THIS year is one of the most incredible years for gamers, and it was difficult to narrow down the list to our 10 favourites.
What is left behind is 10 must-play games that span a number of genres, fulfilling the tastes for all gamers.
If you are wondering which games from this year you should pick up, then this is the list for you.
Here are our top ten favourite games released in 2023.
10. Dredge
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In a year of great games there are few indies on our list, but Dredge is the perfect mix of Animal Crossing meets Eldritch horror.
On the one hand, it’s a cosy fishing sim, but on the other, it’s about uncovering the dark horrors that lie beneath.
You get to learn more about the lives of the people who inhabit the world and the horrors that they’ve suffered through.
A relaxing game that is also capable of putting the fear in you as you fish in the dark.
9. Starfield
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People have waited years for Bethesda’s next big open world after Skyrim stole so much of our time.
Starfield offers the same exploration opportunities as the fantasy epic, with a new sci-fi twist.
Everything feels possible in the vast open world, as you choose the path and the story you want to tell.
It’s a game where you choose the story, and we loved it for that.
8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
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The previous Marvel’s Spider-Man games were good, and it felt obvious that a sequel would be even better.
The movement feels fantastic, which means even in the stretches of traversal you are still having an excellent time.
It’s filled with things to do, from the main story to the side quests, and all the additional collectables.
Every swing is exciting, and that’s before you get into the bombastic boss fights.
You can check out our full Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 review here.
7. Lies of P
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At this point soulslikes feel like an oversaturated genre, with many studios trying to put their own twists on it.
Lies of P stands out from the crowd for two reasons. Firstly, it takes the distinctly dark tale of Pinocchio, and twists it into something far more horrifying.
It also introduces a new Lying System, where you choose between the harsh truth and kinder lies you can tell.
This system pours into the ending where you can see three different endings depending on the choices you make.
6. Cocoon
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Cocoon is a puzzle platformer at first glance, but it is so much deeper than this when you look below the surface.
The main gameplay revolves around worlds within worlds as you figure out how to affect them from the outside.
This leads to mind-bending puzzles which stretch you further than the typical game.
On top of this, there are interesting meta puzzles that you have no chance of finding on your first playthrough.
5. Alan Wake 2
It’s been years since Alan Wake was released, and fans have waited a long time for a sequel.
But it was worth the wait. Alan Wake 2 goes full survival horror with a stylish and unique twist.
It builds the tension, never allowing you to feel safe, and making it feel like the big bad is just around the corner.
It’s atmospheric horror in a way we haven’t seen before, and the dual protagonists keep the gameplay fresh.
You can read our full Alan Wake 2 review here.
4. Resident Evil 4
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One of the greatest games of all time just got even better. With an incredible original game, the remake was destined to be equally incredible.
It maintains all of the goofy humour of the GameCube title while still making it action-moviesque.
By changing the camera angle, adding more atmospheric sound effects, and methods for combat, the game feels fresh and new.
The Separate Ways DLC brought RE4 back into our minds with a whole new way to play.
You can read our full Resident Evil 4 remake review here.
3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
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Fans believed that Nintendo had given up on 2D Mario games and we haven’t seen a good entry in the series for many years.
However, Super Mario Bros. Wonder brought new light to the series with fresh mechanics and some deliciously difficult levels.
The new Wonder Flower mechanics gave levels new replayability, and a revamped art style and delightful animations.
Wonder had people excited for the next adventure in classic 2D Mario games.
You can check out our full Super Mario Bros. Wonder review here.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
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Baldur’s Gate 3 has scooped up all of the major gaming awards this year, and it features highly on our list too.
It’s one of the biggest games we’ve ever played, and not only is it vast but each corner is filled with interesting new stories to discover.
Through your actions and choices, you decide what story you want to tell, and no two playthroughs are exactly the same.
You can be anyone you please, from an evil genocidal overlord, to a kind hero that everyone wants to be with.
Not only is the game huge, but it makes you desperate to play again and see the other side.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
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Breath of the Wild reinvented open-world games, and Tears of the Kingdom built and improved upon that formula.
The new powers allow you to explore in ways that Breath of the Wild never allowed and opens up the world so much further.
Adding new areas both above and below Hyrule expanded Tears of the Kingdom in ways that surprised and delighted players.
In a year of so many amazing games, it’s a huge achievement for Tears of the Kingdom to come out on top.
You can find our full The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review here.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
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