2023 will be the biggest year for games we've had since forever. This year will bring back that nostalgic feeling - when mama was screaming at you to come and eat something because you've been buried in game since you slumped out of bed. Those days are back but now expect your partner to be on your back...
This year is jam packed with crazy titles that were delayed in 2022 due the world being on fire and everyone in power tripping out, titles that we've been eagerly awaiting for far too long and a few sneaky surprises too! Gotta love it! If you can't tell already, I'm excited!
I'm Jack, and as a father of two (3 yrs & 1 yrs) this may be the year I finally pluck up the courage to tell the Mrs, I have to get back to gaming. Pray for me.
Below is my personal list of the biggest games this year and what I'm excited for. I'm heavy into Fighting Games, I dabble with FPSs and I really love Adventure Games. (Kingdom Hearts II is the greatest game of all time. Come at me.)
Forspoken
Starting off we have Forspoken from none other than Square Enix (if you’ve read this you already know I’m here for it!). This game looks absolutely crazy and just what I’ve been waiting for (there is another major contender, but we’ll get to that)!
Forspoken tells the story of Frey, a youngster from New York who gets thrown into the land of Athia. With no idea why or how, she somehow finds herself with these new powers that seem kind of elemental but also kind of magic too. No doubt we’ll need to master these abilities by fighting some nasty beasts and progressing the storyline. Zipping around at breakneck speeds using a Lightning Surfboard (KNARLY BRO) or Demon Butterfly Wings looks so fun. For sure this one looks top tier.
RELEASE DATE: 24th January
Hogwarts Legacy
Next up is the eagerly awaited Hogwarts Legacy. I wouldn’t say I’m a die hard fan of the Harry Potter world but I definitely enjoy it and know there are some people out there that live by it. Fair play.
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Now we’ll be thrown back in time to experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. We’ll play as a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Finally we can play what looks like an epic open world game in the wizarding universe and use all the magic spells we like - (inclusive of dark magic!!!!). Also it looks like we’ll be able to have our own magical beasts too just for added cuteness.
RELEASE DATE: 10th February
Wild Hearts
Now Wild Hearts is definitely a game that caught my attention. The concept of using ancient tech to hunt down giant beasts is fresh and exciting - kind of reminding me of a Horizon/monster hunter type. The game’s set in a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan, which adds to the experience, I mean who isn’t partial to Japanese culture? The Kemono, the giant nature-infused beasts, are formidable enemies and it will be interesting to combine different play styles with the Karakuri technology, which can adapt the environment into creative hunting grounds. Karakuri play a big part in the game and I’m eager to see how this feature is implemented when playing in a team. The game's beautiful and natural setting, from flower-filled meadows to towering ruins, also adds to the overall atmosphere and experience. I am definitely looking forward to playing this one.
RELEASE DATE: 16th February
Atomic Heart
Atomic Heart is a first-person shooter game set in an alternate reality where a global system failure at a Soviet facility leads to machinery rebelling against the people. Heavy matrix vibes. We’ll take on the role of Major P-3 (AKA Major Badass) and have to eliminate the consequences of the accident preventing classified information from being leaked. The game's setting is a huge research facility and test sites but it’s really the combat that looks most fun.
One of the unique aspects of the game is the diverse and varied arsenal of arms and special abilities of the polymer glove, which allows players to turn everything into a weapon, from the environment to objects and even enemies themselves. Watch the gameplay trailer because it looks wild!
RELEASE DATE: 21st February
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the highly anticipated continuation of the story of Cal Kestis, the protagonist of the previous game Fallen Order. The game takes place five years after the events of the first story, and follows Cal's journey as he fights against the growing darkness in the galaxy and a growing beard. The game will be another story driven, single player experience that immerses us in the Star Wars universe.
We’ll be wielding a new dual lightsaber(?) and use new force abilities as we battle against enemies and navigate through the galaxy. The game also features new planets, characters, and enemies to encounter and possibly a team mate?
RELEASE DATE: 17th March
Zelda Tears of The Kingdom
It's one of the biggest games of 2023 and everyone is talking about it! Can’t blame em!
Nintendo’s being super secretive about it, but from what we've seen so far, it looks like it's going to be amazing. The traversal system is supposed to be even better than the last one and we can't wait to explore the lands of Hyrule and beyond. Honestly, I'm just trying to keep my excitement in check because if it's anything like Breath of the Wild, it's going to be out of this world. I can't wait to uncover all the secrets that this game holds.
RELEASE DATE: 12th May
Street Fighter 6
Now this game is BIG on my list. As previously mentioned, I love a good fighter. Consecutive normal punches. But Yoooooooooo! It's been a hot minute since the last one and it's finally back with a BANG! They've added a character creator too which means we can finally create our own fighter and take on the legends! I can actually see Capcom looking for the ultimate fighter (online) and turning that into a lore character! It would be a massive missed opportunity if they don’t do that, but who knows!
18 fighters at launch, including some old favourites like Ken, Ryu, and Chun-Li, and some new ones like Jamie and Kimberly. I can't wait to create my fighter. This is going to be crazy!
RELEASE DATE: 2nd June
Final Fantasy XVI
It's the next big thing in the Final Fantasy franchise and we only have to wait till summer. I’ll be honest, I haven’t been able to play much of the newer iterations (I’m old school FF7 era, Dirge of Cerbs all that good stuff!) but I have recently jumped back in with the 7 remake for PS4 so now could be the right time for a new story.
They've been teasing us with a bunch of trailers which I love and the game feels familiar but also fresh! You play as Clive, the dominant of the Dark Eikon Ifrit, on a revenge mission that's been decades in the making. From what we've seen, the game takes place in a land called Valisthea that's inspired by medieval Europe and the story is about a war over Eikons and a Blight that's spreading across the land. The best part is, the game’s gunna have a semi-open-world feel, so you can really sense the global scale of the game. And the combat will to be on point as always. Definitely one to watch.
RELEASE DATE: 22nd June
Starfield
Get ready for the ultimate space adventure with Starfield! The first major IP from Bethesda in decades, it's an epic Sci-Fi RPG set in The Settled Systems, where you'll seek answers to life's biggest mysteries. Imagine Skyrim, but in space. With over 1,000 planets to explore, factions to join, companion characters to recruit, and a main questline 20% longer than any previous BGS game, Starfield is a must-play for any RPG fan. Xbox's flagship first-party release of 2023, don't miss out on this epic journey.
RELEASE DATE: TBC
Lies of P
Get ready for an epic adventure with a twist! Lies of P, the upcoming Soulslike game, puts you in the shoes of Pinocchio on a quest to find Mr. Geppetto in the fallen city of Krat. But don't be fooled by its familiar gameplay, as Lies of P sets itself apart with its unique lying mechanic, where your decisions can impact the gameplay. The game also features a unique Belle Epoque era design, procedural quests, and a skill system where body parts can be interchangeable. It's a perfect blend of Bloodborne and Dark Souls with a touch of classic literature. Don't miss out on this exciting new take on the Soulslike genre when it releases next year.
RELEASE DATE: TBC
Spider Man 2
Get ready, Spidey fans! The wait is almost over for Marvel's Spider-Man 2, set to release in Fall 2023. Not only do we get to continue playing as Peter Parker and Miles Morales, but the addition of villains like Harry Osborn, Venom, and Kraven the Hunter promises an even more thrilling and darker narrative. Insomniac Games has already proven their ability to deliver a defining PlayStation experience with the first game, and we can't wait to see what they have in store for us in the sequel. Mark your calendars, it's time to suit up again!
RELEASE DATE: TBC
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the highly-anticipated sequel to FF7 Remake is coming this winter. It continues the story of Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa. We've already seen a trailer that looks beautiful in typical Square Enix fashion. But, let's be real, we're all dying to know more about what's in store for our favourite characters. What have they added to the iconic story! This is my big one for the year.
RELEASE DATE: TBC
Honourable mentions
Dead Island 2 (28 Apr)
Dead Space Remake (27 Jan)
Diablo IV (2 June)
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty (3 Mar)
Suicide Squad (26 May)
Everywhere (If released - TBC)
DokeV (TBC)
Resident Evil 4 remake (24 Mar)
So there you have it, my picks for 2023 of the games I'm just itching to play.
If you think I missed one that's bound to be a cracker, join the conversation on LinkedIn and let me know!
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