Top 10 Best Video Games of 2023

You can always count on FromSoft. Resurrecting their other long-standing franchise, Armored Core promised giant robots shooting the bejesus out of each other, and we’ll be damned if they didn’t deliver in spades. The amount of customisation, the thrill of the firefights, the absurd scope of its mechanical bosses, it’s certainly a trial by fire that will test your patience and willingness to change loadouts on the fly, but it's still a blast to play, once again proving that FromSoftware are so much more than just all things Soulsborne.

While it certainly had a rough start, there’s no denying that Cal Kestis’ second outing was a worthy follow-up to Fallen Order’s fantastic foundation. With a narrative that dove into Cal’s desperation against the Empire, a massive hub world, and a total refinement of lightsaber combat, slicing through Stormtroopers has never been so much fun. Where they go from here is up in the air, but we’re all secretly hoping we’ll get the chance to further explore Cal’s willingness to embrace the Dark Side moving forward. Also, RIP to Rick the Door Technician – what a legend.

This thing came out of nowhere and blew everyone away on arrival. One of the most successful shadow drops in gaming history, Hi-Fi Rush was the perfect marriage of Devil May Cry and an anime rhythm game, one populated with bangin’ tracks, a slick animation design, and a hilarious cast that will keep you constantly entertained as you riff your way through colorful stages. Even if you’re tone deaf and can’t keep a beat to save your life, the fun Chai and the others bring to the table is too good to pass up.

Yoshie P just does not miss. Taking the beloved lore, giant monsters and world-building the franchise is famous for and containing it within a framework akin to a Song of Ice and Fire, the result turned out to be a Final Fantasy like no other. While a few found the switch to full-on action too much of a leap from the series’ turned based roots, Clive’s story of vengeance nonetheless reached new heights in terms of what a Final Fantasy game can offer - whether they be quiet moments of character exploration, or cinematic boss battles that might just be some of modern gaming’s best. All the while Soken continues to prove how much of a god he is with a soundtrack that can proudly stand up there with Uematsu’s classics.

You think you know meta? You think you know just how outside the box a game can be? Well, hold onto your britches because Sam Lake is here to show you that you’ve seen nothing yet. Not only is this sequel everything fans of the original could want in terms of its own brand of survival horror, but Remedy have crafted a game that breaks down nearly every convention when it comes to blending genres, reaching well-past the fourth wall, and incorporated live-action in the wildest of ways. It’s one hell of a mind-trip that needs to be experienced! If only for that dance sequence.

We really didn’t think Insomniac could pull it off, but once again, they outdid themselves with what just might be the best Spider-Man to date. Swinging across New York has never felt better – with traversal polished to perfection. Same with the combat, allowing for downright brutal combinations as both Spider-Men can utilize their own unique move sets. As for its story, pacing issues aside, the combination of Kraven’s Last Hunt, the rise of Venom, Peter’s fracturing relationships as well as Miles’ identity crisis all lent themselves to an explosion of emotional payoffs that has us reeling. We can’t wait for the closing chapter to round out the trilogy! Let’s just hope they scrap Miles’ ADIDAS costume by that point.

For those wondering if Mario’s 2D glory days were long-behind him, have no fear, because this return to form is downright spectacular. The creativity in each level is awe-inspiring, the amount of collectibles and challenges will have you constantly diving back in, while the new Wonder Seed mechanic changes everything up by altering the environment into a fever dream that Mario has to navigate to reach the goal. It’s a brilliant platformer, and potentially the start of the plumber’s second renaissance in the 2D scene.

While the remake of Resident Evil 2 catapulted Capcom back on top, what they did with their reimagining of the fourth mainline entry has cemented them as one of the kings of modern gaming. Taking such a pinnacle title and sprucing up the graphics is one thing, but to remake it into one of the best survival horror games of the last century is something else. Graphically, it’s incredible. The gunplay is beyond satisfying, while the new mechanics such as parrying seamlessly slide into place. And yes, Leon and his hair have never looked more dazzling. It’s everything you could want in an RE game, and is an absolute must play for hardcore fans and newcomers alike.

Breath of the Wild was a landmark event in gaming, one that sent Link and his franchise soaring to new heights. So how could a sequel match the impact of the original? By doubling down on what made it great, and adding features that we didn’t know we needed. Hyrule has never been so vast, with the Sky Islands and Depths now adding verticality to the exploration. While the ability to fuse and create transportation (along with means to torture Koroks) adds another layer to player agency and imagination. The sheer density of what is on offer here has made it the jewel in Nintendo’s crown, and that’s no small feat.

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Larian Studios didn’t just create a great fantasy RPG, they created THE fantasy RPG. Using the lore and tabletop system of Dungeons and Dragons as a bedrock, they crafted a game so intricately layered that it’s honestly mind-boggling. The sheer amount of choices and customisation on display here is ungodly, with branching paths for literally every encounter and every class. They are as numerous as they are intricate, rewarding and painstakingly thought-out. Words truly can’t do justice to what’s on offer here. The narrative will have you gripped, the characters and their respective performances are god-tier, and above all else, it will have you wishing to dive ever deeper into its beautifully macabre world, either alone or with friends in co-op. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have to go start up our Dark Urge playthrough!

Which of this year's entries do you consider to be the true GOAT? Let us know in the comments!