2023 was a stellar year for video games, where iconic series were reborn, and indie titles shone brightly with innovative gameplay. Here’s a look at what made 2023 an unforgettable year in gaming.

The Must-Plays of 2023

  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch): Nintendo’s latest in the Zelda saga, “Tears of the Kingdom,” not only lived up to its predecessor but arguably surpassed it. With new mechanics like Ultrahand for building and Fuse for weapon crafting, Hyrule became a playground for creativity and exploration. The game’s layered world, including sky islands and subterranean depths, provided a verticality that was both breathtaking and engaging, securing its spot as Game of the Year by multiple outlets.
  • Baldur’s Gate 3 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC): Larian Studios delivered what many consider the quintessential RPG experience with “Baldur’s Gate 3”. Its commitment to player freedom, complex character interactions, and a narrative that evolves with every choice, made it a cultural phenomenon. The game’s use of D&D mechanics in a video game context was groundbreaking, offering depth and replayability that few games can match.
  • Hogwarts Legacy (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Switch): Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s “Hogwarts Legacy” allowed players to step into the magical world of Harry Potter like never before. Set in the 1800s, this open-world RPG lets you attend Hogwarts as a student, learn spells, brew potions, and unravel a deep narrative involving ancient magic. The game’s immersive depiction of Hogwarts, with its interactive classes and expansive exploration, made it a dream come true for fans of the wizarding world. Despite some controversies, “Hogwarts Legacy” was lauded for its rich environment and engaging gameplay.
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PS5, PC): Insomniac Games expanded their Marvel universe with “Spider-Man 2”, introducing dual protagonists with distinct abilities in a more interactive New York. The game’s narrative delved into personal struggles and city-wide threats, all while swinging through an even more detailed Manhattan. The addition of new traversal mechanics like web-wings added a fresh layer to the already beloved gameplay.
  • Hi-Fi Rush (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC): Tango Gameworks surprised everyone with “Hi-Fi Rush,” a rhythm-based action game that combines the thrill of combat with the beat of rock music. Playing as Chai, whose accident turns him into a music-playing cyborg, players must time their attacks to the rhythm to maximize damage. The game’s unique blend of action and rhythm mechanics, along with its vibrant comic book art style, made it an instant hit, proving to be one of the year’s most unexpected joys.

Hidden Gems to Discover

  • Sea of Stars (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Switch): Sabotage Studio’s “Sea of Stars” was a love letter to classic JRPGs, particularly evoking the feel of “Chrono Trigger.” This turn-based RPG took players on a journey through a beautifully pixelated world with engaging storytelling and a combat system that integrated timing elements for a fresh twist on traditional mechanics. Its success was not just in nostalgia but in modernizing the genre with seamless transitions and a narrative that resonated with both old fans and new players.
  • Tchia (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch): Awaceb’s “Tchia” introduced gamers to the vibrant world inspired by New Caledonia, where you play as a young girl with the power to possess animals and objects. This open-world adventure game was praised for its heart-warming story, cultural authenticity, and the innovative “soul jumping” mechanic, which added depth to exploration and puzzle-solving. “Tchia” stood out as a cozy, yet adventurous experience, offering a breath of fresh air in the indie scene.
  • Atomic Heart (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC): Mundfish’s “Atomic Heart” plunged players into an alternate history Soviet Union where technology has gone awry. This first-person shooter/RPG hybrid was noted for its challenging combat, where players use both conventional weapons and a versatile glove to manipulate the environment. The game’s art direction, mixing retro-futurism with horror, created an eerie yet captivating atmosphere, making “Atomic Heart” a memorable experience.
  • Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC): RGG Studio’s “Like a Dragon Gaiden” served as a fan service to those who missed the brawler combat of the Yakuza series before its shift to turn-based RPG mechanics. Playing as Kazuma Kiryu in a narrative set between major entries, this title was both a tribute to the series’ roots and a bridge to future stories. Its emotional storytelling, alongside the dynamic combat system, made it a poignant addition to the franchise.
  • Final Fantasy XVI (PS5, PC): Square Enix took a daring step with “Final Fantasy XVI,” shifting towards a more action-centric approach while maintaining its epic storytelling. The game’s Eikon battles were cinematic spectacles, setting a new standard for boss fights in the series. Despite some divisive opinions on its narrative, the game’s ambition in redefining what a Final Fantasy game can be was clear.

Genre-Defining Experiences

  • Resident Evil 4 Remake (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC): Capcom revisited one of its classics with the “Resident Evil 4 Remake,” refreshing the survival horror experience while maintaining the core elements that made the original a legend. Enhanced graphics, refined gameplay, and new narrative twists breathed new life into this beloved title, making it feel both familiar and fresh for both newcomers and veterans.
  • Diablo IV (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC): Blizzard’s “Diablo IV” returned to its dark roots, offering players a vast, grim world to explore. The game excelled in delivering an atmospheric experience, with improved visuals, a compelling narrative about the daughter of hatred, Lilith, and a loot system that kept players engaged through countless hours of play. Its multiplayer aspects also made it a social experience, echoing the community feel of its predecessors.
  • Starfield (Xbox Series X/S, PC): Bethesda’s “Starfield” was the talk of the year with its promise of space exploration. While it had its critics, the game offered an expansive universe to explore, with procedurally generated planets alongside handcrafted experiences. Its depth in character customization, ship-building, and the freedom to engage in various quests and factions provided a quintessential Bethesda experience, now in the vastness of space.
  • Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC): CD Projekt Red’s “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty” expansion was a redemption arc for the original game, offering new content that felt like a significant evolution of the base game. Set in the new district of Dogtown, this spy-thriller expansion introduced fresh narratives, characters, and gameplay enhancements, including new cyberware and vehicles. With Idris Elba lending his voice to a key character, “Phantom Liberty” was not just an expansion but a testament to the potential of “Cyberpunk 2077.”

Independent Gems That Shone

  • Bramble: The Mountain King (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Switch): Dimfrost Studio’s “Bramble: The Mountain King” was a dark, atmospheric adventure that took players through a world of Nordic folklore. Its hand-crafted visuals and a narrative steeped in myth and legend provided a haunting journey. The game’s puzzles and encounters with mythological creatures offered a unique blend of horror and adventure, making it a standout indie title.
  • System Shock (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC): Nightdive Studios brought back the seminal “System Shock” with a remake that honored its legacy while introducing it to a new generation. This survival horror RPG, set on the Citadel Station, tasked players with combating the malevolent AI, SHODAN. Its updated graphics and modernized gameplay mechanics, while keeping the original’s challenging and immersive experience, made it a critical and fan-favorite revival.
  • Planet of Lana (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Switch): Wishfully’s “Planet of Lana” was a cinematic adventure that combined puzzle-platforming with a poignant narrative. Set in a world where alien robots have taken over, players guide a young girl and her companion through breathtaking landscapes. The game’s art direction and emotional storytelling, underscored by a beautiful score, made it a sleeper hit of the year.
  • Chants of Sennaar (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch): “Chants of Sennaar” by Rundisc was an innovative puzzle game where language was the key to progression. Set in a tower inspired by the myth of Babel, players had to decipher various languages to communicate with different cultures within the tower. Its unique approach to puzzle-solving and its commentary on communication made it both educational and entertaining.

Other Notable Titles

  • Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch): Nintendo’s “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” was a return to form for the side-scrolling Mario games, introducing Wonder Flowers that could dramatically alter level designs into whimsical, unpredictable scenarios. This blend of classic gameplay with fresh mechanics like transforming into an elephant or navigating through musical levels offered both nostalgia and novelty, earning it widespread acclaim.
  • Street Fighter 6 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC): Capcom’s “Street Fighter 6” breathed new life into the fighting game genre with its diverse roster, revamped mechanics, and the introduction of the World Tour mode. This mode combined fighting with RPG elements, allowing players to explore a rich narrative while mastering the art of combat. Its accessibility for newcomers alongside depth for veterans ensured it was one of the year’s most celebrated games.
  • Alan Wake 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC): Remedy Entertainment’s “Alan Wake 2” was not just a sequel but an evolution of the survival horror genre. With its dual narrative focusing on Alan Wake and new protagonist Saga Anderson, the game delved into psychological horror with innovative storytelling techniques, including live-action segments and a meta-narrative. Its eerie atmosphere and intricate plot made it a critically acclaimed title.
  • Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X/S, PC): Turn 10 Studios’ “Forza Motorsport” redefined racing simulation with its unparalleled detail in car physics, visual fidelity, and track design. The game’s focus on the passion of car culture, combined with a robust online community and dynamic weather systems, made each race feel like a new challenge, setting a new standard in the racing genre.
  • Assassin’s Creed Mirage (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC): Ubisoft Bordeaux’s “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” took the series back to its roots, focusing on stealth and parkour in a beautifully rendered Baghdad. With a narrative centered around Basim, the game scaled back the RPG elements for a more focused experience reminiscent of the franchise’s early days. Its commitment to the series’ original mechanics while pushing forward with new assassination techniques made it a fan favorite.

2023 was a year where video games not only entertained but pushed the boundaries of what we expect from our interactive experiences. From sprawling open-world adventures to concise, terrifying narratives, the diversity and quality of this year’s games will be remembered as one of the best in recent history. Whether revisiting old favorites or venturing into uncharted territories, gamers had a feast of options to explore, each offering something unique to the table.