We haven’t even made it to June and the first half of the year has been jam packed with major game releases. With many major releases still scheduled to come out, plus unannounced games yet to be confirmed, 2023 might be one of the greatest years in gaming history.
2023 Starts With a Bang
Some years start slow, others start fast. 2023 was the latter, as we kicked off the year with game after game, many of them receiving critical acclaim.
Firstly, we had Dead Space remake. Finally, after a ten year absence, EA’s survival horror franchise was brought back from the dead, and it was good… really good.
We then Spring-boarded into the most surprising game of the year, Hi-Fi Rush, developed by Tango Gameworks. Everything about this game was surprising, considering most thought Tango’s next game would most likely be Evil Within 3 (or something horror-like). But no, Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm based action game with a colorful art style and wonderful cast of characters. To add to the surprise, it was shadow dropped! The full game launched the same day as Xbox’s developer direct, and it launched virtually bug free.
Then, Capcom’s remake of the legendary Resident Evil 4 was released shortly after, and to no surprise it was fantastic. Capcom themselves are on an amazing streak of releasing amazing games and this one was no different.
One of the major contributors to 2023 being one of the greatest years in gaming history is without a doubt The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This will be most gamers game of the year. It’s an innovative, sensational experience that deserves all the praise it’s getting.
Those four are only a small taste as many other games released in the first half such as Hogwarts Legacy, Wild Hearts, Forspoken, Wo Long, Atomic Heart, Dead Island 2, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, and many others!
Diablo 4 & Street Fighter 6
June already looks stacked with releases as three major blockbusters are launching in the month. We’ve already kicked the month off strong as two of those blockbuster games reviews went live today, and they are looking like GOTY contenders.
Firstly, Street Fighter 6, which launches June 2nd, 2023. The reviews came in today and it’s sitting at a whopping 92 metacritic for PlayStation 5!
Secondly, Diablo 4 also had reviews go live today, and it’s also sitting at an incredible 92 metacritic for Xbox Series X!
Lastly, the last major release for June is Final Fantasy 16, the long awaited new entry in the legendary franchise. Reviews aren’t out yet, but from the early previews we’ve seen, it’s looking like it’s gonna be one to remember. (Below is a link to the easy Allies preview for Final Fantasy 16. This is one of many early previews for the game but it’s one of my favorites).
Major Games Still Releasing in 2023
With such a jam packed first half, you’d think the second half would be lighter in comparison, but we still have many major games scheduled for release. Let’s look at some of the major releases still coming later this year.
First, is the brand new RPG from gaming legend Todd Howard and Bethesda Game Studios. If you’re a fan of Fallout or Elder Scrolls, this is one to keep your eye on. Starfield is scheduled to launch September 6th, 2023 for Xbox and PC.
Second, Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac games. Anything Spider-Man is always going to be massive, and after the incredible first game, the sequel should be nothing short of spectacular.
Third, Mortal Kombat 1. The latest addition to the legendary franchise is a series reboot bringing the series back to a more grounded feel.
Finally, Alan Wake 2. It’s been thirteen years since the first game, and fans have been clamoring for a new game since. Alan Wake 2 is a pure survival horror game, and the gameplay shown at the recent PlayStation showcase looks mind-blowing.
Again, these are only a few of the titles scheduled for release. Armored Core 6 is the newest game from legendary developer FromSoftware, releasing August 25th, 2023. Pikmin 4, Assassins Creed Mirage, and many more are still scheduled for release this year.
Not to mention, we are on the cusp of many summer showcases such as the Xbox show (June 11th), Summer Game Fest (June 8th), and Ubisoft Forward (June 12th). Many more games will be announced and given release dates at this show, potentially adding to an already amazing year.
Closing
When the PS5 and Xbox Series X launched back in 2020, many complained about the lack of major games releasing for the new hardware. There wasn’t many games showcasing the power of the hardware, not to mention many games weren’t releasing to critical acclaim.
2023 is showcasing the creativity and talent of the industry as a whole. Not only are lots of games releasing, the games themselves are just good.
If you have been waiting for games to come and validate your purchase of expensive new hardware, then 2023 is your year. There’s games for everyone, and many of them are releasing to outstanding quality. 2023 is without a doubt one of the greatest years in gaming history.
Gaming is so back.
