AJ’s Picks: The 12 Best Games of 2023 (Habitually Late Edition)

Another year, another ridiculously late Games of the Year article. Many apologies. It took much longer than expected to get to all the standout 2023 unboxings on my YouTube channel. I plan to have all of the 2024 unboxings done within the first few months of next year, and then I'll hopefully be able to focus on getting caught up with 2025 by this time next December. If it's any consolation, as a result of taking so much time to determine the winners of 2023, I'm feeling extremely confident in my picks (not that I haven't for most other years). Hopefully, you will too. Please read on to find out why I chose what I chose as the 12 best titles that 2023 had to offer:

12 Persona 5: Tactica
(Best Strategy Game Runner Up)

Persona 5: Tactica marks the first tactical game in the Persona series (though not the greater Megami Tensei franchise). Despite it being a continuation of the adventures of the same crew from Persona 5 (and Persona 5: Strikers), P5: Tactica does a fantastic job bringing fresh tactical fun, and a compelling new story to the table. Also, as is customary with Atlus's Persona titles, Tactica is absolutely dripping with style, and boasts a fantastic soundtrack to boot - - including a few tracks by Lyn Inaizumi, the same incredibly talented jazz singer featured on the award-winning soundtrack to the original Persona 5 game. Not only did Persona 5: Tactica represent yet another outstanding entry to the Persona series, but also one of 2023's truly finest titles.

 

11 Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
Best Beat 'Em Up

After seeing not one, but two top-notch beat-'em-ups make it to my best games of 2022 list, I thought I'd probably not see one make the cut again for at least a few more years. Evidently, I was incorrect. Indie developer Secret Base, seemingly inspired a good bit by last year's game of the year, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, took the Double Dragon license, and delivered what is arguably the greatest entry in the franchise's storied 36-year history.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons ably breathes new life into the series with new characters, new features, and stylish new moves. All this while still respecting the established lore, characters, and classic two-player action that the series is known for. Though it may not be quite on the same level as Shredder's Revenge, Rise of the Dragons is still a face-smashingly fun time, and without any doubt whatsoever, one of the absolute best action games of 2023.

10 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
(Best Adventure Game Runner Up)

In 2017, Breath of the Wild, Nintendo's much-hyped, long-awaited, then-latest installment to their beloved Legend of Zelda series, finally released to great critical acclaim. It even claimed a spot on my best games list for that year. As the first new Zelda game for the Switch (as well as the first and last for the Wii U), and the first non-portable (only) entry in 6 years, Breath of the Wild successfully made good on a lot of rather high expectations.

Naturally, as the second new main-series Zelda entry to come to the Switch (although still the first in 6 years) the expectations for 2023's Tears of the Kingdom were quite a bit lower. Especially given that a large portion of the map, graphics, enemies, and game engine were all recycled from the 2017 game. Although one might have been forgiven for assuming Tears of the Kingdom would be just a half-hearted, by-the-numbers cash grab, this was actually not anything close to the case.

Nintendo clearly took a great deal of care (and presumably a good portion of that 6-year interim) to add a great deal of new content on top of the existing assets, including two completely brand new maps - - both above and below the old one - - a host of new enemies and enemy types, and several charming new characters to interact with. Additionally, the game is packed with a plethora of new mini-dungeon shrines, creative and engaging new gameplay mechanics, and an epic new adventure to embark upon. While certain aspects of the game may have felt like a retread at first blush, the more one allows themself to get sucked into the game (and they will), the more apparent it becomes that Tears of the Kingdom quite capably stands on its own. Not only as one of the best releases of 2023, but one of the best Legend of Zelda games ever made.

 

09 Star Wars: Jedi - Survivor
Best Adventure Game

Respawn Entertainment's 2019 title, Jedi - Fallen Order, might just be one of the greatest Star Wars games ever made. The graphics, gameplay, characters and attention to detail were absolutely top notch. Even more incredible was the fact that it was arguably one of the better Star Wars stories ever told. Most impressive for a team who had never worked on the franchise before.

Though lightning may not often strike twice, Respawn is apparently pretty strong with the force. Their 2023 follow-up, Jedi - Survivor ably captured that same magic and gave players even more to love with new planets, characters, abilities, mechanics, collectibles, and even better visuals, courtesy of the generational hardware upgrade. The story, however, is once again the main draw, expanding on the events from Fallen Order and managing to spin yet another outstanding Star Wars yarn. Sadly, the game did suffer from brief launch performance issues, as well as the unfortunate decision by EA (the dark lords of publishing) to ship largely incomplete game discs that required a massive download in order to be played. But even those somewhat minor quibbles couldn't stop Star Wars: Jedi - Survivor from taking its rightful place beside the other best games from 2023.

08 Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider
Best Indie Game
(Best Action Game Runner Up)

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is the newest release from Brazilian indie developer JoyMasher. Their last game, the Contra-inspired indie darling, Blazing Chrome, was so incredibly fantastic, in retrospect, it probably should have been included among my picks for the best games of 2019. Luckily, I made sure not to rob them this time around (and not just because I felt bad).

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider quite ably stands on its own as yet another triumphant achievement in retro-styled game design. Having clearly been heavily influenced by (and borrowing fairly liberally from) classic 16-bit favorites like the Super Nintendo Mega Man X and Genesis Shinobi titles, Moonrider manages to scratch an itch that hasn't felt this satisfying in years, if not decades. It's anyone's guess what JoyMasher will do next, but just like the Greek myth about King Midas, everything they touch seems to become pure gold.

07 Fire Emblem: Engage
Best Strategy Game

Though it may be the second main series installment for the Switch and the third in 6 years, Fire Emblem: Engage feels like the freshest Fire Emblem title in a very long time. A lot of that has to do with the fact that the art style for this entry received an incredible new overhaul, with characters and graphics that are some of the most beautifully striking in the 20+ year history of the franchise. Engage also boasts some of the deepest, best, and still somehow most impressively accessible tactical combat ever seen in a Fire Emblem game. While the game's plot may not have been the most original or intensely compelling ever told, it was still plenty satisfying enough to keep players invested. But when evaluated as a whole, including the aforementioned superb visuals and outstanding gameplay, Engage easily ranks as one of the best games of the year, if not one of the best Fire Emblems ever made.

06 EA Sports WRC
Best Racing Game

Similar to 2022's Grid - Legends, EA Sports WRC is the first in Codemasters' long-running history of rally titles to be released under new publisher Electronic Arts; and the first to be released under the official WRC license since 2002. Some highlights of this game include the outstanding sound design, impeccable controls, and satisfyingly lengthy racecourses. While the game as a whole may not quite be on par with Codemasters' excellent 2020 release, Dirt 5, WRC is still arguably the best official WRC rally game in years - - as well as the best racing game of 2023. It also represents an excellent starting point for the combined forces of Codemasters, EA, and the WRC license going forward.

05 Final Fantasy XVI
Best RPG, Best PlayStation Exclusive

If there's one game on this list that successfully manged to live up to the hype, it's Final Fantasy XVI. The game looks absolutely stunning, sounds incredible, but perhaps most importantly of all, plays like no other Final Fantasy ever has before. That's thanks to a brilliantly-implemented brand new real-time combat system designed by a veteran of Capcom's equally legendary Devil May Cry series. Though the action may be the real draw for this title, the excellent story, jaw-dropping cinematic cutscenes, and outstanding orchestral score and voice-acting transform FF XVI from a solid can't miss action RPG title into a veritable game for the ages. One that shouldn't be missed by anyone, Final Fantasy fans or otherwise.

04 Mystic Warriors (Wrath of the Ninjas)
Best Action Game, Best Arcade Port, Best Multi-Platform (Console) Game

Nothing beats an arcade classic from the '90s. Well, almost nothing. Mystic Warriors was another outstanding action title from Konami that hit the arcades 30+ years ago. The game has quite a bit in common with Konami's legendary 1991 Western-themed arcade fan favorite, Sunset Riders; including the same development team, optional multiplayer co-op for up to 4 people, and a pretty strong resemblance (and even a reference or two).

Unlike Sunset Riders, however, Mystic Warriors trades in the Old West setting for a slightly dystopic near-future one - - with ninjas! Also, unlike, Sunset Riders, Mystic Warriors never received a home port to '90s consoles - - or any for that matter - - until now! The game practically belongs on this list solely so fans don't have to feel like their decades-long wait was in vain. Thankfully though, Mystic Warriors is actually really good too. Though it may not be quite on the same level as Sunset Riders (which, to be fair, was essentially perfect), it does succeed as a worthy follow-up, as well as a shining example of the since-unrivaled glory days of the '90s arcades.

03 Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Best Fighting Game

Back in 2020, Arc System Works and Cygames took the fighting game genre throne with their outstanding 2D fantasy weapons brawler, Granblue Fantasy Versus. In 2023, they seemed to effortlessly do it once again, with their follow up title, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. GFVR offers up new mechanics, new characters, and even more gorgeous graphics than the already stunningly beautiful previous installment. Whether you were a fan of the fantastic original, or just excellent fighting games in general, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising has everything you're looking for, and more.

02 Hi-Fi Rush
Best Music/Rhythm Game, Best Xbox (Console) Exclusive

Hi-Fi Rush might just go down as Tango Gameworks best and most unexpected title. In a pronounced departure from their usual dark and serious fare, the studio decided to attempt something a little more upbeat - - literally. Hi-Fi Rush is a bright and colorful cel-shaded rhythmic action game about a cybernetically-enhanced rock star wannabe who is tasked with taking down the corporation that made him what he is.

As any rhythm game should, Hi-Fi Rush does a phenomenal job blending music and gameplay by allowing you to perform Devil May Cry-style attack combos in sync to the beat. To supplement the incredible head-bopping original music tracks, the game also included hit radio favorites from the likes of The Black Keys and Nine Inch Nails. Forget Starfield (publisher Bethesda's far more anticipated, yet disappointing release of the year), if there was one Xbox title worth adding to your playlist in 2023, it was Hi-Fi Rush.

01 Super Mario Bros Wonder
Best Platformer, Best Switch Exclusive, Game of the Year

  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Platforms: Switch
  • Number of Players: 1-4 locally or 2-4 online

Seldom has a Super Mario title been released that didn't quickly make its way on to most (if not all) games of the year lists. Super Mario Bros Wonder, happily, is no different. The latest entry in the nearly 40-year-strong Super Mario Bros series, Wonder once again brings the fantastic 4-player multiplayer madness that has been common to the franchise since 2009 and adds to the fun with several new selectable fan-favorite characters to play as. SMBW also features unique new power ups and a badge mechanic, adding welcome depth, variety, and assistance (for those who need it) with completing stages in the game.

Wonder's greatest new addition, however, has to be the eponymous Wonder Flowers which, once triggered, cause hilarious and/or completely off-the-wall stage effects to occur for a short period of time. It's reassuring to know that even after all this time, Nintendo still isn't running out of ways to keep their most popular franchise fresh and enjoyable. On the contrary, Super Mario Bros Wonder is proof positive that Nintendo is still very much at the top of their game.

So that wraps up my 2023 list; and not a moment too soon! Once again, I very much regret the excessive delay. Please rest assured that my 2024 list will be coming soon. In the meantime, please feel free to share your own picks for 2023 (or 2024), and/or thoughts about mine. Till the next time!

(This is a repost of an article that originally appeared on 12/12 Games.)

[Images: Tango Gameworks, Atlus, Secret Base, Nintendo, Respawn Entertainment, JoyMasher, Codemasters, Square Enix, Konami, Cygames]