Welcome to our list of the 10 best video games of 2023! We have curated a selection of the most highly-rated and critically-acclaimed games of the year, spanning a range of genres and platforms. From immersive open-world adventures to intense psychological thrillers, there's something for every type of gamer on this list. Whether you're a fan of single player campaigns or online multiplayer, you're sure to find something to love among these top picks. So without further ado, let's dive in and take a look at the best games of 2023!
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Starting the list is Super Mario Bros Wonder on the Nintendo Switch, another classic game from Nintendo Studios which follows the platforming adventures of everyone's favourite plumber, Mario and an array of familiar characters. Super Mario Bros Wonder is the first classic side-scroller game sinceNew Super Mario Bros. U in 2012. The player controls Mario, Luigi and their friends as they embark on a daring quest to stop Bowser, who has used the magical Wonder Flower to transform himself into a castle and take over a new land known as the Flower Kingdom. In its first two opening weeks, it sold 4.3 million units, making it the fastest-selling Mario Game. Super Mario Bros Wonder has been critically appraised for its unique, dynamic level design and gameplay variety.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6is the latest edition of the Street Fighter franchise, a fighting game developed and published by Capcom. Released on all significant platforms, Street Fighter 6 has added some innovations to the classic formula, including cross-platform play, three overarching game modes (Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub) and three control options. It also features a real-time commentary system, which provides a tournament-style feel. With an extensive roster of characters perfectly created in the new RE engine (Reach for the Moon Engine), the series combines old favourites such as Ryu and Ken with brave, bold new faces such as Marisa and Manon. Street Fighter 6’s new fighting system is based around the Drive Gauge, a system designed to encourage player creativity and allow players to maximise their skill expression, making for the most exciting Street Fighter Game yet.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
It's been a stellar year for Nintendo. Another one of their key franchises, The Legend of Zelda, has had another instalment in its lengthy and highly successful series. Released in May 2023, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis a direct sequel to 2017's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017). Searching for Princess Zelda, Link fights to prevent the Demon King from destroying the world in a brand new adventure. Tears of the Kingdom has received critical acclaim for its open-world gameplay and its focus on exploration and innovation. It sold over 10 million copies in its first three days of release and over 19.5 million copies by September 2023, making it one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Nominated for seven-game awards at this year's 2023 Game Awards, Insomniac's Marvel Spider-Man 2 acts as a direct sequel to Marvel's Spider-Man (2018) and a follow-up to Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020). In this latest Spider-Man game, Peter Parker and Miles Morales must navigate their challenging personal struggles whilst combating new threats from familiar enemies like Kraven the Hunter and the Venom symbiote. Building upon previous games, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 allows the player to experience a variety of gameplay, playing as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales with new combat abilities, suits and web-based gadgets, which can be unlocked as the player progresses through the game. Released in October 2023, the game has sold over five million copies in 10 days, becoming PlayStation's fastest-selling first-party title and the best-selling PlayStation 5 game.
Dead Space Remaster
Released in January 2023, Dead Space is a remaster of the 2008 horror classic of the same name originally developed by EA Redwood. With Motive Studio overseeing the remaster, Dead Space takes us back to the original story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer on board a mining ship overrun by terrifying monsters known as Necromorphs. The player must battle through claustrophobic corridors, zero gravity levels, and nightmarish conditions. Dead Space received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its improved graphics, sound design, and additions to the game, such as dynamic lighting and new combat systems.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Another entry for Capcom, the original Resident Evil 4 game, came out in 2005 and is widely considered among the best survival horror games ever. The 2023 Resident Evil 4 remake brings fresh life to the series. It features an over-the-shoulder camera and a playstyle similar to the first game whilst introducing new gameplay mechanics. There has been a major graphical overhaul as well as improved character models, leading to a much tenser, scarier atmosphere. Much of the original's gameplay systems, like the inventory system and the controls, have been improved upon, leading to a more seamless player experience. The Resident Evil 4 Remake has won both a Japan Game Award and a Golden Joystick Award.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
Developed by FromSoftware studios, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is the latest instalment in the franchise, with the last game coming way back in 2013. Players take command of giant robotic mechs known as Armored Cores, and come with massive potential for modifying; allowing players to enhance and sharpen their offensive and defensive capabilities over many diverse missions. Armored Core 6 won a 2023 Game Award for the best Action Game of 2023 and was nominated for three Golden Joystick Awards.
Lies of P
Lies of P is a soul-like action role-playing game developed by Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio, where the player controls a humanoid puppet, Pinocchio, in a world ravaged by disease. The world is further blighted by a civil war raging between mankind and the mechanical monsters, which serve as the game's primary enemies. With a dark tone and a unique and refreshing setting, any Dark Souls or Elden Ring fan will surely love this game, with its diverse array of bosses that will test the player's ability to adapt and overcome the challenging difficulty. Lies of P was nominated for two Game Awards and one Golden Joystick Award.
Alan Wake 2
This is the long-awaited sequel to the 2010 action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment.Alan Wake 2 is a survival horror game that follows the story of the best-selling novelist Alan Wake as he battles to escape from an alternate dimension. Combining two storylines, the game's narrative leads the player on a mind-bending journey through surreal environments to face terrifying enemies with familiar combat systems while innovating upon the original game in fresh, exciting ways. Alan Wake 2 won "Best Game Direction", Best Art Direction and Best Narrative at the 2023 Game Awards and was nominated for five others.
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing video game developed and published by Belgian game studio Larian Studios. With single-player and multiplayer functions, players can create fantasy characters, enjoy a lengthy single-player campaign, join their friends, and complete quests with Baldur's Gate's flexible quest system. The game has been highly praised for its narrative, its wide array of characters and the player's ability to develop and further relations with their companions or other characters they meet along their playthrough. At the 2023 Game Awards, Baldur's Gate 3 won six awards, including the "Best Role Playing Game".
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