Looking back, it’s quite evident that 2023 has been a fantastic year for gaming regarding the quality of releases. Many of this year’s games were in development cycles for long periods, proving the sensible notion that giving studios and developers more time for their products is ideal. With star-studded AAA releases and a plethora of indie bangers, formulating a top 5 was a tough task.
So here are some honorable mentions (totally not making this a top 10):
- Super Mario Bros Wonder: A whimsical and wacky entry for Mario, this game manages to bring out so much joy for any lover of platformer games. Each stage has so much life breathed into it, especially with the Wonder Seeds, which provides significantly engaging variety. No doubt this game is a must-play for any Mario fan.
- Coffee Talk 2: While 2023 was a crazy year, Coffee Talk 2 was such a relaxing experience. Following the first Coffee Talk’s success, this sequel retains its simplistic formula whilst adding variety to the narratives and characters. With strong dialogue and a relatable cast, Coffee Talk 2 is very charming to its core.
- Goodbye Volcano High: A coming-of-age tale can be difficult to encapsulate, as there needs to be a huge weight placed on storytelling and dialogue. With Goodbye Volcano High, you get a fantastic insight into the struggling youth through the allegory of dinosaurs facing their extinction. Plus, the music is phenomenal.
- Smushi Come Home: Imagine a cute little mushroom exploring a silly, eccentric forest chock full of wonder and mystery. I was so surprised by how cozy and engaging this game was–it brought utter joy. I had such a great time finishing the game in one sitting—a delightful time in the woods with fellow friendly forest friends.
- Lethal Company: A latecomer into 2023, but it came with a force. Made by one developer, this title took the internet and my life by storm with how it perfectly blends comedy and horror. There’s a surreal level of entertainment and fear as you collect scrap with friends, only to be suddenly rushed by terrifying creatures—a chilling but memorable experience.
Now we get to the definitive top 5 games for me in 2023!
5) Season: A Letter to the Future
Season is a meditative experience that makes you ponder and appreciate the beauty of the life surrounding you. In this game, you explore a fictitious world that shares plenty of similarities to ours. Yet, it’s at a time prior to a cataclysm that will wash everything away. It’s up to you to wander the environments and keep a record of various narratives, characters, and cultures. Such a powerful narrative with stunning visuals entranced me throughout my journey.
4) Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush took me by complete surprise when it was released early this year. It impressed me even more to see Tango Gameworks, the same folks behind The Evil Within and Tokyo Ghostwire, develop it. This rhythm action game oozes charm from the minute you pick up the controller.
The creativity in the combat and the urge to match the beat are ridiculously satisfying. In addition, as showcased by the Game Awards, the sound design and soundtrack are amazing to jam out to. This game has a high level of replayability, as it’s easy to want to rock out and improve your performance.
3) Bramble: The Mountain King
Bramble showcases the beauty of folklore and horror with complete finesse. Though the tale is grim and twisted, the environmental detail is beautiful and magnificent. As you traverse these dangerous terrains, you encounter sinister horrors that keep you unsettled in satisfying ways.
While they make you shudder, you also want to learn more about them. With each trial and chapter in the narrative, you become more emotionally invested and yearn to navigate the impressive Nordic landscape. Bramble is a must-play for any horror fan.
2) Sea of Stars
I have no problem saying Sea of Stars is a defining RPG in the modern gaming world–set to be a classic. So much love and attention went into every nook and cranny of this masterpiece, from the stunning textures of the pixel art to the smooth and addictive gameplay loops of each battle.
In addition, the memorable soundtrack complements the aesthetic so wonderfully. Sea of Stars manages to pay homage to iconic RPGs while maintaining a breath of fresh air for any fans of the genre. I kept finding myself immersed in this expansive world from the get-go, excited to see what’s in store for the party of lovable heroes.
1) A Space for the Unbound
This is one of the first games I got to play this year. And while I played so many other titles throughout 2023, this is still one of the most heartfelt stories I’ve ever encountered. A Space for the Unbound follows two high school students and how the reality of the world around them is crumbling.
You must find a way to break the end of the world and help the community overcome its demons. Not only is the narrative exquisite, but the cultural and social aspects of the game’s world are enveloping and riveting. There’s also an awe-inducing pixel aesthetic that has you staring for ages. I’ve played my fair share of stories, but this has to be one of the most memorable and impactful games I’ve played in my life.
