To condense the first half of a year’s video games into a Best Of list is a complex effort. There will certainly be disagreements among readers, and some games will undoubtedly fall through the cracks as some experiences are forgotten, as great as they might be. Nevertheless, this pursuit to do a compilation of the “best” experiences, while subjective, is one worthwhile doing, especially in such a stacked year like 2023.
With countless delays, cancellations, and unconfirmed release dates in previous years, 2023 has turned out to be one of the most impressive years in gaming. While the latter half of the year is looking to up the ante to even more unthinkable heights, let’s talk about the 10 best video games of the year (so far).
10. Forspoken
Dealt a bad hand since release due to a demo that did it no favors, Forspoken’s solid combat and subsequent updates promise a good time for those willing to put in the effort to understand its many-layered mechanics. Add to it an exhilarating epilogue in the form of the In Tanta We Trust DLC, and the full package is enticing enough to warrant a playthrough in this year’s sought-after gameplay time.
9. Bramble: The Mountain King
Part horror adventure, part Nordic fairytale, Bramble: The Mountain King is a haunting tale where a young boy must face nightmares beyond his imagination to rescue his sister. Given its original premise and a Swedish studio inspired by the scary stories they were told as children, it’s no wonder this adventure is sure to leave a mark on your psyche.
8. Metroid Prime Remastered
Coming seemingly out of nowhere to fill that void of a great FPS on the Switch and to make the wait for Metroid Prime 4 more bearable, Metroid Prime Remastered reminded us that the Nintendo GameCube still houses some great games in its catalog. And why should they be free from it?
7. Season: A Letter to the Future
Unique in its category as a video game, Season: A Letter to the Future gives you a simple but transcendental task: to record everything around you. Unlike any other experience you will get to play this or any other year, this heartfelt narrative is sure to pull at your heartstrings.
6. Octopath Traveler 2
A more streamlined, cohesive adventure than its first iteration, Octopath Traveler 2 is a delight for turn-based fans who love intricate storylines, extensive combat options, and a classic JRPG feel. With robust endgame content and a meaty campaign, the fact that this game exists in 2023 confirms that the variety in genres in gaming caters to everyone.
5. Diablo IV
A certified hit thanks to its 666 million in sales landmark announced by Blizzard, this saga came back with a renewed focus and addictive gameplay loop that is hard to shake off. With an announcement that Diablo IV will be supported for years to come, fans of the ARPG still have much to look forward to.
4. Street Fighter 6
Attracting an even bigger audience thanks to its new World Tour mode and several new play modes geared towards a broader generation of gamers, the iconic series Street Fighter comes back in a brand new coat of paint to remind players why it’s one of the best fighting games out there. Capcom seemingly can do no wrong.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Raising the stakes in all the right ways, Cal Kestis’ sophomore journey gives him a more open world to play with and the double jump from the start to move as freely as he can. With the addition of several nifty Force moves and an emotional journey, this sequel was worth the wait. If only the performance issues didn’t hold it back.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Dusting off thousands of Switches in its wake, Tears of the Kingdom is an endless playground of creativity. This sequel to one of the most inventive games of all time delivered in strides what its predecessor established. Giving a jolt to the games industry in less than a month, Tears of the Kingdom is now the 2nd best-selling game of the year. Talk about a legacy.
1. Final Fantasy 16
An epic medieval narrative that blends fantasy and politics, guided by the hand of Yoshi-P, one of the best game directors of our time. Fast-paced and action-heavy, this new entry in the iconic saga might not be for everyone, but it sure is one for the ages. As mentioned by our FFXVI review at GamesCreed, “Final Fantasy XVI whisks you through one of the greatest RPG experiences you’ll have in a unique adventure.”
Although the year is far from over, these three runners-up were given stellar reviews and are also worth mentioning: Resident Evil 4/Hi-Fi Rush/Harmony: The Fall of Reverie.
