My Top 10 Games of 2023
2023 was an absolutely incredible year for gaming, delivering some of the most ambitious and polished games I’ve ever played. Here’s my personal top 10 games of the year, counting down from #10 to #1.
Honorable Mention
The Exit 8
The Exit 8 is a brilliant minimalist horror game that proves less is more. The game’s simple premise - walk through subway corridors and identify what’s wrong - creates an incredibly tense and atmospheric experience. The game’s focus on observation and pattern recognition makes you feel like a detective, constantly scanning for the subtle differences that indicate something is off.
#10 - Dave the Diver
Dave the Diver is a delightful genre-blending adventure that combines deep-sea exploration, fishing, restaurant management, and RPG elements into one cohesive and addictive package. You play as Dave, a diver who explores the mysterious Blue Hole during the day and runs a sushi restaurant at night.
What makes Dave the Diver special is how seamlessly it blends these different gameplay elements. The diving sections are engaging, with beautiful pixel art environments, interesting marine life to discover, and various challenges to overcome. The restaurant management adds a strategic layer, as you decide what to serve based on what you’ve caught, manage staff, and expand your business.
The game’s charm is undeniable. The writing is funny and endearing, the pixel art is gorgeous, and the soundtrack perfectly captures the relaxed yet adventurous tone. The progression systems are satisfying, with constant unlocks and improvements that keep you engaged for hours.
Dave the Diver proves that you don’t need a massive budget or revolutionary mechanics to create something special. Sometimes, the perfect combination of simple, well-executed ideas is enough to create magic. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but hard to put down, and it’s a perfect example of indie game excellence.
#9 - Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a monumental achievement in open-world game design. Building on the foundation of Breath of the Wild, it adds new mechanics and areas that create an even more impressive and engaging experience.
The new abilities are game-changers. Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, and Recall aren’t just new tools - they’re systems that fundamentally change how you interact with the world. The ability to build vehicles, fuse weapons, and manipulate objects creates endless possibilities for creative problem-solving. The game respects player creativity and intelligence, allowing you to approach challenges in ways the developers might not have even imagined.
The expanded world is staggering. The addition of the sky islands and the depths adds verticality and depth to exploration, and the remixed surface world offers new discoveries even for players who spent hundreds of hours in Breath of the Wild. The sense of discovery is constant, and the world feels alive and full of secrets.
The story is more present and engaging than in Breath of the Wild, with memorable characters and emotional moments that add weight to your journey. The dungeons are improved, offering more structure while maintaining the open-ended design philosophy.
Tears of the Kingdom is a game that could easily be #1 on many lists, and it’s a testament to the incredible quality of 2023’s releases that it’s “only” at #9. It’s a masterpiece of game design and one of the most impressive games ever made.
#8 - Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is a masterpiece of horror storytelling and atmospheric design. Remedy Entertainment delivered a sequel that was worth the 13-year wait, creating one of the most memorable and unique horror experiences in gaming.
The game’s dual narrative structure is brilliant. Playing as both Alan Wake and Saga Anderson, you experience the story from two perspectives that complement and enhance each other. The way the narratives weave together, with Alan’s writing affecting Saga’s reality, creates a mind-bending experience that constantly keeps you guessing.
The atmosphere is incredible. The dark, twisted version of New York City that Alan is trapped in is nightmarish and beautifully realized. The forest setting of Bright Falls is equally atmospheric, with every shadow and sound creating tension. The game’s use of live-action sequences and mixed media creates a unique style that feels distinctly Remedy.
The combat is improved from the original, with more tactical options and better gunplay. The addition of Saga’s detective mechanics, where you piece together clues on a mind map, adds variety and makes you feel like a real investigator. The game balances action, exploration, and story perfectly.
Alan Wake 2 is a game that proves horror can be intelligent, artistic, and genuinely scary. It’s a love letter to horror fiction, Twin Peaks, and Stephen King, while being completely its own thing. It’s one of the most creative and well-executed horror games ever made.
#7 - Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a return to form for the series, going back to the franchise’s roots with a focused, stealth-focused experience set in 9th-century Baghdad. After the massive RPG entries, Mirage feels refreshing and nostalgic while still feeling modern.
The game’s greatest strength is its focus. By returning to a smaller, more concentrated experience, Mirage can polish every aspect of the gameplay. The stealth mechanics are refined and satisfying, the parkour feels fluid and responsive, and the assassination missions offer multiple approaches and opportunities for creative problem-solving.
Baghdad is beautifully realized. The city feels alive and historically accurate, with bustling streets, detailed architecture, and a sense of place that makes exploration rewarding. The Middle Eastern setting is refreshing, and the game does an excellent job of bringing this period and location to life.
Basim is a compelling protagonist, and his journey from street thief to master assassin is engaging. The story connects to the larger Assassin’s Creed mythology while standing on its own, and the supporting cast adds depth to the narrative.
Mirage proves that sometimes less is more. By focusing on what made the series great in the first place - stealth, parkour, and assassination - and refining those mechanics, Ubisoft created one of the best Assassin’s Creed games in years. It’s a reminder of why the series became so popular in the first place.
#6 - Atomic Heart
Atomic Heart is a bold and ambitious first-person shooter that combines Bioshock’s atmospheric exploration with Soviet-era aesthetics and unique combat mechanics. Set in an alternate 1950s USSR where robots serve humanity, the game offers a fascinating and unsettling world to explore.
The game’s world is its greatest achievement. The Facility 3826 complex is a stunning and varied environment, from pristine utopian cities to decaying industrial facilities to underground laboratories. The Soviet-era aesthetic is beautifully realized, creating a unique and memorable setting that stands out in gaming.
The combat is satisfying and varied. The weapon crafting system allows for creative combinations, and the polymer glove abilities add strategic depth to encounters. Fighting the game’s robotic enemies feels weighty and impactful, and the variety of enemy types keeps combat engaging throughout.
The story is intriguing, with themes of technology, control, and humanity that are thought-provoking without being heavy-handed. The characters are memorable, particularly the AI companion NORA, whose personality adds humor and personality to the experience.
Atomic Heart isn’t perfect - it has some pacing issues and can be rough around the edges - but its ambition and unique vision make it stand out. It’s a game that’s willing to take risks and be different, and that willingness to be bold is commendable. For players looking for something unique and atmospheric, Atomic Heart delivers.
#5 - Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a beautiful and creative spin-off that takes the Bayonetta series in a completely different direction. This action-adventure game tells the origin story of Cereza (the young Bayonetta) and her demon companion Cheshire, creating a charming and engaging experience.
The game’s art style is stunning. The storybook aesthetic, with hand-drawn illustrations and animated cutscenes, creates a magical fairy tale atmosphere that’s completely different from the main series. The world is beautiful and imaginative, filled with colorful environments and charming character designs.
The gameplay is unique and engaging. You control both Cereza and Cheshire simultaneously, using Cereza’s magic to solve puzzles and Cheshire’s strength to fight enemies. The dual-character mechanic adds strategic depth, and learning to coordinate both characters creates satisfying gameplay moments.
The story is heartfelt and well-told. Seeing a younger, more vulnerable Cereza is endearing, and her relationship with Cheshire is touching. The narrative explores themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery in a way that’s appropriate for all ages while still being engaging for adults.
Bayonetta Origins proves that spin-offs can be just as excellent as main series entries. By taking risks and doing something completely different, PlatinumGames created a game that stands on its own while enriching the Bayonetta universe. It’s a charming, beautiful, and well-crafted adventure.
#4 - Lethal Company
Lethal Company is a multiplayer horror game that became a viral sensation for good reason. This cooperative survival horror game tasks you and your friends with collecting scrap from abandoned moons while avoiding deadly creatures and environmental hazards.
What makes Lethal Company special is its perfect blend of tension and comedy. The horror elements are genuinely scary - the creatures are terrifying, the atmosphere is tense, and death can come suddenly. But playing with friends creates hilarious moments of panic, miscommunication, and chaos that make the game incredibly fun even when things go wrong.
The game’s procedural generation ensures that every run feels different. The layouts change, the hazards vary, and the scrap placement keeps you exploring. The risk-reward gameplay loop is addictive - do you push deeper for more valuable scrap, or play it safe and leave early?
The social dynamics are what make Lethal Company truly special. The proximity-based voice chat creates natural communication challenges - you can’t hear your friends when they’re far away, leading to panicked shouting and tragic misunderstandings. These moments of chaos are what make the game so memorable and fun.
Lethal Company proves that great game design doesn’t require massive budgets. A simple concept, polished execution, and focus on creating memorable social experiences can create something truly special. It’s a game that’s best experienced with friends, and those experiences are some of the most fun I’ve had gaming in 2023.
#3 - Aliens: Dark Descent
Aliens: Dark Descent is a real-time tactical squad-based game that perfectly captures the atmosphere and tension of the Alien franchise. This is the Aliens game that fans have been waiting for - a strategic, atmospheric, and genuinely scary experience that respects the source material.
The game’s tactical combat is excellent. Commanding a squad of Colonial Marines, you need to think strategically about positioning, resource management, and when to engage or retreat. The real-time with pause system gives you time to plan while maintaining tension. Every encounter with the Xenomorphs feels dangerous and requires careful planning.
The atmosphere is incredible. The dark, claustrophobic environments, the sound design, and the way the game builds tension create a genuinely scary experience. The Xenomorphs are terrifying - fast, deadly, and unpredictable. The way they hunt you, the way they appear suddenly, and the way they can quickly overwhelm your squad creates constant tension.
The progression system is satisfying. Upgrading your marines, unlocking new equipment, and managing your base adds strategic depth beyond the tactical combat. The permadeath system for marines adds weight to your decisions, making every mission feel important and every loss feel significant.
Aliens: Dark Descent is a game that understands what makes the Alien franchise great - the atmosphere, the tension, the horror - and translates it into a compelling tactical game. It’s one of the best licensed games in years and a must-play for fans of the franchise or tactical games.
#2 - Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake is a masterclass in how to remake a classic game. Capcom took one of the most beloved games of all time and improved upon it in almost every way while maintaining what made the original special.
The gameplay improvements are significant. The shooting feels more modern and responsive, the movement is smoother, and the addition of the parry mechanic adds a new layer of combat depth. The game maintains the tension and resource management of the original while feeling fresh and modern.
The graphics are stunning. The remake is absolutely gorgeous, with detailed environments, excellent character models, and impressive lighting and particle effects. The game looks like a modern AAA title while maintaining the atmosphere and style of the original.
The story and characters are improved. Leon and Ashley’s relationship is more developed, the supporting characters have more depth, and the narrative flows better. The game maintains the campy, over-the-top tone of the original while improving the storytelling.
What makes the remake so impressive is how it improves upon perfection. The original Resident Evil 4 is widely considered one of the best games ever made, and the remake manages to be even better in many ways. It’s a rare achievement - a remake that honors the original while creating a definitive version of the experience.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is proof that great games can be made even better with modern technology and thoughtful design. It’s a masterpiece and one of the best games of 2023.
#1 - Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 is a masterpiece of game design and my game of the year for 2023. Nintendo took everything that makes the Pikmin series special and refined it into the most polished, engaging, and delightful entry in the franchise.
The game’s structure is perfect. The campaign offers a substantial adventure with excellent pacing, constantly introducing new mechanics, challenges, and areas to explore. The addition of the underground caves adds variety and depth, and the side content provides plenty of reasons to keep playing after the main story.
The new features are all excellent additions. Oatchi, the space dog companion, adds new gameplay possibilities and is absolutely adorable. The ability to control Oatchi directly, use him for traversal, and work together with your Pikmin creates new strategic options. The night missions add a different type of challenge, focusing on tower defense-style gameplay that’s engaging and fun.
The game’s difficulty curve is perfect. It’s accessible for newcomers while offering enough challenge for veterans. The rewind feature for mistakes makes the game less punishing while still maintaining stakes. The game respects your time, offering checkpoints and quality-of-life features that make it a joy to play.
What makes Pikmin 4 special is its pure joy. The game is charming, beautiful, and fun from start to finish. The Pikmin are adorable, the world is colorful and detailed, and the gameplay loop of exploring, collecting, and managing your time is endlessly engaging. The game creates a sense of wonder and discovery that’s rare in modern gaming.
Pikmin 4 is a game that reminds me why I love gaming. It’s polished, creative, engaging, and absolutely delightful. It’s a game that I’ve spent dozens of hours in and could easily spend dozens more. It represents Nintendo at their absolute best - taking a unique concept and executing it to perfection.
For me, Pikmin 4 isn’t just the best game of 2023 - it’s one of the best games I’ve ever played. It’s a masterpiece that deserves to be remembered as one of Nintendo’s greatest achievements.