What Is It?
The latest entry in Blizzard’s seminal action-RPG series resurrects the bloody and grim visual flair that balances the cartoon-like fantasy. Many other games have taken influence from Diablo over the years, but Diablo IV makes you remember who came first.
Why It's a Game of the Year
No action-RPG out-Diablos Diablo IV, a title that expands the familiar loot-grinding mechanics with massive, demon-filled zones. In terms of character builds, there's more creativity than ever; a necromancer battles a lot differently than a rogue, for example. On top of that, everything regarding how the game plays—be it with a controller or classic clicking—activates every pleasure center in the brain and keeps you going for just one more run.
Final Fantasy XVI
What Is It?
With Final Fantasy XVI, Square Enix once again reinvents its beloved role-playing franchise. Featuring a dark medieval story and action-packed combat, the RPG takes more inspiration from Devil May Cry and Game of Thrones than past Final Fantasy entries.
Why It's a Game of the Year
Want a game that goes big? This is the one. FF16's superb presentation features enemies with a tremendous, kaiju-like scale. Excellent voice work and a top-notch narrative bring gravitas to the delightfully over-the-top battles.
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush (for Xbox Series X)
What Is It?
After an unexpected Xbox Game Pass release during an Xbox & Bethesda Developer Direct showcase, Hi-Fi Rush instantly became one of 2023’s most exciting releases. Developer Tango Gameworks tapped its action game heritage to craft a unique title that's essentially a rhythm game spin on Devil May Cry.
Why It's a Game of the Year
Hi-Fi Rush is for anyone who knows there's a thin line between fighting and dancing. Case in point: You do greater damage to enemies if you attack them on time with the beat. As you gain more combat options, the game feels like a musical performance. A vibrant, cel-shaded world makes this a symphony for your eyes as well as your ears. And the soundtrack includes everything from original J-pop tracks to licensed songs from Fiona Apple and The Prodigy.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch (OLED Model), Nintendo Switch Lite
What Is It?
This long-awaited sequel to the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild—one of the greatest games ever made—Tears of the Kingdom expands upon its predecessor's ideas in unexpected ways. Exploring the skies and underground caves makes Hyrule unfathomably vast, and new construction powers let you break the toy box world apart and rebuild it as you see fit.
Why It's a Game of the Year
Tears of the Kingdom's incalculable player freedom lets you create unique adventures in a manner that no other video game can duplicate. Everyone may defeat Ganondorf, but only you breached his defenses by building a giant robot using the in-game tools. Tears of the Kingdom is an irresistible, hypnotic adventure, and a must-play action-RPG for all Nintendo Switch owners.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
What Is It?
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the sequel to one of the PlayStation 4's best action games. You play as either Peter Parker or Miles Morales, swinging across a massive New York City to bust bad guys with webs and wit. The Venom symbiote amplifies the game's overall aggression.
Why It's a Game of the Year
This is the ultimate game for Spider-Man fans. The story takes many dramatic twists and turns, featuring classic villains from Web-Head's rogues gallery such as Kraven the Hunter and Sandman. Above all else, the gameplay makes you feel like a true wall-crawler thanks to fast-paced combat combat and thrilling urban traversal.
Mortal Kombat 1
What Is It?
This reboot of the long-running fighting game series is as entertaining to play as it is for horrified onlookers to watch. Mortal Kombat 1 includes a cinematic story mode, new tag-based battles, and an Invasions mode packed with live service content presented as a nifty board game.
Why It's a Game of the Year
The famously bloody fighting game finally breaks free of its infamously stiff gameplay mechanics. Thanks to high-flying air combos and custom tag-team Kameo fighter attacks, finishing foes has never been more fun. It's as awesome as Marvel vs. Capcom; just swap the X-Men with an M-rating.
Pikmin 4
What Is It?
Nintendo's quirky real-time strategy series has always been good. After all, it's hard to mess up a premise as appealing as scavenging a huge alien world with an army of tiny ants. However, Pikimin has never broken out of its cult status. That may change with Pikmin 4, the latest series entry that adds fresh mechanics to the familiar formula.
Why It's a Game of the Year
The biggest and best Pikmin game yet, Pikmin 4 gives you new Pikmin to command, a cute and customizable dog companion, and many gorgeous areas to tactically explore. Overcoming the game's many challenges makes you feel like an interplanetary explorer.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
What Is It?
The original Resident Evil 4 is a survival-horror masterpiece whose influence can be felt in Alan Wake and Dead Space. In 2023, Capcom returned to the infested village where it all began by giving Leon S. Kennedy’s European nightmare a full-on remake.
Why It's a Game of the Year
Building off the success of previous Resident Evil remakes, the RE4 remake updates the classic game with gorgeous visuals and a modern third-person shooter design. Lurking beneath it all is a timeless blend of gruesome thrills and action-packed setpieces. It’s parasitic perfection for anyone who can stomach it.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
What Is It?
Respawn’s single-player Star Wars saga continues with this new Cal Kestis adventure. In Jedi Survivor, you explore tightly designed 3D platforming maps and open worlds full of characters and quests. Hop in a starship and zip around the galaxy with your ragtag crew, always just one step ahead of the empire.
Why It's a Game of the Year
Fans of the new High Republic stories will appreciate the plot twists Jedi Survivor introduces to the Star Wars canon. For action gaming veterans, the demanding combat system gives you multiple lightsaber styles to master along with a growing arsenal of Force powers. Or you can take down stormtroopers with a simple blaster, too. Just be sure to shoot first. Jedi Survivor is a terrific game, one that also makes good use of a great license.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
What Is It?
In the beginning, all Super Mario games were wonderful 2D side-scrollers that dazzled us with their sheer imagination. But as Mario set his sights on 3D heights, the New Super Mario Bros. series turned 2D Mario into a safe and bland nostalgia franchise. Super Mario Bros. Wonder says no more!
Why It's a Game of the Year
For new and returning players alike, Super Mario Bros. Wonder fills 2D Mario to the brim with whimsy, creativity, and joyful confusion. Turn levels into psychedelic dreamscapes! Customize your abilities! Compete against friends online! Transform into an elephant! It truly takes 2D Mario to another dimension.