2023 was a stellar year for video games, with a diverse range of titles captivating hearts and minds across genres and platforms. While critical acclaim is valuable, sometimes it’s the roar of the crowd and the passionate love from the fans that truly define a game’s legacy. Let’s look at some of the top-rated games of 2023 that fans absolutely adored.
Best Games of 2023
Action-Adventure Triumphs
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God of War Ragnarök (PlayStation 4/ PlayStation 5): The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 God of War reboot delivered on all fronts. Players rejoined a weathered Kratos and his teenage son Atreus on an epic odyssey across the realms of Norse mythology. With visceral combat, emotional storytelling, and stunning visuals, Ragnarök solidified itself as a gaming masterpiece and a fan favorite.
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Elden Ring (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC): FromSoftware’s masterpiece was a resounding success with both critics and fans. Its expansive open world, deep lore, and the notoriously challenging ‘Soulslike’ gameplay garnered it praise as a modern classic. Players explored the Lands Between with unbridled enthusiasm, unearthing its secrets and overcoming its brutal bosses.
Open-World and RPG Adventures
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Hogwarts Legacy (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC): This long-dreamed-of Harry Potter RPG transported fans into the beloved wizarding world decades before the events of the original book series. Players created their own Hogwarts student, attended classes, mastered spells, and explored a beautifully detailed rendition of the iconic castle and its surroundings.
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Horizon Forbidden West (PlayStation 4/ PlayStation 5): Aloy’s journey continued in this ambitious sequel, taking her to the untamed frontiers of the American West. Players encountered awe-inspiring new machines, delved into ancient ruins, and uncovered the secrets of a world on the brink of collapse. Forbidden West expanded upon the foundations of its predecessor with refined gameplay and a compelling narrative.
Nintendo’s Stellar Year
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch): The sequel to the groundbreaking Breath of the Wild proved to be another critical and commercial smash hit. Players once again took up the mantle of Link, exploring both the familiar lands of Hyrule and mysterious islands floating in the sky. With an emphasis on verticality and a darker story tone, Tears of the Kingdom captivated Zelda fans young and old.
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Splatoon 3 (Nintendo Switch): This colorful, team-based shooter brought back its unique ink-splattering action. Players engaged in frenetic Turf War battles, covering territory in their team’s ink while battling opponents. Splatoon 3 featured a host of new maps, weapons, and a zany single-player story mode, making it a vibrant addition to the franchise.
Indie-Scene Standouts
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Cult of the Lamb (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch): This quirky title blended roguelike dungeon-crawling with a charming cult-management sim. Players took on the role of a possessed lamb, building a following of devoted creatures, venturing into dangerous realms, and gaining power. Its unique mix of genres and darkly humorous themes made it a standout hit.
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Stray (PC, PlayStation 4/ PlayStation 5): In this adorable adventure game, players took on the role of a stray cat exploring a mysterious cyberpunk world filled with robots. Its environmental puzzles, atmospheric exploration, and heartwarming cat-centric narrative captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
The Power of Choice
It’s important to note that fan favorites are subjective, reflecting the diversity of tastes in the gaming world. What one player may adore, another might find less appealing. The magic of 2023 was offering experiences for every kind of player, from the grand AAA spectacles to smaller indie gems.
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Sources:
- Game Informer
- Metacritic (User Scores)
- Social Media and Online Forums
