AsRobertalready knows, I believe 2023 is the best year in gaming. Of course, this is strictly considering the games and not the tragic number of layoffs we’ve seen in the industry. This year, I couldn’t keep up with the number of games coming out, and I couldn’t believe just how many of them were absolute must-plays. For as many games as I’ve played, there are still so many I need to play. While 2023 may be coming to a close, my love affair with it will live on for years to come.
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When I look at this list, it’s hard to believe just how many games didn’t make it. I easily could’ve extended this out to twenty games, but nobody wants to read me wax poetic for quite that long. 2023 was full of surprises, and that’s part of what made it so special. My most anticipated games for the year ended up having very little overlap with the games that ultimately became my favorites. This year even shook up my personal list of all-time favorites.
10Final Fantasy 16
The Fires Of Fun
I’m not a bigFinal Fantasyperson, which is more about inexperience, rather than dislike. Because of my ignorance,Final Fantasy 16came as a delightful surprise. The gritty narrative and incredible protagonist, Clive, continued to pull me into the story for hours and hours. I played this game in just a few days, which was partially becauseI was reviewing it, and partially because it’s damned hard to put down.
Mixing powers never got old, and the action-packed combat was a genuine spectacle on the screen.
Mixing powers never got old, and the action-packed combat was a genuine spectacle on the screen. I don’t know enough about the franchise to say if it’s arealFinal Fantasy game — I just know I enjoyed every single second of my time with it. If you’re the kind of person who loves a good sidequest, definitely engage with the ones in this game. While they may start off simple, many of them build up to be something really special over time.
Final Fantasy 16
The Mother Of All Blizzard Games
Lillith is an incredible villain that instantly pulled me into the narrative ofDiablo 4. By the time I was done withthe main game, all I wanted was more. I couldn’t stop playing it for two solid months. It was all I wanted to do. If 2023 wasn’t such a killer year for games, I would probably be neck-deep in their newest Season of Blood.
I stayed up from dusk until dawn playing with friends as we took on Helltides and world bosses. Playing withEmmaandJeffwas a highlight of my experience with the game. As I moved on to other games, I had to completely cut off Diablo 4 because I just didn’t know how to play it in moderation. While I love playing every class, I have to give it up for my solo Necromancer, who has been the recipient of somequestionable item shop purchases. Yeah, my wallet wasn’t quite ready for Blizzard’s tempting microtransactions.
A Stompin’ Good Time
I missed out on the first round ofDead Spacebecause I was a small chicken instead of someone who can handle jump scares. However, after years of convincing myself to embrace horror (because I have a love/hate relationship with being scared), I was finally ready forDead Space Remake. I loved it. I loved everything about it. Stomping Necromorphs for fear that they would jump back up as you walked by was a genuine joy. Creeping around hallways while taking in every sound kept my fingers gripped tightly on the controller.
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It feels like a million years ago, but this was the game that started the landslide of 2023’s incredible releases. If I’d had the time to replay games this year, I would’ve played this again around Halloween. Then again, maybe next year will be even better because I’ll have forgotten the locations ofall those dastardly jump scares.
Dead Space Remake
7Remnant 2
The Root Of Fun
I played through all ofRemnant 2withJeff. We had an incredible time working our way through the campaign. We’re currently chewing our way through the DLC. I love whipping out a massive gun, blowing away enemies with a flurry of bullets, and then healing Jeff with the alternate fire of the weapon. I’m playing a handler and medic, meaning my dog and I are a force to be reckoned with.
I can’t recommend this game enough for people looking to co-op with a friend.
Hours passed by in the blink of an eye as we worked our way through waves of enemies and tough bosses. I particularly loved running back to base after taking down a boss to see what I could craft with their rare material. Every weapon has something interesting to it, though I’m partial to my axe that returns after I throw it.I can’t recommend this game enoughfor people looking to co-op with a friend.
6Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
More Than A Padawan, Not Quite A Master
Cal is back as a full-fledged Jedi Knight and players are treated toone of the best Star Wars experiences ever made. I had a difficult time picking which fighting style to play inStar Wars Jedi: Survivorbecause they all felt so good. Survivor makes the smart decision to keep all of the powers earned in the first game so players start their playthrough feeling like a powerhouse. Once I started playing, I genuinely couldn’t stop.
Lightsaber customization is one of my favorite parts of Survivor, and I spent hours tinkering to get my weapons just right. By the end of the story, I was blown away. I don’t know what’s coming next, but I’m already eagerly anticipating the next game of the series. I can’t wait to see where Cal goes next and how his powers will develop even further.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
5The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
So Much More Than Just Breath Of The Wild 2
Going into 2023, I expectedTears of the Kingdomto take my second spot. The fact that it isn’t speaks to just how many incredible titles came out this year. Where do I even start? The tutorial island is immaculate.The sky islands and Depths are inspired. The building mechanics mean the only limit is your imagination. It’s a game made of pure fun that genuinely encourages players to approach the game in their own way.
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I couldn’t pull myself out of the Depths. Once I went down there, I was obsessed with exploring the map. Throwing little seeds of light and fighting challenging enemies made my experience thrilling. I didn’t just feel like I was on an adventure; I felt like I was on a mission. While I won’t admit totorturing any Koroksduring my playthrough, I did love the way the internet ran with Korok shenanigans.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
4Alan Wake 2
A Welcome Trip To The Writer’s Room
This was one of my most surprising games of the year. When I first came toAlan Wakea year or two ago, I had a hard time with it. The story was good, but the game felt a little dated. When I playedControl, I had a great time, but I can’t say it was a favorite. Remedy had a favorable reputation in my book, but not enough of one to stand out among the greatest hits of the year.Alan Wake 2defied all my expectations.
From the puzzles, to the acting, to the combat, and the narrative, this game hits on every single level.
From the puzzles, to the acting, to the combat, and the narrative, this game hits on every single level. What started as short play sessions turned into gripping gaming sessions wherethe hours melted away. I needed a little more, a little more, and a little more after that. I found all of the game’s weirdness and manuscript pages to be captivating. For the second time this year, I was treated to a game I didn’t know I wanted or needed. 2023 delights once again.
Alan Wake 2
Nintendo’s Quiet Juggernaut
When you saw Zelda on this list, you probably thought you’d seen the last of Nintendo. Well,Pikmin 4would like to have a word. Nintendo continues to elevate an already-winning formula with every new iteration of this franchise. Each newPikminbrings a unique twist to the strategy and mastery of the game. Managing your Pikmin has never been more satisfying, as you’re able to only bring out three types of Pikmin at a time.
I thought I would be done with the game when the credits rolled, but I just didn’t want to put the game down. Fortunately, Nintendo packed the post-game full of satisfying content. Saving some of its best content for last, I found myself along for the Pikmin ride until I’d finished just about everything the game had to offer.
2Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
With Great Story Comes A Great Sequel
Going into 2023, I had no doubtMarvel’s Spider-Man 2would be my favorite game of the year. The first game is one of my all-time favorites, and Insomniac knows how to deliver on both its sequels and its promises. Despitegiving it a perfect score, I still had to give it second place. That doesn’t speak to the quality of the game, but rather the quality of 2023 as a whole. Insomniac perfectly reimagined the origin of Venom and Peter’s struggle with the symbiote suit. The writing and acting couldn’t have been better.
Combining the thrill of web-swinging with gliding took things to a new level.
Insomniac took a near-perfect traversal system and made it even better. Combining the thrill of web-swinging with gliding took things to a new level. It never even occurs to me that the game has a fast travel option when I’m playing. As far as combat goes, the parry system was exactly what the game needed to keep things spicy and satisfying. I honestly don’t know how this game could be any better, which is why it should’ve been my pick for first. But then again…
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
1Baldur’s Gate 3
You Already Knew, Darling
Baldur’s Gate 3isn’t just the best game I played this year — it’s the best game I’ve ever played in my life. Sorry,Red Dead Redemption 2, there’s a new sheriff in town. Larian Studios gave me a game I didn’t know I wanted or needed. With some of the best voice acting in the business, and the writing to back it up, Baldur’s Gate 3 wove a narrative I couldn’t pull away from. I made character after character, experiencing the different angles each scenario had to offer. I continue to be surprised bythe depth of the storyand the spider-web of choices the game is prepared for you to make.
I played solo. I played with friends. I thought about it when I wasn’t playing. I talked about it when I should’ve been on-task. I fell asleep watching gameplay footage late at night. I don’t know how this game exists, and yet it does. I went into 2023 hardly knowing Baldur’s Gate 3 existed, and now I have its artwork on my wall. Much likeRach, my love for Shadowheart runs deep. In fact, I think I’ll be romancing Shadowheart for all foreseeable playthroughs. No, I won’t be taking questions at this time.
Baldur’s Gate 3
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2023 was a year full of unforgettable titles, some of which were more challenging than others. Here are the hardest games of the year.
