Game On: The Top-Rated Best Games of 2023 You Need to Play

2023 was a standout year for the gaming industry, marking the release of some of the best games in recent memory despite facing significant industry challenges like layoffs and mergers^[1]. This year’s top games navigated these obstacles and achieved the highest review scores in two decades^[1], solidifying their status as must-plays for any gaming enthusiast. Among them, titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3 have been celebrated for their imaginative worlds and player freedom, offering experiences that redefine engagement and immersion in digital landscapes^[1].

The selection of the best games of 2023 caters to a wide range of interests, from the expansive universes in games like Starfield to the intense battles against darkness in Diablo IV^[1]. This article aims to guide readers through the crème de la crème of 2023’s video game releases, highlighting not only the groundbreaking open-world exploration and narrative depth found in titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom but also the evolution of survival horror through Resident Evil 4 and Alan Wake 2. Each game featured holds a claim to the Game of the Year 2023 title, promising unparalleled adventures and thrilling gameplay for gamers around the globe^[1].

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Redefining Open-World Exploration: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

In “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” players embark on a journey that not only continues the legacy of its predecessor, “Breath of the Wild,” but also introduces a plethora of new features and improvements that redefine open-world exploration^[1]^[3]. Here’s a closer look at what makes this game a pivotal entry in the Zelda series:

New Abilities and Enhanced Gameplay:
- Ascend, Rewind, and Fusion: These new abilities offer players innovative ways to interact with the environment and solve puzzles, significantly expanding gameplay possibilities^[1].
- Weapon Fusion System: A novel addition allowing players to combine items or objects onto weapons or shields, adding a layer of strategy and customization to combat^[4].
- Building Mechanic: A super intuitive system that’s fun and addictive, enabling players to leave their mark on the game’s world through customization^[1]^[4].
Exploration and Engagement:
- Encouraged Exploration: The game’s world is designed with exciting encounters and collectible items in every area, rewarding curiosity and the desire to explore^[1].
- Memorable Temples and Boss Fights: Temples in the game feel closer to traditional dungeons, offering unique challenges and boss confrontations that are both entertaining and diverse^[1]^[4].
- Improved Enemy Variety: With a significant improvement in enemy types, the combat experience feels fresh and more engaging, elevating the overall gameplay^[4].
Storytelling and World Building:
- Environmental Storytelling: The game features a more involved story compared to “Breath of the Wild,” with a post-Upheaval Hyrule showcasing floating islands, chasms, and altered landscapes that encourage players to uncover the narrative through exploration^[1]^[3].
- Themes of Life and Sacrifice: It explores deep themes such as life, death, sacrifice, and grief, adding a melancholy undercurrent to the adventure and enriching the player’s emotional connection to the characters and the world^[3].
- Quality of Life Improvements: From a brand new recipe system to virtually no bugs, the game offers a polished experience that keeps players engaged and immersed, with many expressing their desire for the adventure never to end ^[4]^[2].

Critically acclaimed, with a Metascore of 96 and an Opencritic score of 97 based on 155 Critic Reviews, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” is one of the best chapters in the celebrated series. It stands among greats like “Ocarina of Time” and “Wind Waker,” praised for its unique and creative gameplay, world design, and the symbiosis between Link’s abilities and the player’s smarts^[2]. This game not only captivates with its gameplay but also invites players to engage with its world in a way that suits their playstyle, making it a must-play title that has redefined open-world exploration in the gaming industry^[2].

Survival Horror Evolved: Resident Evil 4 and Alan Wake 2

In the realm of survival horror, 2023 has seen titanic releases with Resident Evil 4 and Alan Wake 2, each game carving its unique path in the horror genre landscape.

Resident Evil 4: A Remastered Classic

Gameplay Innovations: Introduces a free aiming system allowing players to target any part of an enemy’s body, coupled with a limited inventory system that challenges players to think critically about resource management and weapon selection^[7].
Horror Elements: Leverages physical frights, including sudden enemy attacks and visceral scares characterized by bloody and grotesque scenes, to keep players on the edge of their seats^[7].
Story and Setting: Focuses on a more straightforward, action-oriented narrative centered around rescuing the President’s daughter, maintaining its iconic but familiar settings, which some have found repetitive in recent iterations^[7]^[9].
Visuals and Performance: The 4K remaster of Resident Evil 4 by Capcom preserves the game’s dusky, accursed vibes while enhancing one of the most incredible action games of the last two decades^[6].

Alan Wake 2: A Psychological Horror Adventure

Gameplay and Mechanics: Emphasizes psychological horror, utilizing light mechanics for combat and blending exploration with puzzle-solving to create a tension-filled atmosphere^[7].
Horror Approach: Uses psychological terror based on anticipation and uncertainty, with environmental scares and sound changes to unsettle players, differing from the more direct horror of Resident Evil 4^[7].
Narrative Depth: Boasts a complex and deep story inspired by horror luminaries like Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft, offering players a rich narrative experience^[7].
Settings and Environment: Features two primary settings, the natural world, and the Dark Places, with constantly changing environments to keep the gameplay experience fresh and engaging^[9].

Community and Critical Reception

In a NeoGAF forum thread discussing the year’s horror games, Alan Wake 2 received 31.0% of votes, highlighting its strong community support and the unique survival horror experience it offers, inspired by but distinctly different from the Resident Evil series^[8].
Despite criticisms of being a “shameless ripoff” of Resident Evil, the speaker in a video argues this stems from over-defensiveness, urging viewers to appreciate each game on its own merits without pitting them against each other^[10].

Resident Evil 4 and Alan Wake 2 stand as testaments to the evolving landscape of survival horror in 2023, each offering gamers a distinct flavor of fear, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics. Whether players seek the adrenaline-fueled action of Resident Evil 4 or the deep, atmospheric psychological horror of Alan Wake 2, these titles are essential plays for enthusiasts.

The CRPG Masterpiece: Baldur’s Gate 3

Developed by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 has not only lived up to its legendary predecessors but has also set a new standard for computer roleplaying games (CRPGs) with its deep integration of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition mechanics and an immersive narrative that spans over three acts, each offering around 40 hours of gameplay^[11]^[16]. The game’s setting, 120 years after the events of Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, thrusts players into a world teeming with danger and intrigue, where they must navigate the consequences of being infected by a parasite that threatens to transform them into mind flayers^[11].

Core Features and Gameplay Innovations:

D&D 5th Edition Mechanics: Faithfully adheres to the D&D 5th Edition ruleset, providing a rich, tactical gameplay experience. However, this also introduces a steep learning curve for players unfamiliar with D&D systems^[11]^[16].
Combat System: Turn-based combat that emphasizes strategic planning, with each encounter designed to offer a unique challenge. The game encourages players to read the stage and leverage their surroundings for the best advantage^[12]^[16].
Narrative and Roleplaying: Offers a compelling initial story hook that engages players from the outset. The game is praised for its illusion of perfect freedom. It presents a meticulously crafted series of scenarios and encounters that, while seemingly open-ended, guide players through a richly detailed world^[12].

Technical Aspects and Community Engagement:

Performance and Accessibility: Despite some minor bugs and performance issues, the game offers comprehensive accessibility options, including character highlighting and dialogue text resizing. Cross-platform mod support is also developing, promising an even more customizable experience^[12]^[15].
Character Interaction and Development: Features a diverse cast of romanceable companions, each supported by excellent voice acting. The game has been noted for its “horny” nature, with various party members and NPCs propositioning the player, leading to both exciting and titillating romance scenes^[11]^[15].

In conclusion, Baldur’s Gate 3 represents a monumental achievement in the CRPG genre, combining a faithful adaptation of D&D mechanics with a narrative depth and character development that rivals any contemporary offering in the space. Its complex systems and vast world offer a rewarding challenge to those willing to delve into its depths, backed by a community of dedicated players and ongoing developer support^[11]^[12]^[15]^[16].

Cyberpunk Redeemed: Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty

In the sprawling urban landscape of Pacifica lies Dogtown, the newest addition to the Cyberpunk 2077 universe introduced in the Phantom Liberty DLC. Under the iron grip of Kurt Hansen, a formidable figure with a past in Militech, this area presents a unique blend of danger and opportunity for players^[17]. Dogtown is not just a backdrop; it’s a fully realized location bustling with activity and guarded by the formidable Barghest troops^[17]. Among the notable hotspots within Dogtown, players can explore:

The Stadium: A notorious black market where anything from cybernetic enhancements to illicit software can be acquired^[17].
Heavy Hearts: A nightclub pulsating with the latest beats and neon lights, offering a brief respite from outside chaos ^[17].
Eventide Resort and Spa: A luxurious hotel that contrasts sharply with the surrounding dystopia, providing a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy^[17].

The Phantom Liberty DLC doesn’t just expand the map; it revolutionizes gameplay with several key features:

The Relic Skill Tree: A new avenue for character development, offering abilities that can be unlocked with Relic Points. These points are a treasure trove hidden within Militech Data Terminals scattered around Dogtown, adding a layer of strategy to exploration^[17].
Vehicle Combat: For the first time, players can engage in high-speed chases and shootouts from the comfort of their cars. This is complemented by the Carhacker perk, which allows for the remote hacking of enemy vehicles, adding a new dimension to combat^[17].
Open-world Activities: Including Airdrops and Courier Missions, each with variations such as Retake, Shootout, Ambush, Grab, and Custom for Airdrops, and Chase, Timer/No damage, and Hacking for Courier Missions, ensuring that players always have something new to tackle^[17].

The Phantom Liberty DLC, alongside the 2.0 update, introduces substantial improvements that enhance the player experience:

AI Enhancements: The police AI has been significantly upgraded, making the law enforcement entities a force to be reckoned with during open-world rampages. Combat AI, health, and grenade usage have also seen improvements, with NPCs now scaling to the player’s level, ensuring a consistent challenge^[18]^[19].
System Overhauls: The attribute/perk system has been revamped, allowing for greater customization and flexibility in character builds. Players can now become a chromed-up cyborg without prerequisites, and respeccing perks is free and can be done on the fly. This is complemented by dramatic changes to skill trees, enhancing interactions between weapons and cyberware^[19].
Technical Updates: Including Nvidia DLSS 3.5 and Ray Reconstruction, alongside a raised level cap to 60, ensures that players have a smoother gameplay experience and more room for growth within the game^[18].

These enhancements, combined with the rich narrative and immersive world-building of the Phantom Liberty DLC, promise a revitalized Cyberpunk 2077 experience that both newcomers and veterans will find rewarding and engaging.

The AAA Indie Marvel: Cocoon

Cocoon emerges as a standout title in indie games, captivating players with its unique gameplay and aesthetic. Developed by Geometric Interactive and published by Annapurna Interactive, this action-adventure game has garnered attention for its innovative design and engaging puzzles^[20]^[21]^[22].

Key Features of Cocoon:

Release and Availability: Launched on September 29, 2023, Cocoon is accessible to a broad audience and is compatible with platforms including Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. It is available on Fanatical for $24.99, making it an affordable addition to any gamer’s collection^[20].
Gameplay Mechanics: At its core, Cocoon is a puzzle platformer that simplifies interaction to a single button. Players navigate the game as a small, cicada-like creature carrying orb-worlds on its back. These orbs are not just for show; they unlock new areas, power machinery, and reveal hidden paths, making each orb-world a puzzle ^[21]^[24].
Visuals and Storytelling: The game employs a wordless narrative, allowing each world’s vibrant, curated color palettes and minimalistic controls to speak volumes. This design choice highlights the game’s visual appeal and encourages players to immerse themselves in the exploration and puzzle-solving aspects without the distraction of text^[21]^[24].

Critical Reception and Gameplay Insights:

Critics’ Praise: With a Metacritic critic score of 88 and a user score of 7.9, Cocoon has received positive reviews for its challenging puzzles, clockwork-precise design, and the seamless integration of natural and narrative mechanics into its gameplay. The game’s puzzles, which may require trial and error, become more intuitive as players progress, thanks to subtle hints embedded within the level design^[20]^[22]^[24].
Exploration and Replayability: The first playthrough of Cocoon takes approximately 5.5 hours, but the game doesn’t end there. Hidden Moon Ancestor collectibles throughout the game encourage exploration and replayability, rewarding players who delve deeper into its worlds^[21].
Design Philosophy: BehindCocoon’s captivating experience is the minds of former Playdead developers, including Jeppe Carlsen and Jakob Schmid. Their vision for a “chill puzzle adventure” is evident in every aspect of the game, from the meticulously defined moments of progress to the thrill of world-hopping and orb exploration. The game’s design is intentionally created to share its secrets, focusing more on the illusion of being lost or stuck rather than outright stumping the player, making it an accessible yet profoundly engaging title^[22]^[23].

Cocoon is a testament to the creativity and innovation within the indie game development scene. Its blend of puzzler mechanics, top-down action, and a clean, minimalistic world draws players into a uniquely immersive experience. This AAA indie marvel proves that simplicity in design does not equate to simplicity in gameplay, offering a rich, rewarding journey for those who venture into its orb-filled cosmos^[22]^[23]^[24].

Best games of 2023: Player’s Paradise

Throughout 2023, the gaming industry has presented an array of memorable titles, each pioneering in its genre and delivering experiences that redefine player engagement and narrative depth. From the open-world marvel of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” to the evolved horror landscapes of “Resident Evil 4” and “Alan Wake 2,” and the strategic immersion within “Baldur’s Gate 3,” these games have set benchmarks for storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and immersive worlds. Coupled with the innovative gameplay of “Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty” DLC and the distinctive puzzle world of “Cocoon,” this year has showcased the breadth and depth of creativity within the gaming sector, offering something for every type of gamer.

The significance of these titles extends beyond their immediate gameplay appeal, highlighting the gaming industry’s resilience and capacity to push the boundaries of digital storytelling and interactive entertainment. As players and enthusiasts, these games offer us both means of escape and avenues for experiencing rich narratives, complex emotions, and the joy of discovery. They remind us why gaming is a vital cultural expression and an ever-evolving art form. As we look back on the year, these games stand as landmarks of 2023 — a year that was as challenging as it was innovative — encouraging further exploration, creativity, and development in the industry’s future.

Honorary mentions

Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy XVI is the latest installment in the iconic JRPG franchise, featuring an immersive story set in a fantasy world with high-stakes political drama and real-time combat. Fans of epic narratives and action-packed gameplay will likely find this title thrilling.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a new adventure in the beloved platformer series, where players can enjoy the classic Mario charm with innovative levels and power-ups. This game is perfect for family fun and platforming enthusiasts.

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 brings the legendary fighting series back with new mechanics, characters, and stunning visuals, ideal for competitive players and those looking to blast with friends in local or online brawls.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

The much-anticipated sequel to the hit action-adventure game Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 allows players to swing through an expansive open-world New York as the iconic web-slinger, complete with a gripping narrative and improved combat.

Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG that pays homage to the classics, offering a retro aesthetic with modern twists, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans of the genre.

Mortal Kombat 1

The original Mortal Kombat is a classic fighting game that features brutal combat and the series’ signature fatalities, offering a nostalgic trip for old-school gamers or a history lesson for new franchise fans.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is the latest entry in the mech-based combat series, promising strategic action and customization that will appeal to players who love intense, tactical battles with giant robots.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Building on its predecessor’s success, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is set to deliver more lightsaber duels, force abilities, and exploration, perfect for fans of the Star Wars universe and action-adventure games.

Dead Space (2023)

The Dead Space Remake revitalizes the horror classic with modern graphics and gameplay improvements, offering a terrifying experience for newcomers and fans of the original survival horror masterpiece.

Jusant

Jusant is a lesser-known title that could provide a unique gaming experience, possibly featuring innovative gameplay or an intriguing story, appealing to those seeking something new and different.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

This entry in the Assassin’s Creed series brings players to a meticulously recreated historical setting focusing on stealth, parkour, and open-world exploration, promising an immersive experience for action-adventure and historical fiction fans.

Starfield

Starfield is Bethesda’s new space-faring RPG that allows players to explore the cosmos, make choices that impact the game world, and engage in ship-to-ship combat, appealing to fans of science fiction and expansive role-playing games.

Forza Motorsport

The Forza Motorsport series is known for its highly realistic driving simulation, stunning visuals, and extensive car roster. It is a must-play for racing enthusiasts and those who appreciate detailed vehicle customization.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Set in the visually stunning world of James Cameron’s Avatar, this game promises to let players explore the rich and diverse ecosystems of Pandora, ideal for fans of the film and action-adventure gamers looking for an immersive experience.

Diablo 4

Diablo 4 continues the storied action RPG franchise with dark and gritty gameplay, deep loot systems, and cooperative dungeon crawling, perfect for players who enjoy a challenging hack-and-slash experience with friends.

The Finals

The Finals is a competitive multiplayer game emphasizing teamwork and strategy in high-stakes environments, likely to be a hit for those who love team-based shooters and fast-paced action.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the monumental year 2023 for the gaming industry, it’s clear that gamers were treated to an eclectic mix of titles that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and visual fidelity. From the open-world exploration in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to the narrative depth of Baldur’s Gate 3, each game offered a unique experience, captivating a broad audience and earning its place in the annals of gaming history. Notably, the year was marked by significant industry movements, including Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a staggering $68.7 billion, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming world^[29].

Key Highlights of 2023:

Diverse Gaming Experiences: Players enjoyed a variety of genres, from the real-time strategy delights of Pikmin 4 to the psychological horror of Alan Wake 2. This diversity catered to different player preferences and showcased the industry’s ability to innovate and evolve^[6].
Industry Milestones: The year wasn’t without its challenges, with the cancellation of E3 reflecting changing dynamics in how games are marketed and presented to audiences. Yet, it also saw significant investments and advancements, such as the SAG-AFTRA union’s move towards fair wages and managing AI impacts, ensuring the industry’s growth remains inclusive and sustainable^[29].
Narrative and Connection: A prevailing theme across many of 2023’s top games was exploring human connection and its consequences. Titles like Diablo IV and Super Mario Bros. Wonder delved into stories emphasizing relationships, choices, and the ripple effects they create, resonating deeply with players and critics alike^[29].

Top-Rated Games of 2023:

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – A masterclass in open-world exploration^[30].
Resident Evil 4 – A horror masterpiece reimagined for a new generation^[31].
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Swinging into the hearts of gamers with its dual protagonist gameplay^[6].
Baldur’s Gate 3 – Setting a new standard for CRPGs with its deep narrative and D&D mechanics^[16].
Cocoon is an indie marvel charmed by its puzzles and minimalist design^[24].

As gamers look towards the future, 2023 stands as a testament to the creativity, resilience, and passion driving the gaming industry. Whether through the eyes of a hero in a fantastical realm or strategic planning on a desolate Earth, the games of 2023 offered escapes, challenges, and stories that will be remembered for years to come. The anticipation for what the next year holds is palpable, with the community eager to see how the industry will continue to innovate and inspire in the face of new adventures and challenges^[6]^[29]^[30]^[31].