by Symphonie2023 is shaping up to be a year to remember considering how disappointing the past 2 years have been due to constant delays in major game launches. Publishers are releasing innovative, incredibly odd, and exciting new games in almost every genre. So, there is a little something for everybody no matter where you look.
From big studio blockbusters to classic remakes and indie entries, here are the games in 2023 that made an impact.
Top Games of 2023
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This is one of the most anticipated games from Nintendo and it did not disappoint. The world of Hyrule is already vast, but Tears of the Kingdom expands on this with two new additions: the Mysterious Depths and Sky Islands and the level of detail in those areas makes exploring it a joy for gamers.
The protagonist of the game Link also gets a new set of abilities but Ultrahand in particular is a game changer. It allows Link to combine and attach to almost any object in the world giving players a lot of freedom to tinker their way through Hyrule.
But what makes ToTK one of the most interesting games of the year, is the storytelling. The story continues the narrative of Breath of the Wild and gives the characters more emotional depth and character. There are twists and turns in every corner and the journeys of each character keep you interested throughout the game. Plus, Tears of the Kingdom has one of the best sound designs in gaming like its predecessor Oscarina of Time.
Where can you play? The game is available on Nintendo Switch, but you can also play it on Steam Deck using an emulator. Before using the platform, make sure to get your Steam ID using a Steam ID finder because you cannot play without it.
2. Resident Evil 4
Compared to how good Resident Evil 2 and 3 were, Resident Evil 4 blew it out of the park. In this remake of the 2005 game, Capcom added some extra details including new monsters and traps to make the game distinctly different from the others that came before it. Its Spanish setting is made even more sinister and the game delves a bit more into the origin of the Las Plagas parasites and gives more depth to the supporting characters.
New survival elements were added to the game’s action-centric combat. For instance, you can crouch as you try to sneak around undetected by the parasite-infected villagers and can easily parry attacks with your knife. Plus, there are small mechanical improvements that allow you to move faster and make better attacks.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
This is arguably the best Star Wars game in 20 years and takes advantage of its extensive world-building. Each planet looks distinct, making it easy to immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe.
There’s less planet hopping than you would expect from a Star Wars game but the environments are bigger, and there are more characters and amazing mini games and side hustles in each planet. The story also starts slow as it continues Cal Kestis’s story from Fallen Order but it gives more depth to Cal and improves on the side characters with themes of friendship, loss, and hope.
Many more aerial movements and lightsaber actions make you feel more like your favorite Jedi Knights. Every encounter is fast-paced and a test of your talent as a Jedi Knight which makes it a satisfying experience for anyone who loves Star Wars.
4. Tchia
Tchia is an open-world adventure game that takes significant inspiration from the culture, folklore, and language of New Caledonia, a Southwest Pacific island nation. While it draws certain ideas from games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Grand Theft Auto, and The Wind Waker, Tchia still manages to create its own distinct tone and theme.
Source: HD Wallpapers
Experience the world from the perspective of Tchia, a young hero who possesses the unique ability to inhabit animals and objects in her surroundings. Utilize their distinct capabilities to navigate the island and unravel challenging puzzles. The freedom to choose from a diverse range of abilities adds an element of excitement, allowing for endless exploration. While Awaceb’s team of 12 couldn’t create a blockbuster like Legend of Zelda or GTA, they have managed to capture a sense of awe and wonder through this captivating game.
5. Street Fighter 6
Capcom has put in significant effort to ensure that Street Fighter 6 is accessible to players of all skill levels. While the combat system remains complex, the game provides ample resources and support for learning and exploration.
In the single-player mode, players have the opportunity to create their own fighter and unlock various combinations as they explore the game’s world. Capcom has also implemented an impressive World Tour mode that gradually increases in difficulty as players improve their skills. For those seeking a challenge against more experienced competitors, the Battle Hub provides an arena for glory. However, it may take some time to fully explore all of the available options and become familiar with the gameplay mechanics.
Furthermore, you have the option to test your progress offline and online, continuously refining your skills. You can also observe both strangers and friends as they engage in gameplay.
In conclusion, Street Fighter 6 provides accessibility for newcomers while also offering a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for seasoned players, resulting in a highly rewarding gaming experience.
6. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is a standout in the 2023 gaming lineup, delivering on many fronts that make it an unforgettable experience. The game’s visual and technical achievements are evident, with top-of-the-line graphics and a smooth 60fps frame rate. But it’s the gameplay where AC6 truly shines. The customization options available for your mech are astonishingly deep, providing players a wealth of choices to tailor their machine to fit different mission requirements and personal playstyles. The resulting dynamic is that each mission becomes a complex and satisfying “combat puzzle”.
The game doesn’t just invite you to solve these puzzles; it makes the process deeply rewarding, teaching you to learn from your failures and adapt. This feature alone places Armored Core 6 at the forefront of the year’s gaming offerings, offering layers of strategy and adaptability that are rare even in today’s sophisticated gaming landscape.
Additionally, the game offers a variety of modes and experiences that extend its longevity and replayability. The arena mode provides a separate challenge with its one-on-one fights, each offering unique gameplay opportunities. The New Game+ mode adds additional layers of complexity, encouraging players to engage with the story more than once to unlock multiple endings and experience new challenges. While the game may fall a little short in its storytelling aspects, the combination of its unparalleled customization, intense combat scenarios, and the high degree of replayability makes Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon one of the most compelling titles of 2023. The game may not reinvent the genre, but it elevates it to new heights, making it a must-play for both fans of the series and newcomers alike.
7. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 emerges as a stellar candidate for the best game of 2023, setting a new gold standard in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Building on the rich lore of the Forgotten Realms, the game delivers an immersive narrative experience shaped by player choices, making each playthrough uniquely engaging. The story is not only expansive but deeply nuanced, allowing for multifaceted characters and morally complex decisions that evoke the spirit of classic tabletop gaming. Its turn-based combat system is both challenging and rewarding, providing enough depth to satisfy hardcore fans while remaining accessible for newcomers. The graphics are state-of-the-art, breathing life into the sprawling, detailed environments and character models. Multiplayer functionality adds another layer of depth, allowing for co-operative and competitive play that enriches the overall experience. With its impeccable balance of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and multiplayer features, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out as a masterclass in RPG design and execution, making it the standout title of 2023.
My personal favorite is without a doubt TOTK, i can hardly put it down and have hardly played anything else since it released.