Hey, gaming enthusiasts! Buckle up because 2023 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for the most popular video games. From space odysseys to spine-chilling horrors, this year’s lineup has something for every gamer. Let’s dive into the top-rated video games that are making waves in 2023.

 

 

 

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Review score: 4.o out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X

 

In a galaxy far, far away, the force is strong with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. This installment promises an immersive experience with a gripping storyline and enhanced gameplay. Grab your lightsaber and prepare for an adventure like never before. May the gaming force be with you!

Is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on par with the excellence of The Empire Strikes Back as a sequel? While it falls just short of that lofty standard, it comes remarkably close to being one of the finest follow-ups in the entire Star Wars franchise.

The game surpasses Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order in every conceivable way, featuring a more engaging and action-packed introduction.

With an array of aerial maneuvers and lightsaber stances, it successfully amplifies the sensation of being a seasoned Jedi Knight.

Quality-of-life enhancements, such as the addition of fast travel, alleviate gameplay frustrations, and the inclusion of new locales filled with hidden collectibles and upgrades enhances the reward of exploration.

However, what truly sets Jedi: Survivor apart is not the tangible elements but its radiant soul. This essence is palpable in the memorable characters encountered during the galactic journey, whether they are individuals you assist or the friendships you establish and mend.

It permeates the classic and bustling cantina where you willingly engage with the barkeep. It’s evident in the tactile and reverential process of crafting your lightsaber.

And it manifests in the dynamic set-pieces that harken back to the serials that originally inspired Star Wars. In its most exceptional moments, you genuinely sense the Force surrounding you.

 

 

Resident Evil 4: Remake

Review score: 4.2 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X

 

Bringing back the undead in style, Resident Evil 4: Remake is a nostalgic yet revitalized journey into survival horror. With upgraded graphics and refined gameplay, this remake is a spine-tingling reimagining that pays homage to the classic while delivering a fresh scare.

The initial Resident Evil remake, dating back to 2002, essentially established a benchmark for the format. It featured refined controls, nuanced graphical enhancements, and introduced entirely new areas within the iconic Spencer Mansion.

The remake of Resident Evil 2 deftly altered the perspective of its source material without compromising the essence of horror and survival.

Even the somewhat forgettable remake of Resident Evil 3, it managed to bring the design concepts of the original game, with flaws and all, to a contemporary audience.

Now, with the Resident Evil 4 remake, Capcom has once again demonstrated its prowess in the remake realm. 

In this reimagined edition of the 2005 action-survival-horror game, Capcom successfully eliminates many imperfections from one of the most beloved games in the series, if not of all time.

The remake introduces new embellishments and additional details across its three expansive areas, transforming it into more than just a remake—it’s a dramatic reinterpretation.

Furthermore, it skillfully incorporates additional survival elements into the original’s action-centric combat, all while preserving the campy and cheesy elements that have contributed to its enduring popularity over the years.

Facing such formidable source material, a lesser game might have faltered, but the Resident Evil 4 remake masterfully navigates this delicate balance.

 

 

Dead Space

Review score: 4,2 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X

 

The return of Dead Space is a haunting delight for horror game fans. Brace yourself for a nail-biting experience as you navigate through dark corridors and face off against grotesque creatures. This is survival horror at its best, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

This year is already proving to be exceptional for survival horror, and Motive Studio’s Dead Space remake is no exception.

The original Dead Space applied the third-person-action approach seen in Resident Evil 4 to a deteriorating spaceship in outer space.

Comparable to films like Event Horizon, Sunshine, and Alien, Dead Space stood as a pinnacle of sci-fi horror within a confined and claustrophobic environment.

The remake has breathed new life into this vision, presenting it with stunning visuals and introducing quality-of-life improvements along with updates to previously under appreciated elements.

Notably, it has transformed several previously ineffective weapons into viable tools in the protagonist Isaac Clarke’s arsenal. These enhancements make it challenging to envision returning to Visceral Games’ outstanding original.

 

 

Fire Emblem: Engage

Review score: 4.0 out of 5

Platform: Nintendo Switch

 

Strategic minds, rejoice! Fire Emblem: Engage is here to test your tactical prowess. With new characters and compelling story arcs, this installment continues the legacy of the Fire Emblem series. Get ready to engage in epic battles and make decisions that shape the fate of your army.

Fire Emblem Engage is tailored for a very particular audience: individuals who aren’t particularly intrigued by the origin stories of a multitude of teenagers, the politics of a bourgeois academy, or the tea preferences of a teacher.

Instead, it caters to those fixated on the intricate details of combat stats, weapon configurations, and team formations. I can confidently say this because I fall into the category of players with a deep interest in such nuances.

Fire Emblem Engage bombards players with a surplus of characters, weapons, battle scenarios, and stat-boosting abilities, encouraging them to observe character interactions on the battlefield and craft their own narratives.

While the actual script may be laden with nonsensical JRPG tropes, and the cutscenes may be easily skippable, Fire Emblem Engage stands out as an outstanding turn-based tactics game that graciously steps aside, allowing the player’s experience to take precedence.

If you’re seeking a superb turn-based tactics game that doesn’t impose unnecessary narratives, Fire Emblem Engage is a top-notch choice.

 

 

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Review score: 4.5 out of 5

Platform: Nintendo Switch

 

Link is back, and Hyrule has never looked more enchanting. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes the iconic series to new heights with an open-world concept that promises exploration and adventure on an unprecedented scale. Get ready to shed tears of joy in the kingdom of legends.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom faced the daunting task of living up to its renowned predecessor, and remarkably, not only did it meet those expectations, but it also ventured into unexplored territory.

The previous installment, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, earned its place in history as one of the most influential open-world games.

Now, it appears that Breath of the Wild served as the initial draft for an adventure that would expand significantly.

Tears of the Kingdom empowers players with the freedom and tools to navigate Hyrule creatively. Link’s new abilities allow for the construction of diverse contraptions to aid in traversing the wilderness.

The Ultra-hand power enables the “gluing” together of various materials, while Fuse allows the crafting of weapons from unexpected item combinations.

Beyond the humorous creations showcased in memes, these contraptions highlight the marvel that Tears of the Kingdom represents.

While players may enjoy experimenting, developers note that even a simple bridge in the game is a remarkable achievement in game development.

These remarkable mechanics guide players through a world that is simultaneously strange and familiar. Hyrule undergoes a transformation, with the mainland from Breath of the Wild now featuring new settlements and archaeological wonders.

Moreover, the exploration expands to two entirely new layers of the map — one above and one below Hyrule — intensifying the mystery and awe of the wilderness first introduced by Nintendo in 2017.

Ultimately, this new world and Link’s enhanced abilities contribute to an emotionally charged time-travel narrative involving Link, Princess Zelda, and even Ganondorf.

Collectively, these elements establish Tears of the Kingdom as one of the top video games of 2023.

 

 

Street Fighter 6

Review score: 4.2 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X

 

Enter the arena with Street Fighter 6, where every punch, kick, and combo counts. This latest installment introduces new characters, improved graphics, and refined gameplay mechanics.

Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or a button-mashing beginner, this game has something for everyone.

If I were in the business of creating fighting games, I’d be reluctant to follow in the footsteps of Street Fighter 6. Traditionally, fighting games haven’t emphasized being feature-rich media experiences.

The bulk of development efforts typically focuses on designing systems, balancing characters, and everything that occurs between the “Fight” and “K.O.”

Yet, this approach, while catering to the dedicated audience of fighting game enthusiasts, hasn’t always facilitated an ideal entry point for new players or those seeking a different gameplay experience.

Enter Street Fighter 6, a game that stands out for its richness in content and genuine affection for the players. It boasts a substantial open-world RPG-style story mode where your custom create-a-character interacts with the iconic World Warriors.

This campaign introduces new tools and mechanics gradually, imparting fundamental fighting game skills through entertaining scenarios.

The game’s abundance of charm extends to every facet. Delightfully crafted idle animations on the character-select screen seamlessly transition into grand entrances.

Character-specific tutorial modules are penned in the voice of each fighter, and the stages are not only visually stunning but also packed with cute details and Easter eggs.

Combine this joyful abundance with compelling mechanics, an industry-leading training mode, and outstanding online play, and you have one of the finest, most popular and approachable fighting games ever created.

 

 

Diablo 4

Review score: 4.5 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X

 

The gates of hell are set to open wider than ever in Diablo 4. Immerse yourself in a dark fantasy world filled with demonic forces and challenging quests. With improved graphics and gameplay, this installment is poised to be a devilishly good time for action RPG enthusiasts.

In creating Diablo 4, Blizzard Entertainment aimed to amalgamate the frenetic action of Diablo 3, the intricate RPG systems of Diablo 2, and the dark ambiance of the original game.

It was undoubtedly an ambitious goal, and after four years, including the challenges of a global pandemic following the sequel’s announcement at BlizzCon 2019, Diablo 4 has finally arrived—and it’s exceptional. 

However, what truly distinguishes Diablo 4 goes beyond its successful blend of tone, action, and role-playing elements.

Unlike other top video games like Destiny, Anthem, and even Diablo 3, Diablo 4 stands out as the most impressive launch we’ve witnessed in recent memory.

Historically, early engagement with games of this nature often required enduring significant frustration for a mere taste of the potential they promised.

Diablo 4 breaks away from this pattern by presenting deep and nuanced systems from the start, allowing players to invest hundreds of hours in character development.

The game already boasts substantial content to accommodate such time investments.

With several expansions already in development, Blizzard Entertainment finds itself in somewhat uncharted territory. When the initial expansion for a living game goes beyond mere course correction, the possibilities become intriguing.

This is especially enticing considering that even without any expansions, Diablo 4 stands as a best-in-class action role-playing game.

 

 

Final Fantasy 16

Review score: 4.0 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5

 

Embark on a breathtaking journey with Final Fantasy 16. The latest installment in the iconic series promises an epic tale, unforgettable characters, and a world rich in fantasy.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, get ready for a visual and narrative feast.

Final Fantasy 16 is truly outstanding. The latest installment in the extensive and intricate series immerses you in a sumptuous, unabashedly Game of Thrones-like adventure.

Assume the role of the brooding Clive Rosfield, a young man dedicated to safeguarding his little brother, Joshua.

The narrative unfolds when Clive’s life takes a tragic turn, compelling him to embark on a quest to vanquish the monster responsible for shattering his family’s legacy.

Crafted by Creative Business Unit III, the internal team at Square Enix renowned for the MMORPG Final Fantasy 14, 16 delves into a mosaic of fantasy genre elements.

From palace intrigue and intense conflicts between nations to themes of love and warfare, the game seamlessly integrates classic Final Fantasy elements like mother crystals, awe-inspiring battles involving summons (referred to as Eikon), and, of course, the beloved Chocobos.

While the consistency of the narrative in this extended and linear character-focused RPG may vary, the real highlight is the exceptional action combat, ranking among the best in my gaming experience.

The gameplay immediately captivates you as Clive executes fluid dashes, precise parries, and masterful sword swings alongside a diverse array of magical abilities, all delivered with a mesmerizing sense of style.

It’s not just the gameplay that kept me engaged with the game; it fueled my enthusiasm every time I undertook a new mission.

 

 

Baldur’s Gate 3

Review score: 4.0 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, Windows PC

 

The legacy of Baldur’s Gate continues in the third installment, promising a deep and immersive RPG experience. The game explores new narrative horizons, challenging players with meaningful choices and consequences.

Dive into a world where every decision shapes your destiny.

Capturing the boundless potential of tabletop role-playing within a video game is an ambitious feat, but Baldur’s Gate 3 manages to push these boundaries further than any predecessor.

Larian Studios’ expansive RPG unfolds with numerous possibilities, seemingly inconspicuous choices that resonate into significant consequences.

The game presents an overwhelming amount of content, creating a compelling urge to explore every corner and complete every quest.

However, the brilliance of Baldur’s Gate 3 lies in the impossibility of achieving everything in a single playthrough, or even two or three.

The game actively encourages replays, prompting players to revisit battles and areas from the perspectives of different character builds and party compositions.

A lawful Paladin, for instance, won’t approach the arcane mysteries of a random basement the same way a chaotic Sorcerer might, just as a Drow might align differently with Minthara rather than Halsin.

The allure of choice-driven RPGs, for me, lies in their storytelling potential. Crafting my main character’s narrative alongside the game, weaving my personal lore and mythos based on their interactions with the world and the main plot, is a gratifying experience.

While acknowledging that video games inevitably impose certain limits, such as preset last names or origin stories, Baldur’s Gate 3 grants me significant freedom while still incorporating my distinct choices and interactions.

It’s everything I’ve sought in a game, and I eagerly anticipate replaying it multiple times.

 

 

Armored Core 6: Fire of Rubicon

Review score: 4.4 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X

 

Mech enthusiasts, rejoice! Armored Core 6: Fire of Rubicon delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience with enhanced customization and intense combat.

Strap into your mech and engage in battles that will test your skills to the limit. The fire of Rubicon awaits.

Following a ten-year pause from the Armored Core series, during which the developers at FromSoftware achieved acclaim with games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, they’ve returned to the realm of hardcore mech action with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

While structurally linear and lacking the distinctive multiplayer mechanics of the Souls games, Armored Core 6 undeniably carries the hallmark traits of a FromSoftware creation.

It’s exceptionally challenging, both in terms of difficulty and the expectation for players to engage with it on its own terms.

Similar to the Souls games, Armored Core 6 revolves around themes of failure and perseverance. Players embark on missions in a contested alien world, engaging in battles against formidable, heavy metal machines using their continually evolving mechs.

A setback in a mission necessitates a return to the garage, where players can experiment with new mech (AC) builds, incorporating various weapons and body parts in the hope of devising winning strategies.

In contrast to the Souls series, Armored Core 6 places less emphasis on player freedom within a fully realized open world. As a faceless, mostly nameless mercenary, you receive directives on where to go and whom to eliminate.

The game unfolds its mission-based storyline in a uniform manner for all players, at least until the advent of Armored Core 6’s new game plus and subsequent iterations, where the narrative takes unexpected and more captivating turns.

Undoubtedly, this demands additional determination, but akin to FromSoftware’s other creations, the ascent is more than justified by the breathtaking view from the summit.

 

 

Sea of Stars

Review score: 4.0 out of 5

Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X

 

Set sail for adventure in Sea of Stars, a visually stunning RPG that takes you on a journey through a beautifully crafted world. With engaging gameplay and a captivating story, this game is a shining star in the sea of gaming choices.

Sea of Stars emerges as a charming role-playing game crafted by Sabotage Studio, the creative minds behind The Messenger.

It serves as a nostalgic nod to the heyday of pixel-art RPGs, evoking the essence of beloved classics.

While some draw parallels to iconic titles like Chrono Trigger, my personal connection takes me back to a childhood favorites: such as Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga on the Game Boy Advance, and popular old Final Fantasy titles.

This is a key aspect of Sea of Stars allure as it confidently embraces its unique identity while acknowledging and drawing inspiration from its influences.

Whether you’re venturing into the realm of turn-based RPGs for the first time (with accommodating difficulty toggles) or reliving the golden days of Super Nintendo, Sea of Stars feels tailor-made for you.

In the realm of indie RPGs, Sea of Stars stands as a comprehensive package. It boasts impressive visuals, captivating sound, and a gameplay experience that is both enjoyable and reminiscent of the past.

The game introduces endearing characters that make spending time in its world a delight.

While it triggers childhood memories for me, it also leaves a lasting impression, likely to become the defining turn-based RPG for a new generation, much like how Chrono Trigger and Mario RPG games set the standard for the future.

 

 

Lies of P

Review score: 4.0 out of 5

Platforms: Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X

 

Prepare to unravel the mysteries of Lies of P. This intriguing title offers a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay, keeping players on the edge of their seats. Dive into a world where deceit and truth intertwine, making every revelation a thrilling experience.

Indeed, Lies of P presents itself as a fusion of Dark Souls and the most popular tale, Pinocchio, which raises eyebrows as an unconventional pitch.

Leading up to the release, the notion of “Pinocchio-souls” was often more of a jest than a serious concept—an irreverent idea that injecting some Dark Souls elements into any setting could mildly pique people’s interest.

However, once you delve into the game, effortlessly dispatching bosses with skillful parries, any initial reservations about the peculiar premise of Lies of P quickly fade away.

It’s a rare occurrence for a Souls-like game to transcend the label of a mere imitation, even when they offer enjoyable experiences, such as The Surge.

Yet, the highest praise for Lies of P is that it authentically feels like the real deal—a FromSoftware game developed in an alternate dimension and somehow finding its way into our reality by some twist of fate.

However, it wasn’t a stroke of luck or chance that brought Lies of P into existence.

Credit goes to the talented developers at Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio who took a genre that was beginning to feel stale, coupled it with an unconventional intellectual property, and delivered a standout experience.

 

 

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Review score: 4.4 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X

 

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty makes a comeback with patches and enhancements, aiming to deliver the futuristic experience fans have been waiting for. Explore the neon-lit streets of Night City and carve your path in a world where liberty comes at a high price.

In the realm of exceptional downloadable content, Phantom Liberty accomplishes the dual feat of expanding on the foundation of the base game while also offering a fresh perspective.

In tandem with the extensive Patch 2.0, which overhauled Cyberpunk 2077’s role-playing progression systems, enhanced enemy AI, and addressed numerous other intricacies, Phantom Liberty introduces an entirely new district to Night City, complete with its own espionage-driven narrative.

The resultant iteration of Cyberpunk 2077 is not a complete departure from the version released in 2020, but it undeniably represents an evolution.

It fulfills the promise of immersing players in the role of a hacker-samurai within a neon-drenched open world filled with futuristic heists, impactful choices, and memorable characters.

While Phantom Liberty and Patch 2.0 may not completely erase the memory of CD Projekt’s initial problematic release, they come remarkably close.

Three years after stepping into V’s shoes for the first time, Cyberpunk 2077 has, at last, lived up to the initial hype.

 

 

Marvel Spider-Man 2

Review score: 4.3 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5

 

Swing back into action with Marvel Spider-Man 2. This superhero extravaganza introduces new characters, an engaging storyline, and advancements in open-world gameplay.

Get ready to don the Spidey suit and traverse the bustling streets of a marvelously detailed New York City. 

New York City pulses with the energy of 8.5 million inhabitants always rushing to their next destination or activity—a dynamic that feels like the central guiding principle behind Spider-Man 2’s design.

Insomniac Games’ third Spider-Man installment astounds with its multitude of activities—whether it’s rescuing citizens, pursuing collectibles, conducting science experiments, riding roller coasters, spray-painting graffiti, or earning upgrade currency.

Remarkably, this abundance never becomes overwhelming or bloated.

It stands as an exceptional Spider-Man simulator, delving into various layers, including the meta awareness of Peter Parker and Miles Morales perpetually grappling with the immense responsibility that accompanies their extraordinary powers.

It resonates with a relatability that feels just like me, as the kids would say.

Insomniac achieves this balance by strategically unlocking certain features and activities as the story progresses.

Additionally, the power of the PlayStation 5 hardware is harnessed to reduce the friction typical in open-world games.

Thanks to the PS5’s rapid SSD, fast travel becomes virtually instantaneous, making it a breeze to swing by one more icon on the map before calling it a night.

 

 

Alan Wake 2

Review score: 4.5 out of 5

Platform: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X

 

The wait is over for fans of psychological horror. Alan Wake 2 is here to send shivers down your spine with its immersive narrative and atmospheric gameplay. Brace yourself for a psychological thriller that will keep you questioning reality.

Much like any creation from Remedy Entertainment, Alan Wake 2 is crafted to captivate its audience.

From its intricate storyline to its complex level design, and its significance within the Remedy Connected Universe, Alan Wake 2 emerges as a surreal survival-horror experience drawing inspiration from various sources.

In the process, it births something entirely peculiar and innovative. 

The game also takes substantial design risks, all of which turn out to be highly successful: featuring two playable protagonists, each with their distinct storyline and world to navigate; replacing mundane menus with interactive 3D spaces; and presenting a meta story that delves into the 2010 original Alan Wake, fandom, interactive art, storytelling, and the essence of Remedy itself.

Thirteen years have passed since we first stepped into the enigmatic town of Bright Falls, Washington, and the sequel justifies every moment of that anticipation.

Alan Wake 2 stands as another audacious venture from Remedy Entertainment, now equipped with more resources than the innovative studio has ever experimented with before. The outcome is a game that stands in a category of its own.

 

 

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Review score: 4.2 out of 5

Platform: Nintendo Switch

 

Last but certainly not least, the iconic plumber is back in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This delightful adventure promises innovative gameplay in the classic Mario style.

Get ready to rediscover the wonder of the Mushroom Kingdom with everyone’s favorite plumber.

The Super Mario Bros. games played a crucial role in my upbringing.

They served as my introduction to precision platformers, and when I acquired a Game Boy Advance SP, Super Mario Bros. 3 became a constant source of entertainment, accompanying me wherever I went.

While I’ve enjoyed nearly every modern rendition of Mario — be it the Paper Mario series, the Galaxy games, or Odyssey — the 2D side-scrolling adventures will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder fulfills all my expectations for a new addition to the series.

It effortlessly captures that enchanting sense of wonder through innovative gameplay mechanics — touch the Wonder Seed, and the level transforms into an even more whimsical experience — diverse enemy types, and delightful gimmicks.

Each level brims with imaginative ideas, radiating joy and sheer enjoyment.

With the removal of level timers, there’s newfound freedom to explore every nook and cranny, and astute players can uncover hidden rooms and pathways, reminiscent of the mysterious and joyful origins of the game.

 

Lastly

2023 is undoubtedly a golden year for gamers. From epic space battles to spine-chilling horrors, the diversity in this year’s lineup ensures there’s something for every gaming palate. So, gear up, grab your controllers, and embark on a gaming journey like no other. 

Any comments or questions you may have, you are welcome to leave them here below. I any of these games entice you, then click on the buttons provided to purchase one. Thanks again for checking out my article on Top-rated video games of 2023.  Happy gaming, folks!