The dust has settled, and we at CGMagazine are ready to announce our Game of the Year for 2023. However, we understand that “GOTY” debates can be limiting at times. With so many amazing titles released this year, it’s difficult to choose just one as the ultimate game of the year. Therefore, we have decided to take a different approach and bestow personalized accolades to games that have captivated us. Without further ado…
The Hidden Gemā€”Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
Among the multitude of “wrap-up” summaries from various platforms, I realized that I spent a significant amount of time playing Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key. While it may not be a traditional contender for “game of the year” awards, it combines gameplay styles I enjoy into one epic adventure. The Atelier series has surprised me with its depth, and Atelier Ryza 3 improved upon its predecessor in every way. It offers a compelling alchemy system, exploration of a vast fantasy world, and an engaging RPG experience. Even after reviewing it earlier in the year, I found myself continuously drawn back to it.
Defying the Sophomore Slumpā€”Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (tie)
Sequels are a tricky business. They have to live up to the expectations set by their predecessors, and yet, they must also bring something fresh to the table. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 both successfully built upon their original games. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor expanded on the gameplay and story of Fallen Order, delivering one of the best Star Wars games in years. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 refined the original experience, striking the perfect balance between familiarity and innovation. Both games left a lasting impression and exceeded our expectations.
Remaster Masterclassā€”Star Ocean The Second Story R
Remasters can be a challenging endeavor. Square Enix made a wise decision with Star Ocean The Second Story R. This remaster beautifully revitalizes a beloved classic while incorporating quality-of-life improvements. The updated visuals and refined gameplay make it accessible to a new generation of players. It’s a shining example of how to honor the source material while enhancing the overall experience.
The Thrill of Adventureā€”The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom brought back the joy and wonder of exploring Hyrule, reminiscent of my favorite Zelda game, Link’s Awakening. With its groundbreaking building system and a world that evolves between games, it captured the essence of what makes a Zelda game truly special. It kept me engaged and surprised, reminding me why I fell in love with the series in the first place.
The Prodigal Sonā€”Final Fantasy XVI
For me, Final Fantasy XVI takes the crown as the game of the year for 2023. While it was a tough decision, Final Fantasy XVI stood out for its ability to bring the series back to its roots. The story, led by Ben Starr’s outstanding performance as protagonist Clive Rosfield, captured my attention from the start. It is a massive epic with a tighter focus, and it reestablishes the identity of the Final Fantasy franchise.
In conclusion, while debates about the game of the year can be reductive, we believe it’s important to recognize and celebrate the games that have made a significant impact. These games have provided us with countless hours of enjoyment and have exemplified excellence in their respective genres.
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