It’s no secret that 2023 is off to a raucous start with multiple high-scoring games hitting within the first few months of the year. This list will be your guide to every gaming experience Game Informer considers a must-play in 2023, encompassing the best games you can play on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC, among others.
Below you'll find a list of the top-scoring games of 2023, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We'll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!
9.75
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
They say you can never go home again, but I adored returning to Hyrule with all new tools. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Baldur's Gate 3
Whether you choose peace or something less savory, Baldur’s Gate 3’s intricate writing and impressive emphasis on experimentation make it one of the most unforgettable games in the genre. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: August 3, 2023 (PC), September 6, 2023 (PlayStation 5), 2023 (Xbox Series X/S)
Lies of P
Lies of P uses the familiar, the highlights, and the lessons learned from the authors of the Soulslike subgenre to create something unique, fascinating, and exhilarating. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac
Release Date: September 19, 2023
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Insomniac meets and exceeds the high expectations established by its earlier Spider-Man games, and delivers one of the strongest superhero games ever made. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime was a masterpiece in 2002, and that assessment still rings true in 2023. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: February 8, 2023
Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
It's not only one of the best action games in recent memory; it's the best Resident Evil since, well, probably the original Resident Evil 4. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, iOS
Release Date: March 24, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC), December 20, 2023 (Mac, iOS), 2024 (PlayStation VR2)
Street Fighter 6
Between its cohesive aesthetic, the bounty of clever features, and crisp central gameplay, Street Fighter 6 is one of the most impressive entries the genre has seen in some time. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Diablo IV
Diablo IV is a massive and deeply engrossing action RPG that continually seduces players with its promises of power and riches and regularly follows through. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: June 6, 2023
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Respawn's anticipated sequel gives you more of everything you liked in the prior game, and then plenty more on top. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: April 28, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), TBA (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
After all this time, I thought I had a grasp on the breadth of the tricks the 2D Mario series had up its sleeve, but that Super Mario Bros. Wonder so consistently surprised me speaks to just how much gas is left in the iconic franchise’s tank. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Dead Space (Remake)
This exceptional remake faithfully recaptures the magic of its predecessor while amplifying the elements that made it beloved in the first place. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: January 27, 2023
Fire Emblem Engage
Players looking for deep customization, expertly crafted strategy RPG combat, and a heartfelt story with adoration for more than 30 years of Fire Emblem history will find that and more in Engage. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: January 20, 2023
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is a lengthy and rewarding adventure that adeptly captures the magic of the stories from which it is inspired. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: February 10, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), May 5, 2023 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One), November 14, 2023 (Switch)
Jusant
Jusant's ingenious climbing mechanics, inviting presentation, and alluring air of mystery and isolation make for a rewarding expedition and Don't Nod's best title since the original Life is Strange. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: October 31, 2023
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1's genre-leading single-player offerings are immediately apparent, but this latest entry also pushes forward the series' tight, brutal gameplay and excellent production values. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
Release Date: September 19, 2023
Pikmin 4
Pikmin may never rise to the top of the Nintendo heap, and it’s probably unfair to expect it ever could, but the latest Pikmin is the best effort yet. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: July 21, 2023
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a smooth, consistently thrilling adventure with fun combat, all in a gorgeous and inviting world. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: August 29, 2023
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
After nearly a 10-year gap, Theatrhythm is back and it's better than ever. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch
Release Date: February 16, 2023
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Much like the young Cereza herself, Bayonetta Origins doesn’t look like much on the surface, but this exceptional and refreshing change of pace for the franchise kept a smile permanently plastered on my face. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: March 17, 2023
Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous 2 takes inspiration from those that came before it, but by intertwining a gorgeous art style, enticing exploration, and rewarding combat, it rises above the horde of Castlevania-inspired action titles. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: August 24, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC), November 2, 2023 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Chained Echoes
It may harken back to the greatest 16-bit RPGs, but this intriguing gem has more than enough new ideas to keep players guessing. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: December 8, 2022
Cocoon
I don’t know that I will ever fully understand what transpired during my molecular journey on Cocoon’s alien world, but its imagery and puzzles will stay with me for some time. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: September 29, 2023
Dave The Diver
This simple and joyful game combines undersea exploration and restaurant management, and the biggest surprise is just how supremely well it all works. Read review
Platforms: Switch, PC
Release Date: June 28, 2023 (PC), October 26, 2023 (Switch)
Forza Motorsport
Though some of the progression and dynamic visual elements fall short of the realism the rest of the title achieves, Forza Motorsport currently vies for the pole position in the sim-racer field. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush finds a magical sweet spot between rhythm games, stylish action, and lighthearted, character-driven platformers we don't see very often anymore, and by every measure, it comes out on top. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: January 25, 2023
Kirby's Return To Dream Land Deluxe
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is still an enhanced remaster of a 12-year-old Wii game, but it effectively brings forward one of the pink puffball's best outings, complete with enhancements and additions. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: February 24, 2023
MLB The Show 23
Myriad options and modes allow you to engage with America’s Pastime precisely how you want, and in the process, MLB The Show 23 delivers one of the best baseball games in years. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways DLC
Any excuse to play more Resident Evil 4 remake is one we're eager to attach our grappling hook to and fly toward. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date: September 21, 2023
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG is not entirely innocent of the sins of video games past, but old fans will relish the chance to see the game in a new light, and I’m confident newcomers will find something to love. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: November 17, 2023
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
Even if the narrative of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie falls short compared to past entries, it still stands above most other games in the genre. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date: July 7, 2023
The Talos Principle II
The Talos Principle II is a thoughtful and well-made puzzler with fascinating social, artistic, and scientific ideas that we’ll be thinking about long after the solution to its final riddle has faded from memory. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: November 2, 2023
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a finely honed delight. Its action is precise and responsive, and learning the intricacies of each adversary is exceedingly fulfilling. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp might not include much new material, but it presents a strong case that classic games don’t always have to change to be relevant again. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: April 21, 2023
Before Your Eyes
Before Your Eyes puts its unique blinking mechanic to great use, offering a novel and fun method of interacting with this memorable, bittersweet tale. We've also updated the review to highlight the excellent PlayStation VR2 version. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation VR2, PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Release Date: April 8, 2021 (PC), September 28, 2021 (Mac), July 26, 2022 (iOS, Android), March 10, 2023 (PlayStation VR2)
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
While Phantom Liberty doesn't stand head and shoulders above the rest of the Cyberpunk package, it slots in nicely, like a preem piece of cyberware you've been waiting to be in stock. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Darkest Dungeon II
Darkest Dungeon II is a harsh but fantastic game whose white-knuckled battles and hazard-filled exploration will trap you for hours. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date: May 8, 2023
Disney Illusion Island
Illusion Island doesn’t overhaul the platformer genre, but its distinctive no-combat focus on simply moving through Monoth keeps the trip amusing, brisk, and gratifying. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Final Fantasy XVI
There's a linear action game in Final Fantasy XVI, and it's the highlight of the experience. But standard RPG tropes slow it down. Still, it's a Final Fantasy worth experiencing. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Ghostrunner 2
Though Ghostrunner 2 falters in a few ways, what remains in the hours outside of its missteps is its best-in-class parkour action. And like its predecessor, it remains a damn treat. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: October 26, 2023
Humanity
Humanity mixes challenging puzzles with an engaging and heartfelt narrative to great success. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, PC
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Lil Gator Game
Lil Gator Game presents a short, enjoyable Zelda-inspired adventure wrapped in a poignant, wholesome narrative. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: December 14, 2022 (Switch, PC), October 10, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler II does what an excellent sequel should. Instead of breaking new ground left and right, it improves on the original in nearly every way and feels more confident about the stories it tells. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: February 24, 2023 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC), 2024 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One)
Rytmos
Rytmos feels designed with musicians in mind, but puzzle fiends will also find a chill afternoon of challenges to play through here, too. Read review
Platforms: Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date: February 28, 2023 (Switch, PC), May 16, 2023 (iOS), August 1, 2023 (Android)
Starfield
Bethesda has crafted a vast and engaging universe to explore, but it can be a challenging game to get started on. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: September 6, 2023
Tchia
The tone, the music, and Tchia’s abilities all come together to create something that is simply fun, and it all takes place in a setting that demands to be explored. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date: March 21, 2023
For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.
Source: Game Informer
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