2023's Most Anticipated Games - Paul'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 Paul has to say about his 10 most anticipated games of 2023, sorted from 10 to 1.
10. Starfield
I’ve not been at all shy about my distaste for Fallout, and so it’s been a very long time since I’ve been able to sink my teeth into a juicy Todd Howard-led world. Despite how recent it may feel thanks to Bethesda launching a new SKU of Skyrim every year, the reality is that it’s been 12 years since I last experienced a BGS world and the enormity of the Starfield universe has me very much intrigued.
9. The Wolf Among Us 2
The heartbreak I felt for the Telltale Games developers when the news of the studio closure emerged was only matched (I know, selfish) by my sadness that I’d never again get to play another The Wolf Among Us title. Thankfully from the ashes of Telltale emerged, well, Telltale, and Wolf 2 so while I’m giddy at the prospect of assuming the role of Bigby Wolf once again, I’m also just happy to sit and wait. My hopes are high for 2023 but as long as the game is being made sustainably, then I’m happy to wait for as long as is required. Because of course I want Wolf 3 after all this is done!
8. Horizon Call Of The Mountain
The Horizon franchise hasn’t put a toe out of place for me since it debuted in 2017. We might be on the brink of too much of a good thing with the reported remake of Zero Dawn, the third core entry, as well as a supposed multiplayer title, but for now, before the deluge, the PS VR2 title, Call Of The Mountain, will do just right. It looks beautiful and I can’t wait to go first person and completely immerse myself in the wod of the mechs.
7. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight is without doubt one of the greatest games of all time, so the fact that the hotly anticipated Silksong slipped to seventh on my list further highlights the enormous quality of games coming in 2023. I’ve been told that it’s pretty close now, which then marries up with the first half of 2023 commentary that came from the Xbox Bethesda 2022 Showcase. It feels like forever ago that I played a demo for it (that was 2019!) but the idea of finally playing the full game has me incredibly excited for 2023.
6. Pikmin 4
I almost forgot about Pikmin 4 simply because I thought Nintendo didn’t put a window on it – once I had that error in my thinking corrected the game became a walk-up selection. We all hung it on the Wii U, and for good reason, it was a trash console, but Nintendo’s first party output was stellar, and Pikmin 3 was the best of the batch. I absolutely cannot wait to get into this new world of Pikmin in what is undoubtedly going to be the best entry yet.
5. Diablo IV
It took me a long time to fall for Diablo. Being a console kid I didn’t appreciate the classics like I should have done. That all changed though when Diablo III finally rolled along I was completely enthralled by it – now the launch of Diablo has me incredibly excited. The recent previews that rolled out along with the trailers and information that has come directly from Blizzard has me near-certain that the hundred hours of Diablo III will be replicated with Diablo IV. Lilith has me in her clutches and there’s few places I’d rather be right now.
4. Sea Of Stars
If anyone knows me then they know that my gaming DNA tracks back to the SNES JRPG classics like Final Fantasy VI, Secret of Mana, Earthbound, and most notably, Chrono Trigger. Sabotage, the developers of the beloved The Messenger share the same love of Chrono Trigger as I, and are hard at work developing an astonishing love-letter in Sea Of Stars. They’ve recruited ex-Chrono Trigger talent to assist and the game is ticking all of the right boxes for this classic JRPG lover.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is without a hint of doubt in my mind, the best Star Wars video game of all time, and I’ve been longing for the release of a sequel ever since the game launched in 2019. The story of Cal Kestis fascinates me, as do the ways with which the game intertwines with the larger stories of a galaxy far, far away. New combat opportunities and mounts highlight to me just how much more vast Cal’s adventure is about to get meaning that March 17 cannot come any faster.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Insomniac simply don’t miss. Spider-Man was an instant classic and Miles Morales was even better, but to pair them both together with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a prospect that has me salivating. I’m curious to see how the team will breathe fresh life into a New York that we’ve now navigated in two prior games, and is grounded in reality, something that doesn’t facilitate too many opportunities for changing things up. I’m excited to see what’s in store later this year.
1. Final Fantasy XVI
I spoke earlier about my love of classic JRPGs, and in that era Final Fantasy ruled, especially those that leaned more into the fantasy setting as opposed to the more science fiction inspired worlds of most entries from VII onwards. Final Fantasy XVI is taking it all back to the classic aspects that speak so strongly to me, and not only that, but the game is looking phenomenal. When June arrives, and Final Fantasy XVI with it, be prepared to not see nor hear from me until June 2024
So that concludes Paul’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!