After a relatively quiet 2022, the gaming industry has come back with a vengeance in 2023, unleashing an avalanche of blockbuster AAA titles, groundbreaking indie gems, long-awaited sequels, and lovingly crafted remasters. This year has been nothing short of a gaming renaissance, with a flood of groundbreaking titles hitting the shelves, making it nearly impossible to keep pace with the sheer thrill. Video game sequels have shone brightly this year, delivering spectacular experiences that have redefined the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. From the exhilarating heights of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 to the immersive depths of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, each sequel has delivered a fresh and exciting chapter in its respective franchise.
Table of contents
- How We Picked the Best Games of 2023
- Best Video Games of 2023
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- F1 23
- Diablo 4
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Resident Evil 4
- Starfield
- Final Fantasy 16
- Dredge
- Dave the Diver
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Street Fighter 6
- Alan Wake 2
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Dead Space Remake
- 2023 Video Games FAQs
Besides the new sequel releases, we also saw a ton of fresh and mind-blowing IPs debut, like Bethesda’s much-awaited Starfield, which beamed us up into a vast, unexplored galaxy where adventures are as limitless as the stars themselves. Or WB’s Hogwarts Legacy, which cast a spell on us with its magical recreation of the Harry Potter universe, letting us live out our Hogwarts dreams. These are just a few of the many stellar titles that graced our screens this year. So, as the holiday season approaches, Man of Many has carefully curated a list of the absolute best video games of 2023.
How We Picked the Best Games of 2023
Picking the best games of 2023 was no easy feat, given the flood of critically acclaimed titles released across various platforms and consoles this year. However, fear not, for Man of Many has taken on this mission and delivered a thoughtfully curated list of gaming gems. Drawing from the rich experiences of the Man of Many team, headlined by games reviewers Michael Vane and Shubhendu Vatsa, who played and reviewed numerous games throughout 2023, our selections go beyond the usual metrics.
We considered factors such as how enjoyable they are, the impact they’ve had on the gaming world, and the opinions of discerning online communities. To further ensure the reliability of our choices, we placed significant weight on MetaCritic’s data and scores, providing valuable insights into games that have garnered global acclaim. You’ll find our criteria for selecting the best video games below:
- Audience/Critic Reviews: Our selected titles received a Metacritic rating of 83% or higher. It’s safe to say the audience and critics loved them just as much as us.
- The Game Awards 2023: The Game Awards is an annual celebration of the industry and an opportunity to recognise creative and technical excellence. The 2023 winners were recently announced and played a part in our selection criteria. We also included mention of the winners and nominees in our list.
- Overall Execution: The Man of Many team played a ton of titles in 2023, and our experience forms the most significant part of the selection process. We’ll still be playing and talking about these games well into the new year.
Best Video Games of 2023
- Best action/adventure: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Best role-playing: Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best racing: F1 23
- Best survival: Alan Wake 2
- Best fighting: Street Fighter 6
Below, you’ll find our guide to the best video games of 2023, with expert commentary from our games’ reviewers Michael Vane and Shubhendu Vatsa.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Available on: Nintendo Switch
- Metascore: 96%
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Genre: Action-adventure
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute no-brainer for our list of the best video games of 2023. Nintendo’s masterful sequel to 2017’s Breath of the Wild shatters expectations, seamlessly blending familiar elements with groundbreaking innovations that redefine the open-world adventure genre. Tears of the Kingdom breathes new life into Hyrule, expanding its already vast landscapes with ethereal floating islands and labyrinthine subterranean depths.
Players are granted unprecedented freedom to explore nearly everything in sight, equipped with ingenious abilities and transformative traversal mechanics. These unlock a myriad of exploration possibilities, including a transformative building that enables players to shape the world to their whims.
Shubhendu Vatsa: Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom surpasses its predecessor in every conceivable aspect, delivering an immersive experience bound to captivate players for years to come.
Michael Vane: If you can count on anything, it’s the new Legend of Zelda game being incredible. Tears of the Kingdom takes everything Nintendo built for Breath of the Wild, making It bigger, richer and more rewarding. The new Zonai abilities add further depth and customisation to the series, creating new and exciting ways to explore and fight through Hyrule. While the franchise veers further from the traditional Zelda experience, there’s no denying the scope, detail and sheer wonder of this game.
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Mac, PC
- Metascore: 96%
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Directors: Swen Vincke
- Genre: Role-playing
Baldur’s Gate 3, the latest instalment in the beloved Baldur’s Gate franchise, brings the spirit of Dungeons & Dragons to life in an entertaining digital experience. Developed by Larian Studios, the game thrusts players into the richly imagined world of Forgotten Realms, specifically the year 1492 DR, where every decision carries weight and shapes the destiny of their heroes. What sets Baldur’s Gate 3 apart is its unparalleled player agency, offering a vast spectrum of character customization options.
Shubhendu Vatsa: Players can meticulously craft their heroes, selecting from an expansive array of skills, spells, and races, each contributing uniquely to the unfolding adventure. But it’s not all about the flashy battles and custom avatars. Beyond its robust combat and character creation systems, Baldur’s Gate 3 also stands out for its gripping narrative, immersive presentation, and detailed world/environments. The game’s story is filled with twists and turns that demand multiple playthroughs.
Michael Vane: In the 23 years since Baldur’s Gate II launched, we saw the rise of The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, The Witcher and countless other acclaimed games based on fantasy franchises and not a single one could diminish the collective interest or pleasure drawn from Baldur’s Gate III. Baldur’s Gate III sets a new standard for role-playing games. Dense with meaningful content and rich character-driven story, it will be tough for future RPGs to live up to this Larian Studios masterpiece.
F1 23
- Available on: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Metascore: 84%
- Developer: Codemasters
- Director: Lee Mather, John Dower
- Genre: Racing
Annual releases don’t always hit the mark, but F1 23 is a welcome exception. There’s an abundance of content, and this year, it’s all pretty great! Story mode, career and the impressive F1 World combine for a well-rounded racing package whether you play alone or with online friends. Complemented by photorealistic visuals, this latest entry in the series sets a new benchmark for racing simulators and indicates the partnership between Codemasters and EA has hit its stride.
Diablo 4
- Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
- Metascore: 86%
- Developer: Blizzard Team 3, Blizzard Albany
- Directors: Joe Shely, Sebastian Stepien, Luis Barriga
- Genre: Action role-playing, hack-and-slash
Blizzard Entertainment has finally delivered the Diablo sequel that fans have been craving for years. Diablo 4 sets a new standard for action RPG design, outdoing its predecessor in every way. The game introduces character classes with a wealth of uniqueness and customization options, all within the ominous backdrop of Sanctuary, the original game’s world.
The meticulously detailed environment immerses players in a captivating and chilling atmosphere, offering a challenging and rewarding experience tailored for both seasoned veterans and newcomers. With a finely tuned character system, visceral combat mechanics, excellent level design, and detailed environments, Diablo 4 stands as an indisputable masterpiece in the world of action RPGs.
Hi-Fi Rush
- Available on: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
- Metascore: 86%
- Developer: Tango Gameworks
- Directors: John Johanas
- Genre: Action, rhythm, beat ’em up, hack and slash
Hi-Fi Rush didn’t have the luxury of extensive marketing campaigns or months of hype; it simply appeared one day, ready to rock your gaming world. And rock it did. With its electrifying rhythm-action combat, vibrant cel-shaded art style, and infectious humour, Hi-Fi Rush quickly captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. You play as Chai, a spirited young man with a penchant for rock music, and find yourself thrust into an extraordinary adventure.
Armed with his trusty guitar, Chai must face off against the tyrannical executives of Vandelay Technologies, a cyberpunk corporation that seeks to silence the very soul of music. But the game isn’t just about slashing and bashing your way through hordes of enemies; it’s about mastering the rhythm, transforming every battle into an exhilarating dance of destruction.
Shubhendu Vatsa: Every attack, every dodge, every parry must be executed in perfect harmony with the pulsating soundtrack, turning combat into a mesmerizing spectacle of synchronized mayhem.
Michael Vane: Launching seemingly out of nowhere, Hi-Fi Rush blends combat, rock music and cartoon-like graphics for a rhythmic action experience that looks like it was ripped straight out of Netflix’s growing library of nostalgic animation. Brimming with charismatic characters, memorable moments and bangin’ beats, it’s a great way to spend a dozen or so hours, and you can access the game dirt-cheap as a staple of the PC and Xbox Game Pass library.
- Available on: PlayStation 5
- Metascore: 90%
- Developer: Insomniac Games
- Directors: Bryan Intihar, Ryan Smith
- Genre: Action-adventure
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
We knew the wait would be worthwhile, but Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 managed to surpass our already high expectations. Swinging through the bustling streets of New York City as the two iconic web-slingers has never felt more exhilarating than in the latest instalment. The sequel takes everything that made the first game a masterpiece and elevates it to new heights. The combat is fluid and dynamic, the story is gripping and emotional as ever, and the open world is packed with activities/side-missions to keep you entertained for hours on end.
But what truly sets Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 apart is its ability to capture the heart and soul of the beloved comic book character. Insomniac Games clearly understands the core DNA of the character and what it’s like to be Spider-Man, crafting a love letter to the superhero that shines through in every detail of the game.
Shubhendu Vatsa: From Peter Parker’s interactions with the people around him to the way he effortlessly swings through the city, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a celebration of everything that makes Spidey one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.
Michael Vane: Nothing gets that spidey-sense tingling quite like a first-party PlayStation game, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is no exception. Taking control of Peter Parker and Miles Morales (plus Mary-Jane and Venom), this familiar experience is refined thanks to enhanced traversal, more interesting side-quests and a larger New York sandbox.
Like all good Spider-Man stories, there’s an emotional journey at the core, shared with familiar faces and a rogues gallery comprising Spidey’s most dangerous foes. It’s not a revolutionary experience, but a solid superhero game and the best one since Insomniac first tackled the wall-crawler.
Resident Evil 4
- Available on: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Metascore: 93%
- Developer: Capcom
- Director(s): Yasuhiro Anpo, Kazunori Kadoi
- Genre: Survival horror
2023’s Resident Evil 4 remake or re-imagining doesn’t mess with the action-horror of the acclaimed original; instead, it is updated to be more in line with the other Resident Evil remakes. Albeit, this one is more action-focused, gorier and relentless in its pursuit to decapitate your hero. Resident Evil 4 remake is less groundbreaking than the original, with its inspiration still felt today. But this doesn’t diminish its ability to shock and awe thanks to the bombastic tendencies and nerve-racking combat encounters.
Starfield
- Available on: Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
- Metascore: 83%
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Directors: Todd Howard
- Genre: Action role-playing
Bethesda has finally delivered its magnum opus, Starfield, a grand testament to the wonders of interstellar exploration. This space fantasy masterpiece stands as the ultimate space sim, giving players the unparalleled freedom to embark on a boundless odyssey amidst the vast, uncharted cosmos. Whether you want to be a space bounty hunter seeking fortune and glory, a shrewd trader, a valiant starship pilot, or a curious explorer delving into the secrets of ancient civilizations, Starfield lets you carve your destiny.
From the moment you step aboard your starship, you’re thrust into a vibrant universe filled with alien civilizations, uncharted territories, and untold mysteries. The game generously rewards exploration and curiosity, providing an immersive experience that goes beyond simple story completion.
Shubhendu Vatsa: Starfield is the type of game that gets better the more time you invest in it. It’s a world you can get lost in for months, always finding new stories to chase, new characters to meet, and new corners of the galaxy to unravel.
Michael Vane: Starfield is great! It’s not perfect, but the swell of bugs and Bethesda ‘quirks’ can’t hold this space-faring odyssey back from greatness. All Bethesda needed to do was recreate the Skyrim or Fallout experience in a space setting, capturing the depth and role-playing elements of these classics, and they ticked all the boxes. It’s an immersive role-playing experience and one of the best sci-fi fantasies for us simple folk born a few centuries too early to visit the stars for real.
Final Fantasy 16
- Available on: PlayStation 5
- Metascore: 87%
- Developer: Square Enix Creative Business Unit III
- Directors: Hiroshi Takai, Kazutoyo Maehiro
- Genre: Action role-playing
Final Fantasy 16, the latest installment in the long-running gaming franchise, continues the series’ legacy of groundbreaking storytelling, gameplay, and visuals. Centred around protagonist Clive Rosfield, driven by the tragic loss of his family and a commitment to safeguard his brother, Joshua, the game unfolds in a world gripped by the Blight, a destructive magical drought sparking tensions among nations vying for control through godlike beings called Eikons. The game’s combat system is a thrilling blend of precision and chaos, seamlessly integrating melee, ranged attacks, and Eikon-powered abilities.
The narrative weaves political intrigue, personal tragedy, and the enduring power of love into a compelling tapestry. The story is further enriched by a cast of well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and conflicts, who add depth and complexity to the narrative Visually, Final Fantasy 16 is a masterpiece, immersing players in the breathtaking world of Valisthea, replete with ancient civilizations, towering crystals, and lush landscapes.
Shubhendu Vatsa: Every detail, from bustling cities to desolate wastelands, contributes to a visually captivating experience. Final Fantasy 16 stands as a testament to the series’ ability to reinvent itself while maintaining core values. Its action-packed combat, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals make it an unforgettable gaming experience, solidifying its place in the gaming landscape.
Dredge
- Available on: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Metascore: 85%
- Developer: Black Salt Games
- Genre: Adventure
Dredge is the second fishing game to make the list, arguably a first for best-of lists everywhere. This New Zealand-made indie hit subverts the often calm and meditative vibes of fishing by adding sinister and disturbing undertones as you explore the seas searching for salvage. As day turns to night, horrors of the deep emerge and it quickly becomes apparent that your collected salvage is purely the means to fund your exploration into the unknown.
Dave the Diver
- Available on: Nintendo Switch, macOS, PC
- Metascore: 87%
- Developer: Mintrocket
- Genre: Adventure
Operating a sushi shop is challenging work, especially when also responsible for catching the fish. Dave the Diver is part exploration-adventure and part restaurant management sim, along with a bunch of other interesting ideas fleshing out this pixelated gem into something much ‘deeper’ than expected. As the titular Dave, you plunge into the ocean depths, armed with diving gear and a love for sushi. Your mission: harvest marine life to sustain your bustling sushi restaurant.
However, Dave the Diver goes beyond a simple fishing game, blending exploration, management, and RPG-like progression seamlessly. The addictive gameplay involves diving deeper, discovering treasures, meeting eccentric characters, and battling underwater creatures, all contributing to the growth of your sushi empire.
Shubhendu Vatsa: The game’s underwater world is a visual feast, filled with vibrant colours, tropical fish, and ancient shipwrecks. Its charming art style and whimsical soundtrack enhance the immersive experience, making each dive a journey into a new underwater wonderland.
Michael Vane: Featuring an addictive gameplay loop that will keep you up well after dark, Dave the Diver proves you don’t need lifelike visuals and blockbuster budgets for a memorable experience.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC
- Metascore: 85%
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Directors: Stig Asmussen
- Genre: Action-adventure
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the ultimate realization of the Jedi fantasy. The game delivers an exciting and engrossing action-adventure experience that will surely grip even the most discerning Star Wars fan. With its refined traversal mechanics, seamlessly integrated exploration, and meticulously crafted levels, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor draws players into a joyfully navigable world.
Shubhendu Vatsa: The game’s story is compelling and is complemented by stunning visuals and detailed world design, creating a truly immersive experience. The combat system, enriched with new abilities, weapon styles, and a wider array of enemy types, further solidifies Star Wars Jedi: Survivor as a masterpiece within the action-adventure genre.
Michael Vane: Outcast Jedi Cal Kestis returns to face the Empire in a sequel that outdoes its predecessor in every way. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor features improved lightsaber combat and traversal, is generally more traditional Star Wars in its look and feel, and offers up a cast of fun characters worth investing in. You’re looking at the best Star Wars game this side of the Outer Rim—or, at least, the best since Knights of the Old Republic.
Street Fighter 6
- Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC, Arcade
- Metascore: 92%
- Developer: Capcom
- Directors: Takayuki Nakayama
- Genre: Fighting
Street Fighter 6, the latest instalment in the long-running fighting game franchise, boldly steps out of its arcade-rooted comfort zone and embraces innovation, breathing new life into the genre while honouring its legacy. Tailored for both old and new players, the game retains the core mechanics that have made the series iconic, all while introducing exciting new elements that liven up the fighting game experience. One of the standout features is the brand new World Tour mode, where players can create their own custom character and go on an epic journey across the globe, interacting with legendary Capcom characters along the way.
Street Fighter 6’s expanded control options strike a balance between accessibility and depth, letting new players join the action without losing the strategic complexity that veteran players relish. Despite all the new and shiny RPG-like elements, at its core, Street Fighter 6 remains true to its fighting game roots, delivering the exhilarating thrill of toe-to-toe combat.
Alan Wake 2
- Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC
- Metascore: 88%
- Developer: Remedy Entertainment
- Directors: Sam Lake, Kyle Rowley
- Genre: Survival horror
After an excruciatingly long wait, Alan Wake is back, and this time, he has brought a flashlight-wielding friend! Alan Wake 2 is a mind/genre-bending sequel that will have you laughing, screaming, and scratching your head in all the right ways. The sequel to the 2010 cult classic Alan Wake plunges players back into the eerie town of Bright Falls, Washington, where he’s facing off against a brand new threat: the Taken. These shadowy creatures are determined to consume everything in their path, and Alan is the only one who can stop them. But Alan isn’t alone in his fight.
Joining him in this fight is a new playable character, Saga Anderson, offering a fresh perspective on the unfolding narrative. The duo’s intertwined storylines add depth and ensure the whole experience stays engaging.
Shubhendu Vatsa: The game’s genius lies in its fusion of survival horror, psychological thriller, and meta-narrative elements, crafting an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits. Alan Wake 2 will challenge your mind, test your nerves, and leave you questioning the very nature of reality itself.
Michael Vane: After 13 years of waiting, hoping and anticipating, fans can rejoice in the knowledge that Alan Wake 2 is real! It’s also one of the best games of 2023 and a worthy follow-up to the cult classic original. The sequel is far more violent than the original. While adding gore doesn’t equate to a better game, it’s the darker tone and survival horror elements that allow Remedy to push the boundaries of its original game and create a surprising, intimate and ultimately more memorable experience.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Available on: Nintendo Switch
- Metascore: 92%
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Directors: Shiro Mouri
- Genre: Platformer
Another 2D Mario game! Can’t say it’s what we wanted for the popular plumber, but you also can’t argue with the quality of his latest outing. Super Mario Bros. Wonder feels like classic Mario with better graphics and plenty of surprising twists thanks to the introduction of the Wonder Flowers (which go way beyond the heavily publicised Elephant Mario). With six playable characters, each with unique abilities, and a plethora of new power-ups, Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers a diverse and engaging gameplay experience that will appeal to both seasoned Mario veterans and newcomers alike.
Shubhendu Vatsa: Whether you’re racing as Elephant Mario or using the Bubble Flower’s bubble-blowing skills, there’s something for everyone. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a must-play platformer that celebrates the simple joys of play, the power of imagination, and the enduring magic of the Mushroom Kingdom, leaving players grinning from ear to ear.
Michael Vane: Ultimately, Wonder is a nostalgic trip for older games and a great entry point for younger audiences who caught The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It’s also an impressive feat that Nintendo continues to surprise us despite 35-plus years of Mario outings.
Mortal Kombat 1
- Available on: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Metascore: 83%
- Developer: NetherRealm Studios
- Director: Ed Boon
- Genre: Fighting
For over 30 years, Mortal Kombat has been breakin’ necks and cashin’ cheques (literally), and the bone-crushing impact of technology makes the…err, bone-crushing look better than ever. The series perfected its fighting a few entries back, and thankfully, Mortal Kombat 1 feels familiar in the best possible way. It’s the inclusion of new Kameo fighting assists that adds depth and bigger combos, elevating the already excellent core experience. It’s also pretty great that you can choose two of your favourite fighters simultaneously instead of being forced to select just one.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
- Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC, iOS
- Metascore: 76%
- Developer: Ubisoft Bordeaux
- Directors: Stéphane Boudon
- Genre: Action-adventure
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a thrilling resurrection of the franchise, shedding the weight of sprawling open-world landscapes and RPG elements for a more focused and nostalgia-drenched experience. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of 9th-century Baghdad, the game is a deliberate nod to the series’ early charm, inviting players to rediscover the magic of stealth, parkour, and assassinations that made the Assassin’s Creed franchise so iconic in the first place. In Mirage, the emphasis shifts from grandiose combat and role-playing to the heart-pounding joy of rooftop parkour and the art of slipping through shadows.
Having a smaller map makes the world of Assassin’s Creed Mirage feel lived in and dense. Combat takes a step back, allowing the tension and satisfaction of a well-executed stealth takedown to take center stage. The game also captures the essence of early Assassin’s Creed titles while introducing refined gameplay elements and abilities. All in all, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a great return to form and one of the best new recent entries in the long-running franchise.
Hogwarts Legacy
- Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC, Nintendo Switch
- Metascore: 84%
- Developer: Avalanche Software
- Directors: Alan Tew
- Genre: Action role-playing
If you’ve ever imagined getting your Hogwarts letter and exploring the magical world of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy, Avalanche’s brand new open-world action RPG, brings that dream to life. The game, set in the 1890s, a century before the events of the beloved novels and films, invites you to explore a familiar yet uninspired rendition of the wizarding world.
The open-world design grants unprecedented freedom to explore the castle’s iconic halls, hidden passages, and surrounding landscapes, immersing players in the enchantment of the wizarding world. Hogwarts Legacy features a brand new story, which is entertaining for the most part and there are plenty of new and old characters to meet and interact with along the way.
Spellcasting is also rendered with finesse in Hogwarts Legacy. Players wield a vast arsenal of spells, from elemental incantations to transformative charms, each executed with satisfying visual effects and impactful combat maneuvers.
Shubhendu Vatsa: Undoubtedly created with Harry Potter fans in mind, Hogwarts Legacy captures the essence of the wizarding world with stunning detail and faithfulness. The game’s immersive atmosphere, familiar locations, and soundtrack will appeal to Potterheads.
Michael Vane: Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter game fans craved. It’s not a rehash of the books or films but an immersive experience that places fans in the whimsical world they adore, which is arguably more desirable than the best adaptation. Even without Quidditch or Harry, Ron and Hermoine, this Hogwarts student fantasy proves the franchise is bigger than its most familiar faces.
Dead Space Remake
- Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S and PC
- Metascore: 89%
- Developer: Motive Studio
- Directors: Roman Campos-Oriola, Eric Baptizat
- Genre: Survival horror
2008’s Dead Space is one of the best, if not the best, survival horror video games of all time, and the 2023 remake offers many of the same thrills but with updated visuals and sound design for modern hardware. Motive Studios’ Dead Space Remake retains the original’s tense atmosphere, visceral combat, and eerie necromorphs, all, while seamlessly blending familiarity with freshness, offering an exhilarating experience for both devoted fans and newcomers.
You once again assume the role of Isaac Clarke aboard the infested U.S.S. Ishimura, embarking on a harrowing quest to find his missing girlfriend, Dr. Nicole Brennan, in an environment teeming with ugly-looking Necromorphs set loose by The Marker. The remake amplifies the horror with revamped Necromorphs that are more grotesque than ever.
Shubhendu Vatsu: The combat, as always, remains deeply satisfying, now enriched with a strategic peel system that introduces both depth and a heightened sense of gratification when slashing down enemies. A notable departure is Isaac’s evolution from a silent protagonist to a dynamic character with a voice, adding a layer of immersion to the overall experience. Furthermore, the game’s top-tier lighting and sound design work in tandem to create an atmosphere dripping with dread and suspense.
Michael Vane: 2008’s Dead Space would go down as an all-time great if it weren’t for 2023’s remake doing it all again, but better. With gorgeous graphics and faster fluid gameplay, the Dead Space remake Is one of this year’s best. It’s a tense, claustrophobic gore fest that stays with you long after the credits roll and is undoubtedly the definitive way to experience the horrors of the USG Ishimura and Isaac Clarke’s descent into hell.
2023 Video Games FAQs
2023 has delivered a ton of bangers. Some of this year’s best and standout games include Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur’s Gate, and Alan Wake 2.
There are plenty of heavyweight titles slated for a 2024 release. Among the highly anticipated games are Alone in the Dark, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Tekken 2, among others.
Baldur’s Gate 3 was awarded Game of the Year and earned several other awards. Alan Wake 2 scored Best Narrative. Tears of the Kingdom earned Best Action / Adventure. The Best Sports /Racing game award went to Forza Motorsport and Sea of Stars earned Best Indie.
Yep. Starfield has copped a lot of online flak from a critical perspective. However, there’s no denying the sheer enjoyment of visiting alien worlds in a personalised spacecraft and role-playing through the galaxy. If you liked Skyrim and Fallout and enjoy the sci-fi genre, then check out this one out.