The 10 best games you missed in 2023: Like A Dragon, Space Wreck & more
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Last updated
29th Dec 2023 12:30
Saying 2023 has been a big year for video games is an understatement, with so many massive titles coming out throughout the four seasons, there are as many incredible games to play that you’ve skipped this year.
Remembering the fact that huge AAA names like Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, Spider-Man 2, Armored Core, Lies of P, and so many more popped up to console and PC over the last 12 months - it’s easy to understand why there are still tons of other great games that are worth your time. The only problem was no one had enough of it spare to try anything new.
Now the major release season has calmed down, it’s time to look back through the 2023 backlog and pick out the best games you probably skipped this year, so you can give some a try before 2024 creeps in.
Please note: These games are listed in a non-ranked order.
Return to Grace
One of the biggest reasons for the extended backlogs of skipped games for many players this year is the lengthy playtimes to get through some still-brilliant gaming narratives amongst a plethora of 2023 releases. Amongst indie titles with concise storytelling, however, Return to Grace is one of those science fiction games that make so much into a small package that provides a fantastic experience within a playtime of just four to five hours.
Click to enlargeBlending a futuristic narrative about a space archaeologist working together with A.I characters to restore a digital god, also throwing puzzle solving and decision making into the mix, and a fun and mysterious twist around these other types of stories you may have already seen.
As mentioned in my review, Return to Grace is a wonderfully immersive story that’s brimming with charm from start to finish.
Ben Williams, Senior Guides Writer
HROT
Set in Czechoslovakia during the 80s where a mysterious disaster has brought about dark and deadly times, HROT is an FPS inspired by the 90s era of shooters in every way. From the custom engine that replicates unfiltered textures and polygonal jitter to the focus on gameplay and atmosphere over narrative, it's one of the most exciting games of the current boomer shooter revival.
Click to enlargeHROT has a real sense of place and mood thanks to the faithfully handcrafted levels inspired by real-life Eastern Bloc locations and culture, along with a simple colour palette that primarily uses various shades of brown to craft a fitting retro aesthetic. If you're forever crestfallen about the 1990s ending, HROT is just the game to take you back.
Tarran Stockton, Senior Guides Writer
Sun Haven
If you like Stardew Valley, then you don’t want to miss out on this gem of a game. Sun Haven is similar to Stardew Valley in the sense that you can run your farm and create relationships with the townsfolk, but it differentiates with the fantasy element of the game. If you’re looking for a Skill Tree to grind your way through, this is the perfect game for it.
Click to enlargeIf you want to play as an Elf or Fairy, this game offers you that choice. You can customise your character however you like, and share the farm with up to eight players.
Whilst a lot of farming games are similar, this one allows for more combat and risk to be involved, offering plenty of rewards for the struggles you undertake as you make your way through dangerous mines to come back home victorious.
Amy Eastland, Guides Writer
Hi-Fi Rush
We never thought the developer behind the terrifying Evil Within horror games would shadow-drop a colourful rhythm-based action title at Xbox and Bethesda Developer_Direct, but Hi-Fi Rush surprised us in more ways than one, including the fact not as many played it as we’d have thought.
Click to enlargeUtilising vibrant colours, cel-shaded comic book-style aesthetics, bombastic action, characters oozing with personality, and an eclectic soundtrack that weaves the super-fun combat altogether, the game’s ten to twelve-hour story feels like a musical thrill ride from beginning to end.
Feel-good games are especially welcome during this cosy time of year, and Hi-Fi Rush is one of those perfect games to help pump up the vibe. If you want to know more before jumping in though, see if you can feel the music in our Hi-Fi Rush review.
Ben Williams, Senior Guides Writer
My Friendly Neighborhood
There's something so visceral about the style of survival horror that was born with the original Resident Evil - but what if you swapped out zombies for puppets, and the Spencer Mansion for a Saturday morning cartoon set? You'd get My Friendly Neighborhood, which is one of 2023's wackiest horror experiences.
Click to enlargeOne of the game's strongest aspects is its wide appeal, acting like “baby's first horror game” for younger gamers, along with being well-crafted throwback horror for people who hurt their back getting out of bed. With resource management, exploration, combat, and puzzles, My Friendly Neighborhood has it all - and it does so with an irreverent sense of humour and a heartfelt tale about the power of empathy.
Tarran Stockton, Senior Guides Writer
World of Horror
Heavily inspired by the horror manga by Junji Ito and author H.P Lovecraft, this World of Horror delves into grotesque mysteries as you have to navigate the hellish world in front of you and hope that you don’t experience the chaos of some of the event cards that can make your journey through the game even harder than before.
Click to enlargeIf you aren’t one for body horror and interactions with gore, this may be one to miss. However, those who are ready to sign up won’t regret it. The art style and chaotic energy of World of Horror lend a lot to the story, giving you the feeling of discomfort with a need to act fast, and all culminating to be an experience you won’t forget.
Amy Eastland, Guides Writer
Tales of Symphonia Remastered
There have been plenty of re-releases of revamped games in 2023, but Tales of Symphonia Remastered is still as immersive action RPG with interesting combat today as it was during its original release on GameCube in 2003.
As you play as Lloyd Irving to gather a group of companions on a pilgrimage to regenerate the world, fans after a new challenging RPG will be impressed by Tales of Symphonia’s fascinating story with heartfelt characters - along with the Strategy mechanic that lets you customise how each character reacts in certain situations.
Click to enlargeSure, the 20-year-old game has some issues that such a title would imply and the remaster itself is pretty barebones. Nevertheless, the experience you’re getting out of this with unique combat and larger-than-life characters is still worth you giving it a try.
To learn more about the game first, feel free to take a peek at our Tales of Symphonia Remastered review.
Ben Williams, Senior Guides Writer
Space Wreck
2023 has been a fantastic year for the role-playing game, but if you don't have dozens of hours to invest in Baldur's Gate 3 or Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Space Wreck is the RPG for you.
Inspired by CRPGs of old, it takes place in a post-apocalyptic space setting, and opts for narrative and role-playing depth over length, with the developer Pahris Entertainment describing it as inch wide, but miles deep.
Click to enlargeA playthrough can take just a few hours, but such a short length allows every player's decision and action to matter, with a tonne of branching consequences based on your chosen playstyle.
Tarran Stockton, Senior Guides Writer
Slay the Princess
Another horror game, but this time a visual novel. Slay the Princess is certainly not a game to sleep on as you meet with the namesake princess before navigating through her lies and making the decision whether to kill her or not. It is your sole purpose in the game and yet, without spoilers, she gives some intriguing reasons to keep her alive.
Click to enlargeIt is up to you whether to go against your morals or you do the job you were assigned. Whichever way, this game will stay with you for a long time no matter what of its multiple endings you get. Slay the Princess is the perfect existential horror, which will have you questioning everything.
Amy Eastland, Guides Writer
Like A Dragon: Ishin!
Another re-release but this time from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Like A Dragon: Ishin made its western debut in an incredibly crowded February 2023.
As big names like Hogwarts Legacy, Octopath Traveler, and Atomic Heart were on player’s minds already, it was easy for some to overlook the Yakuza spin-off since Ishin was the first game outside of Japan to finally shift back to the original Like A Dragon series title. Because of it not being a mainline entry though, more Like A Dragon fans seemed to skip Ishin more than normal.
Click to enlargeWhilst it did well despite the name change, if more players knew what Like A Dragon: Ishin! was, this zany action-adventure spin-off would’ve done even better. Shifting the franchises’ various characters to be 1860s Japanese samurai of different names, Like A Dragon: Ishin shows that what’s great about the Yakuza franchise isn’t limited by its original modern setting.
With the face, voice, and personality of the iconic Kazuma Kiryu transplanted into the original character Ryoma Sakamoto, Ishin retreads the Like A Dragon/Yakuza franchise’s themes of vengeance and honour laced with murder mystery to tell a great samurai tale for a brand new experience that’s still worthy of its namesake.
Still letting you wander about your new surroundings for the series’ well-loved tropes of random street fights, meeting odd and curious individuals for never-heard-of side stories, and a whole bunch of mini-games, Like A Dragon: Ishin still captures that dramatic-to-silly tone shift the whole fanbase adores.
Whether you’re a longtime Yakuza fan or just on the hunt for a manner of a game you’ve never experienced which will put a smile on your face, look no further than Ishin. On the other hand, if you need a more in-depth analysis before wanting to play as a samurai, our Like A Dragon Ishin! review will tell you all you need to know.
Ben Williams, Senior Guides Writer
That’s everything you need to know about the best games you probably missed this year in 2023. Looking ahead to next year, be sure to also have a look at what ten things we hope happen for video games in 2024.
For more of the best from this year, check out the top ten iconic moments from gaming in 2023. Alternatively, have a look at our gaming lists homepage for even more essentials on games you might be catching up on right here at GGRecon.
