2023 saw MP1st grow exponentially in staff and not a moment too soon since many consider 2023 to be one of, if not the best, year in gaming. And judging from the stiff competition it’s difficult to argue. Maybe it was the COVID-19 delays finally coming to fruition because a whopping 23 games were in contention for the top games of our 2023 Game of the Year list. But we had to make a lot of tough calls and whittle the list down to just five. Without further ado, let’s get into our top games of 2023!
Before the top five games of 2023, we want to start things off with the rest of the amazing titles that didn’t manage to crack the list (our honorary mentions, if you will).
Honorary Mentions:
Dead Space Remake
Developed by Motive Studio
Published by EA
Read the MP1st Dead Space remake review
Kickstarting the deluge of awesome games of 2023 is EA’s Dead Space remake. Not only did Motive manage to deliver a faithful adaptation, but it even manages to surpass the original’s scope and design.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Developed by FromSoftware Inc.
Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment
Read the MP1st Armored Core 6 review
While FromSoftware has shot to prominence due to the Dark Souls franchise and most recently, Elden Ring, the studio has also resurrected a dormant franchise with the release of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Even if the gameplay is far from your typical Souls-like, FromSoftware has proven they are more than just a one-trick pony when it comes to offering engrossing experiences.
Street Fighter 6
Developed by Capcom
Published by Capcom
Who knew Capcom could teach old dogs new tricks? That’s what the company did with the release of Street Fighter 6. Not only did the developers offer something new to the decades-old franchise, but they even managed to integrate modern-day gameplay features into it with the Battle Hub and more.
WWE 2K23
Developed by Visual Concepts
Published by 2K
Read the MP1st WWE 2K23 review
WWE 2K23 making our list may come as a surprise to many, but fans of the wrestling genre know very well just how incredibly fun this year’s iteration is. It may not move the needle for the franchise, but it certainly brings back the excitement and love wrestling fans have had for it.
“For this is the closet the 2K era of WWE games have come to the glory of PS2’s Here Comes the Pain. With a robust create-a-wrestler that allowed me to pretty much recreate ECW’s locker room from its heyday of 1996-1998 and have my favorite wrestlers from that era go at it with the biggest WWE and WCW stars from the Monday Night Wars. Add in a couple of fun campaigns, the endless My Universe Mode, and more, and WWE 2K23 is almost the total package.” – Sean
Hogwarts Legacy
Developed by Avalanche Software
Published by Warner Bros. Games
Read the MP1st Hogwarts Legacy review
Hogwarts Legacy kicked this year off as one of the biggest surprises. Sure, it’s a massive IP when it comes to movies and books, but that popularity has yet to reach video games, as, more times, they were rather lackluster. That all changed with Avalanche’s Hogwarts Legacy, a title based on the world of Harry Potter, but not one set during it. The studio did its homework and managed to deliver a world that stays true to the franchise, with an original story, filled with new characters.
“I have no history with Harry Potter. I’ve never watched any of the films or read any books. But I completely reveled in this 19th century vision of the Wizarding World. I played it longer than any other game released this year. It may be just an open world adventure RPG, but the developers used the license to its full imaginative extent and created something very much like magic.” – Tim
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Developed by Nintendo EPD
Published by Nintendo
Read the MP1st Tears of the Kingdom review
Zelda games are titles that rarely receive direct sequels, which is why it came as a surprise when Nintendo announced the next one would be a follow-up to Breath of the Wild, a game that many already considered the best Zelda game ever. Despite the news that the game would feature the same map, and several mechanics that may have been better suited as DLC, Nintendo managed to break expectations, and even top the previous game in nearly every way possible.
“Breath of the Wild was already one of the best games in the Zelda franchise, and somehow, Nintendo has managed to elevate it further in its sequel. It’s bigger and better, with more emotional tugs than I expected.” – James
“What even needs to be said about this game? Nintendo took a game that some considered the best of all time in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and somehow improved on it. The fuse mechanic is one of the most innovative in all of gaming for how well it was integrated into the core gameplay while not only traversing Hyrule but also the skies above and the ground below it in one of the largest overworld maps that I’ve ever experienced. In pretty much any other year, this would be #1 on my list.” – Dean
Final Fantasy XVI
Developed by Creative Business Unit III
Published by SquareEnix
Read the MP1st Final Fantasy 16 review
What makes a Final Fantasy game? A question that Square Enix asked when Final Fantasy 16 launched that many fans debated over. And though everyone’s definition of a Final Fantasy game is different, we think we can agree that Final Fantasy 16 deserves a spot on this list as one of the best games this year.
“Square Enix manages to produce a throwback of an RPG with Final Fantasy XVI, but one with modern-day visuals and gameplay. It’s a compelling story that delivers from start to finish, and the Eikon battles are a sight to behold!” – Alex Co
“The latest entry in the storied series, Final Fantasy XVI tells a thrilling tale about betrayal and legendary power that’s chock-full of incredible cinematic scenes. Saying that the boss battles are epic would be an understatement and can only be truly appreciated with you behind the controller.” – Avery
“Massive boss battles, flashy, beautifully done cutscenes, and a story with dark and emotional twists. It may not follow the traditional gameplay of the series, but it’s still every bit of a Final Fantasy game that you’d expect.” – James
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Developed by Capcom
Published by Capcom
Read the MP1st Resident Evil 4 review
The Resident Evil 4 remake continues Capcom’s trend of remaking the franchise. Thankfully, it not only manages to do it justice but even adds more content to it. Regardless if it’s your first time playing RE4 or someone who has completed it before, the RE4 remake will have something fresh to offer with the gameplay to match.
MP1st Top 5 Games of 2023 and Game of the Year
5. Hi-Fi Rush
Developed by Tango Gameworks
Published by Bethesda Softworks
Read the MP1st Hi-Fi Rush review
“One of the first games I played this year, and it quickly became a stand out title. With an outstanding soundtrack, easy-to-follow heartwarming narrative, and unique artstyle, this rhythm-platformer truly grew on me.” – Ibrahim
“If I had all the money in the world to create the perfect video game for my tastes, it would likely look something very much like Hifi Rush. Between the most beautiful cell shaded graphics I have ever seen, the characters, the setting, the story, the mechanics, the soundtrack, and almost everything really, I was absolutely enraptured from the go. The final boss fight was a bit of let down, especially given the incredible level that proceeds it, but that is my only real critique. I love this game and it is likely in my personal top 10 to 20 games ever.” – Tim
4. Baldur’s Gate 3
Developed by Larian Studios
Published by Larian Studios
Read the MP1st Baldur’s Gate 3 review
‘Perhaps the greatest RPG to ever be released, Baldur’s Gate 3 brings gamers back to a golden era of gaming, playing endlessly into their imagination.” – James
“Baldur’s Gate 3 is more than a game, it’s an experience that seems endless. By that, I don’t mean that the game doesn’t have an ending, but that restarting it and choosing different paths gives you so many new opportunities and results that it’s hard not to see this as the definite game of the year. It honors the original and is so rich yet so accessible that it will haunt your dreams for many, many months.” – Alex X
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Developed by Respawn Entertainment
Published by Electronic Arts
Read the MP1st Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review
“As the Galaxy continues to get dominated by the Empire, Cal Kestis and his band of freedom fighters are still hard at work opposing the evil force. They’ve recruited a skilled bounty hunter in Bode Akuna, who helps Kestis cause more chaos for the Empire. Jedi: Survivor finds Kestis discovering an ancient Jedi mystery that awakens a new evil that can also threaten the Galaxy.” – Avery
“I have never been a Star Wars fan. But funny enough, I love the Star Wars game. Despite its many performance issues on console, the game builds very well upon its predecessor in terms of narrative, and Cal gets a lot of character development in this game. The visuals also keep you glued to the screen, there is just so much attention to detail. One downside I personally felt like was that the gameplay wasn’t vastly different than the first game. I believe that’s an aspect Respawn can improve in.” – Ibrahim
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Developed by Insomniac Games
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment
Read the MP1st Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 review
“Spider-Man 2 continues Insomniac’s tremendous storytelling of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. After the first installment and the Morales spinoff, the Spider-Men have their toughest battle against Kraven the Hunter and Venom. Insomniac’s take on the symbiote is fascinating and Spider-Man fans will love it.” – Avery
“Few games emanate excitement as well as Insomniac’s Spider-Man games and the fully-fledged sequel upped the ante in nearly every way. Not only do you get to play as Peter and Miles with seamless switching between the two, but you also have a stellar story that includes one of the best renditions of the symbiote and Venom to date. This is the type of game where I finished and was still eager to play more. While this may not be the true best game on this list technically, it was easily my favorite.” – Dean
“Another highly anticipated sequel which would have been among the top 3 on my list, but after taking some time to reflect on and replay the story, I felt like this was what’s known in the games industry as a “safe sequel.” The game was phenomenal to look at, offers compelling gameplay, but falls short in terms of narrative. Miles especially was given the short end of the stick, and the developers focused too much on Peter’s story– which also I lost interest in from time to time. The game is pretty solid, but I expected more from Insomniac. Especially Venom, didn’t feel as dark and gritty as he was advertised.- Ibrahim
“As far as gameplay goes, Insomniac’s sequel to 2018’s Spider-Man is a marked improvement. Combat feels better, traversal is best in class. The story isn’t as strong for me as it was in 2018, however. The decision to split the narrative between Peter and Miles, while understandable, means a split focus and it didn’t connect with me the way the previous two games did when they could focus on one protagonist. It also doesn’t help that much of Mile’s story is low stakes and not at all interesting to me. As such, this sits lower on my personal list” – Sean
MP1st GAME OF THE YEAR 2023:
1. Alan Wake 2
Developed by Remedy Entertainment
Published by Epic Games Publishing
Read the MP1st Alan Wake 2 review
“I’ve been waiting for this sequel for a while now, and its safe to say that it delivered at all fronts. Alan Wake 2 has a unique and gripping narrative, with the ability to make you feel as if you’re a part of the story. Apart from its storyline, the game is also a technical marvel and a treat for the eyes.” – Ibrahim
“How can a niche horror game released over a decade ago come back with a sequel that anyone would care about? It seems like an impossible task, but Remedy nailed it. This is the perfect stew of FMV, gameplay, scares, and narrative all served to (almost) perfection.” – Alex Co
“A creative masterpiece that beautifully blends everything you love about Remedy into one unforgettable experience.” – Jimmy
“Remedy’s history is a testament to maintaining a vision. They have been trying to blend forms between Video Games and Television for nearly 20 years and with Alan Wake II they have absolutely nailed that ambition. Taking the narrative background they established with the first game 13 years ago and the more action oriented Control from 2019, Alan Wake II is a powerful horror experience despite its occasional flaws. The fact that it has underperformed in sales is tragic, because it deserves to be a blockbuster.” – Tim
“A textbook example on how to create a psychological horror adventure that blends movie and game, Alan Wake 2 is Remedy at its best, both in technological terms as in writing and design. It’s a detective story at heart with so many intriguing moments and terrific set pieces that every fan of the genre should not miss it. Despite some references to the legacy of the series, it works nicely as a standalone game, so don’t worry about missing out due to not having played what came before.” – Vitor
There you have it! MP1st’s top 10 games of 2023 and our overall game of the year, Alan Wake 2. Let us know in the comments if your favorites made the list and what other games made your personal top 10 that didn’t make ours!
My personal favorites from 2023 are
Sword Art Last Recollection
Star Ocean Second Story R
Story of Seasons A Wonderful Life
Spiderman 2
Disgaea 7
Remnant 2 is the best game of 2023.
I wouldnt have any of your top 5 on my list. The honorable mentions are pretty solid, tho.
Jedi Survivor was fiiiine, but underwhelming.
I didnt play BG3.
Spiderman 2 was trash. Awful story & characters. Soulless combat. Boring to ridiculous missions. It was completely uncreative & lazy.
Alan Wake 2 was boring & also horribly written. So much cringe. A big disappointment.
AAA games are declining in quality every year. Its the indies & Japan that are keeping the industry afloat.