Best Games of 2023: It’s another year of excellence for the gaming industry and the time has come for it to step down while marking a vibrant year for gamers. We are about to enter a new year and what’s better than celebrating the end of 2023 commemorating the best releases this year? Every developer has put in their best to stay on top of their title and we can’t deny their work seeing the output they have given this year. We had witnessed an apparently never-ending stream of AAA blockbusters.
Arguably, the PS5 and Xbox Series X generation officially began this year with the development of Unreal Engine 5 support and the growing number of developers discontinuing support for devices from previous generations. In this copy, we have compiled a list of the best game releases of 2023.
List of Best Games Released in 2023
Note: The below list is not based on any ranking factors
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Genre: Adventure, RPG, Strategy
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Metacritic Rating: 96
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac
- Buying Link: Steam (PC), PlayStation5, Xbox Series X/S
This game requires no special introduction and you can’t deny its spot on the best games of this year. The third game in the Baldur’s Gate series from Larian Studios elevates the role-playing game to new levels. Baldur’s Gate 3, an open-world game, takes place in the Forgotten Realms, a setting inspired by Dungeons & Dragons.
The game received the ‘Game of The Year’ award at The Game Awards 2023. It was first released for PC and PS5 while the Xbox version was prior to TGA 2023.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Metacritic Rating: 96
- Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Buying Link: Amazon, Nintendo
An iconic series of action-adventure video games by Nintendo, The Legend of Zelda is one of the company’s most recognized franchises. The franchise is recognized for its inventive game design, incorporating elements such as open-world exploration, non-linear advancement, and mechanics based on the passage of time.
In Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom, ample room is provided for the spotlight to shine on every bit of ambition that rightfully deserves attention. As the player, you once again assume the role of Link, embarking on an exploration of the vast world of Hyrule in a quest to locate Zelda and thwart the destructive plans of Ganon, the Demon King, aimed at bringing chaos to the world.
Spider-Man 2
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Developer: Insomniac Games
- Metacritic Rating: 90
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 5
- Buying Link: Amazon, PlayStation
Spider-Man is one of the most loved superhero films and it is indeed the best superhero game out there. In 2023, Insomniac Games delivered the fantastic game that Marvel fans hoped for. The game has been nominated for several categories at ‘The Game Awards 2023’ but it is disheartening to see that this game does not get any awards, however, it won the hearts of the gamers.
Demonstrating that there are still numerous uncharted territories to explore and challenges to confront in the realm of Spider-Man, even after the release of the original game and Miles Morales, is no small achievement. This is particularly noteworthy given the familiarity of the exhilarating experience of swinging through Manhattan at breakneck speeds. Exciting to engage with and thoroughly enjoyable, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 stands as the ultimate reinterpretation of the comic book world’s greatest everyman superheroes.
Alan Wake 2
- Genre: Survival horror
- Developer: Remedy Entertainment
- Metacritic Rating: 89
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Buying Link: Epic Games (PC), PlayStation, Xbox
In straightforward terms, Alan Wake 2 stands as Remedy Entertainment’s most outstanding game to date. Despite being a developer renowned for crafting timeless classics such as Max Payne, Control, and the original Alan Wake, this sequel elevates their achievements, delivering a masterful blend of suspense and narrative. With a compelling combination of dual campaigns seamlessly complementing each other, fan-pleasing story beats, and a seamless integration of multimedia concepts pushing the series into survival-thriller realms, Alan Wake 2 offers an enlightening and unforgettable gaming experience.
The game unfolds through the perspectives of two protagonists and their distinct journeys. FBI Agent Saga Anderson is the first, compelled to investigate a mysterious cult linked to Wake’s novels in the small town of Bright Falls, Wash. The second protagonist is Alan Wake, endeavoring to liberate himself from the seemingly eternal loop of the Dark Place where he has been confined for the past 13 years. As their narratives progress, the two protagonists’ seemingly separate journeys gradually converge, revealing a deeper connection than either had initially perceived.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Genre: Survival horror
- Developer: Capcom
- Metacritic Rating: 91
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, Xbox Series X/S
- Buying Link: Amazon (PS5), Steam (PC), Xbox
The best installment in the Resident Evil series receives a noteworthy upgrade that impeccably honors the original’s esteemed legacy. Capcom, known for its successful streak of Resident Evil remakes, achieves a pinnacle with RE4, even though its emphasis on action somewhat diminishes the spine-chilling atmosphere found in earlier entries. Retaining the original game’s narrative, players assume the role of U.S. Agent Leon S. Kennedy, tasked with rescuing the President’s daughter, Ashley Graham, from the dual threats posed by the Los Illuminados cult in Spain and the mysterious Las Plagas virus.
The remake introduces enhancements to combat dynamics, granting Leon the ability to move and fire simultaneously, along with the option to block with his knife. The game’s map undergoes a comprehensive update, featuring additional areas and adversaries for Leon to navigate. A notable improvement lies in Ashley’s increased agency, transforming her into more of a collaborative partner for Leon, rather than a constant burden. Collectively, these refinements and additions elevate RE4 into a more captivating adventure, marking a zenith for contemporary survival horror.
Starfield
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Metacritic Rating: 83
- Available Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Windows
- Buying Link: Amazon (Xbox Series X), Steam (PC)
In a highly anticipated debut in 2023, Starfield achieved remarkable success by selling an impressive 6 million copies within the initial 24 hours of its release, solidifying its position as Bethesda’s most successful game to date.
While facing criticism from some who argue it falls short of the stature set by previous Bethesda Game Studios’ icons like Skyrim or Fallout 4, Starfield stands as a monumental space adventure. It intricately weaves cascading gameplay systems, tailor-made for those who’ve harbored dreams of immersing themselves in the worlds of Star Trek or Firefly. Whether constructing personalized starships, embarking on explorations of uncharted realms, resolving mining disputes on Mars, or even assuming the role of a galactic superhero, Starfield unfolds a myriad of opportunities to craft and uncover thousands of captivating stories.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Ubisoft Bordeaux
- Metacritic Rating: 76
- Available Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Ubisoft Connect (and Amazon Luna via Ubisoft+). Coming to select iOS devices in 2024.
- Buying Link: Amazon – Standard Edition PS5, Deluxe Edition for PS4 & PS5, Xbox Series One and X|S
Assassinโs Creed Mirage returns the beloved franchise to its origins, delivering one of the standout installments in the enduring series. Set in Baghdad during the year 861 AD, the game harkens back to the stealth-focused era, immersing players in the art of quiet assassinations. Alongside an innovative combat system, Mirage reintroduces a revamped concept of parkour and introduces a new eagle vision mode. Despite a somewhat mixed reception for the protagonist Basim Ibn LaโAhad in comparison to his predecessors, the game garnered acclaim for its expansive open world and engaging parkour system.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: CD Projekt RED
- Metacritic Rating: 89
- Available Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S
- Buying Link: Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5, Steam (PC), Xbox
Despite being an expansion pack, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty introduces enough new content to earn its place on any list of the best video games in 2023.
This expansion provides a sense of closure to Cyberpunk 2077, a game that underwent a significant redemption arc in the years following its initial release in a less-than-optimal state. With Phantom Liberty, Cyberpunk 2077 concludes with a flourish as CD Projekt Red sets its sights on the sequel, delivering a captivating story within a tightly constructed spy-thriller adventure. Phantom Liberty showcases Cyberpunk 2077 at its zenith, offering a comprehensive overhaul of the original game that leaves a lasting impression, culminating in a thrilling narrative of espionage and violence as the credits roll.
Final Fantasy 16
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: Square Enix Creative Business Unit III
- Metacritic Rating: 87
- Available Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5
- Buying Link: Amazon, PlayStation Store
Considered one of the standout role-playing games of 2023, Final Fantasy XVI is a must-try for PlayStation 5 owners.
In this installment, players assume the role of Clive Rosfield, embarking on a quest for revenge against those who have harmed his family in the fictional world of Valisthea. The game boasts a vast and intricately detailed open world, featuring diverse locations such as dungeons, forests, and towns, while presenting a range of adversaries, including demons and other monsters.
Final Fantasy XVI garnered acclaim for its dynamic and fast-paced combat system, coupled with a compelling narrative. To put it succinctly, if you have a penchant for action RPGs, this is an experience you cannot afford to overlook.
Lies of P
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer:Neowiz Games, Round8 Studio
- Metacritic Rating:80
- Available Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4 Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
- Buying Link: Amazon (PS4), PS Store
Lies of P emerges as a captivating alternative for those grounded when flights to Yharnam are canceled. Undoubtedly influenced by the iconic Soulsborne genre, Lies of P presents a loosely interpreted narrative of The Adventures of Pinocchio, distinguished by its grim yet visually stunning Belle Epoque-infused art direction. While drawing inspiration from Bloodborne, Lies of P steers clear of mere imitation, introducing a weapon system that encourages experimentation, formidable enemies demanding adaptable tactics, and an exquisitely crafted world ripe for exploration.
Similar to Jedi: Survivor, Lies of P falls into the challenging yet beloved subgenre of “soulslike” games, characterized by combat and an isolated, somber atmosphere reminiscent of FromSoftwareโs Dark Souls series. While its combat and tone may seem familiar given the subgenre’s decade-long dominance, Lies of P brings a fresh perspective by reinventing The Adventures of Pinocchio. The game introduces a unique twist with its branching narrative, driven by specific contextual moments rooted in Pโs distinctive role as the sole puppet with the ability to lie.
Sea of Stars
- Genre: Role Playing
- Developer: Sabotage Studio
- Metacritic Rating: 87
- Available Platforms:PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch
- Buying Link: Steam, PS Store, Xbox
The age of indie gaming has not only fostered bold new ideas in an industry that tends to shy away from risks but has also bestowed upon us the invaluable gift of creators infusing their unique perspectives into titles that served as inspirations during their formative years.
Sea of Stars, while drawing from 16-bit influences, reveals itself as a remarkably modern game at its core, injecting a fresh twist into timeless gameplay mechanics. Taking place in the universe of its earlier retro-homage, 2018โs The Messenger, Sabotage Studio has ingeniously crafted an original narrative featuring six playable party members. The emphasis lies on intricate puzzle mechanics and turn-based combat, marking a significant departure from its predecessor. The combination of engaging combat and exquisite pixel-based art direction results in a delightful time capsule experience.
Hogwarts Legacy
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: Avalanche Software
- Metacritic Rating: 84
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Buying Link: Amazon
With an impressive sales record of over 12 million copies within its initial two weeks and a staggering revenue of USD 850 million, Hogwarts Legacy firmly establishes itself as one of the best-selling games of 2023.
Taking place nearly a century before the events depicted in the Harry Potter novels, the game has garnered acclaim from both critics and players alike. Its merits include engaging combat, exceptional world design, intricately detailed characters, and a diverse array of content. For those who have longingly awaited their letter from Hogwarts, which never arrived, immersing themselves in this open-world game offers the closest experience to fulfilling the dream of being a Hogwarts student.
Dead Space
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Developer: Motive Studio
- Metacritic Rating: 89
- Available Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
- Buying Link: Amazon
The 2023 Dead Space remake stands as a faithful recreation of the 2008 survival horror classic, seamlessly resurrecting the bone-chilling narrative of the original with a contemporary infusion of graphics and exciting gameplay mechanics. Widely praised for its stunning visuals, exceptional atmospheric audio engineering, and enhanced gameplay, the remake goes beyond by introducing new elements like zero-gravity mechanics, a revamped dismemberment system, and an innovative weapon upgrade system. The culmination of these improvements propelled the Dead Space remake to become the second-highest-selling video game in the US in January 2023, attracting both new and returning players alike.
Motive’s extensive remake surpasses expectations, not merely preserving the edge-of-your-seat terror from the 2008 horror-genre classic but elevating it with meticulous upgrades. The remake maintains a persistent sense of dread, ensuring you remain on your toes throughout the experience. Furthermore, the striking graphics are so intense that you might find yourself wanting to keep a bucket nearby for an added layer of immersion.
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