2023 was definitely a big bang for the release of games. The past twelve months have witnessed the release of an impressive array of titles, each contributing to the enrichment and diversity of the gaming experience. There have been many games I got my hands on but there are some that made an impact for me. Some of these I’ve spent more than 200 hours in even.

Now my list won’t be like the rest out there; you won’t see Baldur’s Gate or Starfield, so let’s get in! 

Hi-Fi Rush

Developer: Tango Gameworks
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: 26 Jan, 2023

Storytelling reached new heights in 2023, with Hi-Fi Rush leading the charge. Let’s be honest, this stylish narrative captivated everyone with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. I never thought I’d be so invested in a rhythm game as much as I did when I got my hands on it. It didn’t feel like I was just playing a game, but more actively participating in a cinematic experience that rivaled the best narratives across various entertainment mediums. Every second was a bop that got your feet tapping to the beat. The vivid colour, and the loud personality each character has, how could you not get into it?

The way the rhythm and the combat works, it’s music to your ears. Combat movement, attack and even defence sync really well with the beat. The world built around Hi-Fi Rush is an amazing one. One that I’d hate for anyone to miss.

Resident Evil 4 Remake

Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: 24 Mar, 2023

Although not a new game, this remake is definitely one you can’t miss out on. I’m not being biased since Leon is here. The remake is exhilarating, really making your blood pump in fights. Capcom did amazing here, bringing the game to new heights. 

If you remember Resident Evil 4, well, you’ll know that it definitely needed this remake. Everything, especially the movements felt restrictive. Combat is more fluid without compromising the challenge of higher difficulties. The game keeps you on your toes to make sure you can’t one trick strategy throughout the game. 

Capcom unveils a spine-chilling resurrection of a survival horror classic with this one. The audio design in the remake is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. It honestly feels like you are in an auditory nightmare as every subtle sound contributes to the overall sense of impending dread, ensuring that the fear doesn’t just lurk on the screen but seeps into every corner of your consciousness.

Honkai: Star Rail

Developer: miHoYo
Platforms: Windows · iOS · Android · PlayStation 5
Release Date: April 26, 2023

The sibling to the all-famous HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact. I could never get into Genshin Impact, but gosh darn it, when I started Star Rail, let’s say months later, I’m still hooked. It is a free-to-play turn-based gacha game. 

You play as the Trailblazer, a person who has had a cosmic power called a Stellaron inserted into their body. You eventually join the Astral Express crew, in the hopes that you can uncover more about your past. Here you visit several planets and fight different enemies, growing stronger and learning more about your companions and yourself. At first, I thought turn-based wouldn’t be great. It’s supposed to be an open world, right? But it works! It’s actually what I love most about the game. I get to play it while I do work, while I chill eating food outside alone, basically anything. It’s simple cause I can auto-battle things. Star Rail seamlessly integrates its combat system with a visually striking animation style, occasionally resembling scenes lifted directly from an anime.

What’s great is also that you don’t need to spend to be able to progress and access the storyline. The free characters are strong enough on their own to progress throughout the story. Not to mention, you also get a bunch of free currency to save up if you do your dailies every day to gacha on banners you may want. The game is frequently updated which makes it a ++. Each update comes with more events and more activities. It also expands on the storyline of each character. With all this comes more freebies and who doesn’t like that eh?

Remnant 2

Developer: Gunfire Games
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: 26 Jul, 2023

The first Remnant got me hooked for weeks. I loved it so much so I was hyped when I heard about a second one coming out. The combat here feels smoother, there are more options for building weapons and builds. There are different worlds just like the first one and all of them have their bite-sized stories. In Remnant 2, you’re allowed to dual-wield archetypes. My personal favourite is going as an Alchemist and Medic. Group support has always been my thing so it was nice to be able to play with different classes. You also get to have a dog as a companion by choosing one Archetype. Now how heckin cool is that? Additionally, you have the option to equip a variety of rings, amulets, and mods to further enhance and customize your character build.

Similar to the initial game, the arrangement of each realm and its dungeons are randomly generated in each playthrough. Meanwhile, the positioning of enemies shifts whenever you revisit a location, reload following death, or rest at a checkpoint. The bosses are also more varied and more… terrifying than the first game. Remnant 2 delivers precisely what you’d expect from a sequel, enhancing and building upon the concepts introduced in the first game.

Against The Storm

Developer: Eremite Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 8 Dec, 2023

This one definitely took me by surprise. I got massively addicted to this once I really got into it. Truth be told, I still can’t put it down. A city builder like no other, that’s for sure. What I love about Against The Storm is that you are never playing the same game twice. The concept involves establishing a series of settlements across the map, and your efforts endure until each settlement either achieves success or the foreboding Scorched Queen runs out of patience, declaring the settlement lost. Each game for me would last over an hour or two, but man were they some long chaotic hours. You don’t really feel time going by because you’re so invested in the game.

Winning a settlement is contingent on accumulating a specific number of reputation points, with each point earned diminishing the Queen’s impatience. However, impatience accumulates gradually over time, and the rate rapidly increases when settlers depart or meet their demise, preventing you from getting stuck in an unviable settlement. It’s exhilarating to transition from a struggle for survival to seamlessly synergizing with the distinctive strengths of each settlement.

I love the complete RNG of what you get from rewards, and what captivates me about Against the Storm is the impeccable balance between its random elements and the information provided in advance. You are always well-informed about the strengths and weaknesses of the upcoming biome. You have a complete idea and understanding of how the upcoming challenges will change your strategy for the end goal. The unpredictable twists of fate unfold within this carefully defined space.