2023 has been a fantastic year for gamers, with several titles making a significant impact. Here’s a straightforward rundown of the best games of the year, based on Metacritic scores.
1. Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Score: 9.1
- Type: Action-Adventure, Horror
- Setting: A mysterious European village.
- Story: This game follows the story of Leon S. Kennedy, a U.S. agent sent to rescue the President’s daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped by a sinister cult. The game introduces a new threat, the Las Plagas parasite, which turns villagers into aggressive enemies. Leon must navigate through dangerous terrains, uncover the cult’s motives, and battle both human and monstrous foes.
- What Makes It Great:
- Enhanced remake of the classic game.
- Stunning graphics and updated controls.
- Intense, horror-themed storyline.
- Additional content compared to the original.
2. Alan Wake II – Score: 8.8
- Type: Psychological Thriller, Action
- Setting: A town shrouded in mystery and darkness.
- Story: Alan Wake, a troubled author, finds himself in a surreal and nightmarish world where his creations come to life. The sequel delves deeper into the dark forces haunting Alan, as he battles with his inner demons and external threats. His journey is one of self-discovery, horror, and a desperate search for answers to his own disappearance and the supernatural occurrences around him.
- What Makes It Great:
- Sequel to the cult classic Alan Wake.
- Engaging story with a mysterious atmosphere.
- Combines action with psychological horror elements.
- Immersive gameplay with a focus on exploration and survival.
3. RoboCop: Rogue City – Score: 8.6
- Type: Action, Sci-Fi
- Setting: A dystopian, crime-ridden Detroit.
- Story: Players step into the metal shoes of Alex Murphy, aka RoboCop, a police officer turned cyborg. The city is overrun with crime and corruption, and RoboCop is tasked with restoring order. The game focuses on his struggle to maintain his humanity while enforcing the law in a city teeming with criminal organizations and corrupt officials.
- What Makes It Great:
- Based on the iconic RoboCop franchise.
- Futuristic setting with advanced technology.
- Fast-paced action and combat.
- Emphasizes law enforcement in a crime-ridden city.
4. Hogwarts Legacy – Score: 8.5
- Type: Adventure, Fantasy
- Setting: The magical world of Hogwarts in the 1800s.
- Story: The player is a new student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, exploring the iconic castle and its surroundings. The game focuses on the player’s journey through school life, mastering spells, brewing potions, and uncovering the hidden secrets of the wizarding world. The story is unique to the player, influenced by their choices and interactions.
- What Makes It Great:
- Set in the Harry Potter universe.
- Allows players to explore the magical world of Hogwarts.
- Features spell-casting, potion-making, and other wizard activities.
- Rich story and immersive environment.
5. Aliens: Dark Descent – Score: 8.1
- Type: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror
- Setting: A colony on a distant planet, facing alien threats.
- Story: The game revolves around a squad of Colonial Marines sent on a rescue mission to a remote colony. Upon arrival, they discover the colony overrun by Xenomorphs. The squad must navigate through hostile environments, strategize to combat the alien threat, and uncover the truth behind the infestation.
- What Makes It Great:
- Inspired by the Aliens movie series.
- Combines horror elements with tactical action.
- Players face off against terrifying alien creatures.
- Strategic gameplay with squad-based mechanics.
6. Resident Evil 4 – Score: 8.0
- Type: Action-Adventure, Horror
- Setting: The same mysterious European village as “Separate Ways.”
- Story: This version of the game follows the same narrative as “Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways,” focusing on Leon S. Kennedy’s mission to rescue the President’s daughter. Players experience the terror of the village, the castle, and the monstrous enemies while uncovering the horrifying truth about the Las Plagas parasite.
- What Makes It Great:
- Another version of Resident Evil 4.
- Classic horror gameplay with modern improvements.
- Focuses on survival, combat, and puzzle-solving.
- Known for its engaging storyline and atmospheric setting.
These games have stood out in 2023, offering unique experiences and captivating players worldwide. Each title brings something different to the table, whether it be horror, adventure, action, or a mix of genres. No matter what type of gamer you are, there’s something on this list that’s sure to entertain and engage.