As 2023 draws to a close, we are taking a look back at some of our favorite video games. We spent a lot of time in zombie-filled worlds, casting spells and much more. No matter what fantasy world we spent hours exploring, we loved every moment. Which video game was your favorite in 2023? Let us know in the comments below and on social media!
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Resident Evil 4 Remake
Is it surprising that Capcom‘s Resident Evil 4 Remake is on our list of top games in 2023? Consider our excitement when the news dropped that our absolute favorite installment of the horror franchise was getting a much-needed update. While the story doesn’t change, the graphical and gameplay style updates made it feel like an entirely new game. Plus, who doesn’t love getting to guide Leon through a zombie-filled medieval castle? It is the definition of what we love in our horror video games.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is available for PC through Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
It’s almost hard to remember that we started this grand year in gaming out with one of the biggest hits for the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I played this game all summer long like it was the only game available. My poor Animal Crossing villagers were probably going stir-crazy. Everything in this game hit hard, from the voice acting, new enemies, the environment, and the new fuse ability that brought the gaming community together to the great horror of the Koroks.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available for the Nintendo Switch.
Baldur’s Gate 3
It seems harder and harder these days to get everyone around the actual table for a game of Dungeons and Dragons. Luckily, Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios was there to fill that D&D void for many of us. Hanging out with the Baldur’s Gate crew was the next best thing to seeing my friends’ smiling faces. This game has everything: action, adventure, drama, a gorgeous world complimented by stunning graphics and a thrilling storyline with endless possibilities. Oh, and did we mention the opportunity for some (very spicy) romance? What more could an RPG fan ask for? If you love Dungeons and Dragons, do yourself a favor and pick up Baldur’s Gate 3. Just make sure to clear your schedule for a while.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC through Steam, PS5, and the Xbox Series X/S.
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Hogwarts Legacy
After a decade of dormancy, my inner Hufflepuff was resurrected this year upon the release of Hogwarts Legacy. The role-playing game brought fans back to Hogwarts, a century before the events from the Harry Potter novels. It was magical to be able to actually attend classes like Herbology and Defense Against the Dark Arts and to be able to imagine what it would actually be like as a young witch. Introducing a unique form of spells unique to the main character, deemed “Ancient Magic,” was a creative way to make things slightly different from those from the original story. From appearance to picking your house, having a fully customizable character makes Hogwarts Legacy a must-have game for the year.
Hogwarts Legacy is available on PC through Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch.
Layers of Fear
Another horror video game on our list is Bloober Team‘s Layers of Fear. The final installment of the iconic franchise ties together all of the loose ends while also introducing us to the Writer and their story. It’s a terrifyingly good time, and Bloober just continues to do what they do best – terrifying us. This will surely be a video game we return to during the spooky season, and we can’t wait to see what else they have.
Layers of Fear is available on PC through Steam and the Epic Game Store, PS5, and the Xbox Series X/S.
-Julia Roth
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is one of the most unique and innovative entries in the Mario Bros. franchise, and it has taken over Nintendo Switch around the world these last few weeks. Older Mario fans will be delighted to return to the Mushroom Kingdom with a new twist, and the dynamic gameplay will draw in new fans. Releasing it at the tail-end of the year was a power-play that paid off for Nintendo, though.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is out for the Nintendo Switch.
-Lauren Darnell
RELATED: Looking for your next free-to-play video game? Check out our recommendations on F2P Friday!
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 burst into 2023 like Scorpion from the NetherRealm. All year, Mortal Kombat fans were teased with tidbits of the newest addition to the beloved franchise, and in September, NetherRealm Studios delivered the goods. The game is a reboot of Mortal Kombat 1 and a sequel to Mortal Kombat 11 because time travel lets you do almost anything. Liu Kang has gained control of the realms and fights to maintain an era of peace.
Mortal Kombat 1 has sold almost 3 million copies, for good reason. The game offers a fresh take on a Klassic storyline that appeals to old-school and newbie players alike. Introducing Kameo fighters and invasion mode gave fans something new to love and hate. Stunning graphics paired with breathtaking backgrounds make it a visual masterpiece. Over 20 playable characters (more, including DLC) and unlimited costume customization keep me coming back for more. Finally, no Mortal Kombat experience is complete without brand-spanking new ways to disembowel your opponents. Let’s say 2023 was an excellent year for Mortal Kombat fans.
Mortal Kombat 1 is available on PC through Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch.
-Cassie Holguin
DREDGE
DREDGE could have easily been lost in the sea of mega-hits we got in 2023, but it took over not only the indie game scene but major award shows too. With its gloomy yet intriguing H.P. Lovecraft-inspired lore-based world and foreboding NPCs, the gaming world was hooked on DREDGE. The mysteries of the bay and beyond had me going out on fishing trips to bring back even more terrifying and mysterious catches late into the night (and then checking the shadows in my room for eyes.)
DREDGE is available on PC through Steam, PS4, pS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch.
-Lauren Darnell
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
After years of trial and error, Ubisoft finally did what they had been failing to achieve: they made Assassin’s Creed Mirage. It perfectly balances stealth — a characteristic predominating its earliest games — and open-world combat. To do so, they returned to their roots, bringing fans a main character, Basim, who was dedicated to the Brotherhood of Assassins instead of a mercenary or Viking uninterested in their creed. Set during the Islamic Golden Age, Mirage brings back the questions of morality that plagued its earliest games, such as Assassin’s Creed: III, the first video game I ever truly immersed myself in. I was beginning to lose hope in this franchise. Now, Assassin’s Creed Mirage has me excited for its future.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is available on PC through the Epic Game Store, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
-Alicia Venter
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 is the best Pikmin game I have ever played, and it’s the perfect introduction to the series for new players. There are new Pikmin types, more dynamic worlds and new puzzle types for veteran players. I put hours into this game, and it became a surprise hit for me. I’ve always loved the idea of Pikmin, a lovable Overlord-style type of gameplay, but found the other entries to be lacking that star quality. Pikmin 4 finds its stride and a way onto our list.
Pikmin 4 is available for the Nintendo Switch.
-Lauren Darnell
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/best-video-game-main-characters-2023/
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
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