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2023 is shaping up to be one of the best years for gaming in the past few years, even decades. We are only half of the calendar year, and we already have tons of great games to sink hours and hours into. And believe me, there are more hard hitters to come! With that said, here are the top 2023 video games to keep an eye on. Take note that we are including the ones that have already been released. Simply put, this list aims to give you the most eye-catching, noteworthy, and awesome games of 2023.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. Tears of the Kingdom received critical acclaim, with praise for its vast open world, improved gameplay, and emotional story. Despite only releasing for less than a month, it has already sold over 10 million copies worldwide. This puts the title among the best-selling 2023 video games and is currently on track to become one of the best-selling games of all time.
The game features a vast open world, where players can explore freely at their own pace. They can complete quests, fight enemies, and solve puzzles to progress through the story. Link, the protagonist of the game, has new abilities that allow him to explore the world in new ways. For example, he can now fuse various items players find in the open world to traverse Hyrule in various ingenious ways.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom certainly had a tough task acting as a follow-up to one of the best games of all time, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it succeeded. Not only that, many argue that this game is even better! What many thought was impossible, just became reality thanks to this one-of-a-kind game.
Starfield
Starfield is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game releases on September 6, 2023, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
Starfield is being developed using the new Creation Engine 2, which will allow for a more detailed and immersive world than previous Bethesda games. The game will also feature a fully-voiced protagonist, something that has not been seen in a Bethesda game since Morrowind.
Starfield is one of the most anticipated 2023 video games, and it is sure to be a hit with fans of Bethesda games and space exploration.
Diablo IV
Diablo IV is an upcoming action role-playing game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth main installment in the Diablo series and is scheduled for release on June 5, 2023, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Players have been eager to get their hands on Diablo IV for years now, making it one of the most-anticipated 2023 video games.
The game welcomes players back to the world of Sanctuary, a land torn apart by conflict between Heaven and Hell. Players take on the role of a Nephalem, a powerful human-demon hybrid, and must battle hordes of demons to save the world. They can choose from a number of varied character classes, with each of their own strengths and weaknesses. These classes are diverse enough that they encourage several playthroughs and experimentation. Undoubtedly, everyone can find a character build that fits their play style perfectly.
Admittedly, Diablo IV does not do anything new to shake up the very foundation of loot-driven dungeon-crawling RPGs. That said, it successfully builds upon everything the genre has going for it, making for a very exceptional game. Diablo IV is sure to be a hit with fans of the series and action role-playing games in general. It is a dark, gritty, and action-packed game that will test players’ skills and patience.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is the sequel to 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man and 2020’s Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. It will be available for the PlayStation 5 on November 2, 2023, as a console exclusive.
The game will feature a new combat system that allows players to switch between Peter and Miles mid-battle. Players will also be able to use Venom’s powers, such as his enhanced strength and durability, to defeat enemies.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will undoubtedly be a major release for the PlayStation 5. The game is looking like a surefire hit thanks to its truly-impressive graphics, gameplay, and story. Many expect it to be a critical and commercial success, and rightfully so.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 is a fighting game developed and published by Capcom. It is the seventh main entry in the legendary Street Fighter franchise. It released for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on June 2, 2023. Moreover, Capcom notes that an arcade version of the game by Taito will become available later down the line. A playable demo of Street Fighter 6 released last February 22, 2023. This gave players a glimpse of the excellence this fighting game delivers in the competitive 2023 video games landscape.Â
The game will feature a new graphics engine, a new combat system, and a new story mode called World Tour. World Tour is a single-player mode that will allow players to create their own custom fighter and explore a variety of locations around the world. The game will also feature a traditional fighting mode called Fighting Ground, as well as a new online mode called Battle Hub.
The game’s roster includes returning characters such as Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile, as well as new characters such as Jamie, a British breakdancer, and Kimberly, a young American boxer. This clever combination of series veterans and new blood makes Street Fighter 6 approachable to both Street Fighter diehards and casuals.
Overall, Street Fighter 6 looks to be a promising entry in the Street Fighter franchise. The game’s new graphics engine, combat system, and World Tour mode all look to be significant improvements over the previous games in the series. However, only time will tell whether the game will be able to innovate enough to keep fans playing it for years to come.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is an action-adventure game by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and was released on April 28, 2023 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
The game takes place five years after the events of Fallen Order. Cal Kestis is now a Jedi Knight on the run from the Galactic Empire. He is joined by his former Padawan, Cere Junda, and his droid companion, BD-1. Together, they must travel the galaxy, searching for a way to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Survivor features a more open-world environment than Fallen Order. Players are able to explore a variety of planets, including Bracca, Dathomir, and Onderon. The game also features a new combat system, with Cal able to use a variety of Force abilities and lightsaber combos to defeat his enemies.
Survivor received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the game’s improved combat, graphics, and story. However, some critics argue that the game’s open-world environment is a little bit lackluster. Overall, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a solid sequel to Fallen Order. It offers players more of what they loved about the first game, with improved graphics, combat, and story.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a 2023 action-adventure video game by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. A prequel to the Bayonetta series, it tells the story of the titular protagonist, a young witch named Cereza. The game features a unique art style that combines cel-shaded graphics with hand-drawn animation. The game’s soundtrack is also composed of original music that fits the game’s fantasy setting.Â
The game takes place in a fantastical world where humans and demons coexist. Cereza is a young witch who is training to become a powerful fighter. One day, she accidentally summons a lost demon named Cheshire. Cheshire is bound to Cereza’s stuffed toy, and the two of them must work together to find a way to send Cheshire back to Inferno.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon features a blend of action and platforming gameplay. Players can use Cereza’s various weapons and abilities to fight enemies and explore the game world. Cheshire can also help Cereza solve puzzles and reach new areas.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon released on March 8, 2023. The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay, graphics, and story. While it did not make a splash in the industry as big as other 2023 video games that are currently available already, there is no denying that this Nintendo Switch game is great. It is a must-have for any Bayonetta series fan!
Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI is an upcoming action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. The sixteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series will release on June 22, 2023, for the PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive. The game will feature segmented open environments and an action-based combat system involving both melee and magic-based attacks. There are also recurring series features including Chocobos and summon monsters called Eikons, which act as both bosses and allies.
True to its claim as the undisputed stepping-off point of the Final Fantasy franchise from the JRPG genre, Final Fantasy XVI is an action RPG game in every sense of the word. Rather than looking like its predecessors, the game more resembles that of the Witcher and Devil May Cry franchises.
The combat is fluid, action-heavy, and reactionary-driven. This approach may not appeal as much to series veterans, but it is what Square Enix believes is right for the franchise moving forward. It is a bold decision to make that we certainly applaud them for. With all things said, Final Fantasy XVI is shaping up to be one of the best 2023 video games, and we just couldn’t wait to get our hands on it already!
