In 2023, the gaming industry saw an explosion of highly anticipated titles hitting the market almost every month, at times even every couple of weeks. These games became a voracious sink for gamers' time and money, reminiscent of a modern, viral rendition of the endlessly hungry Pac-Man. Surprisingly, gamers didn't seem to mind, largely due to the exceptional quality of these releases.
The main challenge was keeping up with the constant influx of new games, and it's certain that many will still be trying to catch up well into 2024, especially considering the substantial length of some of these titles. Completing a game like Baldur’s Gate 3 by now must require some serious wizardry skills.
In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the 6 best games released in 2023 that players must check out.
1. Alan Wake 2
The arrival of Alan Wake II was unforeseen due to the original game's age, lack of commercial success, industry shifts toward live-service games, and other factors. Fans could only hope for its existence, but the reality surpasses expectations. Remedy took bold steps in the sequel, shifting to survival horror, introducing a second playable character, integrating live-action elements naturally, and embracing their trademark weirdness.
These choices serve an exceptional narrative, exploring multiple layers, from the surface-level story of the author escaping the Dark Place to examining imposter syndrome and Remedy's struggle to create the game itself. The game excels in atmosphere, from haunting woods to a disturbing coffee-themed park and a Dark Place reminiscent of New York City, balancing humor reminiscent of David Lynch productions.
A standout 20-minute sequence combines survival horror, music, and live action, rivaling Control's Ashtray Maze and creating an unforgettable gaming moment.
2. Baldur's Gate III
In Dungeons & Dragons, saying "no" sparingly is crucial. Baldur's Gate III mirrors this ethos remarkably. The game adapts fluidly to player actions, branching into countless paths where none are deemed more "right." It offers freedom to kill allies, charm through conversations, or push boundaries to unimaginable extremes—like battling the devil, unleashing vampires, or even consuming companions. Player decisions, akin to dice rolls, shape an unprecedented, limitless experience, setting a new RPG standard.
Beyond this, Baldur's Gate III excels in music, visuals, world-building, inventive combat, and a stellar character roster. Its voice acting and animations stand out, crafting natural, heartfelt, and humor-laden dialogues that make every character endearing, even the seemingly aloof ones. This game is a gaming milestone, showcasing the potential of interactive storytelling.
3. Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush was a 2023 standout, surprising everyone with its exceptional quality and the unexpected shift from horror to a vibrant action game by Tango Gameworks and Bethesda. Unlike their usual spooky titles, this game is a lively, joyous action experience, akin to Devil May Cry, fused with a surprising revival of the rhythm genre.
The game's uniqueness lies in integrating music as a core gameplay element. Everything moves to the beat, setting a lively pace that enhances the entire experience. While not mandatory, syncing actions to the music boosts scores and unlocks impressive moves.
The soundtrack, a mix of licensed tracks and original pieces, creates a summery vibe with a touch of tension, perfect for both energetic fights and intense boss battles. Notably, original tracks feature dynamic guitar leads and powerful build-ups.
4. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom faced immense expectations as a sequel to a revered game, but Nintendo not only met but exceeded these expectations. It sets a new standard for Zelda games.
Unlike Breath of the Wild's open world, Tears of the Kingdom introduces a new level of freedom with diverse exploration tools. It expands the world, revealing a growing Hyrule in an industrial age, including Sky Islands and the hidden Depths, effectively doubling the exploration space.
Replacing Divine Beasts, the game features elaborate temples with inventive puzzles and unique boss fights that test your skills using regional companions.
The game's original story revolves around a broken Master Sword, a lost Zelda, and Link's quest to find her, offering a fresh perspective on familiar elements. The conclusion is emotionally resonant, granting Zelda a central role in her own saga. Tears of the Kingdom stands as an unforgettable adventure and one of the year's finest offerings.
5. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Remaking Resident Evil 4, a game renowned for revolutionizing gaming, seemed daunting. Yet, the 2023 remake doesn't aim to redefine the medium like the original did. Instead, it doubles down on what made the original timeless: its design, tension, and iconic characters, honoring its legacy while guiding action-survival-horror forward.
This iteration weaves its characters and action seamlessly, enhancing narrative cohesion across Capcom's Resident Evil remakes, elevating the franchise's unity. Leon Kennedy retains his corny charm but gains emotional depth, enhancing his role in the story beyond mere heroics.
The remake boasts exceptional combat, maintaining the original's intensity with fluid, modern gameplay—imagine parrying a chainsaw with a knife. It honors the revolutionary aspects of the original while recontextualizing and revitalizing them for a fresh experience that challenges seasoned players.
Comparisons with the original are inevitable due to its influence, yet this remake stands on its own. It respects the revolutionary aspects, preserving and rejuvenating them while offering new surprises and testing players' expertise. Similar to Capcom's Resident Evil 2 remake, it captures the original's essence while introducing new mechanics and challenges. This remake is a brilliant reimagining rather than a mere replication of the past.
6. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Mario Wonder marks another evolution in Mario's ever-changing series. It’s the latest 2D Mario game, shedding the "New SMB" tag and truly standing out. The revamped art style and lively music bring a fresh, expressive vibe, set in the vibrant Flower Kingdom with new power-ups and enemies.
The standout feature? Wonder effects—innovative, stage-specific elements that constantly surprise and drive the gameplay forward. Mario Wonder also modernizes the series with expanded character selection, diverse stage types, and versatile multiplayer options, including asynchronous multiplayer that echoes Dark Souls' mechanics.
This reinvention of a classic franchise proves Mario's ability to consistently surprise and innovate, even after decades in the gaming world.
>>> Read more: 8 Most Realistic Hardcore Survival Games In 2023