Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best games released in 2023. This article will provide an overview of the top 15 games you may have missed, along with a detailed breakdown of each game’s features, gameplay, and storylines.
If you’re looking for the latest and greatest games to sink your teeth into, you’ve come to the right place. From action-packed shooters to thought-provoking puzzle games, there’s something for everyone on this list. Let’s get started!
Horizon: Zero Dawn 2
Horizon: Zero Dawn 2 is an action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are no longer the dominant species, but rather, machines have taken over. The game follows the story of Aloy, a young huntress who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her past and the world she lives in.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Unique and creative machine designs
- Crafting and upgrading of weapons and tools
- Skill tree system for character progression
- Exploration of ancient ruins and discovering the game’s lore
- Dynamic weather and day/night cycle
Gameplay:
The game is played in a third-person perspective, with players controlling Aloy as she navigates through the open-world environment. Combat is a major component of the game, with players utilizing Aloy’s bow and arrows, traps, and various other weapons to take down the machines. The game also features a stealth system, allowing players to sneak around and ambush enemies.
Storyline:
The game takes place after the events of the first game, where Aloy continues her journey to uncover the truth about her past and the world she lives in. Along the way, she discovers a new threat that threatens the balance of power between humans and machines, and she must work to stop it.
Cyberpunk 2078
Cyberpunk 2078 is an action role-playing game developed and published by CD Projekt. The game is set in a dystopian future where society has collapsed, and humans have become heavily reliant on technology. The game follows the story of V, a mercenary who navigates the dangerous world of Night City, a hub for criminal activity, in search of fame, fortune, and a way out.
Features:
- Immersive open-world environment
- A variety of character customization options
- A deep and engaging storyline with multiple endings
- An extensive hacking system for manipulating the world and its inhabitants
- An array of weapons and augmentations for players to utilize
Gameplay:
The game is played in a first-person perspective, with players controlling V as they navigate through the world of Night City. Combat is a major component of the game, with players utilizing a range of weapons and augmentations to take down enemies. The game also features a hacking system, allowing players to hack into and manipulate the world and its inhabitants.
Storyline:
The game follows the story of V, a mercenary who is trying to make a name for themselves in Night City. Along the way, they get caught up in a power struggle between various factions, including corporations, gangs, and government agencies. The game features multiple endings, depending on the choices made by the player throughout the game.
Deathloop
Deathloop is a first-person shooter game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set on an island called Blackreef, where the player character, Colt, is stuck in a time loop and must assassinate eight targets to break the loop.
Features:
- Unique time loop mechanic that allows the player to explore the same environment with different outcomes
- Multiple possible routes and solutions to complete each mission
- A variety of weapons and abilities can be customized and upgraded
- Multiplayer functionality that allows players to invade each other’s game as the antagonist
Gameplay:
The gameplay of Deathloop revolves around the player character, Colt, as he tries to break the time loop by assassinating eight targets. The game features a unique time loop mechanic that allows the player to explore the same environment multiple times with different outcomes. The player must gather information, solve puzzles, and use a variety of weapons and abilities to complete each mission. The game features a variety of routes and solutions, allowing players to approach each mission in different ways. The multiplayer functionality allows players to invade each other’s game as the antagonist, Juliana, adds a new level of strategy and unpredictability to the gameplay.
Storyline:
The game’s story follows Colt as he tries to break free from the time loop and escape the island of Blackreef. Along the way, he must unravel the mysteries of the island and uncover the secrets of the mysterious organization known as the Visionaries.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is a collaboration between FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. The game is set in a fantasy world where players assume the role of a Tarnished, an individual who has been exiled from their homeland.
Features:
- A vast and diverse open-world environment
- A variety of character customization options
- A deep and engaging storyline
- An array of weapons, spells, and abilities for players to utilize
- Boss battles that require strategic thinking and planning
Gameplay:
The game is played in a third-person perspective, with players controlling the Tarnished as they navigate through the game’s open-world environment. Combat is a major component of the game, with players utilizing a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to defeat enemies and bosses. The game also features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with others to take on difficult challenges.
Storyline:
The game is set in a fantasy world known as The Lands Between, where the player assumes the role of a Tarnished who has been exiled from their homeland. The Tarnished is tasked with finding the Elden Ring, a magical artifact that has been shattered and scattered throughout the world. Along the way, the Tarnished must face powerful enemies and bosses, uncover the game’s lore, and discover the truth about their own identity.
Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite is a first-person shooter game developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game is the sixth main entry in the Halo series and features the return of Master Chief as the main protagonist. The game is set in a science fiction universe where humanity is at war with an alien alliance known as the Covenant.
Features:
- Immersive open-world environment
- A variety of weapons and vehicles for players to utilize
- Advanced combat system
- Multiplayer mode with a range of game modes
- Cooperative gameplay with up to three other players
Gameplay:
The game is played in a first-person perspective, with players controlling Master Chief as they navigate through the open-world environment. Combat is a major component of the game, with players utilizing a variety of weapons and vehicles to defeat enemies. The game also features cooperative gameplay, allowing players to team up with up to three other players to take on difficult challenges.
Storyline:
The game takes place after the events of Halo 5: Guardians, where Master Chief is stranded on a mysterious Halo ring. The game follows Master Chief as he battles against the Covenant and a new enemy known as the Banished, who are trying to take control of the ring.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is a racing game developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game is set in an open-world environment based in Mexico and features a variety of races and challenges for players to compete in.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- A variety of vehicles for players to drive, including cars, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles
- Dynamic weather and day/night cycle
- Multiplayer mode with a range of game modes
- Car customization and tuning options
Gameplay:
Gameplay in Forza Horizon 5 revolves around participating in various races and events across a vast and diverse landscape. The game is set in an open-world environment, providing players with the freedom to drive and explore a fictional representation of a real-world location. Forza Horizon 5 takes place in Mexico, featuring stunning vistas, vibrant cities, dense jungles, and vast deserts, creating a visually captivating and diverse setting for players to discover.
Storyline:
The game does not have a traditional storyline, but rather focuses on the player’s journey to becoming the best racer in the world. The game features a variety of races and challenges, each with its own unique objectives and rewards.
The Elder Scrolls VI
The Elder Scrolls VI is an upcoming role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set in a fantasy world known as Tamriel and is the sixth main entry in the Elder Scrolls series.
Features:
- Immersive open-world environment
- A variety of character customization options
- Advanced combat system
- Multiplayer mode with a range of game modes
- Crafting and enchanting system for weapons and armor
Gameplay:
The gameplay of The Elder Scrolls VI is similar to that of previous games in the series, with players controlling their characters as they navigate through the open-world environment. Combat is a major component of the game, with players utilizing a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to defeat enemies and bosses. The game also features a crafting and enchanting system, allowing players to create and improve their weapons and armor. The game also has a multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with others to take on difficult challenges.
Storyline:
The storyline for The Elder Scrolls VI has not been officially announced, but it is expected to continue the series’ tradition of epic and immersive storytelling. The game is set in the fantasy world of Tamriel and will likely involve a variety of quests, missions, and battles as the player navigate the political and magical landscape of the game.
God of War: Ragnarok
God of War: Ragnarok is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is a sequel to 2018’s God of War and features the return of Kratos as the main protagonist.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Advanced combat system with a variety of weapons and abilities
- Multiplayer mode with a range of game modes
- Cooperative gameplay with up to two other players
Gameplay:
The gameplay of God of War: Ragnarok is similar to that of its predecessor, with players controlling Kratos as he battles against various enemies and bosses. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The game also has a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with up to two other players to take on difficult challenges.
Storyline:
The storyline for God of War: Ragnarok is a continuation of the events of the previous game, where Kratos and his son Atreus continue their journey through Norse mythology. The game is expected to involve a variety of quests, battles, and exploration as the duo tries to prevent the end of the world, as foretold in Norse mythology by the events of Ragnarok.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Ghostwire: Tokyo is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set in a supernatural version of Tokyo where players battle against various spirits and otherworldly creatures.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Advanced combat system with a variety of weapons and abilities
- Multiplayer mode with a range of game modes
- Unique paranormal abilities for the player character
Gameplay:
The gameplay of Ghostwire: Tokyo is a mix of action, adventure, and horror, with players exploring the open-world environment and battling against various supernatural enemies. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with others to take on difficult challenges.
Storyline:
The storyline for Ghostwire: Tokyo involves the player character investigating the mysterious disappearance of the city’s inhabitants, which has been attributed to the appearance of supernatural creatures. The game features a variety of quests, missions, and battles as the player character uncovers the truth behind the strange events and works to save the city from destruction.
Redfall
Redfall is an upcoming open-world first-person shooter game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set on an isolated island town in Massachusetts, which has been overrun by vampires. The player must band together with a group of survivors and use a variety of weapons and supernatural abilities to fight back against the vampire threat.
Features:
- An open-world environment with a variety of locations to explore
- Unique weapons and supernatural abilities that can be customized and upgraded
- Cooperative gameplay with up to four players
- Dynamic day and night cycle that affects gameplay
Gameplay:
Redfall features both single-player and cooperative gameplay, allowing players to team up with friends to take on the vampire threat together. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities, as well as a crafting system that allows players to create their own unique gear.
Storyline:
The game’s story revolves around the outbreak of a vampiric virus on Redfall island. The player must team up with a group of survivors with unique abilities to fight off the vampire threat and uncover the source of the outbreak. Along the way, players will encounter various factions and characters with their own agendas and storylines.
Stray
Stray is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive. The game is set in a futuristic world where players control a stray cat navigating a city filled with robots.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Unique gameplay perspective, as players control a cat
- Puzzle-solving elements to progress through the game
- Non-linear storytelling
Gameplay:
The gameplay of Stray is a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with players controlling a cat as they navigate the futuristic city. The game features a variety of puzzles that the player must solve to progress through the game, as well as combat mechanics that allow the player to defend themselves against various enemies. The game also features a non-linear storytelling approach, with the player able to explore the city and uncover its secrets at their own pace.
Storyline:
The storyline for Stray involves the player character, a stray cat, navigating a futuristic city filled with robots. As the cat, the player must solve various puzzles and battle against enemies to uncover the truth behind the city’s mysterious disappearance of its human inhabitants.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is an upcoming platformer game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in a universe where players control a Lombax named Ratchet and his robotic companion Clank.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Unique gameplay mechanics, including the ability to travel through different dimensions
- A variety of weapons and abilities to defeat enemies
- Cooperative multiplayer mode
Gameplay:
The gameplay of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart involves the player controlling Ratchet as he navigates different dimensions, battling against various enemies and bosses. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with others to take on difficult challenges.
Storyline:
The storyline for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart involves the duo traveling through different dimensions to stop an evil emperor from conquering the universe. The game features a variety of quests, missions, and battles as the player character navigate the different dimensions and works to save the universe from destruction.
Gotham Knights
Gotham Knights is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by WB Games Montreal and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in the Batman universe and features the Bat family as the main protagonists.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Advanced combat system with a variety of weapons and abilities
- Cooperative multiplayer mode with up to four players
- Role-playing elements, including character customization and progression
Gameplay:
The gameplay of Gotham Knights involves the player controlling one of the Bat family members as they battle against various enemies and bosses in an open-world environment. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with up to four other players to take on difficult challenges.
Storyline:
The storyline for Gotham Knights involves the Bat family working together to protect Gotham City from various threats, including the Court of Owls. The game features a variety of quests, missions, and battles as the player characters navigate the city and work to stop the villains from threatening it.
The Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 is an upcoming role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Private Division. The game is set in a science-fiction universe where players explore different planets and battle against various enemies.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Advanced character customization options
- Unique player choices that impact the game’s story
- Multiple possible endings
Gameplay:
The gameplay of The Outer Worlds 2 involves the player navigating different planets, completing quests, and battling against various enemies. The game features a deep character customization system that allows players to create unique characters with their own strengths and weaknesses. The player’s choices throughout the game will impact the story and the game’s multiple possible endings.
Storyline:
The storyline for The Outer Worlds 2 involves the player character traveling to different planets and interacting with various factions and characters. The game features a deep and complex story that will be impacted by the player’s choices and actions throughout the game.
Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 is a platforming game developed by Double Fine Productions and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game is a sequel to the 2005 game Psychonauts and features a mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements.
Features:
- Stunning graphics and an immersive open-world environment
- Unique gameplay mechanics that blend action, adventure, and puzzle-solving
- A variety of psychic abilities can be used to progress through the game
- Humorous and quirky storyline
Gameplay:
The gameplay of Psychonauts 2 involves the player controlling Razputin “Raz” Aquato as he navigates various environments and battles against various enemies. The game features a mix of platforming, action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, with the player able to use a variety of psychic abilities to progress through the game.
Storyline:
The storyline for Psychonauts 2 involves Raz returning to the Psychonaut’s headquarters to uncover a sinister plot. The game features a humorous and quirky storyline with a variety of memorable characters and environments.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, 2023 was a remarkable year for gaming, owing to the exponential growth of the esports industry, accompanied by a diverse range of genres and styles being represented. Whether you’re a fan of immersive open-world RPGs, adrenaline-pumping first-person shooters, or charming indie games, this list offers something for every gaming enthusiast. So, without further ado, it’s time to dive in and experience the very best games of the year.
