2023 bid farewell, leaving gamers buzzing with excitement and debates over the year’s standout titles. As the last to reveal my Game of the Year list, expect some surprises, omissions, and a rollercoaster of gaming emotions.
Resident Evil 4 Remake: A Nostalgic Thrill Ride
Let’s dive straight into the horror with the Resident Evil 4 Remake. As a Resident Evil enthusiast since its PlayStation 1 debut, I approached this remake with skepticism. But, oh boy, did it deliver! Characters got an upgrade, the eerie atmosphere intensified, and the replay value? Through the roof. A delightful reimagining that captivated both newcomers and veterans.
Hi-Fi Rush: A Symphony of Gaming Joy
In the realm of unexpected delights, Hi-Fi Rush emerged earlier in the year, unleashing a whirlwind of action, hacking, and rhythm-packed adventure. A concoction of Devil May Cry vibes with beat-driven combat made it an instant hit. The art style and animation wove together a unique blend of Western and Japanese animation. Boss battles? Oh, they’re not just challenging, but an enthralling dance of combat and music.
Baldur’s Gate 3: A Dungeons & Dragons Odyssey
Baldur’s Gate 3 ventured into the realm of impressive RPGs, leaving a mark on my list for its sheer ambition. A masterclass in storytelling, your decisions shape a world that reacts, adapts, and breathes. The characters, the romanceable NPCs, the ever-changing narrative — it’s a true Dungeons & Dragons experience. Larian Studios crafted an intricate RPG that made me reconsider my stance on the genre.
Dredge: Navigating Coastal Horrors
Ahoy! Dredge, the boat game that sailed into my gaming heart. This addictive fishing adventure, blended with eerie mysteries, kept me hooked (pun intended). A Resident Evil 4-style inventory system for your marine treasures added depth, and the coastal New England vibe created a cozy, spooky atmosphere. An unexpected gem that sailed beyond the seas of anticipation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Addictive gameplay loop | Limited story depth |
| Coastal New England ambiance | Occasional underdeveloped areas |
| Engaging mystery elements |
Spider-Man 2: Swinging Between Expectations
Insomniac’s Spider-Man 2 swung onto my list, albeit not surpassing its predecessor. The Venom-fueled narrative injected freshness, but some elements fell short. Still, the opening battle stands as one of the most spectacular superhero game moments. A commendable attempt at reimagining Spider-Man’s world, even if it didn’t surpass the original’s magic.
Lies of P: Soulslike Surprises
Lies of P, a Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike, defied my expectations. Soulslike fatigue? Overcame it. The dark, gritty environment, reminiscent of Victorian Gothic tales, coupled with the challenging gameplay, kept me hooked. Unanticipated pleasure in the Soulslike realm.
El Paso Elsewhere: Retro, Moody Noir Adventure
Picture this: trench coat, slow-motion shooting, eerie atmosphere — El Paso Elsewhere, a Max Payne-inspired gem. Low-fi retro graphics, a noir aesthetic, and a dose of hip-hop made it a nostalgic adventure. It may not topple giants, but it scratched a specific gaming itch for me.
Star Wars Jedi Survivor: Galactic Pleasures
Jedi Survivor tapped into my Star Wars fandom, offering a satisfying follow-up to Jedi Fallen Order. Whether battling droids or wielding a cross-guard saber, the game oozed Star Wars charm. It rekindled my love for the galaxy far, far away in a gaming context, a feat that movies failed to achieve.
RoboCop Rogue City: Nostalgia Reloaded
RoboCop Rogue City, flawed yet glorious, marched into my heart. The undercooked bits and head-exploding flaws didn’t deter my love for this RoboCop adventure. A nod to the NES classic, it resonated with my nostalgia, offering an imperfect but heartfelt journey.
Alan Wake 2: Remedy’s Triumphant Return
In the gaming cosmos, Remedy’s Alan Wake 2 stands tall as my Game of the Year. A storytelling marvel, it intertwined Max Payne vibes, eerie noir aesthetics, and Remedy’s signature experimentation. Saga Anderson might stumble, but Allan’s trippy journey, the unconventional storytelling, and the nods to Remedy’s past glories made this a standout adventure.
In a year bursting with gaming goodness, these titles earned their spots in my gaming heart. The surprises, the nostalgia, and the sheer joy each brought contributed to an unforgettable gaming odyssey in 2023.
Now, dear reader, what were your gaming highlights of the year? Share your list and let the gaming discourse continue!