2023's Most Anticipated Games - Matt's Picks
2023 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in video games of all time. No matter whether you play on PC, PlayStation 4 or 5, Xbox One or Series X|S, or the Nintendo Switch, you’re going to have a lot to play in 2023. Given that, we couldn’t simply pool the team’s thoughts into one top 10 countdown of the most anticipated games, so we solicited 10 from each person to discuss. Today, hear what Matt has to say about his 10 most anticipated games of 2023.
10. Dead Space
I am yet to play The Calisto Protocol but by all reports, it just didn’t quite hit the mark that Dead Space did all those years ago. Luckily the OG is back and looking prettier than ever. By prettier I of course mean chronically disturbing and excessively gory. I am very much in the mood for a revisit to this creepy classic so I can’t wait til this lands later this month.
9. Atomic Heart
Take Metro and cross it with Bioshock then add a touch of Doom and Atomic Heart seems to be the result. It looks wild and I am very excited to see how it turns out after years of teasing. It feels like an age since we have had a genuinely good story-based FPS and this (along with STALKER) looks to fix that.
8. S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl
I want this game for two reasons. 1) I love some post-apocalypse eastern Europe shooting action and we are at least a couple of years away from a new Metro game. 2) Because watching the team behind this game struggle to keep on developing the game in Ukraine while their country is under attack from Russia is nothing short of amazing. If any game deserves instant and lasting success, this is it.
7. Redfall
I will be honest, from what I have seen so far I am not 100% sure what Redfall actually is. Sure there are some Left 4 Dead elements there, but my gut tells me there is more to it than that. The reason this made my list is simple, Arkane. They have earned all of the respect I can give them, their games are creative, unique and engaging and I see no reason why Redfall won’t follow suit.
6. Street Fighter 6
It is no secret that SF5 was a bit of a flop on launch. It felt dated in a lot of ways, especially compared with its biggest competitor Mortal Kombat, and suffered some structure and network issues in the competitive scene. SF6 is looking to right all of those wrongs and I have to say everything I have seen so far has me excited. More importantly, it feels like Capcom is finally embracing those of us who still like to play fighters solo with a fully fleshed-out World Tour mode and character customisation.
5. Starfield
I love me a Bethesda RPG, warts and all and Starfield is sure looking like a Bethesda RPG. It has been a long time between drinks and there is a lot of weight riding on this one but I have faith that Todd and Co will serve me exactly what I am craving.
4. Diablo IV
Despite my current dissatisfaction with how things are being run over at Acti/Blizz, I still can’t help but be excited for the next Diablo. This is a franchise that has been a part of my gaming DNA for so long now it is almost impossible for me not to get giddy about the thought of a new entry. Please Blizzard, don’t balls this one up, I am begging you.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
I have played through Fallen Order three times now, each time on a higher difficulty, right through to the end. I NEVER do that. I don’t have time to do that. Yet I did it. That should tell you how much I enjoyed the game, so saying that its follow-up is one of my most anticipated titles isn’t exactly a shock. I can’t wait to see where this one goes.
2. Alan Wake 2
It has been a long time coming and the remaster of the first game only got me even more excited about Alan’s return. The Twin Peaks/Stephen King-inspired world of the first is still one of the best settings in games and Remedy (when they make their own games, Crossfire doesn’t count) makes nothing but quality. How deep into the mind of Alan can we go and what creepy horrors await?
1. Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
KIRYU CHAN! Nothing more needs to be said. This is either on your most anticipated titles list or you haven’t played any of the Yakuza games before. Bring it on.
So that concludes Matt’s list of his most anticipated games of 2023. What are some of yours? Hit us up via social media to let us know what games you are keen on in 2023!