Another year is here and with it comes new games and today we want to take a look at ten games that are the ones to watch this year, and why you may like them. Games that were mentioned on our list from last year but were delayed to 2023 are not included again so games like Starfield will not be included here despite our excitement for it. Games that are upcoming but do not even have a 2023 release date will not be included either, so no Avowed as much as we want it.
Sea of Stars
A prequel to The Messenger, Sea of Stars shifts genres into an RPG homage to the classic RPGs of the nineties. Sea of Stars uses turn-based combat with timed hits and strategic combos and has an art style that has already won over many, but what has the most excitement is the soundtrack which will include work from Yasunori Mitsuda. Sea of Stars is shaping up to be an exciting homage to classics like Chrono Trigger, but Sabotage Studios also have modern ideas they will use as well. It will be very interesting to see the many connections to the first game, and what direction the developers have planned. Sea of Stars releases Summer 2023 on PS4/5, PC and Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The long-awaited sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom looks to build on its predecessor in every way. With new ways to explore the world and new mechanics teased in the trailers, there is much anticipation for what players will find in the game and its story. While details on the latter are still not clear, the gameplay elements shown in trailers have made it apparent that Tears of the Kingdom will have plenty of tricks up its sleeve. The game releases May 12 2023 on Nintendo Switch
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is the biggest Harry Potter game being made yet and it is set well before the period of the books. The game will have a fully detailed RPG system, in depth spell casting and customizable environments as well as characters. This is the Potterverse game fans have been waiting for and will truly let players explore everything that universe has to offer. The game has been filled with controversy due to J.K. Rowling’s comments, and it is understandable if some do not want to play it for that reason. The game will release on PS5, Series X and PC first then later PS4 and Xbox One and then later on Switch.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Soulslike games have become prevalent lately but Another Crab’s Treasure feels unique. This soulslike, or rather shellslike, sees you take control of a crab and takes influence from Sekiro Shadows Die Twice for a unique aquatic adventure. In addition to the games it takes influence from, Another Crab’s Treasure looks to have its own identity as well, both in setting and nature, and unique gameplay mechanics to go along with it. Going up against a variety of crabs and using unique weapons, Another Crab’s Treasure looks to be a splash of fun on Switch and PC this year
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
The long-awaited sequel, this was a brief mention in last year’s list but could not be included as no release year, let alone window was given. Now that we know it is coming in 2023 to PS5, Series X and PC though, we can get truly excited about it. The adventures of Captain Titus ( now a Primaris Lieutenant) of the Ultramarines, continue as the Ultramarines take on the hoards of the Tyranids in a game using Sabre Interactives Sabre Swarm Engine. The game looks to be using the engine to full effects for Tyranid foes, but interestingly, there also appear to be more diverse environments as well, suggesting more worlds will be visited. The intense action has been eagerly anticipated for years and it is coming soon.
Forza Motorsport
This year’s Forza Motorsport for Xbox and PC will be different. The game will lack a number to reflect the change in direction for the series and the new goal for the game. This is designed to be a permanent Forza game that has been called a platform inside of Game Pass. This new approach brings back numerous classic areas and cars, with the circuits being completely remade while having numerous new technical details such as dynamic tracks, a rebuilt damage model and new weather effects. This is definitely one to watch for fans of Forza this spring.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales were acclaimed adaptations of the beloved series, and showed just how good Spider-Man games could be. A Full sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is releasing in the Fall of 2023 for PS5 and while details are not plentiful, some facts are known. Both Peter and Miles are here for this round and Tony Todd will be voicing Venom in the game. Considering how amazing the last two games were, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has the potential to be the best Spider-Man game yet.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
After a decade away, From Software is returning to Armored Core. The studio has become well known for the soulslike genre, but Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon will not take that route and instead play like a traditional Armored Core game but with the full advantage of current technology. The game is set for a 2023 release window, but no details are known outside of the reveal trailer and that the game will not be using a soulslike gameplay approach. This is a mech simulator game, with in-depth combat and customization options, and considering the advancements FromSoft has made, they can only do great things here.
System Shock Remake
System Shock was a game-changing series, but the original title has not aged particularly well. This ground-up remake from Nightdive Studios promises to change that and make the original game what it was always supposed to be. This horror FPS/RPG hybrid will take us back to the original setting but with new modern touches, a revamped interface and gameplay improvements to go along with the new visuals. The game will release in March 2023 for PS4, PC, XBOX One, PS5 and Xbox Series and looks to finally give fans what they have long desired.
Star Wars Jedi Survivor
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order was a great surprise after prior outings from EA in the Star Wars universe were lacking. A 3D Metroidvania Soulslike, the game was a welcome addition to the Star Wars series of games and quickly earned a loyal legion of fans. Excellent gameplay and visuals combined for a great experience and the upcoming sequel Jedi Survivor will build on that foundation with further refinement and tweaks to create the perfect Star Wars experience. With the intense gameplay taking full advantage of next-gen, Jedi Survivor will no doubt go in some interesting direction on March 17 for PS5, Series X and PC.
As with last year, we will take a look at the end of the year and revisit the list to see how these games actually fared.