The Best Games of 2023 So Far

As we find ourselves well into 2023, it’s clear that this year is proving to be a remarkable one for gaming. Beyond the excitement of securing those elusive next-gen consoles, the true testament to this year’s quality lies in the abundance of exceptional gaming experiences that have graced our screens. Ahead, find the best games of 2023 (so far).

In a time where it’s almost impossible for most of us to explore even a fraction of the numerous games released in 2023, it’s worth looking beyond the major blockbusters that have dominated the discourse. What you’ll discover is a treasure trove of smaller, yet equally remarkable titles that reflect the diverse nature of the gaming industry. In the modern gaming landscape, there truly is something extraordinary for everyone.

Now, keep in mind that this list is a work in progress, and we’ll keep updating it throughout the remaining year. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top games that have already stolen our hearts in 2023.

The Best Games of 2023, So Far

“Assassin’s Creed Mirage”

“Assassin’s Creed Mirage” sweeps us away to 9th-century Baghdad, a place that not only revives the original game’s mechanics but also pays homage to Middle Eastern locales. Maybe it’s my penchant for nostalgia (who’d have thought that Assassin’s Creed would make me feel nostalgic?), but there’s something undeniably heartwarming about revisiting this aesthetic.

The game introduces us to Basim, a character you might remember from “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla”. This prequel unveils the transformation of Basim from a humble street thief to a pivotal figure within the enigmatic Hidden Ones, the core of Assassin’s Creed’s rich lore.

“Assassin’s Creed Mirage” is available now to play on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC

“Baldur’s Gate 3”

Picture this: it’s 2023, and we’re diving into “Baldur’s Gate 3”. It’s like stepping into a homebrew “Dungeons & Dragons” campaign, and it’s fantastic. You’ve got the freedom to craft characters with an impressive range of skills, spells, and races, and all of that comes into play during your adventure.

“Baldur’s Gate 3” is more than just character creation and stats. The story, oh boy, it’s like a page-turner you can’t put down. You’ll find yourself replaying it, because it’s that good. And the characters, they feel so real, thanks to top-notch acting and fantastic writing.

More than that, the game world is a tapestry of intricacies, filled with countless hidden details.

“Baldur’s Gate 3” is available to play now on PC, PlayStation 5

“Dead Space”

You know, when we talk about horror games, the original “Dead Space” is like a legend in the field. Well, guess what? In 2023, we’ve got a remake, and it’s like the classic but cranked up to 11. It’s not just a fresh coat of paint either; it looks and sounds so much better, you’ll be jumping out of your seat.

But here’s the cool part — the developers didn’t stop at a simple makeover. The “Dead Space” remake tosses in new story twists that’ll hook both the veterans and the newbies. And here’s the kicker: they’ve given the game’s exploration a serious overhaul. It’s not as linear as before, which kind of makes the remake feel like a whole new game.

So, if you’re into spine-tingling horror and a dash of the unknown, the “Dead Space” Remake in 2023 is definitely worth the scream, I mean, the stream.

“Dead Space” is available to play now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

“Diablo 4”

If you’re a fan of dungeon crawler ARPGs, you’ve likely heard of the legendary Diablo series. The early games set a high bar for the genre, and while “Diablo 3” had its ups and downs, and “Diablo Immortal”… well, we won’t go there. Thankfully, “Diablo 4” is here to save the day.

In classic Diablo style, it throws players into dungeons filled with creepy monsters and rewards them with shiny loot. The addictive loop is as strong as ever, especially when you start scoring those coveted Legendary items. Plus, “Diablo 4” addresses some of the issues fans had with “Diablo 3”, like adding more challenges and character customisation.

Sure, it stumbled a bit with the pre-Season 1 patch, but even with those hiccups, “Diablo 4” is still a devilishly good time.

“Diablo 4” is available to play now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC

“Final Fantasy XVI”

In a series renowned for its capacity to reinvent itself, “Final Fantasy XVI” stands as a testament to the boldness of its creators. This latest instalment deviates significantly from the RPG roots that made the franchise famous. It feels more like an entirely different beast, redefining what a “Final Fantasy” game can be.

Admittedly, there are moments where this new direction faces challenges, and occasionally stumbles in its execution. But what’s undeniable is the sheer audacity of the experience. “Final Fantasy XVI” boasts breathtaking set pieces, unforgettable visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and animations that breathe life into its world. It’s a bold journey that begins and concludes in places you’d never have dreamed of witnessing.

“Final Fantasy XVI” is available to play now on PlayStation 5

“Hi-Fi Rush”

Ever heard of “Hi-Fi Rush”? Probably not, right? Well, that’s okay, because it came out of nowhere and knocked gamers off their feet. What’s even more surprising is that the developers behind this little wonder were mainly known for their horror games. But here’s the deal, “Hi-Fi Rush” isn’t just good; it’s so darn good!

The world of this game is a vibrant explosion of colours, and every cutscene and character interaction is a laugh-out-loud riot. It combines hack-and-slash action with a rhythmic twist. Imagine slashing through baddies to the beat.

What’s even more astonishing is that this game dropped on the scene with little to no advertisements, but its sheer quality made it a sensation through good old word of mouth.

“Hi-Fi Rush” is available to play now on Xbox Series X/S, PC

“Hogwarts Legacy”

Alright, Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you. But you’ve probably already heard of it. “Hogwarts Legacy” isn’t a direct adaptation from the books or movies, but it does something pretty darn magical. It takes the entire “Harry Potter” universe and turns it into an open-world video game.

In this game, you get to create your very own Hogwarts student and explore the wizarding world, but with a twist. You’re going back in time to the 1890s, exploring the corners of Hogwarts and its surroundings in a way the books and films never quite allowed.

The real magic of “Hogwarts Legacy” is in how it’s presented. Every spell, every magical creature, and every twisty hallway feels like it was crafted with the utmost care and love by a team that adores the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Plus, the story isn’t just about witnessing history; it lets you shape it.

“Hogwarts Legacy” is available to play now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC

“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2”

Marvel’s “Spider-Man 2” is the sequel we’ve all been waiting for. It serves up an exhilarating story of two Spider-Men, a dream come true for Spidey fans, effortlessly blending humour and deeper themes that jump right off the comic book pages.

Insomniac doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but they’ve fine-tuned the combat and web-swinging mechanics, so it all feels cosy and familiar, with some cool new tweaks that crank up the fun factor. Now, when it comes to the open world of New York City, there’s something cathartic about swinging around of a spider web through the big city.

“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” is available to play now on PlayStation 5

“Resident Evil 4 (Remake)”

Remember the original “Resident Evil 4”? It was a mix of action, spine-chilling shootouts, and over-the-top dialogue that set the stage for the franchise’s future, including its remakes. Now, Capcom has taken the bold step of remaking this classic.

The “Resident Evil 4” remake revisits the events of the original but with a slightly more serious tone. Say goodbye to most of the campiness, and say hello to improved character depth and some of the most spine-tingling horror segments in the series. Even in 2023, “Resident Evil 4” continues to set the survival horror bar high. It’s a refreshing return to the genre’s roots.

“Resident Evil 4 (Remake)” is available to play now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC

“Starfield”

It’s been a long five-year wait, but Bethesda has finally delivered “Starfield”. After all the development and excitement, what’s the verdict? Well, it’s unmistakably a Bethesda game, and that’s a good thing.

In “Starfield”, the cosmos is your playground. You can explore vast space, take on missions using your unique skills, and build outposts and spaceships with resources you scavenge. It’s a game that generously rewards those who take their time. If you’re just in it for a quick story, you might miss out, but players who take the scenic route, pausing to admire the view, will find themselves thoroughly engrossed.

“Starfield” is available to play now on PC, Xbox Series X/S

“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor”

In “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor”, we continue the journey with ex-Jedi Cal Kestis, picking up where “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” left off. This game offers an engaging story, exceptional writing, captivating visuals, and combat influenced by Dark Souls.

It introduces new abilities, weapon styles, more extensive worlds, and a broader array of enemies. However, beware that the game had performance issues and bugs at launch, especially on PC. To fully enjoy it, play on a platform with the necessary patches to fix these issues. May the Force guide you through this exciting adventure!

“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” is available to play now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”

In “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom“, we’re treated to a direct sequel to “Breath of the Wild”, something quite unique in the world of Zelda. While it recycles some assets from its predecessor, like enemies, music, and temperature mechanics, this game is a masterclass in open-world design, not just a simple rehash.

“Tears of the Kingdom” addresses previous criticisms of “Breath of the Wild”, offering more dungeon and enemy variety. It also introduces new abilities, including a creative building mechanic for endless exploration. Finally, the addition of new floating islands and an expansive underground region greatly expand the game’s world.

“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” is available to play now on Nintendo Switch

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