The best games of 2023

1998, 2017 and 2023 are years that will remain marked in the history of the video game industry due to the above-average quantity of high-quality games well received by the public. We cannot say that the year was wonderful as a whole, due to the numerous mass layoffs that occurred during this period in several studios, however, after years of delays and negative consequences for the development of several games caused by the Covid-19 pandemic , we can say that, in 2023, several titles were finished with perfection. We have been blessed with experiences of the most different genres, which have pleased a wide range of players in recent months.

In today's text, we will list the best games of 2023 and explore engaging narratives, epic adventures and technological advances that defined this year in the games industry.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Non-Metacritical note: 96 | Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Starting our list, we have the continuation of one of the most awarded games in the history of video games, which revolutionized a classic Nintendo franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Perfectly delivers an open world ready for the player to explore, offering several tools that will allow creativity to be the only delimiter when traveling through Hyrule, years after the events of Breath of the Wild.

Baldur's Gate 3

Non-Metacritical note: 96 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

One of the big surprises of 2023 was, without a doubt, Baldur's Gate 3. Developed by Larian Studios, the same creators of Divinity Original Sin, the game was already highly anticipated by fans of the franchise. However, not even the most optimistic fan of the series would have imagined that the game would reach this level of quality, with so much content and acclaim. Baldur's Gate 3 offers an experience that fully simulates a tabletop RPG adventure within the video game universe, positioning itself very well among the best games of 2023.

Resident Evil 4

Non-Metacritical note: 93 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

Resident Evil 4 is the reimagining of the PlayStation 2 classic that set the standards for third-person shooters in the gaming industry. The game offers excellent content for players who are fans of the original, while at the same time captivating those who have never tried it, thanks to high quality gameplay and a lot of tension. This unique game mixes action and horror like no other.

Super Mario Bros. wonder

Non-Metacritical note: 92 | Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Next on our list of the best games of 2023 is Super Mario Bros. wonder. This Nintendo platform game surprised everyone with its level of quality, both in gameplay, animations and detail. Representing the evolution of the franchise from a 2D perspective, it is considered by fans to be what New Super Mario Bros. could have been, being a true AAA title with a very high level of production that pleased fans of all ages.

Street Fighter 6

Non-Metacritical note: 92 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

Street Fighter 6 is a tremendous update to Capcom's traditional fighting game series. Bringing very flexible training tools, innovative gameplay and incredible new characters, Street Fighter has never been as enjoyable to play as it is in this sixth version.

Dave the diver

Non-Metacritical note: 90 | Platforms: Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC

Dave the Diver was one of the big surprises of 2023. The game, developed and published by Mintrocket – part of the South Korean gaming giant Nexon – puts players in the role of Dave, a diver who hunts fish during the day in a procedurally generated sea. Each exploration takes place in different waters, while at night, the protagonist manages and serves his prey in one of the best sushi restaurants in the region. Despite its simplicity, the game manages to deliver a captivating story with extremely charismatic characters and beautiful pixel art visuals.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Non-Metacritical note: 90 | Platforms: PS5

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The PlayStation 5 exclusive game takes us on an unprecedented adventure of pop culture's most popular heroes, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, facing a fierce and threatening enemy, Kraven the Hunter.

Dead Space

Non-Metacritical note: 89 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

Dead Space is a modern survival horror classic with science fiction elements in which the player controls Isaac Clarke, an engineer on a mission to repair a huge mining ship. However, everything starts to go wrong when the player discovers that the crew was massacred by creatures and the player needs to find Nicole, his girlfriend who was part of the team and is missing.

Hitman: World of Assassination

Non-Metacritical note: 89 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

The adventures of the most famous assassin in games in Hitman 3 were already full of possibilities for the purest fun, but the update to the world of assassination elevated it to the category of must-have games in your collection, thanks to the inclusion of Freelancer mode, where the missions are never the same.

Octopath Traveler II

Non-Metacritical note: 89 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC

Octopath Traveler II is a Japanese RPG that transports us to the vast and intricate world of Orsterra, where eight protagonists, each with their own unique story and special abilities, embark on interconnected journeys. From a thief protagonist to a monk, the paths of these characters intertwine in an engaging plot, full of twists and discoveries in a game with beautiful 2.5D visuals with great gameplay mechanics and soundtrack.

Alan Wake I

Non-Metacritical note: 88 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

The long wait for Alan Wake I worth it! The game is tremendous thriller psychological full of enigmas and traps, where nothing is what it seems. Can be played from the point of view of two protagonists, Alan Wake I is immersive and overwhelming, a true masterpiece from Icelandic studio Remedy Entertainment. And luckily, he has been receiving fixes for the many bugs present since its launch.

The Talos Principle 2

Non-Metacritical note: 88 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

The Talos Principle 2 provides first-person immersion, presenting thought-provoking puzzles that further delve into the philosophical themes and stunning environments of the previous game, with challenges that become progressively more surprising. The game of puzzle discusses the nature of humanity and puts the player in the position of making decisions that can change the course of the narrative.

COCOON

Non-Metacritical note: 88 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC

Developed by Geometric Interactive and distributed by Annapurna Interactive, COCOON is classified as a puzzle and adventure game that takes players on a journey between different universes contained in tiny spheres. These spheres not only serve as portals to move between phases, but they also play a crucial role in solving the puzzles presented. By mastering the mechanics of jumping between worlds, players unravel a cosmic mystery and face peculiar creatures in what is recognized as one of the best independent games of 2023.

Sea of ​​Stars

Non-Metacritical note: 88 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC

Sea of ​​Stars tells the story of two Solstice Children, who unite the powers of the sun and moon to conjure the Magic of Eclipse, the only force capable of facing the abominations created by an evil alchemist called Fleshmancer. The game is an RPG inspired by great video game classics, such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy, and manages to deliver an innovative and nostalgic experience at the same time with characters that captivated the public.

Final Fantasy XVI

Non-Metacritical note: 87 | Platform: PS5

If you've ever stopped to think about what it would be like if the Final Fantasy series was mixed with Game of Thrones, Final Fantasy XVI is the answer. Square Enix's excellent RPG has a mature plot, which shows us the trajectory of the protagonist Clive, from his childhood in the aristocracy to the dramatic events that led him to become a mercenary in a world driven by magic coming from the mysterious Mother Crystals. .

Pikmin 4

Non-Metacritical note: 87 | Platform: Nintendo Switch

Pikmin 4 It's a cute game that leaves you even more enchanted with each new phase, by far the best and most beautiful chapter in the series. With its extremely creative gameplay, Pikmin 4 makes you glued to your Switch until you save the clumsy Captain Olimar.

The Making of Karateka

Non-Metacritical note: 87 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC

The Making of Karateka is unique, a mix of video game and documentary, which tells the story of the development of Karateka, the first big hit from Jordan Mechner, a legend in the gaming industry. In addition to videos and various historical documents that report the difficulties behind this revolutionary game, it is possible to play prototypes that demonstrate the stages of Jordan's creative process!

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

Non-Metacritical note: 86 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X and PC

FromSoftware may have become the name on the lips of video game lovers with the Souls series games, but it was with Armored Core that it established itself as one of the best developers. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon It's a great combat game wicks which brings an absurd amount of options to the palm of your hand to create the giant robot of your dreams!

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

Non-Metacritical note: 85 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC

From the same studio that brought it, Mimimi Games, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun e Desperate 3, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a tremendous real-time stealth action game. As the parched skin of a team of undead pirates, it's up to you to bring peace to the Caribbean before the Inquisition takes over with its terrible dark magic.  

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Non-Metacritical note: 85 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X and PC

When it comes to games, the trajectory of the Star Wars franchise is turbulent to say the least. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, however, is one of the best ever seen. In addition to an excellent story parallel to the events of the films and series, the game has very fun gameplay.

Forza Motorsport

Non-Metacritical note: 85 | Platforms: Xbox Series S|X and PC

Next on our list is Forza Motorsport, considered by many to be the best racing game of 2023. Belonging to the renowned Forza series, the game stands out for offering simulation-oriented gameplay, featuring cars that are incredibly faithful to reality and physics developed down to the smallest details. These elements give players the feeling of racing on the best tracks in the world with the fastest cars.

Blasphemous 2

Non-Metacritical note: 84 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC

Blasphemous 2 It is pure and simple the excellence of platform and action games. It tells a story of suffering in a frightening world with strong influences on the works of Spanish artist Francisco de Goya. Armed with faith, you, as the Penitent, must face the forces of evil to prevent the arrival of a false messiah from bringing total darkness. 

Viewfinder

Non-Metacritical note: 84 | Platforms: PS5 and PC

Viewfinder is probably one of the most distinctive and innovative games on this list. This puzzle-platform game offers hours of mystery-unraveling experiences, allowing players to use a camera to turn their photos into reality. This way, it is possible to shape the world around you as desired, overcoming the various obstacles presented throughout the game.

Super Mario RPG

Non-Metacritical note: 83 | Platform: Nintendo Switch

In the matter of remakes, 2023 was a very busy year. Super Mario RPG brought a new round of the first RPG starring the most beloved little guy in video games, released almost 30 years ago for the Super Nintendo. Along with the new graphics and rearranged music, the new combat system and several new post-game options, make this the definitive version of an absolute classic.

Starfield

Non-Metacritical note: 83 / Platforms: Xbox Series S|X and PC

Published by Bethesda, creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4, Starfield is a space-themed open-world RPG for the current generation of consoles. In this game, the player creates his own character to explore with unparalleled freedom while embarking on an epic journey to unravel humanity's greatest mystery in a game that promises great optional missions and a deep universe with lots of history to be discovered.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure

Non-Metacritical note: 81 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC

It took a long time for the RPG saga The legend of heroes cease to be completely exclusive to Japan, as a few games had not been translated into other languages, as was the case with Trails of Azure. Now who was waiting to catch up with the series with one of its most important titles! With captivating characters and a story full of twists, trails to azure is an unmissable game for fans of the genre. 

DREDGES

Non-Metacritical note: 80 | Platforms: PS4 and PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC

What could a fishing game have to be considered one of the best of the year, you ask us? Then DREDGES It's much more than that! Bringing a horror theme worthy of the best novels by authors like Stephen King and HP Lovecraft, the DREDGES It leaves you on the edge of your seat with every fish you hook. Go through the fog and find your way out of the nightmare in which a poor fisherman finds himself trapped in the treacherous waters of this fabulous game!  

Lies of P

Metacritic score: 80 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One Xbox Series S|X and PC

Although it doesn't necessarily reinvent the Souls genre, Lies of P brings a new version of the classic story of Pinocchio, in a new guise steampunk exciting. In it, the lying boy from fairy tales faces horrifying creatures to get to the bottom of a terrible conspiracy that has taken over the fascinating city of Krat.

come on

Non-Metacritical note: 79 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC

come on is a narrative-focused cooking game where players take on the role of an Indian mother who immigrates with her family to Canada in the 1980s. Players will have the opportunity to prepare a variety of dishes, recover lost recipes, participate in conversations with multiple developments and explore a story involving themes such as family, love, loss and much more.

Amnesia: The Bunker

Non-Metacritical note: 78 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X and PC

The Amnesia horror franchise made its glorious return in 2023, with one of its best games, Amnesia: The Bunker. The studio responsible for the game, Frictional Games, outdid itself by bringing a sinister and claustrophobic environment full of paranoia, taking the player into the tight spaces of a bunker, in the shoes of a French soldier during the First World War.

In a year with so many good releases, it's very likely that you played something that stood out and didn't make our list. Leave it in the comments and tell us why this game stood out among the best games of 2023 in your opinion!

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Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim (28 / 11 / 23)