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Welcome to our roundup of the Best Video Games of 2023! This year’s gaming landscape has been nothing short of spectacular. The gaming world witnessed many incredible titles, making narrowing down this list quite challenging.
With so many exceptional releases across various genres, selecting the finest games proved complicated. Nevertheless, we’ve meticulously curated a collection of the standout games that left an indelible mark this year.
Dive into our list, discover the top games in 2023, and tell us which game you think deserves the best spot.
Other articles that you will like:
- Baldur’s Gate 3’s Triumph: From Golden Joysticks to Game Awards
- May the 4th Be With You: The Best Star Wars Video Games of All Times
- Galactic Struggles and Love: A Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Review
- The Game Awards 2023 Winners: A Night of Wonder and Triumphs!
- The Game Awards 2023 Nominees Revealed: Meet the Contenders
Best Nintendo games of 2023
Starting this journey through Nintendo’s gaming landscape in 2023 reveals a tapestry woven with innovation, creativity, and celebrated sequels. This year, we saw the emergence of true gaming icons, so let’s rank the best Nintendo games of 2023.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom is an exceptional successor to the revered Breath of the Wild, elevating its legacy with ingenious enhancements. From quality-of-life feature improvements to groundbreaking building mechanics, it reshapes the familiar while unveiling expansive new realms.
Undoubtedly, it was nominated for some awards at The Game Awards 2023 as Game of the Year, and this game clinched Best Action/Adventure thanks to its excellence. You can read our review of this game here!
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Continuing the Nintendo legacy, Wonder marks a creative pinnacle in 2D platforming, delivering a refreshing and nostalgic Mario experience. With captivating gameplay mechanics and diverse challenges, it’s a standout recommendation for Switch. Also, it secured Best Family Game at The Game Awards and received widespread acclaim across multiple categories. We really enjoyed this game so much, and here you can check out our final thoughts about it.
Pikmin 4
Nintendo’s strategic gem, Pikmin 4, marks its triumphant comeback, securing the Best Sim/Strategy Game award at The Game Awards 2023. Although the win was announced in a flurry, lacking a formal acceptance or a great speech, its victory resonated as a testament to its great gameplay.
Overall, these titles represent the pinnacle of Nintendo’s innovation and success in 2023, offering groundbreaking experiences and securing their place in gaming history one more time.
Best PlayStation games of 2023
This past year has seen the PlayStation platform bloom with an array of stellar titles, each offering gripping stories, stunning visuals, and immersive gameplay experiences. From thrilling adventures to heart-pounding action, these games have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. So, let’s explore the best PlayStation games of 2023, celebrating the innovation, creativity, and excitement that define these standout PlayStation games.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 emerges as an outstanding game, joining Peter Parker and Miles Morales in an exhilarating adventure with stunning set pieces, thrilling gameplay, and the sheer joy of swinging through New York as the web-slinging superhero.
One notable improvement is the enhanced enemy variety, offering a refreshing change from confronting the same adversaries repeatedly. For this reason, we consider Spider-Man 2 one of the best games of 2023, and here you have our review of it.
Also, it is important to mention that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 received nominations in seven categories at The Game Awards, such as Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Performance (Yuri Lowenthal), Best Action/Adventure Game, Innovation in Accessibility, and Best Audio Design.
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
Following the success of Horizon: Forbidden West, Burning Shores is an impressive and thoroughly enjoyable expansion. It offers just the right amount of entertainment and extends the storyline satisfactorily.
Burning Shores adds some extra hours to the game, hinting at future developments. This DLC, the ideal subsequent chapter in Aloy’s saga, encapsulates what downloadable content should offer. Moreover, it is packed with monumental battles, fresh adversaries, and a heartfelt narrative. It significantly enriches the Horizon world in every aspect.
Best Xbox games of 2023
In the realm of gaming, exclusivity often defines the essence of a console. In the vibrant world of Xbox gaming, 2023 has been a year brimming with unique titles, each offering a distinct blend of innovation and captivating gameplay.
From boundless adventures among the stars to high-speed racing, the best Xbox games of 2023 have left an indelible mark, setting a benchmark for quality and entertainment. Let’s delve into this selection of Xbox/Microsoft exclusives in detail, each carving its place in the gaming landscape and providing a compelling reason to embrace the Xbox gaming ecosystem.
Starfield
Venturing into the cosmos, Starfield presents an intricate narrative that delves into profound themes of faith, morality, and existence in a boundless universe, raising questions without simple answers. Drawing parallels to Skyrim and post-2008 Fallout, this game brings forth a familiar gameplay loop but on an unprecedented scale.
In brief, the experience of losing oneself in a world filled with endless possibilities is encapsulated in Starfield, surpassing the immersive nature of any previous Bethesda game. From discovering scientific outposts to engaging in intense shootouts, the game offers an expansive journey of exploration and discovery, promising hours of thrilling gameplay.
While the visuals may not win awards, the sound design, minimalist HUD, engaging combat, and skill tree mechanics contribute to a rich and enticing gaming experience. As a result, Starfield shines, and we encourage you to learn more about it in this article.
Forza Motorsport
Reviving the Forza Motorsport series with fresh physics and visuals, the latest installment immediately captivates with its refined driving mechanics and remarkable control.
The introduction of real-time day cycles and dynamic weather intensifies the racing experience, pushing the Xbox Series X (and S) to its technological limits. Garnering accolades at The Game Awards 2023 for Innovation in Accessibility and Best Sports/Racing Game, Forza Motorsport emerges triumphant, while its counterpart, the Gran Turismo series, misses the mark in the nominated categories.
Hi-Fi Rush
Fusing the world of rhythm-based timing mechanics with dynamic 3D beat-them-up combat, Hi-Fi Rush delivers a unique action gaming experience that seamlessly intertwines music and tempo into its gameplay.
Undeniably, beyond its engaging mechanics, the game shines through its vibrant characters and immersive world. Besides, it has a charismatic crew that adds depth and charm to the adventure. Led by Chai, the game’s protagonist, the supporting cast breathes life into the narrative, making Hi-Fi Rush an extraordinary and unforgettable journey through rhythm-infused action.
Best Multiplatform games of 2023
The virtual realms of 2023 have been a breathtaking experience for gamers worldwide. Also, the gaming landscape has seen the emergence of remarkable titles across various platforms, each offering a distinct narrative, gameplay mechanics, and visual splendor that captivates players’ hearts and minds.
From the intricate RPG adventures of Baldur’s Gate 3 to the adrenaline-pumping combat of Street Fighter 6, the gaming industry has witnessed an array of spectacular releases. Titles such as Final Fantasy XVI, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and Resident Evil 4 Remake have entertained and pushed the boundaries of storytelling and innovation.
Exploring the vastness of these gaming marvels, we delve into the nuanced details, gameplay mechanics, and the overall impact of these standout games of 2023. Join us on this journey as we continue celebrating the 2023 best video games released across different platforms.
Baldur’s Gate 3
The universe of Baldur’s Gate is totally unique. The most compelling evidence: The Game Awards crowned Baldur’s Gate 3 with accolades, including Best RPG, Best Multiplayer Game, Best Community Support, and more. All this is thanks to its expansive narrative, intricate character depth, and abundant interactive elements, making it a true masterpiece.
One of the best features of this game is its character development. For example, it offers character customization, spanning various races, classes, and abilities, offering many playstyles. Did we mention that it has 17.000 alternative endings? Yeah, we know…
Final Fantasy XVI
Beyond its stunning graphics and captivating soundtrack, Final Fantasy XVI‘s true allure lies in its storytelling and characters. Furthermore, the game’s pacing, immersed in focused storytelling, sets it apart from the open-world gaming trend, delivering a refined and engaging experience.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Mirage offers a briskly paced narrative, a departure from the recent sprawling Assassin’s Creed titles. Also, it has vibrant voice-acting, immersive music, and a lot of cats. The game strategically engages players in treasure hunts, adding depth to the overall experience. Read our full review here!
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 dazzles with inventive visual design and enhanced gameplay mechanics. In short, its creative combat and varied game modes, including custom avatar exploration, redefine the gaming experience in this classic franchise.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
The remake brings Resident Evil 4‘s gripping narrative to modern gamers, reimagining visuals and character models. With critical acclaim and impressive sales, it captures the essence of horror while revitalizing the classic tale for a new era of players. Check out our detailed Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Sea of Stars
Beyond its initial premise, Sea of Stars weaves a tale of unexpected twists, evolving into a story about individual significance. Not to mention that the game introduces villains, magic, and world-building organically, inviting players into a rich narrative experience. As a result, it received recognition as the Best Indie Game at the Golden Joystick Awards 2023 and The Game Awards.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
The game’s enriched storytelling intertwines with great combat, emphasizing parrying and lightsaber stances. Survivor elevates dueling experiences, offering dynamic and visually striking Star Wars battles. We also have a fantastic review about this game here!
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 emerges as a masterpiece, blending compelling storytelling akin to iconic TV series and films. Its polished voice acting, engaging puzzles, and combat mechanics create an immersive and enthralling experience.
Hogwarts Legacy
For fans of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy delivers engaging action, spellbinding combat, and captivating character customization. The game’s open-world map captures the essence of the iconic Hogwarts School, offering hours of enchanting diversions. Although it didn’t receive any nominations in The Game Awards, we also consider it one of the best games of 2023. Read the review about it in our blog.
Lies of P
Lies of P stands out in the souls-like genre, offering demanding yet rewarding gameplay reminiscent of From Software’s classics. Its atmospheric world, gripping combat, and captivating storyline make it a standout experience, surpassing even some of its predecessors in the genre.
What do you think is the best 2023 video game?
For gamer enthusiasts, 2023 could be remembered as one of the finest years in gaming history. According to Metacritic ratings, this year introduced 25 titles, achieving a score of 90 or above. So, since there are so many amazing games, selecting the best games of 2023 was really arduous.
We are happy that you are diving into our compilation, exploring the cream of the crop, and immersing yourself in the brilliance of these top-tier games. Please share with us your pick for the game that deserves the highest tribute.
Don’t miss out on these gaming masterpieces! Grab your favorites from the Ugami Store and embark on unforgettable gaming adventures!