GBHBL’s Top 10 Games of 2023
Making a list of top ten games we’ve played in 2023 is always daunting, not just because of personal enjoyment, but because we simply don’t have enough time to play everything. There have been many games released this year, where the consensus is that they’re brilliant, but we just haven’t gotten around to playing them.
We will, eventually.
So, this top ten is based entirely on the games we’ve played only and that were released this year on the respective consoles we play. These are our top ten games of 2023.
10. Ghostwire: Tokyo (Xbox Series X)
From developer Tango Gameworks and publisher Bethesda Softworks comes the action-adventure, first-person game, Ghostwire: Tokyo. An imaginative and folklore laden experience that will give hours upon hours of enjoyment. Only let down by a lack of depth to the story and repetitive, uninspired combat.
Explore the neon-drenched city, save the spirits off those killed by a deadly supernatural fog, defeat the multitude of visitors that roam, uncover interesting folklore, improve your abilities, complete varied side missions, and put a stop to the villain’s plan. There’s a lot to do in Ghostwire: Tokyo and it will keep players busy for tens of hours.
It does leave an impression, even if it’s far from perfect. The developers clearly have a lot of imagination and put a ton of effort into making this surreal and fantastical world as detailed as possible. It is a lot of fun to play and has many satisfying moments. Read our full review here.
9. RoboCop: Rogue City (Xbox Series X)
From Teyon, the developer who brought us the solid Terminator: Resistance, comes RoboCop: Rogue City. A first-person shooter game based on the RoboCop films, but featuring its own original storyline.
Robocop, the movie, is a product of its time and attempts to capture its charm or replicate it, has failed countless times. Its over-the-top violence, strong effects, satirical social commentary, and pithy dialogue really struck a chord with audiences. Yet, fans have had to wait a very long time for a game that manages to capture both the look and feel of the RoboCop universe.
Something that Teyon have absolutely nailed with RoboCop: Rogue City. Creating a really authentic vibe that has a ton of charm. Rising above many of its issues, in a similar vein to Terminator: Resistance, but proving to be a more memorable experience. It delivers some of the most enjoyably nostalgic action seen in some time. Where the simplicity of just blasting the hell out of enemies is all that matters, but it still has enough depth to keep you playing on. Read our full review here.
8. BROK the InvestiGator (Xbox Series X)
From independent French studio COWCAT Games comes BROK the InvestiGator. An amalgamation of old-school point and click and beat ‘em up gameplay elements. An initially baffling combination, but thanks to a deep story, clever puzzles, great characters, wonderful voice acting, and so much more, BROK the InvestiGator ends up being a uniquely special game.
It’s a extremely well thought out game that nails both aspects of its gameplay, but excels with its story. Read our full review here.
7. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp (Nintendo Switch)
Released in 2001 and 2003 respectively, Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising were turn-based strategy war games released for the Gameboy Advance. In both games, players commanded fictional armies across land, sea, and air to defeat the enemy.
The games were extremely popular and fans have clamoured for more, especially with the handheld capabilities of the Switch. So, after a long delay and releasing with not much fanfare, a remake of the first two games finally came out. Called Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, it updates the visuals and sounds, includes voice acting, animated shorts, and online play. Similar to the Resident Evil 4 Remake, developer WayForward has taken something that was already great and made minor tweaks to make it even better.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a blast. War never changes and Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is proof that it doesn’t have to. Read our full review here.
6. Dead Space – Remake (Xbox Series X)
On first glance, the remake of Dead Space looks to fall short. However, under the bloody and gristly exterior is a thumping heartbeat that showcases fresh ideas. All while staying true to what made the original 2008 game so beloved. An original that still stands the test of time now.
This remake doesn’t strip away the flesh of the original game, instead it builds upon it in satisfying ways.
Familiar but fresh. The Dead Space remake is a masterful example of modern horror with old-school survival ideologies. It’s unlikely it could have been done any other way and breathes new life into this franchise. Read our full review here.
5. Hi-Fi Rush (Xbox Series X)
Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-based action game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks.
A delightful breath of fresh air, a blast from the past in many ways. It feels like one of those games that you’d randomly come across in previous generations of consoles. Not a AAA game but one that will be remembered fondly and will certainly go down as a hidden gem or cult classic in years to come.
The game has quite possibly the best looking animated art style seen in a video game. It’s so wonderfully vibrant and pleasing to the eyes with cutscenes that seamlessly transition to gameplay. The gameplay is full of adrenaline, fast action and flashy moves, it’s all-round super satisfying and addictive. Read our full review here.
4. Sea of Stars (Xbox Series X)
If you grew up playing classic RPG’s from franchises such as Final Fantasy, Breath of Fire, Chrono Trigger or Phantasy Star then you’ll feel right at home in Sabotage Studio’s Sea of Stars.
It feels like a delightful blast from the past for anyone that has been longing to play an old-school RPG, but developer also did an amazing job of taking all of those classic systems and delivering them in a way that feels fresh. Sea of Stars modernises the classic RPG in terms of turn-based combat, storytelling, exploration and interactions with the environment, while still offering a hearty slice of nostalgia and good old, simple fun.
A great story, great characters, great visuals, and great music all combines to make a game that is so much more than the sum of its parts. Read our full review here.
3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo Switch)
No matter how many times you think Nintendo can’t do it again with another Super Mario Bros. game, they always prove us wrong. Returning to the traditional side-scrolling style for the first time in a long time, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a refreshing take on perfected gameplay with the added bonus of some fun new tricks and twists on the usual formula.
It is a game that oozes charm and will have most players hooked within the first few levels. There’s nothing ground-breaking here, but it is so much fun to play, it doesn’t need to be. Alongside that, it is a visual treat with some of the most imaginative level designs seen in a Mario game for some time. Players of all ages will love this, and once again, Nintendo have delivered an unforgettable Super Mario Bros. experience. Read our full review here.
2. Resident Evil 4 – Remake (Xbox Series X)
Released by Capcom for the GameCube in 2005, Resident Evil 4 was a game-changing entry in the Resident Evil series. Moving away from its fixed camera angles and taking its first steps into a more action-orientated direction. It was an exceptional experience that is now considered to be one of the best entries in the series overall.
The remake of Resident Evil 4 has done the impossible, improve upon almost every aspect of the original. All while holding dear what made the original so beloved. To call Resident Evil 4 a triumph of a remake is to understate what has been accomplished here. Where only the most minute of issues exist and can easily be overlooked in favour of the overall quality of the game.
This might very well be the pinnacles of remakes and if Capcom are done revisiting the Resident Evil series for now, they sure went out with a bang. Read our full review here.
1. Alan Wake 2 (Xbox Series X)
Rarely do we, as gamers, get a sequel that nails the three Bs of what sequels should be. Bigger, Bolder, Better, and Remedy could probably have gotten away with doing a lot less here. Yet, they have done seemingly everything possible to create something that tops the original in almost every department. Alan Wake fans could only dream of a sequel with this much creative vision behind it, yet it is reality now, a very dark reality.
In one of the biggest surprises of all, Alan Wake 2 changes up the core gameplay style of the series. Whereas the first game (and the short American Nightmare companion game) was an action-adventure game with horror elements, this sequel is horror focused completely. In fact, it falls under the bracket of survival horror, and it nails both aspects.
This is one of the most tense, frightening, and challenging game experiences in some time. It’s not just the gameplay that delivers on this though, it’s the story and characters too. It is a ‘must play’ game. Not just for those who are fans of the series, but for those who demand compelling stories, deep and expressive content, true survival horror, and one of the best looking/sounding experiences in modern times. Read our full review here.
