass it in the gameplay category, which is the important part of a video game. If gameplay didn't matter then TLOU would certainly be the best game of 2013 on everyone's list, no doubt. Of course, it's all my OPINION.

I think the experience of TLoU trumps the gameplay issues. I've never cried playing a video game before... That's the stuff that creates GOTY experiences for me.

Yes I have played Melee. And the original. I prefer Brawl's "floaty" style compared to the ultra gravity on Melee. It's a small preference... But still like brawl more. Also WAY more characters in Brawl which is nice. The online was still crap tho. 

Infinite and Legends are in my top 5 2013 list if that is any consolation.