The yearly tradition continues! So many awesome games came out this year! More than usual, apparently we broke records of number of 90+ metacritic games this year! Same rules apply as always, only games that came out in 2023, no remakes and no games that I was involved with. I tried my best to keep up and play as much of those fine games as possible, I liked most of what I played, but these 15 games stood out against the rest, some are among my favorite games experiences ever! without further ado, here they are:
15 – Dave the Diver
“Dave the Diver” blends exploration, strategy, and a quirky story line into a surprisingly captivating underwater adventure. Players dive into the role of Dave, exploring the depths of a richly colored ocean filled with exotic sea creatures and hidden treasures. The game’s charm lies in its balance between serene dives and the management of your own sushi restaurant above water. There’ a lot of light humor in the story of the game, and with each dive I was surprised with the new things I discovered with every new dive.
14 – Starfield
“Starfield” sets players off on a vast space-faring adventure, promising a fusion of expansive exploration and intricate storytelling. With its detailed universe and freedom to chart your own course among the stars, the game aims to blend the depth of RPG mechanics with the thrill of discovering new worlds. Expect customizable ships, diverse planets, and a narrative that adapts to your choices, all set within a visually stunning cosmic backdrop. While it draws on familiar elements of exploration and progression, “Starfield” seeks to carve its own identity with unique features and engaging gameplay. For those yearning to lose themselves in a galaxy of opportunity and adventure, “Starfield” offers a promising journey.
13 – Sea of Stars
“Sea of Stars” offers a modern take on the classic RPG formula, with beautiful pixel art and a combat system that adds a fresh twist to turn-based battles. The narrative is engaging, featuring a world rich with detail and characters that are easy to get attached to. While it nods to its retro inspirations, it stands out with its own unique charm and simpler, more accessible mechanics. For those looking for a cozy yet captivating RPG experience, “Sea of Stars” is a solid choice that balances nostalgia with contemporary design. Also from music, with some tracks composed by Chrono Trigger veteran Yasunori Mitsuda.
12 – Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 retains a lot of the charm of previous Pikmin games, but introduces new pikmin types, a new enhanced pooch that helps you out on your adventure, lots of fun with co-op and competitive mode, and no time limit exploration mood. Pikmin 4 packs a lot of game with lots of couch co-op to be had. Loads of fun for fans of the franchise.
11 – Final Fantasy 16
Final Fantasy 16 is a huge departure from what the series if known for in a lot of ways, it’s a lot more action focused with combat that’s driven directly from the combat creator of Devil May Cry V, the story is political mischief that resembles that of Game of Thrones with a very distinct Japanese flavor. There’s also a unique contextual narrative system that gives you narrative exposition to things that are mentioned in casual conversation allowing the player to discover the lore on their own pace without it being fed to them. Summons have never had such an important part in the story and i’m all there for it. XVI is far from being my favorite final fantasy, but it’s different enough that I reckon it deserves a play through.
10 – Alan Wake II
Twin peaks inspiration? check. Lots of coffee drinking? Check. Serial killer investigation mystery? Double check. Trade mark creator Sam Lake raised eyebrow? triple check. Building on the eerie, psychological narrative of its predecessor, ‘Alan Wake II’ is a thrilling continuation of Remedy Entertainment’s unique blend of storytelling and action. it delves deeper into the dark, twisted universe with its titular character and a story that’s as compelling as it is mysterious. Fans of the original can look forward to a refined experience that maintains the suspenseful atmosphere and literary charm while introducing new elements to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. This is a sequel that surpasses the original in every way.
9 – Super Mario Wonder
The veteran developers that worked on Super Mario world over 38 years ago, are back making magic again. Many new finely crafted touches on the classic formula as well as new additions, revisited art style, animations and abilities (including the hilarious one that turns your character into an elephant).
8 – A Space for the Unbound
A Space for the Unbound” is a beautifully crafted adventure game set in rural 90s Indonesia, weaving a tale of youth, relationships, and supernatural intrigue. The game’s pixel art is stunning, with vivid colors and detailed environments that transport players right into its nostalgic world. The narrative is its strongest point, offering deep, well-developed characters and an emotionally engaging story that tackles complex themes with sensitivity and maturity. Gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative choices, creating an immersive experience that’s both relaxing and thought-provoking. While it’s not without minor pacing issues, the overall experience is a heartfelt journey through a richly realized setting, making “A Space for the Unbound” a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.
7 – Street Fighter 6
I’m a long fan of the series, and i hold it dear to my heart as some of my favourite games of all time, with endless hours that i spent playing, competing and getting better. I played every single street fighter to date, some more than others, have deep appreciation to its impact on the industry. I genuinely think that this iteration has managed to elegantly combine all the best mechanics of 3, 4 and 5 while adding new mechanics and design in it’s own right to make SF6 feel slick, smooth, fair, insanely competitive and just a never ending rush. Capcom also did a huge set of improvements with adding a simplified input method that helps in onboarding new comers to the genre to catch up and go head to head with the veterans. it’s focus on strategy vs execution allows for players to quickly catch up to high level play. SF6 is the pinnacle off the series and it’s one that’s going to be played for years to come.
6 – Hi-Fi Rush
Man did this game come out of nowhere. Suddenly dropped earlier this year, the tempo tracking, head banging, stylish as hell action game from developer Tango dream work is nothing like their pervious releases. There’s nothing horror about this one, except for how terrifyingly good it is. Not only your attacks, but those of your enemies and props in the level are all in tune to the beat. The better you are at executing to the rhythm, the more rewarded you are, but unlike all the other games of this genre, you’re not punished for being off. The nonstop action, over the top enemies and laugh out loud call outs of game dev made for a joyful surprise at the beginning of the year that’s fresh in my mind still months later.
5 – Marvel Spider-man 2
You know what’s better than Spider man? Having two of them. Peter Parker and Miles Morales team up in this action packed adventure that will have you swing across New York as either or both at different part of it’s exhilarating and action packed tale. More of NYC borrows are there, more abilities, more side content, more villains, more things to do and lots of reason to keep on swinging – or now even gliding – across the game’s beautifully realised world. Out of all the games i played this year, this was the game that i had a hard timing putting down the controller the most, I can see a lot of players wanting to platinum this one.
4 – Venba
Few games makes me want to call my mom instantly. Short but sweet, Venba creates an extraordinarily emotional experience with it’s subject matter of the struggles and triumphs of 1st and 2nd generation immigrants in their quest to find a better life, keeping the memories of their old one while trying to fit in their new community. It’s a tale told through heartwarming connection between it’s cast of characters and the comfort of a home cooked meal. I saw myself and many of my friends in the characters of Venba, some scenes in this coming of age story mirrored some of my own and those that are close to me. It left emotionally full but also hungry at the same time.
3 – Cocoon
I don’t know what those guys down in Denmark are smoking, but I want some. A crew of ex creators of inside and limbo are at it again, this time in a mind bending tale of a bug like character that carries the weight of the world on it’s shoulder (literarily) and within it lies many mysteries and puzzles. The core mechanic that allows the player to jump into the sphere that is the world while carrying another one creates an inception level of puzzles and scenarios that almost always leave the player in awe. Even when the puzzles themselves are simple, it’s hard not to appreciate the elegance of the design of the game. A game that utilises a simple control of one button in wildly imaginative ways, elegance is at the heart of everything cocoon, artistically, mechanically and overall. It’s the those guys’ finest work yet, and that says a lot considering their already stellar track record.
2 – The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
Direct sequels are not a new thing for the series, the Zelda team is famed for making them feel and play drastically different like Majora’s mask was to Ocarina of time. Until i started playing this game i was worried that Nintendo will not follow that tradition but produce a game that’s a lot more content focused instead. Boy was I wrong. Tears of the Kingdom introduce mechanics that any design room would’ve dismissed as impossible to implement and make it so intuitive and fun. Allowing the game to soar above it’s predecessor in terms of self expression, imaginative gameplay, compelling story start to finish so much more game fit on a switch cartridge that bewilders most tech wizards around the globe. Tears of the kingdom is a landmark achievement in video game design and one that will be studied and cherished for decades to come.
1 – Baldur’s Gate III
If you are like me and love the divinity games, love the Baldur’s gate games, love DnD, love to spend hundreds of hours with friends and loved ones consumed in an engrossing and imaginative RPG and love yourself a good story, then BG3 is the gift that keeps on giving. I would go as far that the game is probably the best of each of the criteria I mentioned hands down individually and somehow manages to put them all together to near perfection. BG3 is a must play. It is quite possibility up there as one of the best games ever made. At the time of writing this I haven’t finished the game yet, though I’m not sure if I’ll ever be completely done with it. As there are so many different ways to explore and enjoy this gem. I’ll be venturing through it time and time again for years to come.
Fawzi Mesmar 
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