2023 is here and as is the tradition at the start of a new year, we are looking ahead at what is coming to our PCs and Consoles in the coming months. As always this is based on what we know is coming, not unannounced titles that will surely get released during the year, and don’t hold it against us when some of these titles get delayed into 2024.
First on the list, The most anticipated FPS titles of the year.
The Most Anticipated FPS Games For 2023
Atomic Heart
Atomic Heart has been intriguing me since it was announced what seems like an age ago. With a mix of fast-paced shooting and an aesthetic that bears more than a passing resemblance to Bioshock, it is easy to buy into what Atomic Heart is selling. There is certainly that feel of a utopia gone made in all of the trailers we have seen so far.
It has been quite some time since we have had an FPS that really puts the focus on a strong story and it looks like Atomic Heart is doing that with the developers promising a tight single-player focus that, should they nail it, satisfy FPS fans that have been craving an entertaining tale.
Atomic Heart is currently scheduled for release on the 21st of Feb for PS4/5, Xbox Series/One, and PC. It will also be launching day one into Gamepass on Xbox and PC.
Redfall
Left 4 Dead but Vampires seems to be the pitch, but I doubt that things will be as simple as that in Redfall. Arkane never takes the expected route with their titles and I expect this new shooter to be no different. Sure it has the four-player PvE vibe rolling but I have a strong feeling that the twists and turns along the way will make the game more than stand on its own two feel.
I am already digging the style of the game, which is in keeping with Arkane’s previous works and the action certianly looks to be different from what you would expect from a standard shooter. Also, Arkane has earned a lot of trust based on their history, so I am very keen to see their next steps play out.
Redfall is currently scheduled for the first half of the year and will be an Xbox Series/PC exclusive and will be available through Gamepass.
Payday 3
After the 2nd game gained such a cult following, it was only a matter of time until Payday 3 hit our consoles and PCs. This time around though things are looking to be a little more involved than the previous entries in the franchise.
This time the premise seems to be more in line with the heists from GTA Online, with planning and preparation taking place in an open world. Once fully kitted out, that is when the team of four will strike their target, with coordination and sticking to the plan a must.
It is the obvious next step for the franchise and one that I think will pay dividends. I just hope there is more content for those of us that struggle to get a group of four friends together on a regular basis. Payday 3 only has a 2023 release date so expect it later in the year for PC and consoles.
Dead Island 2
This one could probably sit in the RPG category as well, but I felt after playing the press demo it is an FPS action title first and an RPG second. That isn’t a bad thing because what I played of this long (long, long) gestating title was an absolute blast and has me keen for the full release.
Set in LA, this open-world zombie fest is really leaning into the black comedy, leaving the serious story to games like Dying Light 2 and carving its own path. It is probably the closest we will get to a Zombieland game which is something that is fine by me.
Dead Island 2 recently had another, hopefully final, delay pushing it out to April this year, but I have a feeling the wait will be worth it when it lands on PC, PS4/5, and Xbox Series/One
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
A sequel to a cult hit, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a dark, supernatural shooter set in a post-nuclear apocalypse Eastern Europe that is sure to be a hit with fans of the original as well as games like Metro. The game is looking stunning and is sure to push consoles and PCs to their limits graphically.
But perhaps the biggest reason to be excited for this game is that it is getting released at all. The game was originally due to release last year but with the developer based in Ukraine, the war forced the team to adapt and change in order to get the game to market, the fact it is still even coming out is something of a miracle and speaks to the resilience of the Dev team.
The game is scheduled to come out for PC and Xbox Series (on Gamepass too) in the first half of 2023. Here’s hoping there are no more delays.
