It’s no secret that 2023 is off to a raucous start with multiple game of the year contenders hitting within the first couple of months of the year. Even with highly-rated hits like Elden Ring, Dying Light 2, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Horizon Forbidden West building the foundation of exceptional games of the year, there’s a lot still yet to release. This list will be your guide to every gaming experience Game Informer considers a must-play in 2023, encompassing the best games you can play on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC, among others.
Below you’ll find a list of the top-scoring games of 2023, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We’ll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!
9.5
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime was a masterpiece in 2002, and that assessment still rings true in 2023. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
February 8, 2023
Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
It’s not only one of the best action games in recent memory; it’s the best Resident Evil since, well, probably the original Resident Evil 4. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date:
March 24, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC), TBA (PlayStation VR2)
9
Dead Space (Remake)
This exceptional remake faithfully recaptures the magic of its predecessor while amplifying the elements that made it beloved in the first place. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date:
January 27, 2023
Fire Emblem Engage
Players looking for deep customization, expertly crafted strategy RPG combat, and a heartfelt story with adoration for more than 30 years of Fire Emblem history will find that and more in Engage. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
January 20, 2023
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is a lengthy and rewarding adventure that adeptly captures the magic of the stories from which it is inspired. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 10, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), April 4, 2023 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One), July 25, 2023 (Switch)
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
After nearly a 10-year gap, Theatrhythm is back and it’s better than ever. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch
Release Date:
February 16, 2023
8.75
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Much like the young Cereza herself, Bayonetta Origins doesn’t look like much on the surface, but this exceptional and refreshing change of pace for the franchise kept a smile permanently plastered on my face. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
March 17, 2023
Chained Echoes
It may harken back to the greatest 16-bit RPGs, but this intriguing gem has more than enough new ideas to keep players guessing. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
December 8, 2022
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush finds a magical sweet spot between rhythm games, stylish action, and lighthearted, character-driven platformers we don’t see very often anymore, and by every measure, it comes out on top. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date:
January 25, 2023
Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is still an enhanced remaster of a 12-year-old Wii game, but it effectively brings forward one of the pink puffball’s best outings, complete with enhancements and additions. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
February 24, 2023
MLB The Show 23
Myriad options and modes allow you to engage with America’s Pastime precisely how you want, and in the process, MLB The Show 23 delivers one of the best baseball games in years. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch
Release Date:
March 28, 2023
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a finely honed delight. Its action is precise and responsive, and learning the intricacies of each adversary is exceedingly fulfilling. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
March 3, 2023
8.5
Before Your Eyes
Before Your Eyes puts its unique blinking mechanic to great use, offering a novel and fun method of interacting with this memorable, bittersweet tale. We’ve also updated the review to highlight the excellent PlayStation VR2 version. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation VR2, PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Release Date:
April 8, 2021 (PC), September 28, 2021 (Mac), July 26, 2022 (iOS, Android), March 10, 2023 (PlayStation VR2)
Lil Gator Game
Lil Gator Game presents a short, enjoyable Zelda-inspired adventure wrapped in a poignant, wholesome narrative. Read review
Platforms: Switch, PC
Release Date:
December 14, 2022
Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler II does what an excellent sequel should. Instead of breaking new ground left and right, it improves on the original in nearly every way and feels more confident about the stories it tells. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 24, 2023
Rytmos
Rytmos feels designed with musicians in mind, but puzzle fiends will also find a chill afternoon of challenges to play through here, too. Read review
Platforms: Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 28, 2023
Tchia
The tone, the music, and Tchia’s abilities all come together to create something that is simply fun, and it all takes place in a setting that demands to be explored. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date:
March 21, 2023
For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.
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