HomeGames & TechThe Best Games to Play in 2023: A Must-Play Gaming Lineup

The Best Games to Play in 2023: A Must-Play Gaming Lineup

Be prepared to embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination, push the boundaries of storytelling, and immerse you in awe-inspiring virtual worlds. The gaming landscape is teeming with innovative creations that will cater to every gamer’s taste, whether you prefer slot games like the Book of Dead, heart-pounding action, intricate RPGs, or thought-provoking narratives. 

This year’s lineup of games is a testament to the industry’s boundless creativity and technical prowess, offering an array of experiences that will captivate players like never before. 

So, buckle up because you are off to a thrilling adventure through the most anticipated games of 2023:

Starfield

Bethesda’s ambitious open-world RPG, ‘Starfield’, leads the charge of highly anticipated releases. This long-awaited title marks Bethesda’s first significant new I.P. in 25 years. It takes players on a galactic journey unlike any other. Set in space and boasting a mind-boggling number of planets to explore, ‘Starfield’ promises a captivating narrative, customizable spacecraft, and thrilling action.Ā 

Choose your alliances, engage in intense battles with space pirates, and immerse yourself in an expansive universe of wonder and adventure. With Bethesda’s reputation for crafting immersive worlds, ‘Starfield’ is poised to redefine the sci-fi RPG genre.

Final Fantasy XVI: A New Chapter Unfolds

‘Final Fantasy’ fans are in for a treat with the highly anticipated release of ‘Final Fantasy XVI’. This latest instalment in the iconic RPG series introduces a fresh take on the franchise, embracing a more mature tone inspired by Western fantasy epics. Embark on an epic journey as Clive, the lead protagonist, and unravel a tale of crystals, summoned Eikons, and multiple timelines.Ā 

With real-time action-oriented gameplay and a team of industry veterans behind its development, including talent from ‘Devil May Cry’ and ‘Dragon’s Dogma’, ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ promises to deliver a captivating and exhilarating adventure that will leave fans spellbound.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Indie gaming enthusiasts rejoice as Team Cherry prepares to release the highly anticipated sequel to their cult hit, Hollow Knight. Titled ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong’, this Metroidvania-style game continues the hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric journey of Hornet, a nimble protagonist navigating a twisted kingdom of bugs.Ā 

Immerse yourself in a stunning hand-drawn world, face formidable enemies, and overcome new challenges as you ascend to the kingdom’s pinnacle. With its mesmerizing visuals, intricate level design, and captivating soundtrack, ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong’ promises to be a worthy successor to its beloved predecessor.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Fans of classic RPGs have reason to celebrate with the highly anticipated release of ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’. Developed by Larian Studios, known for their critically acclaimed ‘Divinity: Original Sin’ series, this long-awaited sequel brings the beloved ‘Baldur’s Gate’ franchise into the modern era. Set in a fantasy realm based on the ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ 5th Edition rules, ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ offers a top-down role-playing experience filled with rich storytelling, immersive gameplay, and deep character customization.Ā 

Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure as you navigate a world teeming with danger and intrigue while dealing with a mysterious brain parasite infecting your character. ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ is poised to be one of the standout releases of 2023.

Lies of P: A Dark Twist on Pinocchio

Prepare to be captivated by the dark and twisted reimagining of the classic tale of Pinocchio in ‘Lies of P’. This action-adventure game transports players to an alternate Victorian era whereĀ Pinocchio, or ‘P,’ awakens in a city with a single mission: to find his creator and unravel the mysteries of his existence.Ā 

Navigate a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mechanical beings, unravel an intricate web of lies, and make choices that shape the fate of P. With its visually stunning art style, immersive storytelling, and morally challenging decisions, ‘Lies of P’ promises to deliver an exceptional gaming experience.

Mortal Kombat 1

‘Mortal Kombat 1’ is a reboot of the renowned ‘Mortal Kombat’ franchise. Notably, this is not a sequel to the original ‘Mortal Kombat’, released in 1992. This reboot breathes new life into the ‘Mortal Kombat’ universe, thanks to the victory of Fire God Liu Kang in ‘Mortal Kombat 11’.

Despite the reboot, Mortal Kombat 1 remains true to the series’ essence, offering the same level of gore, violence, and intense battles that fans have come to expect.

In addition to the intense gameplay, ‘Mortal Kombat 1’ also pays homage to the franchise’s roots by featuring playable characters from earlier games. One such character is Johnny Cage, who now sports a character skin inspired by the legendary martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme. This nod to the past adds a nostalgic touch and creates a sense of familiarity for long-time fans.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’ is the highly anticipated fourth instalment in the ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R.’ series. Developed by G.S.C. Game World, this game takes players back to the exclusion zone surrounding the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power station. It offers a thrilling and immersive experience as players navigate the dangerous and unpredictable environment filled with monsters and radioactive anomalies.

‘Heart of Chornobyl’ is set in a truly open world and utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to deliver stunning visuals. The game takes full benefit of the latest graphics technology, including ray-tracing, to create a realistic and atmospheric portrayal of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.Ā 

Players can expect a visually impressive and immersive gameplay experience. With ‘Heart of Chornobyl’, fans are eager to see what new and intriguing concepts the development team has in store to surpass the previous instalment.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

‘Metal Gear Solid 3’ is a remake of Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed masterpiece. This highly anticipated game brings Solid Snake back into the spotlight, presenting players with a fresh and updated version of the original game.

Set in the Cold War era, ‘Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater’ follows the story of Solid Snake as he embarks on a mission in the Soviet Union jungle. The game combines stealth gameplay with intense action sequences, providing players with a thrilling and immersive experience.

While the details about the gameplay are yet to be revealed, the few cinematic shots released have created excitement among fans. The stunning visuals and the familiar elements from the original game hint at a faithful recreation that captures the essence of ‘Metal Gear’.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, 2023 is expected to be an incredible year for gamers. Whether you prefer the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox or P.C., this year has already been jam-packed with major titles competing for your attention. 

From the boundless depths of space in ‘Starfield’ to the epic fantasy of ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ and the indie brilliance of ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong’ and ‘Lies of P’, many captivating experiences await.Ā 

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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