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For a game to earn widespread recognition as Game of the Year material, it must distinctly diverge from other games across all aspects. It should constitute a cohesive whole, devoid of any segments that are mediocre or below average.
Numerous games exhibited strengths in specific areas, such as excellent gameplay or impressive visual and sound presentation, but they fell short in some other aspects. However, to simplify our evaluation process, we focused on a straightforward system, composing a list of games that received the highest overall ratings in our reviews in the previous year.
Continuing with the article, we present a compilation of five games that, in our perspective, merited the utmost acclaim and, in terms of quality, surpassed the competition in 2023.
The top five games of 2023
1. Alan Wake 2
Although Alan Wake 2 didn't secure a perfect score here, earning a 95, it still established itself as a game that outshone the competition across every aspect. Particularly noteworthy is its narrative, which stands out as one of the best of the year, significantly elevating the storytelling standard set by its predecessor and, overall, ranking among the finest narratives in all games released this year.
Furthermore, the graphics and sound presentation in Alan Wake 2 are truly exceptional. Coupled with its nuanced horror elements and fantastic slow-paced gameplay, Alan Wake unquestionably earns its place at the pinnacle of the 2023 best games list. In our perspective, it undeniably merits the coveted title of Game of the Year.
2. Baldur's Gate 3
If it weren't for some shortcomings we highlighted in our review, Baldur's Gate 3 would undoubtedly claim the top spot on this list. A game belonging to a genre not traditionally considered Game of the Year material, it ultimately ascended to the pinnacle of gaming excellence in 2023, and it's fair to say that this accomplishment is well-deserved.
Baldur's Gate 3 stands out with exceptional visuals and an extensive narrative that resembles a series of intricate rabbit holes, leaving players thoroughly impressed. The outstanding voice acting adds significant depth to the story, solidifying Baldur's Gate 3 as a true gaming masterpiece in 2023.
3. Remnant 2
Remnant 2 left an incredible impression on us, earning a remarkable 90 rating from our reviewers. The game features randomly generated worlds brimming with secrets that can keep players engaged for months. Combining Souls-like mechanics with third-person shooter elements and a diverse range of classes, Remnant 2 offers exceptional replay value. Despite possibly suffering from a lacklustre marketing campaign, it undeniably deserves a prominent spot on the list of the best games in 2023. Without a doubt, it stands as a masterpiece.
4. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
It's uncommon for a DLC to secure a place on the Game of the Year list, but Phantom Liberty is of such high quality that it effortlessly surpasses numerous full-fledged titles released this year. It stands out in a class above, showcasing exceptional content and deserving recognition alongside the major titles.
Simply put, Phantom Liberty embodies what the original Cyberpunk 2027 should have been from the outset. While Cyberpunk 2077 is undeniably a top-tier game, the extensive technical issues significantly hampered its success. With the release of Phantom Liberty this year, CD Projekt Red rectified past mistakes and delivered an unforgettable gaming experience. This DLC excels in every aspect, including the story, gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound presentation, earning it a well-deserved place on this list.
5. Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush is one of the rare games in 2023 that got a perfect score from us. We absolutely loved everything this gem from Tango Gameworks and Bethesda had to offer. Be it a stunning art style, great soundtrack, incredible gameplay or simply the polished release that had zero bugs - Hi-Fi Rush deservedly gets its place on this list.
"Hi-Fi Rush is a complete package that hits the right notes over and over again, proving that big publishers should just let developers create games they really want to create," we write in our review.
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