The Top 20 Games of 2023: A Year of Gaming Marvels

The gaming landscape of 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular, offering a plethora of experiences that cater to a diverse range of players. From web-slinging superheroes to mind-bending puzzle adventures, the choices are vast. Our team, comprised of avid gamers and freelancers worldwide, has curated a list of the top 20 games that stood out in this gaming extravaganza.

1: ‘Humanity’ – Puzzle Adventure Bliss

Platforms: PS4/5, PC

Humanity, a puzzle platformer, thrusts players into the paws of a canine shepherd navigating 3D puzzle boxes. What sets it apart is the immersive experience enhanced by reactive soundscapes and haptic feedback. The minimalist vistas evolve, introducing surprises and frustrations that culminate in deeply satisfying eureka moments.

Highlight: The transformation of chaotic crowd sounds into meditative harmony upon successfully navigating a level.

2: ‘Lies Of P’ – A Soulslike Sinister Delight

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Set in a nightmarish fairytale world, Lies Of P introduces an Edwards Scissorhands-esque Stalker armed with dismantlable weapons. The game’s unique twist lies in the ability to tell lies, impacting crucial story decisions amidst satisfying boss battles reminiscent of genre contemporaries.

Highlight: The grim satisfaction of battering robots and admiring the aftermath.

3: ‘Bayonetta Origins: Cereza And the Lost Demon’ – Narrative-Driven Action Adventure

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Diverging from its predecessors, Bayonetta Origins presents a narrative-driven action-adventure in a children’s storybook format. The game explores a younger Bayonetta’s journey, introducing flexible combat, distinct artistic style, and a wistful story.

Highlight: The canonical debut of Bayonetta’s iconic ability adds depth to the epic climax.

4: ‘Metroid Prime Remastered’ – A Nostalgic Space Odyssey

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Metroid Prime Remastered pays homage to the classic GameCube debut with updated graphics and modern controls. This first-person shooter transcends the typical sci-fi shoot-em-up, offering a sombre, lonely trek through a ruined planet with archaeology and exploration elements.

Highlight: The revealing moment when weapons fire unveils Samus’ reflection in the visor.

5: ‘Amnesia: The Bunker’ – Frictional’s Macabre Masterpiece

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Frictional’s Amnesia: The Bunker marks a triumphant return to horror. The game’s simplicity, coupled with a dimly lit environment, evolves into a complex and terrifying experience. The narrative unfolds amidst rats, darkness, and eviscerated corpses, emphasizing the studio’s mastery of the macabre.

Highlight: Establishing an unexpected friendship with a generator in the face of relentless horror.

6: ‘Pikmin 4’ – Nintendo’s Underrated Gem

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Pikmin 4 marks a turning point for Nintendo’s misunderstood franchise. Escaping its reputation as mechanically off-putting, the game offers an accessible experience with a tranquil odyssey, challenging puzzles, and a Pikmin-carrying puppy companion named Oatchi.

Highlight: The delightful journey accompanied by the adorable Pikmin-carrying puppy Oatchi.

7: ‘Dredge’ – Lovecraftian Terrors Unleashed

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Embark on a spooky fishing adventure in Dredge, where Lovecraftian terrors lurk beneath the surface. This creatively atmospheric game balances tranquil moments with spine-chilling encounters, creating an engaging experience that keeps players on edge.

Highlight: The realization that every peaceful fishing moment is a prelude to impending darkness.

8: ‘Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon’ – From Elden Ring to Mech Mayhem

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

From the creators of Elden Ring comes Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon, a sci-fi action blockbuster featuring highly customizable mech robots. The joy lies in creating your own mech, engaging in deathmatches, and deciding loyalties in a world dominated by cutthroat corporations.

Highlight: The satisfaction of creating the perfect killing machine for challenging boss battles.

9: ‘Super Mario Bros. Wonder’ – A Return to 2D Roots

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Super Mario Bros. Wonder brings Mario back to its 2D roots with tricky platforming challenges and Goomba-stomping goodness. Set in the leafy Flower Kingdom, the game rejuvenates the classic format, offering a fresh experience that captures the essence of Mario’s early adventures.

Highlight: Hopping along with a parade of singing Petey Piranhas adds whimsical charm.

10: ‘Venba’ – A Culinary Tale of Immigration

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Venba stands out by making players hungry through its touching tale of Tamil immigrants in Canada. Blending a visual novel with a puzzle game, it offers a satisfying experience of cooking traditional food while navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture.

Highlight: Cooking a Biryani for your son becomes a labor of love with layers of emotion.

11: ‘Cocoon’ – Inventive Puzzles in a Bug’s World

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Delightful and inventive, Cocoon challenges players to guide a small flying insect through captivating worlds filled with challenges and menacing bugs. The game’s simplicity, coupled with its stunning 3D elements, showcases the developer’s evolution in game design.

Highlight: Being sucked from one psychedelic world to another adds a Rick And Morty-style twist.

12: ‘Street Fighter 6’ – Rejuvenating a Fighting Legend

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Street Fighter 6 revitalizes the iconic fighting game series with accessibility in mind. With optional simplified controls, individual character breakdowns, and a modern training mode, it remains a classic in the hardcore competitive scene while welcoming new players.

Highlight: The thrill of executing a Level 3 Super Art in an online ranked match is unmatched.

13: ‘Dead Space’ – A Terrifying Remake

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Dead Space‘s remake from Motive Studio delivers an immersive horror experience. With audio and visual upgrades, along with a ‘Peeling System’ for combat, it brings Isaac Clarke’s isolated search for his girlfriend into the relevance of the COVID-19 era.

Highlight: The satisfaction and relief from defeating the Leviathan Necromorph.

14: ‘Hi-Fi Rush’ – Musical Mayhem Adventure

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC

Unexpected yet thrilling, Hi-Fi Rush combines musical action with a toe-tapping mission to fight Vandelay Technologies. The game’s forgiving controls allow players to enjoy bashing robots to tunes from renowned artists, making it a delightful surprise in the gaming landscape.

Highlight: Turning robots into scrap while iconic tracks like ‘Invaders Must Die’ blare in the background.

15: ‘Resident Evil 4’ – Leaner, Cleaner, Meaner

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

The long-awaited Resident Evil 4 remake stays true to the 2005 classic while offering improved graphics, exciting action, and a meaner approach to horror. The emphasis on survival, revamped combat mechanics, and new content warning options make it a compelling experience.

Highlight: The opening village fight, defying Resi rules with an intelligent horde.

S16: ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ – A Thrilling Galactic Sequel

Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the sequel to Fallen Order, explores Cal Kestis’s battle-scarred journey against the evil Empire. With improved combat mechanics, fleshed-out side quests, and a captivating story, the game reinvigorates the Star Wars gaming experience.

Highlight: Cere Junda’s epic face-off, topping every lightsaber boss battle before it.

17: ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’ – Swinging to New Heights

Platform: PlayStation 5

Insomniac Games takes Spider-Man 2 to new heights, capturing the charm, nimbleness, and velocity of Marvel’s best superhero. With exhilarating swings, acrobatic gliding, and powerful suits, the game delivers an indulgent power fantasy and high-stakes character drama.

Highlight: Miles Morales’ thrilling pursuit of Black Cat through portals.

18: ‘The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom’ – A Magical Adventure

Platform: Nintendo Switch

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom surpasses its predecessor, Breath Of The Wild, in every imaginable way. With massive floating islands, underground caverns, and reality-bending abilities, the game offers a magical adventure for both new and returning Zelda fans.

Highlight: Link’s emotional journey culminating in the acquisition of the Master Sword.

19: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ – A Gripping Fantasy Epic

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Baldur’s Gate 3 captivates fantasy fans with its infectious open-world epic. The game’s freedom to shape the adventure, from battling necromancers to turning them into sheep, keeps players engaged. Months later, new quest paths continue to unfold, showcasing the game’s enduring appeal.

Highlight: Entering the city of Baldur’s Gate and realizing the adventure has just begun.

20: ‘Alan Wake 2’ – A Supernatural Chiller

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Remedy’s Alan Wake 2 delivers an atmospheric, supernatural chiller filled with jump scares and tortuous twists. Balancing action, detective mini-games, and an engrossing story, it creates a world that feels as real as our own, making it a standout game of the year.

Highlight: The intricate details of exploring an abandoned theme park or escaping a subway station showcase the game’s richness and fun.

In a year brimming with gaming marvels, these 20 titles have left an indelible mark on the industry, offering diverse experiences that cater to the varied tastes of gamers worldwide. Each game, with its unique features and highlights, contributes to the rich tapestry of the gaming landscape in 2023.