Best Action
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush is a game about music and action and everything in the game moves to the beat, even in the cutscenes. You will go through a number of environments and take down a number of enemies, to the tune of various licensed tracks (or similar songs made by internal music teams if you are streaming the game) and learning how to track the beat as you progress is key. This may sound intimidating at first, but the game has a number of quality-of-life factors included to help players who are not the best at rhythm games.
The action here is intense but never overwhelming, and once you understand how the rhythm mechanics are set up, the game is incredibly fun to sit down and enjoy playing. A game about music, with a protagonist wielding a makeshift guitar weapon, needs a good art style though, and Hi-Fi Rush has that perfected, with a comic book aesthetic that helps show off the musical nature of the game. Even traversing the stages when not in combat, such as jumping to areas or dodging a sudden obstacle, is done to the beat and you quickly understand how to do what you are supposed to do thanks to the repeating patterns.
Final Fantasy XVI
You wouldn’t expect a AAA title from a major studio to catch you off guard but that’s exactly what Final Fantasy XVI does. The last few mainline releases in the Final Fantasy series have been polarizing to say the least. XV was a uniquely modern take on the franchise’s direction and the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy was somehow both too linear and too open at the same time, leading to a host of complaints from some corners of the gaming community. But Final Fantasy XVI is something different.
What we have so far is a dark medieval fantasy version of Final Fantasy with action-based combat and minimal menu systems. At this point, it’s genuinely hard to think of Final Fantasy XVI as a Final Fantasy at all. At the same time, that’s kind of the purpose of the franchise at this point – shattering boundaries and expectations. You never know what a Final Fantasy will be like because they’re only tangentially linked and there are no hard and firm rules for the design. That’s both a blessing and a curse for Final Fantasy XVI, however. Shifting to action based combat is an effective change but it disrupts expectations for traditional Final Fantasy players. But the combat itself is not simple combat and it requires players to take a very active role in the fight as opposed to selecting a menu option and watching what happen.
As such what we have is a game that is both an RPG and a must play action title.
Gal Guardians: Demon Purge
A new spiritual sequel to Castlevania from Inti Creates, Gal Guardians: Demon Purge sees you take control of Shinobu and Maya Kamizono, characters you may remember from Gal*Gun: Double Peace. They are from a long line of demon hunters, each with their own unique weapons and abilities. Shinobu uses a sub-machine gun and ranged attacks to hit enemies from afar while Maya wields melee weapons making her ideal for close-range attacks.
This is an incredibly well-designed game, with some tough challenges and enemies, and it really evokes the feeling of a lost Castlevania game. The Art Style has an excellent gothic and moody feel while maintaining a pixel art aesthetic, and the music is nothing short of astounding. The story may not be to everyone’s liking, especially if Gal Gun is not your thing, but the gameplay will appeal to any fan of the Castlevania series, which is what Inti Creates was going for.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
Secret Base, the developers of Streets of Red Devil’s Dare Deluxe were given the chance to make a new Double Dragon game and what we have is very different from a typical beat ’em up. What we have in Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a roguelike brawler similar to the developer’s earlier game, where you will take on various stages in a run to get as far as you can. Even the setup of stages is different here, due to the unique way the levels are handled.
There is no other way to say it, other than Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons has some of the best combat seen in a beat ’em up in years. Even when not just using hyper attacks, the moveset of each character is extremely varied, with both subtle and major touches helping to set everyone apart. While some characters do have similar movesets in a general sense, there are small touches that really separate how you handle the character and this is a nice touch often missing from brawlers.
Honorable Mention to:
Lies of P
One of the better Soulslike games not from From Software, I wish I could talk about this more but I did not play enough of it this year.
Best RPGs
Moonring
Moonring is a magical experience, and that is true in many ways. This is a game that was released for free on Steam by Fluttermind, the indie development studio of Dene Carter, co-creator of Fable and Dungeon Keeper, and was a labour of love for the developer. The best way to describe it is that Moonring is a modernized retro CRPG, specifically a callback to the second Ultima trilogy, complete with retro visuals and aesthetics, not to mention difficulty.
Moonring is a game you need to put effort into and it can be frustrating at times due to the throwback mechanics, such as being aware of keywords the game highlights when you speak to NPCs that you will need to type to delve further into. You won’t have a dialogue tree reminding you what to say and you do not have a quest log and nothing will point you in the right direction. But this does not mean things are too obtuse, the game gives a small tutorial-like explanation of some mechanics at the start in the form of notes, and now and then the game provides you with notes that will give you some hints and locations to be aware of, but ultimately it is up to you to figure things out and it is ultimately refreshing.
Moonring is ultimately a great game that will not just appeal to fans of retro RPGs but has plenty to attract those who have never played the games that inspired it.
Final Fantasy XVI
The last few mainline releases in the Final Fantasy series have been polarizing to say the least. XV was a uniquely modern take on the franchise’s direction and the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy was somehow both too linear and too open at the same time, leading to a host of complaints from some corners of the gaming community. But Final Fantasy XVI is something different.
We have already discussed why it counts as one of the best action games this year but the fact remains that Final Fantasy XVI still manages to retain the essence of the JRPG even with the change in playstyle. Much of what we loved about the franchise is still here, even if the main focus has shifted to Action RPG with a heavy focus on action. The sidequests and worldbuilding are all still here and ultimately what we have is a game not afraid to experiment and break conventions to try something new.
A Brief Shoutout to Baldur’s Gate 3
I have to acknowledge that Baldur’s Gate 3 was a massive phenomenon this year but I also need to note that I myself am not the biggest fan of the game for a variety of reasons. Still, I can acknowledge it pushed the genre forward in a big way, but I also want to address in the future an issue I’ve noted with how the game was handled. Look forward to seeing an article about the nature of the Early Access release of the game soon,.
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars proved it would be very much able to live up to the hype fans had built up for this indie gem. A wonderful experience from start to finish, Sea of Stars managed to recapture the spirit of what made 16-bit JRPGs so beloved and so much fun. With a nice dash of modern ideas mixed with classic tropes, we got to play one of the best throwback RPGs ever made. And considering how many great games of that kind there have been lately, that is quite an accomplishment.
Here’s the thing about Sea of Stars. It’s a spectacular script that feels like it’s current and fresh and also feels like it just stepped out of an old SNES cartridge. The mesh of modern and vintage is nothing short of outstanding and the plot keeps you on your toes in a way that games have failed to do for a long time. Sure, it toes the edges of tropes all over the place, but it does so knowingly and some of the characters even joke about it a bit. This is a title that’s aware of exactly what it is and where its place is and manages to fit there so smoothly that it feels like a game you should have played 20 years ago. It’s almost like being a kid again to play Sea of Stars.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy had a lot of controversy at launch but the game itself proved to be one of the best RPGs released in 2023. The perfect adaptation of the Wizarding World franchise, it brought renewed interest to the world of Harry Potter and became one of the best-selling games of the year. Almost everything felt perfect about this game, with great RPG mechanics, great world-building and amazing visuals.
Hogwarts Legacy also fulfilled a desire of many longtime fans of Harry Potter and that is to give a chance to truly play out your wizarding experience. There is still room to improve with future installments, but with a base this great, the franchise can only go up from here. Here is to the future of the franchise and where it will take us next.
A Brief Shoutout to Rogue Trader
Rogue Trader is one of the best Warhammer 40,000 adaptations in video game form and I want to include it in the best of the year……but I have to acknowledge the bugs have held it back even if many have been fixed in the weeks since release. It is an older style of CRPG ( it feels weird to say that but it is what it is due to Baldur’s Gate 3) but it held my attention deeply this year. Consider this an honorable mention and I feel the DLC and future bug fixes will no doubt make this even better.
Star Ocean The Second Story R
Star Ocean games have always been popular but low-key with the first domestic release coming on the PS1 with Star Ocean: The Second Story. Now Square Enix along with developer Gemdrops have given us a remastered version of that original PlayStation release entitled Star Ocean: The Second Story R. If you’ve never played a Star Ocean game before, this is the place to jump on and if you have, it’s time to get back to Claude, Rena, and the whole gang because the new game is absolutely outstanding. Everything has been redone with a style that’s reminiscent of the Octopath Traveller engine. This is a separate engine to be sure, but it definitely looks cool and it’s a big upgrade from the original release.
While some aspects of the game have not aged as well including the combat, there have been refinements to add new QOL features. The only issue is that the encounter frequency is insanely high and just standing around is guaranteed to get you attacked. Still, this is a fun game and shows new potential for what can be done with remakes of classic Square Enix games.
Re-Releases of 2023
River City Rival Showdown
With a complex rework as well as a remaster, River City Rival Showdown isn’t exactly a re-release in the traditional sense. Based on the original River City Ransom for NES/Famicom (aka Downtown Nekketsu Story), it tells the story of Kunio, a high school street tough that takes on anyone who dares challenge him. The game takes place over the course of three days as rival gangs try to push in on Kunio’s turf and there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that Kunio will uncover as well. Rival Showdown focuses more on the story than the original release and there’s a lot going on within the plot that slowly adds depth to the old-school brawling which is the meat of the game.
What makes River City Rival Showdown notable is not only the fun, irreverent combat but the depth of the game’s systems as well. There is a deep item system that works in combination with a complex levelling system that has become the hallmark of the River City games. In addition, the updates and changes to River City Ransom to fit with the overall aesthetic of the modern games in the Nekketsu series elevate Rival Showdown into a bespoke artisanal rendition of the source material that is both more visually pleasing and more engrossing. In short, it is the ultimate incarnation of the series and a treasure for any game library.
The Making of Karateka
You won’t find a big bad guy trying to take over the world in this game’s story. Instead what you get is the story of how Jordan Mechner flipped the video game industry on its head and created one of the most groundbreaking video games to ever hit store shelves.
Because this is an interactive history, there aren’t a lot of mechanics. You have a timeline that you navigate that tells the story through images and some videos of both the creator of Karateka Jordan Mechner’s life story, and the making of Karateka. Along with these videos and images, you have playable prototypes for games that were never released, prototypes and retail releases of Karateka, as well as one re-imagined title.
This interactive history of Karateka is the first game in the Gold Masters Series from Digital Eclipse. It’s a documentary, a playable game collection, and a unique take on video game preservation.
Mazinger Z Arcade Archives
Mazinger Z’s Arcade Archives release is a very notable one and the gameplay itself is secondary here. This is the first licensed game to come to Arcade Archives worldwide and opens the door to many more possibilities. The game itself is an excellent shmup that will delight fans of the genre and Mazinger Z in general.
Mazinger Z is a bold new step for the future of Arcade Archives and creates the possibility of seeing more classic licensed arcade titles get a re-release thanks to HAMSTER’s work.
Assault Suits Valken Declassified
M2 has been known for years for the work the developer does in ensuring classic video games are made available for newer systems, often in improved ways, and their latest work Assault Suits Valken Declassified shows more of why the reputation is well deserved. Joining forces with Rainmaker Productions, to handle the extra content, the overall package is truly exquisite. What we have is a new edition that updates the original Japanese version of the Super Famicom/SNES game, gives it a brand-new translation along with all of the cinematics and story sequences intact and various tweaks to make the game better.
Assault Suits Valken Declassified is a must-play re-release of a classic that makes the original shine in a restored state with many extras. The extras are a welcome addition and the gameplay is truly spectacular, being both brutally challenging and extremely rewarding.
Devil World and The Mysterious Murasame Castle on NSO
Devil World is a game made by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto himself and was an interesting one. This is a game that was heavily inspired by Bandai Namco’s Pac-Man but also managed to have some very unique ideas and create a very different experience.
The game sees you played as a dragon named Tamagon who must attack the titular Devil’s World, a world composed of mazes that the Devil can manipulate by moving them around while his minions chase you. This is a major difference from Pac-Man as it is now the maze itself here that is the threat to you.
2023 saw the first worldwide release for the game, since while it was released in PAL regions and Asian territories on the NES and Famicom, it never came to North America till now and now we can all enjoy it.
As for the Mysterious Mursasame Castle, 2023 saw its first console release in the West at the same time as Devil World saw its worldwide release. The game has an interesting legacy both in and out of Japan, as the game was only released in the West for the first time a few years ago on the 3DS eshop but now, even more, can play this hybrid of Pocky and Rocky and the Legend of Zelda with a samurai flavour. Both of these games developed a following among enthusiasts in the West and Nintendo listened to the fans this year with an excellent Switch release complete with rewind, save states and more.
Honorable Mention
Double Dragon Advance and Super Double Dragon
Two classic Double Dragon games got a wide re-release this year and these were not just straight ports. The addition of new speed options as well as backgrounds do change things up, but Super Double Dragon still feels like it is missing a lot. That said, Double Dragon Advance has gotten another chance to show off how great of a remake of the original game it truly is. Both are ultimately worth checking out but Advance is more worth your time
Best Remakes and Remasters
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime Remastered takes what made the original game great and cranked it up to eleven with this remastered entry. There have been so many changes and improvements to this game that it can be said that it’s more of a remake than a remaster.
With the game being built from the ground up in the latest RUDE engine, it not only allows for a graphical overhaul of the original game, but some additions as well. Featuring brand new textures, brand new lighting system, new music, and improved physics, it feels like a brand new entry into the Prime series. In addition to these improvements in the game’s audio, visual, and mechanical fidelity, the game also features a wide range of new features.
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG is a true classic, a game that was the culmination of Nintendo and Squaresoft’s working relationship in the 90s. One of the last games for the SNES, it was visually stunning for the time and introduced the world to the concept of RPGs starring the Mario characters. Fans have wanted more for so long, but it seemed destined to never happen, yet Nintendo surprised everyone earlier this year with the announcement of a full remake.
Super Mario RPG for the Nintendo Switch fully brings that classic back into the gaming scene in a big way and feels very close to the original, and yet there are touches that help it stand out. The amazing gameplay and the story are still here, but the game has been completely rebuilt with modern visuals that still preserve the feel of the original game. From the moment the game begins, you feel both nostalgia and wonder and those new to the game will be surprised by a different style of Mario RPG.
Super Mario RPG is a perfect upgrade of the original, with just enough new content to not be completely 1:1 and still preserve the original game. It also helps that this is just a fun game and Nintendo and ArtePiazza have done a great job updating the original game Squaresoft (before Square Enix was a thing) worked on. Even the cameos are back and some we missed in the original game are more clear now, while some content removed from the localized version has been put back in.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
The Yakuza, or as it’s known now, the Like a Dragon series, is one that has stretched many years and multiple games, but the most interesting thing about it is how diverse these games are. The games have always been innovative open world-esque brawlers akin to a 3D take on the Kunio-Kun series, but the games always managed to do something new, from fighting zombies to becoming a JRPG series, Lika a Dragon has always been trying different things.
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is set in the time of the Meiji Restoration and features a cast based on historical figures with the case of the series in their roles, with Kazuma Kiryu standing in as Sakamoto Ryoma and Saito Hajime, Goro Majima as Okita Soji and more. This is a large game that is set around two areas and each is full of things to do. Like with other RGG games, there are a large number of side quests and mini-games to enjoy and people to talk to. You can manage a farm for instance, and a number of small games can be played that are found all over. The quests and mini-games are all fun to play and enjoy, but be aware that you will lose a lot of time with them.
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is a refreshing take on the series with great use of characters, excellent combat and masterful storytelling. RGG Studio did some great work here, and the final result, even with some flaws, is something fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
When Nintendo first revealed a remake of the first two Advance Wars games, fans were ecstatic. It has been years since the last entry in the turn-based strategy series and now two beloved games were revealed to be returning. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp brings both games to Nintendo Switch with a bold new visual style that may not be to everyone’s liking, but also comes with some great modern touches to enhance the experience.
WayForward Technologies was the right partner for this remake and the developer and Nintendo did an excellent job here. This is a remake done right, with excellent modern touches and manages to live up to the original games. With regards to online play and level creation, the worries many had before launch were thankfully allayed and the online gameplay is excellent with some excellent competitive wargame on the Nintendo Switch against players worldwide, with the Nintendo and WayForward charm. In addition, designing and sharing maps is also fun in this remake and seeing some maps made by other players has been truly amazing. Just an overall good experience.
Honorable Mention to Resident Evil 4. I have started playing the remake but am not far enough into it to judge.
Games You Slept On
Deathwish Enforcers
Deathwish Enforcers is a love letter to classic Konami titles, as well as action cinema of the 70s and 80s with playable characters based on famous films and works like Death Wish and Dirty Harry. It is hard to not mention Sunset Riders when this game is so deeply inspired by that earlier title. Indeed, the first level is a modernized take on the first level of Sunset Riders, albeit in a way that may surprise some people.
In addition to Sunset Riders, other arcade influences can be seen such as Crime Fighters and more, but the general game is just one that is easy to get into. You and up to three friends must take on a variety of enemies and stages to stop a villainous plot, but this is not a typical co-op game. The best way to go about things is to think of the game as a competitive co-op game with you competing against the other players and trying to trip them up at times.
I cannot say enough good about Deathwish Enforcers as it is a truly special game. The developers did some great work here and the love of the classic games and movies is evident just by playing for a few minutes
Guardgrave
The arcade classics have always held a place in the hearts of gamers, including Data East’s legendary title Burger Time. A number of indie developers have tried to put their own spin on this formula over the years but GuardGrave from Monster Bath Games might be the best one yet this time starring grave keepers who must put the dead back to their eternal sleep
Honourable mention
Wanted: Dead
Wanted: Dead is a game that I only started playing at the end of the year but I do not see why it got such a mixed reception. The blend of hack ‘n’ slash gameplay, third-person shooter, rhythm game and RPG elements played like a great throwback title and have had a lot of fun with it. Maybe my tastes are different from others, but I think this is gonna be a title I will enjoy well into 2024.
Biggest Surprises
Moonring’s release
Moonring didn’t exactly come out of nowhere as the developer had been talking about it for a while. However, many were unaware of this and the launch of a free RPG from the co-creator of Fable and Dungeon Keeper caught many off guard. That the game was a spiritual sequel to the classic Ultima games but with modern touches was also a welcome shock and fans welcomed it openly. With an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam, Moonring has quickly cemented its place as a true gem of 2023.
God of War Ragnarok Valhalla DLC
God of War Ragnarok getting DLC was not a surprise as many expected it to happen. No, what was the surprise was that it would be a free update that would bring a new roguelike mode and be released just days later. The Valhalla DLC was well received by fans and we got to see more of one of the best games of this generation.
The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
As part of an April Fool’s Day joke, SEGA released The Murder of Sonic The Hedgehog on Steam and it quickly showed how quirky and fun the series could still be. This unique take on a visual novel, blended with some traditional elements was a love letter to the series and its fans and development was led by the Sonic The Hedgehog social media team. The Murder of Sonic The Hedgehog was downloaded well over a million times and proved to be something fans want more of.
F-Zero 99
Right from the start, F-Zero 99 looks different from other 99 games like Pac-Man 99 and Super Mario 35 which tried to evoke a more classic look. While this game uses the SNES title as a basis, the visuals are vastly improved with a retro aesthetic but modern touches applied. The result is a game that looks amazing and feels like a great evolution of the classic style.
This may not have been the F-Zero game that fans have been calling for, but it is one that F-Zero fans are certainly enjoying now and proved to be the game that was needed.
The Fortnite Virtual Holocaust Education Museum
In a time of rising hate and antisemitism, developer Luc Bernard worked with Epic Games to establish a Holocaust Museum within Fortnite to educate about the horrific events that occurred. Bernard noted that roughly 80 percent of people have never visited a Holocaust museum in real life, so creating a museum like this in Fortnite was a great way to give people a chance to learn about the events, and while there were people who tried to ruin the experience for others by trolling, Bernard’s museum managed to reach a large audience to educate them. Considering how antisemitism is at its highest point in decades, something like this was needed.
The Switch Port of DNF Duel
DNF Duel was a game that was not expected to come to the Nintendo Switch and many felt it would not be able to run on the system. But come to the Nintendo Switch it did and to my surprise, it held up great. All the action is here and while the visuals took a noticeable hit, the game is fully functional and plays like a charm. This is a game for fighting game fans who only game on Switch and want to play something new because it is truly something special.
Games That Educate
The Light in the Darkness
The Light in the Darkness is a game by Luc Bernard that aims to educate about the holocaust. Bernard has been vocal about the need to change the way holocaust education has been handled and created the game as an educational tool to help reach younger generations. Bernard has been open about his own experiences dealing with antisemitism in the gaming industry and as such this was a very personal project for him. The Light in the Darkness is an interactive story about a working-class family of Polish Jews in France during the Holocaust and has been touted as the first videogame to portray the Holocaust accurately.
The game was released for free and can be played without any cost, as part of Bernard’s goal to educate about the holocaust so there is no excuse not to try this narrative game out. We can all learn from the experience and the consequences of forgetting the past. With antisemitism at its highest point in many decades, The Light in the Darkness is a game we all need right now.
Games That Are Good For Your Mental Health
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
It is easy to see why this game is so highly praised by fans and critics alike. Not only is this the pinnacle of the series when it comes to the side-scrolling entries; it’s not one that we were expecting. The last side-scrolling “new” Mario game we got was Super Mario Maker 2. With as much freedom as you have with that game and the ability to create entirely new full-fledged games, Nintendo didn’t seem too interested in giving us another traditional Mario game.
The more you play, the more you realize you are smiling and even at its most frustrating, the game never loses its charm. The result is a game that just makes it impossible it’s impossible to not feel happy when playing. From the unique effects and power-ups to the character interactions, this is a game that wants you to be happy and knows how to get the job done.
PowerWash Simulator
Anxiety is something that can wreak havoc on your life, especially if you have a condition where it is severe. Gaming can be an escape from this for a short time, but the wrong kind of game will end up elevating your heart rate and making things far, far worse. In contrast, the right kind of game will let you zone out and relax and even sleep better and this is where PowerWash Simulator comes into the picture.
PowerWash Simulator is a game about using a power washer to clean away grim and dirt from various locations and while this may sound like a boring game, it has a surprising zen-like quality that just lets you relax. There are different techniques to be used in the game, such as different nozzles, positions, fluids and so on, and the game gives you the means to have the grime and dirt highlighted so you can see what is left, but that is not why it is so good. This is the gaming equivalent of a white noise machine, where you can relax and stop obsessing over things.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety and panic attacks myself, PowerWash Simulator has been nothing short of amazing. Struggles with elevated heart rate from severe panic attacks have kept me awake at night and unable to sleep for long periods and this game has served as an antidote. Playing, even if only for just a bit before bed has calmed me down to the point where I can finally get a good night’s sleep.
Fae Farm
The game introduces characters and ideas at whatever pace the player deems fit and even lets you know you can take it easy, which is nice, especially for a farming sim. You have all the time in the world, and some farming sims seem to forget that. The characters are very cute too, so it’s hard to ignore them and you can befriend as many of them as they want, or none. The game doesn’t punish you for being a hermit, though you will probably have a few friends even if they just do the main quests.
You can also ignore the main story if you see fit and still have just as much fun, though the early portions of the main story do offer up countless helpful tutorials. The game simply wants to give everyone the same attention, but it is still a game that anyone could pour hours into quite easily. Quests are obviously an important component here though also not necessarily necessary and Fae Farm offers them up as a way to push the player, but you can ignore them if you want.
Fae Farm feels like the culmination of farming sim games and by its very nature is an ideal game that helps you to relax.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
While many have talked about what a great action-adventure game and overall amazing experience The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom is, one thing that deserves mention is how the game encourages creativity and innovation. The Ultrahand ability, for example, offers Link the ability to connect anything to anything. Simply activate the ability and Link can connect logs together to make a raft or any number of crazy contraptions. It’s incredible to simply watch people play the game to see what they made.
Ultrahand completely changes the game and allows for even more fun and is an example of how Tears of the Kingdom shows off the truly magical power of Nintendo, where fun is the name of the game. This game could be played by a multitude of people and they can each bring their imagination to it. This is an ideal game for someone who is in a rut and needs help getting direction in their life. Give them the game and let them work things out by experimenting and they will be able to help process things in their life much better.
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush is one of the best action games this year, but it is also one of the most wholesome games around in its own way and the use of music and the amazing art style just creates an experience that feels warm and welcoming. The very story of the game also manages to be uplifting, but it is the gameplay that manages to show both developers and fans that something lighthearted is worth pursuing even if there is a challenge and that frustration can be overcome and even enjoyed if understood right.
There are questions asked and those play a role in this also. But the satisfying gameplay and unique presentation give a feeling that all is going to be alright. With music that fits the game perfectly whether the original songs or the copyright-friendly alternatives for streaming, Hi-Fi Rush is a game that manages to help you get over a slump and be the best you can be. And that is good to have when trying to improve your mental health.
………………..
So do I have an overall Game of the year? Well, I don’t like making picks like that because each of the games represents the best in the categories they were placed in., though I will say I personally enjoyed Hi-Fi Rush the most of any game this year and am hopeful for a sequel.
Just a reminder that this was just my opinion on the best of gaming in 2023 and I would like to know what you all liked best.
