If you’ve been a reader since we started our Year in Review lists, then you know that we usually stick to 15 in a list. But, given how close the race was for our Top Video Games of 2023 list and the number of competitive releases, we decided to widen the list.
This year was filled with indies and large studio video games that absolutely left lasting impacts across genres. From distilling a genre into top shape or redefining it entirely, the Top Video Games of 2023 list captures grand strategy, a visual novel, action adventures, RPGs, and even one built with multiplayer as its core. Whatever the reason, we’re sprinting to 2024. It’s time to look back at the top video games of 2023 as put together by our team of game reviewers.
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There are a couple of rules for this Top Video Games of 2023 list that we gave our writers as we did our round-up. First, the game had to have released in the calendar year (between January and December) and be playable by the general public (this excludes BETA or press-access titles). Second, the game can’t be a port. With that, our team pulled together our Top Video Games of 2023 from across platforms and genres – and we even have some indie darlings making the list too.
25. PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
“Sumida and its urban legends come to life in PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo in a way I didn’t expect from a 2D visual novel. I expected something artistic, yes, but I got something that engaged me, sent a shiver down my spine, and that I ultimately couldn’t put down. Filled with cornerstone archetypes of Japanese horror, this is a must for horror lovers.” – Kate Sánchez
24. Cities Skylines II
Developer: Colossal Order
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
“Cities Skylines 2 is a worthy successor to the long-standing original city builder. This doesn’t just feel like just a fresh coat of paint as some sim sequels can, but an actual sequel with valuable substance added. There are more systems, complementary unique buildings for services, customization, creativity, informational panels, and just general things like UI that are more up-to-date to today’s gaming standards… Cities Skylines 2 is one of the best games I’ve played this year. If you are a fan of Cities Skylines or city builders, then this game has plenty of offer and a lot to love.” – Matt Donahue
23. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Developer: GUN Interactive, Sumo Digital
Publisher: GUN Interactive
“Truthfully, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a game that thrives on its dedication to not just replicating the Slaughter Family (which it does excellently) and planting easter eggs but on its goal to expand on it all. By using a unique storyline, the developers at GUN highlight the importance of honoring the source material and the necessity of making something unique from it. This allows the game to thrive and, in some ways, is a benefit from choosing a horror property from the 1970s. While there have been many iterations and sequels of the film in the decades since The Texas Chain Saw Massacre takes a unique place in the legacy of the franchise, there is no disputing that.” – Kate Sánchez
22. Armored Core VI: The Fires of Rubicon
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
“Throughout all of this, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a thrill to experience visually as well. Well-crafted linear missions help the world of Rubicon 3 feel alive, and the movement of the various mechas, both friend and foe, flow smoothly across the screen at all times. Combine that with intense music you get a high-octane mecha experience that looks and sounds as good as it feels. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a unique experience all about learning to accept failure in order to find solutions to new challenges. Accepting the fact that some runs need to end in defeat to learn more about how to tackle the encounter can take a while, but once you settle into the groove it feels so rewarding.” – Kyle Foley
21. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
“Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a fantastic definition of what a sequel should be. Its overall presentation showed that Respawn and the amazing team of developers listened to the criticism. From the improvements to combat, to exploration, to even just finding ways to add more depth to the characters, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the Star Wars game that fans have been waiting for. I hope Respawn continues Cal’s journey because they showed they aren’t afraid to go places that many other modern Star Wars media have been scared to go. For now, I’ll just take this gift and continue to let this game show me why, after almost 30 years of consuming Star Wars content, I love this galaxy far far away so much.” – Mick Abrahamson
20. Mortal Kombat 1
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
“The controls are welcoming and customizable, appealing to both casual and hardcore fighting game fans. By delivering a lengthy adventure game experience with a full fighting game, NetherRealm Studios is giving players two games worth of content in one. And there’s still more content that has yet to be completely rolled out, making it one of the best fighting games money can buy. Mortal Kombat’ 1s beautiful brutality delivers nearly everything a fan could want.” – Jayson Payne
19. Disney Illusion Island
Developer: Dlala Games
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
“Disney Illusion Island is quite possibly one of the best Disney games about Mickey and Friends made to date. The world of Monoth is such a joy to explore and is made fantastically to feel like a modern Metroidvania platformer. Plus, it feels like a great Metroidvania for any skill level, first timer youngsters wanting to play with their parents to more skilled players who are looking for a challenge. In the end, this is Mickey and friends at their best and an amazing love letter from mega-fans to fans old and new of the mouse that started it all.”- Mick Abrahamson
18. Super Mario RPG
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
“Super Mario RPG does a great job of mixing charming characters and fun, intuitive gameplay into an easy-to-enjoy package. Despite a few stumbles along the way, this classic journey largely lives up to its reputation, giving fans, new and old, something wonderful to experience.” – Charles Hartford
17. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Publisher: Ubisoft
“Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a stunning visual achievement, much like the films on which it’s inspired. Only here, a rich narrative pulls you deep into the Na’vi and explores more tangible means of fighting back against a colonial power that offers a cathartic experience. The game truly delivers a powerful narrative that doesn’t bury itself in both sidesing the issue at hand. The military is bad, period. Destroying the land is evil, period. And both are tools of colonization meant to destroy cultures deemed less than humans. Blow up a pipeline, save an animal, and explore the vast world of Pandora. That’s a heck of a way to close out a year.” – Kate Sánchez
16. In Stars and Time
Developer: InsertDisc5
Publisher: Armor Games Inc.
“At first glance, In Stars and Time seems like a simple turn-based RPG. It uses very upfront rock-paper-scissors combat mechanics that all takes place in one dungeon. But the game becomes so much more through its amazing story, worldbuilding, memories mechanic, visuals, and explicit placement of everything in this self-contained world. Its story of acceptance, identity, what a family means to anyone, and societal/self-imposed pressures is beautiful and masterfully told. While the gameplay can sometimes get repetitive, it finds ways to keep you involved. In other words, do not miss out on In Stars and Time.” – Mick Abrahamson
15. Diablo IV
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Activision Blizzard
“Diablo IV has set the golden standard for what a modern Blizzard game should be. It is not only a fantastic Diablo game but gives us a glimpse that the once-beloved publisher still has that magic that it was most well-known for in years past. Just about every portion of the game feels fantastic. From the character customization to the story to post-game content, there is much more replayability than ever before. Even some lacking areas, like the more simplified inventory system, rarely got in the way of the overall gameplay experience. If this is the baseline for modern Diablo, I can’t wait to see how they can only improve an already fantastic experience. Now excuse me. I’m going back to putting an obscene amount of hours into demon-slaying fun.” – Mick Abrahamson
14. Lies of P
Developer: NEOWIZ, Round 8 Studio
Publisher: NEOWIZ
“Lies of P is a large game. Beautifully animated and designed, it manages to keep you engaged beyond just the combat as more surprises are revealed the longer that you play… Lies of P is a gorgeously grim experience that offers difficulty and magic through immersive and dynamic gameplay with enough content baked in to make replayability a must.” – Kate Sánchez
13. Hi-Fi Rush
Developer: Tango Game Works
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
“…Almost anyone will find something worthwhile in Hi-Fi Rush. Its seamless integration of rhythm into exploration and combat is met with a harmonious and interesting soundtrack. Colorful, engaging, and funny, anybody will be able to pick up this title easily. For all these reasons, Hi-Fi Rush is a title that is safe to recommend.” – Justin Heitman
12. Age of Wonders 4
Developer: Triumph
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
“This is a turn-based strategy game that involves countless decisions and choices that range from managing cities, armies, and resources to 18 on 18 combat, and also it is a beautiful game to look at. I know this design, colors, and art aren’t usually thought about in these types of games, but Age of Wonders 4 stood out. The vibrant colors and artwork from the load screens to the general realm and unit designs are a highlight of the game’s design. The game looks great and gives players that fantasy theme to immerse themselves in.
Overall, Age of Wonders 4 is a fantastic entry in the Age of Wonders series, giving players freedom and choice. The game is so full of customization that it gives unlimited possibilities that no two games will ever be the same, nor would anyone want them to be.” – Matt Donahue
11. Final Fantasy XVI
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
“In a world full of games trying to stand out, Final Fantasy XVI has no problem rising above the rest. Wonderfully fun combat and beautiful presentation help make the excellent story even more impactful in an adventure well worth the price of admission. This is one that will surely sit with players for many years to come and will surely be one for the history books.” – Kyle Foley
10. Super Mario Wonder
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
“Super Mario Bros. Wonder ultimately offers a delightful and innovative refinement of the genre. If you’re looking to explore the stages and find every hidden secret, it may be best to go solo, but even with a friend or three, you’re going to have a good time.” – Eddie de Santiago
9. Cocoon
Developer: Geometric Interactive
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
“If you’re like me, you will not be able to put Cocoon down. Every step forward is followed by a “one more section” until you beat the whole thing. Where Cocoon shines is in its creativity. Bosses, level design, and use of puzzles, all through its use of orbs, are extremely fun. Plus, every section ends without overstaying its welcome. The true fun, though, is how the game never feels too difficult yet never tells you what to do. You earn every “a-ha” moment, and for that, Cocoon has raised the bar to be the best puzzle game of the modern generation.” – Mick Abrahamson
8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Developer: Insomniac
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 manages to capture the fun of playing as a superhero while also telling a beautifully emotional story. It is also an absolute technical marvel, and traversing through the wonderfully crafted New York City is exhilarating at all times, thanks to the new web wings. The villains are as threatening as ever and there are plenty of storytelling surprises along the way that are amplified by exceptional performances by the voice cast. Small mechanical tweaks on Insomniac’s formula from their first two Spider-Man endeavors help mold this into the greatest superhero game yet.” – Kyle Foley
7. Street Fighter 6
Developer: CAPCOM
Publisher: CAPCOM
“Street Fighter 6 is accessible for players of any skill level. It’s open enough to new players but offers what fighter vets need to stay invested in a new title. Good net code, interesting characters, and new features that make it stick out from previous iterations are the things that ensure longevity in the community. Easier control styles are far from a guaranteed win, but they do create a good foundation for a newer player to progress from. With a great core game and a mountain of content, this is one of the best purchases a fighting game fan can make.” – Jason Payne
6. Starfield
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
“Starfield is Bethesda firing on all cylinders. Just about every aspect of the game is well thought out and gripping. With a New Game+ available at launch and the sheer amount of options to explore the Settled Systems, this will be the new king of Bethesda RPGs for years to come and will quickly become a game that you will lose hours into in the blink of an eye. At its core, Starfield feels like a Bethesda title that takes the RPG elements they are famous for and expands on them in every way to give you a very rare experience of going on your own space journey.” – Mick Abrahamson
5. Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a technical marvel that elevates the gameplay from its predecessor. It recontextualizes the world laid out in Breath of the Wild, but beyond that, it adds two distinct areas to explore, the Sky Islands and the Depths, with their own puzzles and rewards. Link’s new powers may seem simple at first, but they are tools that can be utilized in a variety of fun and creative ways, like fashioning a massive ramp from a series of wooden boards to get over a barricade or fusing a magic rod with a sapphire to create an ice rod. Also, the first time you see a dragon diving into the depths and then realize you can ride it is an unmatched experience.” – Eddie de Santiago
4. Sea of Stars
Developer: Sabotage Studio
Publisher: Sabotage Studio
“While the world the story travels through is rich and beautiful, the animations that depict the characters’ journeys and battles bring much of the personality of the cast to life. How each character shimmies along narrow ledges, balances on tight ropes, and leaps through the air builds up their personality. Every decision about the cast, every boisterous laugh or shoulder-shaking chuckle, feels intentional and deliberate to further shape each personality in the game.
Sabotage has crafted a unique and engaging game that any fan of the genre will enjoy playing. Its polish and innovation make it not only a Game of the Year contender but also makes it deserving of being added to the pantheon of indie games’ greatest right up there with the likes of Celeste and Hades.” – Charles Hartford
3. Alan Wake 2
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Publisher: Remedy Entertainment, Epic Games Publishing
“As a sequel to an iconic game, Alan Wake 2 had a lot of weight to carry. When you add the fact that this comes after 13 years of expectations and legacy, it would have been easy to buckle. But it doesn’t. Alan Wake 2 repeats history and has easily become one of the best horror games out there. Narratively, visually, and mechanically, Alan Wake 2 is what horror should be.” – Kate Sánchez
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
Developer: Larian Studios
Publisher: Larian Studios
“Baldur’s Gate 3 empowers players to become the Game Masters of their own journeys. Despite its steep learning curve, the game excels in delivering a role-playing experience like no other. Your journey is uniquely your own, from the character you create to your chosen playstyle… Baldur’s Gate 3 deserves the title of Game of the Year, plain and simple. Having sunk around 100 hours into the game since its launch, and with the city of Baldur’s Gate still a distant sight, it’s a challenge to tear myself away from the captivating narrative I’ve woven. Both my impressions from the early access phase and my time with the full release have remained consistent: the game is a masterpiece.” – Adrian Ruiz
1. The People Who Make The Games Industry
It would be awful of us to celebrate games this year without highlighting the people who made them and have faced record layoffs. Over 7000 people in the industry have been laid off this year.
Many of the games on this list and on lists across games media were made by people who are no longer employed by the studios that developed, published, or are the owners. We saw the shuttering of not only studios but also of websites dedicated to covering video games. We can not celebrate a stacked year of fantastic games without trying to honor those who deserve to be respected as talented people who have given us hours and days of play in fantastic worlds. They matter, their futures matter, and the beauty of the video games we love so much is only possible when the developers are respected, cared for, and fought for, too.
Additionally, this was an incredibly hard time for folks in the wider industry in addition to developers in media and PR. The games industry and those who cover it, is made up of people who care deeply about the medium and the stories that are told within it. So our top spot can’t go to a game. It can’t highlight the best in gaming in a year that has thrown so many people away and uprooted so many lives
The year ended with a bang which made picking our top video games of 2023 a tall task. From indie to AAA, console exclusives to mobile, we’re happy with everything we played. Did your favorite make our list of top video games for 2023? Let us know on social media @butwhythopc.
Descriptions for our list of top video games for 2023 were taken from our reviews or submitted by our writers.
