By Dean Moses
Already deep into summer, and the Spring Creek Sun is looking back at some of the best games to have been released so far in 2023 and predicting the top contenders for Game of the Year.
Game: Diablo 4
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, & Microsoft Windows
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $69.99
The newest release in the long-running and beloved loot collecting franchise is guaranteed to be in the conversation for game of the year. Its addictive nature and support from its developers adding new content makes it a title gamers will pour countless hours into. This is coupled with impressive online modes that include cooperative play and versus battles. Like a devil on your shoulder, Diablo 4 will whisper in your ear to come back time and time again.
Game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E for Everyone 10+
Cost: $69.99
One of Nintendo’s greatest intellectual properties, Zelda could well be the favorite to take home the title of game of the year in 2023. The sequel to the Nintendo Switch’s launch title builds upon its strengths in every way, including the fresh ability to create your own vehicles and weapons thanks to a new gameplay mechanic that has won fans over. A massive open world and a fun combat system has proven that Nintendo’s aging hybrid console still has life left in it.
Game: Final Fantasy XVI
Platform: PlayStation 5
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $69.99
The Final Fantasy series has been completely revamped as of late, trading in its timeworn turn-based battle system for real time fights. In the franchise’s 16th outing, gameplay has become more of an outright action experience that sees the player battling it out in jaw-dropping skirmishes. However, it is the game’s engaging narrative that will reel in players and leave them wanting to uncover more and more. While more seasoned players may not like the new approach, it is the ability to adapt and evolve that makes this title a game of the year contender.
Game: Hogwarts Legacy
Platform: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Rating: T for Teen
Cost: $69.99
Fans are now able to further immerse themselves into the magic of J.K. Rowling’s fantasy in this open-world action RPG set in the 1800s. While the story takes place centuries before the Boy who lived, there are still plenty of Easter Eggs from the films and books to feast upon.
Hogwarts Legacy allows you to create and customize your very own character from the color of your eyes to the freckles on your face. The graphics, voice acting, combat, and intricate narrative have enhanced the overall gameplay in this open-world adventure. You don’t just get to explore the grounds of Hogwarts, which in itself are vast beyond belief, but also Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forrest, and other magical areas in a World Map. Hogwarts Legacy is very much an RPG game reminiscent of Skyrim, where you can choose your house (Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw) and take part in completing side quests and collecting items to further upgrade your abilities.
