The year 2023 has brought a fresh new wave of thrilling gaming experiences that captivated us from start to finish. From old favorites making a comeback to groundbreaking sequels, this year has truly left a mark on the world of gaming. Here’s a quick rundown of the 10 games that stood out in console gaming:
Despite facing delays, Hogwarts Legacy proved to be worth the wait, delivering the magical experience that Harry Potter fans eagerly anticipated. Drawing inspiration from the beloved series, the game seamlessly combines stunning visuals with an engaging combat system. Surprisingly, even those unfamiliar with the wizarding world found themselves enchanted by this captivating journey.
After a series of Assassin's Creed games that leaned heavily into combat and RPG elements [AC Odyssey, AC Origins, and AC Valhalla], Ubisoft heeded the calls of fans and brought AC back to its roots with Assassin's Creed Mirage. This installment returned to basics, emphasizing stealth kills, evasion, and skills that support covert activities. Moreover, it not only showcased but also celebrated the Arabic language and culture, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the overall gaming experience.
The legendary dungeon crawler game Diablo returned with its fourth installment, Diablo IV. The game continued the franchise's successful formula of class selection, gear collection, and demon-slaying, offering a casual, satisfying gaming experience.
Anytime is the perfect time to revisit the vast universe of Star Wars, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor offered players an opportunity to dive back into this beloved realm. As a sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, returning players were delighted to discover that everything from the previous installment had been enhanced, including visuals, mechanics, and combat. What's even better is the improved customizability of Cal Kestis and his skills. It was - and still is - a must-play for fans eager to immerse themselves in the Star Wars experience.
Returning to its side-scrolling and platforming roots, Super Mario Bros. Wonder injected new life into the classic formula. With innovative upgrades like Mario transforming into an elephant, introducing new gameplay elements, and offering layers of fun, this installment is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise.
If you happened to miss it the first time around, the Dead Space Remake offers the definitive way to experience the iconic Dead Space (2008). Everything, from the visuals, weapons, and even monster design, has undergone significant improvements in this remake crafted for the latest generation. Whether you're a newcomer or a returning fan, this remake has proven to be a worthwhile investment, delivering a visually stunning and deeply immersive horror-action experience.
Another beloved horror game that received a successful remake this year was Resident Evil 4. Dubbed the Resident Evil game that forever changed the horror/zombie survival genre, fans were rightfully curious to see what improvements Capcom could bring to the table. And Capcom did not disappoint, as RE4 came with updated combat, maps, and character designs while preserving the captivating narrative and thrilling adventure of the original. It was a beloved horror classic reborn for a new generation.
Following Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Spider-Man 2 continued to showcase the exhilarating experience of playing as the web-slinger – or should we say web-slingers, as you could interchangeably play as Peter Parker and Miles Morales in this game. Furthermore, it introduced a wider world to explore, with, of course, more villains to encounter.
The sequel to the hugely successful Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, expanded on the open-world aspect by introducing new areas to explore and providing Link with exciting power-ups. It presented endless possibilities for exploration through the waters, lands, and even skies of Hyrule. Offering the ability to create your transportation and weapons, the game ensured you'd be hard-pressed to find nothing to do in this engaging world.
The crown jewel of 2023's console gaming, Baldur's Gate 3 takes the RPG genre to unparalleled heights. With dynamic character development and a freedom of gameplay that values player choice, it rightfully earned multiple awards, including the coveted Game of the Year at The Game Awards.
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