2023 pwned: Our favourite video games of the year
If you haven't played any of these games yet, then what are you waiting for?
PHOTO: Wonderwall.sg
PUBLISHED ONDecember 30, 2023 8:00 AMByNicholas Yong
2023 proved to be a killer year for video games.
It seemed like every month brought new titles that impressed, not just from the big AAA companies but from indie teams too. It’s been a long time since we had so many enjoyable games throughout the year.
In no particular order, here are our must-play games of 2023 that you should have in your collection.
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo Switch
If you own a Nintendo Switch, you know the hype was real for this one. And this Zelda game surpassed all our expectations.
Tears of the Kingdom takes you on a magical journey in the familiar Breath of the Wild world, but with new sights and experiences: think floating sky islands and underground mirror kingdoms.
Plus, you can even make your own weapons, gadgets and vehicles.
[embed]https://youtu.be/k70NoJ-B718[/embed]
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
PlayStation 5
This is the game that justifies buying Sony's new console.
Swing through an expanded New York city with both Miles Morales and Peter Parker, facing new challenging enemies like Kraven the Hunter and Venom.
The addition of web wings make exploring through boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens super fun, but what we really loved was playing as Symbiote Spider-Man in 4K.
[embed]https://youtu.be/1T22wNvoNiU[/embed]
Baldur’s Gate 3
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X
We know many friends who are still lost in the lore of Baldur’s Gate 3 since the game came out in August.
This Dungeons & Dragons-inspired RPG is a masterpiece, offering endless hours of well-written, intelligent, and flexible adventuring. It's a game where you can do anything and everything, and your choices truly dictate how the story unfolds.
[embed]https://youtu.be/dlQ3FeNu5Yw[/embed]
Alan Wake 2
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X
Picture The X-Files, True Detective, The Silence of the Lambs, and Twin Peaks all mixed up in a dark, supernatural sequel.
Alan Wake 2 is a rollercoaster of weird, cultish murders, parallel realities, and occultist dread. In a world of predictable blockbusters, this game is a breath of fresh, twisted air.
[embed]https://youtu.be/88JL-WM_kV0[/embed]
Super Mario Bros Wonder
Nintendo Switch
Mario's back, and this time, it's wonderfully adorable. Wonder has that magic we've been craving in a Mario 2D platformer game.
Find new power-ups that turn players into an elephant, or a drill that allows you to burrow into the ground. Every level seems to hide a surprise.
The best part is up to four players can co-op on the same screen for truly crazy fun game nights.
[embed]https://youtu.be/_F6YBwIPzmk[/embed]
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X
The sequel to Fallen Order in 2019 puts you back in the shoes of renegade Jedi Cal Kestis. The game’s locations, sounds, and battles make you feel like you’re actually in a Star Wars film.
Choose your favourite way to wield your lightsaber, and may the force be with you!
[embed]https://youtu.be/1INU3FOJsTw[/embed]
Street Fighter 6
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X
Arguably the best fighting game you can buy, Street Fighter 6 fixes all the problems from its predecessor, with plenty of features straight out of the box.
Our favourite is the new single-player world tour mode, where you play as yourself battling against the main fighters.
Easy to pick up for newbies and hard to master for veterans, the vibrant battles recaptures the old-school thrill of playing Street Fighter II in the arcade.
[embed]https://youtu.be/Id2EaldBaWw[/embed]
Resident Evil 4 Remake
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X
Capcom is at it again, bringing back the survival horror vibes of the original games with a modern twist. As Leon Kennedy, you are tasked with rescuing the kidnapped daughter of the US president, Ashley Graham.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is a thrilling ride through mud-splattered villages and gothic castles, packed with monsters and plenty of horror.
[embed]https://youtu.be/BtyBjOW8sGY[/embed]
Hogwarts Legacy
PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Series S|X, Nintendo Switch
The video game that allowed every Harry Potter to realise their secret dream of attending the famous wizarding school, complete with Sorting Hat too.
The open-world concept allows you to explore the world as if you were an actual student at Hogwarts: attending classes, learning different spells, and making friends for life.
[embed]https://youtu.be/iaJ4VVFGIa8[/embed]
Final Fantasy XVI
PlayStation 5
For the love of JRPGs and epic adventures, Final Fantasy XVI is a game-changer. It's like Game of Thrones meets action gaming, with betrayal, honour, and everything in between.
Of course, it’s not a Final Fantasy without the staples like Chocobos and awesome summons. Even if you're not a hardcore action gamer, this one's a keeper.
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This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.