TOP 10 – The gaming landscape in 2023 was nothing short of monumental. Throughout the year, gamers were treated to a steady stream of new titles, each one seemingly more captivating than the last. From blockbuster releases to indie gems, the industry kept us on our toes and wallets open, akin to a modern-day, ever-hungry Pac-Man. As we juggled these releases, many of us are still playing catch-up, especially considering the expansive nature of some of these titles. Take, for example, those who have conquered Baldur’s Gate 3 – truly wizards in their own right.

 

 

Continuing the wizardry theme, Hogwarts Legacy emerged as potentially the year’s top seller. Despite controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s views, the game, a prequel to the Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts universe, stirred up enough interest to prompt both PlayStation and Xbox to offer a feature to hide the game on user accounts. Despite these challenges, Hogwarts Legacy demonstrated the resilience of the Wizarding World brand, though it didn’t make our top list in this competitive release year.

2023 also marked another year without E3, once the pinnacle of annual gaming events. Planned to be the first in-person event since 2019, its cancellation signaled a potential end to an era, especially with major players like XBOX Game Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Nintendo focusing on their own events. Additionally, the cancellation of E3 2024 suggests a turning point in the gaming event landscape.

The industry wasn’t without its challenges. Major companies such as Bungie, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and Unity faced significant setbacks. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a staggering $68.7 billion became the largest financial deal in gaming history, bringing franchises like Call of Duty and Warcraft under its umbrella. Meanwhile, the SAG-AFTRA union voted on strike authorization for video game actors, highlighting issues of fair wages and the growing impact of AI in the industry. The outcomes of these negotiations could set a precedent for labor conditions akin to those in film and TV, given the increasing reliance on performance in gaming.

In terms of adaptations, 2023 was a banner year for video game-inspired media. HBO’s The Last of Us, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, garnered critical acclaim and a whopping 24 Emmy nominations. Other notable adaptations included Twisted Metal on Peacock and Castlevania: Nocturne on Netflix. On the silver screen, true-story adaptations like Apple’s Tetris and Sony’s Gran Turismo garnered significant interest, but fictional adaptations of beloved games really hit the jackpot. Despite initial skepticism over Chris Pratt’s voice work, Universal’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie broke box office records, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation and the year’s second-highest-grossing film. Universal struck gold again with Five Nights at Freddy’s, leveraging the game’s lore to become 2023’s top horror film. Sequels for both films are already in the works, inspiring other studios to explore their family-friendly gaming properties.

Turning back to the games themselves, a unifying theme in 2023’s top releases was the power of human connection – the impact of having it, losing it, and everything in between. Perhaps a reflection of moving beyond the pandemic era, or maybe due to deepening divides along political, religious, and cultural lines, this year’s best games placed a conscious emphasis on the far-reaching consequences of the choices made by the characters we play – and, by extension, ourselves.

Here are theGeek’s top games of the year:

 

 

10. Lies of P

 

Once a mere jest among gamers, “Pinokchiosouls” became a stunning reality with Lies of P. This game, blending the world of Pinocchio with Dark Souls elements, quickly transcends its initial peculiarities.

Players find themselves uttering lines like, “I need to upgrade my puppet body with Geppetto,” as if it’s the most normal task. The highest praise for Lies of P is that it feels like a genuine FromSoftware game, an uncanny gem that seems to have slipped through from another dimension. Crafted not by chance but by the skilled developers at Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio, this game took a tired genre, paired it with a bizarre IP, and turned it into a smashing success.

Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

 

 

9. Diablo IV

 

Diablo IV marks the triumphant return of the iconic dungeon crawler, now with more classes, weapons, and demons to vanquish. In line with its predecessors, players choose from several customizable classes, journeying through five beautifully rendered regions.

While the game’s somewhat repetitive nature drew criticism, it adhered to a proven formula that works well for the franchise. Diablo IV may not be a risk-taker, but it excels in delivering casual, satisfying fun without the pressure of speedy completion or spoiler avoidance. As far as leisurely games go in 2023, Diablo IV stands out with its compelling and bloody gameplay.

Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

 

 

8. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

 

The sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, developed by Respawn and EA, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up five years after the original. Players guide Jedi Knight Cal Kestis (Cameron Monaghan), now undertaking missions for Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) and facing new threats serving the Empire. These challenges test Kestis’ adherence to the Jedi path. The game introduces customizable features like Kestis’ appearance, force abilities, and lightsaber style, allowing players to adapt combat strategies to enemy types.

Like its predecessor, don’t get too comfortable with your Jedi prowess – enemies can be tougher than they appear. One well-placed shot from a Stormtrooper can send you back to the last save point, challenging you to regain your XP, Dark Souls-style. The introduction of a fast-travel feature adds ease to collecting items and exploring previously locked areas. While the combat and features are enjoyable, it’s the emotional storytelling that makes the game a well-rounded experience.

Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

 

 

7. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

 

Mario had a blockbuster year, not only starring in one of the biggest movie hits but also featuring in one of the year’s most highly praised games. Wonder is the first side-scrolling Mario game since 2012’s New Super Mario Bros. U, evoking plenty of nostalgia. Players can choose from beloved characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Toadette, Nabbit, and Yoshi as they explore the Flower Kingdom to save it from Bowser. The game also supports multiplayer for up to four characters, making it an excellent entry point for younger gamers newly introduced to Mario and providing a classic Mario experience with improved graphics for older players. The Wonder Flowers, a new feature with reality-altering effects on the map, add an extra layer of excitement for gamers of all ages.

Available on Nintendo Switch

 

 

6. Dead Space (Remake)

 

Guaranteed screams, whether heard or not, fill the Dead Space remake. This reimagining of the iconic survival horror game by Motive Studio and EA retells a familiar story but is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Players step back into the mining suit of Isaac Clarke as he searches the U.S.S. Ishimura for his girlfriend, Dr. Nicole Brennan. Overrun by Necromorphs unleashed by the mysterious artifact, The Marker, Isaac now navigates the ship’s anti-gravity sections with ease. These improvements make the game’s scares more endurable, but constant vigilance is required as threats lurk around every corner, in doors, vents, and fallen crew members. The game’s design fully utilizes current-gen systems, creating an atmosphere so terrifying it compels players to take a deep breath and check their supplies before venturing forward at every turn.

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

 

 

5. Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

 

The best entry in the Resident Evil series receives an upgrade worthy of its reputation. Capcom’s streak of successful Resident Evil remakes continues with RE4, the best of the bunch, despite its more action-driven gameplay slightly reducing the scare factor of earlier entries. The story remains intact – players control U.S. Agent Leon S. Kennedy as he battles the Los Illuminados cult in Spain and the mysterious virus, Las Plagas, to save the President’s daughter, Ashley Graham. The remake enhances combat, allowing Leon to move and fire simultaneously and block with his knife. The map expands with additional areas and enemies. One of the most significant improvements is Ashley’s more active role, feeling more like a partner to Leon than a constant chore. All these enhancements make RE4 an enthralling adventure and a high point in contemporary survival horror.

Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac, iPad

 

 

4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

 

Following the success of the 2017 Breath of the Wild, Nintendo unveiled another masterpiece, Tears of the Kingdom, born from the expansion of the planned DLC content for Breath of the Wild. This new installment offers ample space for all its ambitions to shine. Players once again control Link as he explores the world of Hyrule in search of Zelda and attempts to thwart the Demon King, Ganon’s, world-destroying plans. The game expands the open world with the addition of caverns and sky islands, enhancing the exploration experience. The fluidity of Link’s movement and combat, along with new power-ups, make traversing Hyrule an enjoyable yet challenging adventure. The compelling story, tied to the ancient history of Hyrule, continuously draws players back to the central quest and the mysteries awaiting resolution. The beauty of the game’s world and its narrative depth ensure that players are constantly engaged, both in exploration and in the unfolding of Hyrule’s rich history.

Available on Nintendo Switch

 

 

3. Spider-Man 2

 

This much-anticipated sequel from Insomniac Games builds on the foundation laid by Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, offering an epic and emotional journey that allows for the evolution of its characters and the city they inhabit. In Spider-Man 2, players control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, each with their own story arcs reflecting their current life stages. The return of Harry Osborn and the emergence of Kraven the Hunter shake up the partnership between Miles, Peter, and MJ, while the arrival of Venom poses a grave threat to the city. Although the previous two games were already highly intuitive, Insomniac has further refined the gameplay with the addition of web wings and a restructured gadget and power wheel, making combat smoother and more responsive. While slightly shorter than its predecessor, the side quests in Spider-Man 2 are more meaningful and better integrated within the game’s themes, particularly those concerning the finite nature of time. Spider-Man 2 is a game that players won’t want to end, and when it does, it leaves them with the feeling of having experienced the greatest superhero game ever made.

Available on PlayStation 5

 

 

2. Alan Wake II

 

Many thought it would never happen, but after 13 years, the cult classic Alan Wake finally receives a worthy sequel in Alan Wake II. More than just another video game, Alan Wake II is a celebration of artistic creativity, filled with meta-narratives, musical interludes, connections to Remedy’s other games like Control and Quantum Break, and a haunting yet sophisticated exploration of writing and its impact on the world. Additionally, it stands as one of the most terrifying survival horror games of the past decade, compelling players to keep the lights on. The game splits between two protagonists: FBI Agent Saga Anderson, investigating a mysterious cult in Bright Falls, Washington, and Alan Wake himself, struggling to escape from the Dark Place where he has been trapped for 13 years. Their stories intertwine, revealing a deeper connection than initially thought. Both protagonists are forced to question their realities, Anderson through her detective work and collected case files, and Wake through his ability to alter the reality of the Dark Place with his writing. Despite being equipped with more than just a handgun and a flashlight, players are never made to feel comfortable or well-equipped, making Alan Wake II a complex yet rewarding narrative experience. It’s a game worth revisiting to uncover additional clues and connections. Just remember to stay in the light.

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

 

 

1. Baldur’s Gate 3

 

With its third installment, Larian Studios elevates the Baldur’s Gate series to new heights within the RPG genre. Set in the enchanting world of Forgotten Realms and based on Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to design a character from 12 classes and join a party of pre-generated characters for an adventure that can be played solo or in multiplayer. The game utilizes a turn-based combat system and encourages mixing up attacks and relying on the party. While these elements are typical of fantasy RPGs, it’s the supporting characters and relationships you can develop that make Baldur’s Gate 3 a unique experience. Relationships and romances evolve through plot and dialogue choices, with each companion character feeling fully fleshed out, reminiscent of the heyday of BioWare, which developed the first game. Perfect for those seeking the dynamic character complexity of the Mass Effect trilogy and Dragon Age: Origins, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers freedom in gameplay, with no single way to defeat an enemy or complete a quest, and key NPC characters can be killed off without halting the story’s progress. Given the length of the game, which is well over 100 hours, there’s plenty to explore, both alone or with friends, making Baldur’s Gate 3 an endless gift for gamers.

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac