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Kakuchopurei’s Best Games Of 2023

To say that 2023 is full of game releases is underselling the year. It’s a helluva bounty.

Because of game release reschedulings and other factors involving real-life quarantines, a lot of pushbacks had to happen and as a result, 2023 became “that” year where everyone just dogpiles their releases with little to no change. That’s great for us, especially for many of us spoilt by choice.

But it also means a lot of gems and transcendent video game experiences get lost in the shuffle. Yes, we’re happy that big-named and big-budget titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 came out all prim and proper (mostly), but many other titles will remain hidden if sizeable publications don’t get a say or make a stand about it.

Thankfully, we’re one of those humble-sized outlets. We have an OpenCritic backlog of reviews featuring major and indie titles, a good-sized video channel following, and a TV show on national syndication that just wrapped up its first inaugural season.

But first, we should give a shoutout to our local-made pride and joy of 2023:

 

Special Entry: Main Game

Main Game is a 30-minute TV show on Malaysia’s RTM TV2 channel that talks about video games, the games industry, and esports. Unlike most online shows on YouTube, ours is dedicated to the masses.

In other words, we’re doing X-Play but somehow not losing focus as to why it was made in the first place: to educate and entertain the masses who aren’t in tune to our lingo and culture. We break down our video essays and features for a mainstream audience. Our 13-episode stint talks about the history of popular game genres, to even a short dive talking about PlayStation.

We also talk to respected game developers and esports talent/organizers about their jobs and how dedicated they are, as well as how tough and work-intensive it gets. And forgive us for patting ourselves on the back, but we did a damn great job getting this off the ground. Our hosts Iffah Hazim and our own Lewis Larcombe did a stand-up job presenting for each show before the video segments, adding some context to them while also engaging in part-humourous-part-cringey-on-purpose banter.

We couldn’t have done this without strategic cooperation with RTM, so thank you!

With that out of the way, let’s get to the meat of the feature: the Best Games Of 2023. This is a reminder that all these 30 games aren’t ranked in number; if it’s here, it’s worth buying 100%.

(cover art by Emil Liaw)

 

#30. Viewfinder (PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)

Viewfinder offers a unique experience that fulfils players’ expectations of a puzzle game. The game strikes a perfect balance between creativity, freedom, pleasant vibes, and, most importantly, engaging gameplay. Its brilliance lies in its ingenious execution of reality-bending mechanics that are not only fun to play with but also easy to overlook the relatively weak story and relatively simple puzzles.

Despite being completed in a relatively short time frame of under 5 hours, Viewfinder offers a multitude of stories within its virtual landscape. These stories unfold as you explore the game’s visually stunning world, which combines the allure of photographs and optical tricks with an immersive first-person video game experience. If you’re in search of a game that blends the captivating nature of puzzles with an immersive and visually striking world, Viewfinder is a game you won’t want to miss. – Alisha Alix

 

#29. Horizon: Call of the Mountain (PS5, PSVR2)

Arguably the killer app for this year’s PlayStation VR2 kit, which isn’t as expensive as the Valve Index in retrospect. Plus, the Horizon Call of the Mountain game provides an incredible experience that showcases the VR technology’s true potential.

It seamlessly blends thrilling action, challenging climbs and platforming, and intense battles using an arrow-firing machine-killing simulator that any player or VR enthusiast will enjoy. – Alisha Alix

 

#28. Everspace 2 (PC, Xbox, PlayStation)

An arcade space shooter with an early 2000s vibe (like your Wing Commanders and Freelancers). What other reason do you need to play this especially if you’re a fan of easy-to-control flight sim titles set in space?

The game mixes an action RPG loot system into it. You have complete freedom to roam around space while fighting across the cosmos. Everspace 2 strikes a good balance between an arcade shooter and space sim. The explorable galaxy is filled with various quests, races, puzzles and even combat challenges.

All this is available at your own pace!  It’s a game that’s easy to get lost in once you start getting comfortable with. -Xandria Morden

 

#27. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed (Nintendo Switch)

We don’t normally add expansions for our GOTY list, but we’ll make a few exceptions given the quality shown and the context it adds for the grander picture. The Xenoblade 3 Future Redeemed DLC did just that and justified its price tag and existence by focusing on characters in the whole Xenoblade lore. The DLC is the complete opposite of the base game. You need to be well-versed with your Xenoblade lore and history from start to finish in order to fully understand and appreciate what’s happening in the DLC.

It’s the culmination of everything in the franchise to date, and it offers a satisfying payoff for fans who have been with the franchise since the beginning. If you’ve already invested the hundreds of hours required to finish previous games, Xenoblade 3 Future Redeemed is your present for all the time and effort you’ve put into the series. Plus, that sweet, sweet payoff makes it all worth the while. – Alleef Ashaari

 

#26. Star Ocean: The Second Story R (PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch)

‘Space Opera’ and ‘Mid-Fantasy’ smooshed into one. This game is a second attempt of a remake of the classic. Japanese RPG Fans will be fully sated with this one. What’s the most noticeable upgrade about this remake is definitely the graphics. Although the graphics show a notable amount of improvement, the game preserves the old-school charm of the PS era as well as bringing fresh new battle mechanics to the table. The revamped art style is appealing 

The replayability is one of its biggest strengths, making it easy to experience the story again while carrying over your levels and equipment. Having different endings for every single character is a definite plus! The wonderful storytelling and the characters keep you invested. The content available will keep you playing for hours on end. -Xandria Morden

 

#25. 30XX (PC, Nintendo Switch)

It’s been decades since the last Mega Man X game, so with fans hankering for a similar experience, Batterystaple Games released the full version of 30XX earlier this year. It’s a 2D action game with the gameplay of a Mega Man X game but with roguelike elements. Heck, the two playable characters in the game essentially X and Zero in all but name. It feels good to be able to dash and gun or dash and slash again like we did back then.

With big AAA companies like Capcom seemingly abandoning old IP like Mega Man X and Onimusha, it’s nice to see an indie developer pick up the reins and insert their own unique twists on familiar gameplay genres or tropes. 30XX is a love letter that should be played by any Mega Man X fan looking to relive the good old days. – Alleef Ashaari

 

#24. Pizza Tower (PC)

This year’s 2D platforming offerings are great, with Pizza Tower leading the pack. This indie game is completely bonkers to many, but quite a deep cut for those who play the classic Wario Land titles in the Game Boy era.

The landscapes are wacky, the main character controls perfect and responsive, the platforming and escape portions fun and tense, and the aesthetics are unlike anything we’ve seen this year; think MS Paint but with tons of in-betweens. Don’t sleep on this massive order; Pizza Tower is a great 2D platforming dish worth multiple servings, especially if you want to get a high rank in all of its challenges. – Jonathan Leo Toyad

 

#23. Final Fantasy 16 (PS5)

Final Fantasy 16 may not fit perfectly into the traditional definition of an RPG title, but it stands as an excellent action game with RPG elements. The game boasts breathtaking setpieces, a captivating musical score, and a lead character who is worth following to the ends of the Earth. The action too is really well-tailored and makes main character Clive a one-man character action army with elemental Eikon powers at his fingertips. And if you need a bigger challenge, there’s always Ultimaniac mode, Final Fantasy mode that bumps the level cap to level 100, and the new Echoes of the Fallen DLC featuring Final Fantasy classic boss Omega.

Moreover, the action RPG masterfully navigates the delicate balance between style and substance, showcasing a breathtaking visual and auditory experience that is paired with a fresh game perspective that is both familiar and exciting. Undoubtedly, Final Fantasy 16 remains a strong instalment in the Final Fantasy series. – Alisha Alix

 

#22. Hogwarts Legacy (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PS5, PS4)

Hogwarts Legacy gets a spot on our list for its enchanting blend of magical immersion and thrilling gameplay. 

Despite a standard storyline, the game captivates with exceptional controls that truly make players feel like skilled wizards and witches. Its stellar presentation, featuring breathtaking visuals and a meticulously crafted world, elevates the gaming experience. 

The intuitive spellcasting and engaging combat mechanics add a dynamic layer, offering players a plethora of spells to master and utilize in creative ways. While the open-world structure may pose a risk of tedium, the game’s checkpoints and traversal options mitigate this concern. The inclusion of fun dungeons, brain-taxing puzzles, and exploration of iconic locations like Hogwarts and Hogsmeade contribute to its allure. Although the Destiny-style gear system and cursor management are noted as drawbacks, the game’s undeniable magic transcends these issues. 

Whether you’re a Harry Potter aficionado or a newcomer, Hogwarts Legacy’s all-ages appeal and polished execution make it a compelling addition to our prestigious list. -Lewis Larcombe

 

#21. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order was one of the best games of 2019, and it was even one of the best Star Wars games to date. When Star Wars Jedi Survivor launched earlier this year, it had a big act to follow and expectations were high. Fortunately, thanks to the folks at Respawn, the sequel exceeded all that. The game improved on its predecessor with bigger and more open worlds, mounts to help navigate around faster, more customization options (for both lightsabers and Cal Kestis’ attire), as well as more options in combat with the addition of the new crossguard lightsaber and the lightsaber-blaster combo.

Star Wars Jedi Survivor also has meatier post-game content, with there being much more to do and complete after the game ends compared to the previous game. In addition, the story and narrative this time around is darker and more emotional. Just like the first game, it adds a lot to Star Wars lore too, especially relating to the Star Wars The High Republic era. That all being said, the game was plagued by performance issues at launch, but after several updates and patches, that’s all been mostly fixed. – Alleef Ashaari

 

#20. Octopath Traveler II (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One)

For a quintessential Japanese role-playing game experience that delivers both character-driven narratives and turn-based gameplay most invigorating, Square Enix’s sequel to Octopath Traveler should not be kept on the sidelines.

Featuring a slew of interesting characters to follow, from the charming Partitio to the vengeance-driven sorcerer Osvald, each of them interacts with one another and even team up in some instances; a problem from the first game that was remedied. The battle system gets a slight tweak despite the fact that it doesn’t need much. All the developers did was add in unique Latent Powers for each character and made more interesting battles to spice things up. The music too gets a major upgrade; that’s a feat considering how immaculate the first game’s soundtrack was.

Oh, and let’s not forget the epilogue that ties things up in a satisfying way. – Jonathan Leo Toyad

 

#19. Dredge (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch)

Picture this. You’re just an average fishing enjoyer getting stuck in a storm. All of a sudden you’re transported into a Shutter Island movie. You’ve crashed and landed at a lighthouse. Meet some shady ass people, and sell yourself for a free boat.

Here starts your fishing adventure. You’ll farm for smol fishies, search areas for salvaged parts, solve puzzles and gather resources. The slow build of horror happens when you start figuring what exactly is happening behind the scenes. The graphics are colourful and appealing, the story keeps you on your toes and the sound design keeps you captivated. – Xandria Morden

 

#18. Against The Storm (PC)

Against the Storm is a masterfully crafted 5-person game by developer Eremite Games that offers a unique experience with each playthrough. The game presents a mix of successes and failures, with each outcome being distinct from the previous one. The roguelite element incorporated into the game adds a delightful twist, engaging players even in moments of failure as they gain valuable knowledge that can be applied in succeeding playthroughs.

The survival city-builder challenges players to think on their feet and adapt to different situations that arise throughout the game. The length of the gameplay can vary depending on the chosen difficulty level, with some sessions lasting over an hour. Simply put, Against The Storm is a captivating title that will keep you engaged right from the start. – Alisha Alix

 

#17. Dead Cells: Return To Castlevania (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS)

Metroidvania (search action) and roguelike games are a dime a dozen these days, but from time to time, a gem comes along and that was 2018’s Dead Cells. Great DLCs are always a good reason to return to an older game, and what better way than to pair one of the finest modern Metroidvania games with the progenitor of the genre?  That’s what Twin Motion gave us this year with Dead Cells Return To Castlevania, which is something fans of the genre can appreciate.

It’s amazing to hear remixed Castlevania music, as well as see and fight familiar characters and bosses. Plus, this is probably the closest thing to a good Castlevania “game” or content we can expect as of now. Yes, that’s a jab at Konami. Fun collaborations are certainly welcome, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of a proper new Castlevania game in years. Well, thanks again to Twin Motion for actually putting in the work. -Alleef Ashaari

 

#16. Diablo 4 (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)

The Diablo franchise is not new to the gaming world. Diablo 4 brought in a whole lot more to the table, bringing old fans back to the beloved franchise. The game has taken all the best parts of the old Diablo games, improved on it and smashed it all into Diablo 4. It doesn’t require players to have played any of the previous games which is a plus for beginners. We love accessibility!

The gameplay is satisfying and each class is interesting in their own way. The story is captivating and definitely holds your interest. The cinematics were to die for. What really had my attention was the detail put into making each environment. The dungeons were gruesome and bloody and a while later you could be running around in the beautiful scenery of Sanctuary. The fact that the game’s second season just added more buffs and much-needed changes to the game’s loot and leveling system (speeding it up for the tougher challenges & dungeons) means that Blizzard somehow cares to not let the latest entry flounder. -Xandria Morden

 

#15. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)

While technically not a new game, but an expansion, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, earns the 15th spot on our list as it stands out through its transformative journey since the challenging 2020 release. CD Projekt’s substantial 2.0 update reflects a commendable commitment to improvement. 

The expansion’s gripping narrative, centred on V’s quest to cure the bio-chip malignancy, is enriched by well-developed characters like Songbird and Solomon Reed, creating an immersive cloak-and-dagger experience. With diverse gameplay elements, including new weapons and side quests, Phantom Liberty ensures accessibility at any level. 

The 2.0 update streamlined skill trees and revamped cyberware system further enhancing the gaming experience, making it a compelling choice for new and returning players. Overall, the impactful storytelling, varied gameplay, and meaningful enhancements secure Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty’s well-deserved place as the 15th-best game of 2023. – Lewis Larcombe

 

#14. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One)

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon secures its well-deserved spot at number 14 on our list for its outstanding blend of mech customization, engaging gameplay loop, and unique combat mechanics. 

FromSoftware’s departure from its Soulslike roots to revive the Armored Core franchise pays off with a game that caters to both new and longtime fans. The unparalleled depth in building and tweaking mechs ensures a continuously captivating experience, fostering experimentation without punishing players. The streamlined, mission-focused gameplay, reminiscent of Ace Combat, sets it apart in an era of sprawling open-world titles. While the narrative may have a slow start, the inclusion of multiple endings and branching narratives adds significant replay value, akin to the acclaimed NieR: Automata. 

Despite challenging difficulty, the game’s accessible features, such as frequent checkpoints, cater to a broader audience. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon not only breathes new life into the franchise but emerges as a standout contender -a blazing mecha-centric action game- in the gaming landscape of 2023. -Lewis Larcombe

 

#13. Honkai Star Rail (PC, PS5, PS4, iOS, Android)

Honkai Star Rail is a free turn-based RPG game developed by HoYoverse; what happens if the Chinese company wants to make their own old-school Final Fantasy or new-school Shin Megami Tensei’s Persona but in space. It recently won the Best Mobile Game category at The Game Awards. The turn-based battles are simple and it’s easy enough for anyone to hop in and get into.

The art style is anime-like and definitely more adult-like than Genshin Impact. The characters are also interesting and *ahem* appealing. The storyline definitely keeps you on edge and you’ll also get a closer look into each character going through their companion stories which is great if you want to know more about your favourites! 

There are frequent updates and each update brings fresh new content to make things interesting. The progression system will get you hooked and it’s rather satisfying and not too grindy like Genshin Impact. You will pretty much never get bored playing Star Rail. Yes it’s a gacha game, but they give you a lot of free stuff so you can always keep rolling! -Xandria Morden

 

#12. Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series)

Having won the Game of the Year 2023 award, Baldur’s Gate 3 is undeniably the best CRPG of 2023, being set in the Dungeons and Dragons universe. The game boasts a fascinating narrative and a wide array of distinctive characters. Larian Studios’ party-based RPG shines bright in its vast amount of freedom and choices it offers players.

Additionally, the game presents an enthralling world and story that will keep you hooked for hours on end. While Act 3 could stand for some improvement, the first two Acts are nothing short of exceptional. At the very least, its newly-added epilogue and the studio’s commitment to support the game still until the end of time (hyperbole there) means that our adventures into the Forgotten Realms are far from over.  – Alisha Alix

 

#11. Planet Of Lana (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)

Planet of Lana, a stunning indie adventure game, captivates players with its visually breathtaking 2D sci-fi setting. The game’s atmospheric visuals and atmospheric storytelling are well crafted to create an immersive narrative experience. Although there is no English dialogue present, Wishfully has developed its own unique language, which adds an extra layer of complexity and immersion to the game. Players must rely on context, actions, and the tone of voice of the characters to infer meaning and comprehend the story. This level of nuance and world-building context is truly impressive.

Planet of Lana offers players a surreal and atmospheric adventure that will stand out as one of the best indie games released this year. – Alisha Alix

 

#10. Tchia (PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)

Tchia secures its well-deserved spot on our list for a multitude of reasons.

Awaceb’s creation stands out with its breathtaking open-world set in the exotic locales of New Caledonia, offering players an authentic and visually stunning experience rarely seen in gaming. The game’s standout feature lies in its outstanding music, resonating with the unique cultural vibes of New Caledonia, reminiscent of the captivating tunes from Disney’s Moana. 

Tchia is a testament to non-conventional gameplay, placing exploration and cultural immersion at the forefront over traditional combat. Its traversal mechanics, allowing players to possess animals and sail a cultural boat, add a refreshing layer to the adventure. Despite encountering bugs and acknowledging combat’s potential tedium, Tchia’s cultural richness, non-linear approach to challenges, and overall relaxing vibe make it a noteworthy addition to any gaming lineup. This whole game’s spot is well-earned, delivering an enriching journey into a beautifully crafted world that beckons exploration and cultural appreciation. -Lewis Larcombe

 

#9. Blasphemous 2 (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch)

Blasphemous 2 blends haunting aesthetics, engaging gameplay, and meaningful improvements over its predecessor. 

The game’s pixel art and grotesque imagery create a memorable and immersive atmosphere, leaving a lasting impact on players. The addition of a new weapons system, Altarpieces, and a skill tree enhances the depth of the gameplay, providing a satisfying mix of combat and exploration. 

Boss fights are a standout feature, offering epic duels and diverse opponents that contribute to the game’s overall enjoyment. While the title draws influences from the Megaman Zero and ZX series, it successfully carves its own niche with responsive character control and innovative mechanics. 

Blasphemous 2 presents a challenging yet rewarding experience, fixing issues from the first game and earning its place on our list as a must-play title for fans of atmospheric search action games. -Lewis Larcombe

 

#8. Street Fighter 6 (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)

Street Fighter 6 secures the eighth spot as the epitome of a revitalized fighting game experience. Capcom’s meticulous overhaul, incorporating the innovative Drive System and Meter alongside separate Super Meters, transforms the genre’s fundamentals. 

The amalgamation of Street Fighter IV and V’s mechanics results in unparalleled freedom and strategy, accommodating players of all levels with Modern and Classic control schemes. The diverse 18-character roster (and new additions like Rashid and A.K.I), featuring both beloved legacy fighters and intriguing newcomers like Manon and Lily, ensures an engaging and varied gameplay experience. 

The standout World Tour mode acts as a robust single-player journey, seamlessly blending role-playing elements, battles, and the acquisition of special moves. Street Fighter 6’s online features, boasting the best experience yet with rollback netcode and diverse modes, solidify its status as the definitive fighting game. 

Its superiority over previous iterations and competitors like Guilty Gear Strive and Mortal Kombat 11 positions it as a benchmark for the genre. -Lewis Larcombe

 

#7. Alan Wake 2 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC)

This survival horror action title may seem approachable and flashy at first, but really, it’s the sequel every Remedy Games fan wants since the hard-boiled days of 2000s Max Payne series. While you can play it as an atmospheric survival horror title at face value, it cuts much deeper for the rest of us who stuck around since Alan Wake and then Control and its DLCs. Playing this may make you want to revisit Remedy’s past games only because of the many callbacks and nods to its “multiverse”.

Alan Wake 2 delivers two diverging yet symbiotic storylines, each with a melded conclusion that pays off big time for longtime fans. It’s not every day you get to see director Sam Lake and his team realize their fusion for the be-all-end-all Remedyverse game (like Avengers Endgame is to the Marvel Cinematic Universe saga), so I’m glad to see his vision realized with Alan Wake 2. – Jonathan Leo Toyad

 

#6. Void Stranger (PC)

I won’t mince words: Void Stranger seems like a hard sell for most people at first. A 2D Gameboy Color-like 8-bit puzzle game that’s essentially of the niche Sokoban archetype? But developer System Erasure’s offering has more layers than Shrek’s onion metaphor. As you progress through the first 5 to 10 hours of 200+ levels (with most of them being the “Dark Souls” of puzzle levels), you come across the game’s “ending”, which makes you more curious given the story scenes you’re presented along the way. It’s then you realize that Void Stranger has a ton of secrets and clues that you need to find out to progress through the actual story.

And then it waylays you with more revelations, amounting to what could be 50+ hours of your life. Void Stranger may look simple, but its adventure rabbit hole goes deeper than you would expect. And you’ll love every gripping moment of it. Be patient with this retro-tailored gem, and you’ll see why it deserves to be on this list. – Jonathan Leo Toyad

 

#5. Hi-Fi Rush (Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC)

Hi-Fi Rush secures a spot on our list with its explosive blend of stylish visuals, innovative gameplay, and nostalgic homage to classic 2000s action titles. Tango Gameworks, known for horror hits, breaks new ground with this rhythm-infused gem. 

Chai, the rockstar-turned-cybernetic warrior, leads players through a captivating narrative that seamlessly integrates rhythm mechanics into combat, offering a unique and engaging experience. 

The art style, a polished cel-shaded marvel, transitions seamlessly between cutscenes and gameplay, elevating the overall aesthetic. The game’s commitment to rhythm extends beyond combat, with platforming and traversal puzzles adding diversity to the gameplay. While some stages may test patience, the exhilarating boss battles and Chai’s responsive controls ensure a fun-filled ride. 

Hi-Fi Rush successfully pays homage to its influences—Devil May Cry, Rhythm Tengoku, and Viewtiful Joe—delivering a mash-up that captures the essence of 2000s action titles. This unexpected surprise earns its place here, offering players a thrilling and unique adventure in the gaming landscape of 2023. – Lewis Larcombe

 

#4. Starfield (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One)

Bethesda’s latest role-playing scifi game is one title that’s been hyped up for a while and for a pretty damn good reason too. Starfield definitely lived up its expectations of the hype in being an open-world immersive title.

Starfield is an epic space adventure which allows you to travel through space. It blends the different elements of a first-person shooter, to an RPG and also a shipbuilder as well as a spaceship simulator.  Many have described it as Skyrim/post-2008-Fallout. It’s literally a galaxy full of possibilities. 

Starfield is visually breathtaking showcasing a world, well not a world but a galaxy featuring thousands of planets. Each of these planets is unique and brings different discoveries ensuring a multitude of activities for you to engage in. -Xandria Morden

 

#3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PlayStation 5)

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is basically the “bigger, better, and more bada**” entry in Insomniac’s superhero comic-book action line of titles; one they’ve embraced and attempted to perfect every single time. Part 2 is arguably the culmination of that, delivering an epic gameplay experience that requires not one but TWO Spider-Men for the job of cleaning up Marvel’s New York City of its supervillain problem.

True, I could do without the super-powered Mary-Jane first-person shooter antics. And the bugs in the game (technical ones, not the Spider-Men) are unbecoming of a tech powerhouse like Insomniac Games, which they have fixed and are fixing still despite their current issues as of late. But the rest of the game from its streamlined missions to its amazing traversal system with its web-headed wizards, along with their combat prowess and powers (Symbiote suit for the win), is all golden. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a must-buy if you have a PlayStation 5; ’nuff said. -Jonathan Leo Toyad

 

#2. Sea of Stars (PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch)

Sea of Stars is an outstanding indie JRPG from start to finish. Its intricate narrative unfolds with a series of surprising twists, turns, and unexpected developments. Just when it seems like the story has reached its climax, a plot twist emerges, which although predictable, is executed flawlessly and maintains the level of excitement.

The game gradually builds momentum until it reaches a point where the players are fully immersed. The gameplay spans over 25 hours, and every minute is masterfully utilized, ensuring that no time is spent on trivial tasks. The game provides ample opportunities for character development, giving each character their moment in the spotlight and allowing for moments of introspection.

The battles in Sea of Stars are enjoyable, intuitive, and require strategic thinking. Fighting is not merely a matter of mindlessly attacking; players must carefully consider their actions to effectively deal with bosses and minimize damage to their own party.

Sea of Stars is a sublime experience that beautifully captures the essence of the best era of JRPGs while incorporating innovative modern-day features. It exudes a sense of nostalgia while incorporating fresh elements, resulting in a truly remarkable gaming experience. – Alisha Alix

 

#1. A Space For The Unbound (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC)

It’s rare to see Southeast Asian games getting awards but the past few years have been a watershed moment for the region. We’ve been getting great games from local developers, including 2022’s GigaBash. In 2023, that distinction goes to A Space For The Unbound by Mojiken and Toge Productions. It’s refreshing and unique for being an adventure game that features Indonesian characters in a rural 90s Indonesian setting, as well as all the cultural elements and heritage that come with it.

The game is like a Makoto Shinkai movie; it looks gorgeous with lush and detailed pixel art while exploring mature subject matter such as depression and trauma. That’s not even mentioning how the gameplay utilizes special puzzles and minigames to spice everything up even more. A Space For the Unbound is unlike any other, featuring an experience that differs from even other indies like it. If games are truly a medium of art, this game is a prime example of that. – Alleef Ashaari

This won’t be the last of our year-end features. Stay tuned until the end of 2023!

 

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