Top 10 Hidden Gems of 2023
2023 has been a huge year for games. Titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Starfield, and even Hogwarts Legacy have captivated the industry completely. But what about the hidden gems that you may have missed while you were busy paying attention to the big releases? There’s a whole bunch of them we could mention but we narrowed it down to 10. So, with that, here are 10 amazing games you may have missed in 2023. These are games that scored well with critics and gamers alike but you probably haven’t even heard of them, or they just haven’t sold that well. And when they’re games this good, you might want to check them all out!
10) Tin Hearts
Tin Hearts is a game built upon a simple premise: move all the tiny tin soldiers from their tin box to a little red door. It is so much more than that however. Each of the puzzles become more and more complex as you progress through the story and the narrative will surely be tugging on your heartstrings throughout. Like many of the other games on this list, Tin Hearts is whimsical, charming, and incredibly fun to play. It may feel repetitive as the game progresses, but with each level the complexities build. And the way Rogue Suns puts the pieces of the story together from the beginning to end is a masterpiece.
9) Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story
If you’re a League of Legends fan (and even if you’re not) this is the game for you. Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story explores the friendship between characters Nunu and Willump in a single-player platformer adventure in the Freljord. Take a journey through a treacherous environment as you play as Nunu, who’s searching for his mother with his best friend in tow. Together Nunu and Willump tell a cute and joyful narrative that’s sure to leave a great impression long after you’ve finished it.
8) Gunbrella
It might sound a little absurd to play through a game that centers around the use of a Gunbrella, a shotgun/umbrella mix. Interestingly, it’s actually a ton of fun! You play as a woodsman seeking revenge for the murder of his loved ones. Gunbrella is a neo-noir action-adventure title from Doinksoft that’s a refreshing mix of emotional, humorous and charming. The combat and traversal pull you in, yet the pixel art style, environment, and narrative keep you hooked. Jaz had this to say about his time with Gunbrella, “You can dart through the air or underwater, zip across cables and glide in the sky like a badass Mary Poppins. [T]he game is a delight from beginning to end and a must-play for fans of Metroidvanias.”
7) Moonstone Island
Moonstone Island, from Studio Supersoft, is a life-simulation game that’s every bit as comforting as it looks. You play as an aspiring alchemist in an open world with 100 different islands to explore. Not only is this a life-simulation game, but it also sprinkles in aspects from some of your favorite games too. There’s a bit of relationship building elements, creature collecting, deck-building and farming to dive into. It features a cozy soundtrack and a cutesy pixel art style that’s sure to make you feel at home. Moonstone Island warms you the same way that the first cup of tea on a cold fall day does. And who doesn’t love that?
6) The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
Do you like witchcraft? What about Tarot cards? Even if you didn’t say yes to both of those questions, The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood might still very well be a game for you. It tells an immersive story of Fotuna, a fortune-teller witch who’s been exiled. You’ll craft a Tarot deck and try to regain your freedom. But be careful, every decision you make makes waves within the story and yes, they will have a direct impact on what happens later on! The art style, and the story are both incredible as well. Here’s what James had to say about The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, “The game is touching, it hooked me, and creatively energized me. If you’re looking for more magic and mystery in your life, check out The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood. You won’t regret it.”
Read on through Page 2 for the top 5 awesome games of 2023 you may have missed…