Top 10 Video Games of 2023 – Mid Year Edition
We’re just over halfway through 2023 and already there have been some great games to sink our teeth into. Now we already knew this year would have some bangers considering the delays we’ve been hit with over the last couple of years but who would’ve guessed there’d be so, so many? Especially after so many amazing games dropped in 2022…like Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West. There are way more great titles out in 2023 than I can even fit on this list and there’s a good variety here. All of these wonderful games and we still have the likes of Mortal Kombat 1, Alan Wake 2, Starfield, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 to go! So what are the top 10 video games of 2023 so far? Let’s take a look.
Have a Nice Death is a 2D action roguelike that lets you play as Death. It’s a quick hack n’ slash cutesy and charming game. With more than 70 different weapons to earn and choose from to create havoc amongst all your employees that ruined your vacation plans, this is exactly what you need after a bad day at the office. With a ton of different quirky characters to meet along the way and the difficulty meter ramping up as you work your way through the departments, Have a Nice Death is equal parts fun and challenging. Plus, who doesn’t love a little kick-ass character to fall in love with along the way?
Fire Emblem is a franchise that has spanned many years with a total of 17 games! The latest in the franchise is none other than Fire Emblem Engage. Here you must work together with other heroes to take down the Fell Dragon and bring peace back to Elyos. Along the way, you’ll collect Emblem Rings which will help you summon heroes like Celica or Martha and show this turn-based game who’s boss. The story may not be all that but the mechanics, intense battles, and art style are really where Fire Emblem Engage shines. Here’s what James had to say about it, “Overall, Fire Emblem Engage is an excellent entry in the franchise. You won’t want to miss this one.”
Dredge is a single-player fishing adventure that will absolutely reel you in. Though it’s pretty straightforward – fish, sell your catch, upgrade your boat, rinse and repeat – there’s a whole lot more to discover in the depths of the water. You’ll gain new abilities as you find hidden treasure and complete quests along the way. But the water isn’t always so calm and serene. There’s danger everywhere you turn, especially when you go fishing at night. Dredge is colorful and its sound design is exactly what you would hope from a seafaring horror-esque experience. It’s no wonder it averages over 82% across all platforms on Metacritic!
It’s no secret how much the gaming community loved Blue Twelve Studios’ cat adventure Stray last year. Humanity, from tha LTD, is a puzzle-action game that features a Shiba Inu at its core and yes it’s extremely fun! You play as a dog and command massive crowds of mindless people to complete all 90 story-mode stages. Humanity is a visual masterpiece that’s equal parts calming and rewarding. The stylish game design comes even more alive when you play it in VR. Seriously, don’t sleep on this one. After all, who doesn’t want to play as a dog helping the masses move through complex puzzles one by one? Here’s what Jaz has to say about Humanity, “Humanity is weird and wonderful. Like all great puzzlers, its premise is simple and the challenge steadily grows. THA Limited continues to innovate throughout the entirety of the game and manages to couple each triumph with jubilation.”
If you’ve ever played a music-based game before and loved it, Hi-Fi Rush is absolutely a game for you. It’s similar to Metal: Hellsinger in its rhythm combat but in a more family-friendly way. The world comes alive with each hard-hitting combination of attacks and it’ll pull you in bit by bit. Tap or hum along with the mixtape of original music with songs from the likes of The Prodigy, The Joy Formidable, and Nine Inch Nails. Team up with colorful characters and kick some comic book-looking ass. You’re here for a fun time and a long time with Hi-Fi Rush!
Read through to page 2 for the top 5 best games of 2023 so far…
The Resident Evil franchise does survival horror so incredibly well. Capcom has breathed new life into the 2005 original, revitalizing Resident Evil 4 for a slew of new and old fans alike. Resident Evil 4 features modernized gameplay, crisp detailed graphics, and a reimagined storyline, all while keeping the original spirit of the game. Will you be able to bring the President’s daughter home in one piece or will you crumble under the terror and pressure of it all? Resident Evil 4 is gruesome, horrific, and everything you want from the franchise. Jump in with two feet before you’re scared half to death!
Respawn dropped Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order four years ago and now they’re back with an even better sequel. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a follow-up story for Cal that takes place 5 years after the original, spans multiple galaxies, and is totally action-packed. It features new and interesting characters, expanded customization options, and crazy good combat and traversal. It’s also insanely gorgeous. Twist those lightsabers around and split the Empire in half! The Star Wars universe is truly at its best here. Plain and simple, it’s a damn good time and you shouldn’t miss it. Garrett says, “Jedi Survivor is the definitive Jedi video game experience.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Hogwarts Legacy, it has done incredibly well. It has received high praise from fans and critics alike. This is showcased by its average Metacritic score of 85. It has a unique story, quirky and unique characters to fall in love with and it takes place well before all the events fans of the Wizarding World have come to know and love. With Hogwarts Legacy you will truly get to pick your own adventure in the 1800s, taking on Dark Wizards, goblins, trolls, and more along the way. And be sure to learn how to use numerous spells and the importance of Herbology and tending to magical beasts; they just might give you the upper hand in any battle. There are also a ton of little easter eggs and nods to the Harry Potter franchise as a whole. It’s honestly a bit like a love letter to the fans of the franchise. Accio Hogwarts Legacy!
Diablo IV is an action RPG from Blizzard that offers a compelling story, badass combat, and interesting characters. It’s a stunning visual masterpiece and an addictive stroll through dark dungeons. The game design is going to hook you regardless of whether you’re a fan of the previous titles of the franchise and the sheer amount of content is going to keep you engaged until the very end. Here’s what Mark had to say about it, “Diablo IV is the true successor to the second game, returning the franchise to its dark, gothic roots with a wild, operatic narrative and bold characters…With off-the-charts production values and compelling characters and combat, Diablo IV is just about as good as the genre can get.”
1) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Unsurprisingly The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is in the top spot for the best game of 2023 so far. It’s a beautiful game that’s creative, inventive, and everything you would want from an open-world action-adventure game. This will be even more impressive if you grew up playing classic Zelda games. There’s a huge world to discover and a bunch of cool new abilities to learn while exploring Hyrule and the skies above. Breath of the Wild was an amazing game and Nintendo has managed to make a sequel of equal proportions! Back in 2017, we gave Breath of the Wild a rare score of 100 and we’ve done the same with Tears of the Kingdom. If that doesn’t convince you this is a must-buy I’m not sure what will.
What do you think about our list? Which ones have you played this year? Are there any other games you thought should’ve made the list? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!