The best video games of 2023 included Alan Wake II, Baldur's Gate 3, Dave the Diver, Diablo IV, Final Fantasy XVI, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Spider-Man 2, and Super Mario RPG. These games offered a mix of horror, role-playing, adventure, and superhero action, with standout features such as compelling stories, lovable characters, addictive combat, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
IGN has compiled a list of the best-reviewed games of 2023, featuring titles that received a nine or a perfect 10 on their 10-point scale. While only five games achieved a perfect score, the majority received a 9, showcasing the exclusivity of the top-tier. Notable games include The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur's Gate 3, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Metroid Prime Remastered, and Asgard's Wrath 2. Nintendo had a strong year with several exclusives, and sports and racing games also impressed. Indie games like Cocoon, Ghostrunner 2, and Honkai: Star Rail were praised, while DLCs for Cyberpunk 2077 and Dead Cells made the list.
Metacritic has compiled a list of the best RPGs of 2023, featuring games such as Baldur's Gate 3, Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Expansion Pass Wave 4 - Future Redeemed, Sea of Stars, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and Diablo 4. These games offer a mix of modern takes on beloved classics, bold reinventions of established franchises, and spin-offs that explore new ground, showcasing the versatility of the RPG genre.
Metacritic has compiled a list of the best shooter games of 2023, featuring titles such as Turbo Overkill, Quake 2: Enhanced Edition, Remnant 2, Counter-Strike 2, and Everspace 2. These games offer a range of experiences, from classic boomer-shooter action to remastered favorites and intense virtual reality gameplay. Each game brings its own unique style and action-packed gameplay, making them standout choices in the shooter genre.
Metacritic has compiled a list of the best action games of 2023, featuring a mix of original games, remakes, remasters, and sequels. The top games include The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime Remastered, Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil 4, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. These games offer exciting adventures in fantasy realms, survival-horror settings, and dark futures, providing players with thrilling gameplay experiences.
Metacritic has compiled a list of the best Xbox games of 2023, featuring highly-rated titles such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Diablo 4, and Resident Evil 4. These games have received rave reviews for their enhancements, storytelling, gameplay, and overall experience. The list also includes other notable games like Street Fighter 6, Persona 4 Golden, Dead Space, and Hogwarts Legacy, showcasing the diverse range of genres and experiences available on the Xbox platform.
Mashable has compiled a list of the best games of 2023, considering factors such as gameplay, story/lore, visuals and soundtrack, innovation, and replayability. The top 10 games include Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Armored Core VI, Dead Space (2023), Octopath Traveler 2, Hi-Fi Rush, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur's Gate 3, and the winner, Alan Wake 2. Honorable mentions include Lies of P and Tchia. Each game is praised for its unique features, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling.
The year 2023 saw a plethora of critically acclaimed video game releases, with titles like "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk," "Final Fantasy XVI," "Dredge," "Lies of P," and "Street Fighter 6" leaving a lasting impact. Other notable games include "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," "Hi-Fi Rush," "Baldur's Gate 3," and the highly anticipated "Alan Wake 2," which pushes the boundaries of the psychological thriller genre.
GameSpot has compiled a list of the 10 best games of 2023, acknowledging the challenges faced by the gaming industry. The list includes Alan Wake II, a triple-A sequel with a haunting atmosphere and a compelling narrative; Baldur's Gate III, which offers players endless possibilities and a robust world; Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, featuring revamped gameplay and a sharply written spy thriller expansion; Hi-Fi Rush, a surprising and joyous action game with a unique rhythm mechanic; Hitman Freelancer, a major update that transforms the game into a roguelite mode with endless campaigns and customizable safehouses; The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, a sequel that exceeds expectations with a larger world, meaningful stories, and an unforgettable soundtrack; Octopath Traveler II, a neo-retro RPG that pushes the genre to new heights with improved combat and a captivating narrative; Resident Evil 4 Remake, a monument to the original game with enhanced design, tension, and action; and Street Fighter 6, a new fighting game that revitalizes the franchise with updated mechanics and challenges.
NME has compiled a list of the 20 best games of 2023, featuring a diverse range of genres and platforms. Some notable titles include "Humanity," a puzzle platformer with immersive soundscapes; "Lies Of P," a nightmarish fairytale slasher; "Bayonetta Origins: Cereza And the Lost Demon," a narrative-driven action-adventure; "Metroid Prime Remastered," a faithful recreation of the GameCube classic; and "The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom," a highly anticipated sequel to "Breath Of The Wild." Other games on the list include "Dead Space" remake, "Resident Evil 4" remake, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," "Marvel's Spider-Man 2," and "Baldur's Gate 3."
NPR staff and contributors have compiled a list of the best games of 2023 so far, including popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Final Fantasy XVI, Diablo IV, Street Fighter 6, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Resident Evil 4, Hogwarts Legacy, and Dead Space. The list also highlights the success of indie games from around the world, such as Terra Nil, A Space for the Unbound, and Tchia.