Baldur’s Gate, The Legend of Zelda and Cocoon shine brightest in a stellar year for video games

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In the realm of video games, the year 2023 has undeniably been exceptional. Developers have harnessed the full potential of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox X/S consoles, delivering expansive adventures capable of captivating gamers for extended periods. While the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its lifecycle, Nintendo bids farewell with two remarkable games. Furthermore, indie studios have made their mark by reimagining classic genres in unique ways.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 games of 2023, meticulously curated by esteemed Big Big News writer Lou Kesten:

1. Baldur’s Gate III – Developed by Larian Studios, this game thrusts you into a gripping narrative where you grapple with a lethal parasite residing in your brain. Your journey through the Forgotten Realms introduces a vibrant cast of characters and a plethora of captivating side quests. It’s a digital embodiment of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop experience, offering an exhilarating adventure.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo continues to innovate, even after nearly four decades, with the iconic Link. In this installment, Link wields the Ultrahand, enabling him to craft a multitude of extraordinary vehicles for traversing the vast Hyrule. Alongside the familiar dungeon challenges and brain-teasing puzzles, the game boasts an emotionally moving climax.

3. Cocoon – Annapurna Interactive presents a masterpiece where you bear the literal weight of the world as a beetle. Each sphere you carry grants you a unique power, and diving into these worlds for exploration leaves your mind thoroughly astounded. Designed by Jeppe Carlsen, known for Inside and Limbo, Cocoon continues his thought-provoking legacy.

4. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – CD Projekt Red’s dedication to rectify the 2020 release’s shortcomings has paid off. This year’s expansion takes players on a journey reminiscent of “Escape from New York,” delving into themes of technology, global politics, and corporate greed. With the return of Keanu Reeves and the addition of Idris Elba, it’s an engaging cyberpunk adventure.

5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo brings Mario back to his roots in 2D side-scrolling action. Mario’s new abilities, such as drilling through the ground and trapping enemies in bubbles, add depth to the gameplay. The Wonder Flower, which transforms the entire environment, introduces hilarious and wacky challenges.

6. Chants of Sennaar – This puzzler from French indie Rundisc revolves around a unique mechanic: translating foreign languages. Your mission is to decipher the enigmatic signs and cryptic speech in a Tower of Babel-inspired edifice. It’s a relaxing yet thrilling experience that promotes finding common ground with those you don’t understand.

7. Sea of Stars – Paying homage to the golden age of 1990s role-playing games, Canada’s Sabotage Studio presents a tale of young warriors harnessing moon and sun powers. The 16-bit graphics, charming characters, and unexpected plot twists breathe fresh life into the classic formula.

8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Sony and Insomniac Games deliver an exhilarating comic-book adventure with two Spideys, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, swinging through Manhattan and beyond. The game balances personal episodes with high-octane battles against supervillains, offering a refreshing antidote to superhero fatigue.

9. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew – This pirate caper from Germany’s Mimimi Games features Afia, a swashbuckler with a unique predicament—she’s deceased, but that doesn’t deter her from reassembling the ghost ship Red Marley’s crew. Each sailor possesses mystical powers, leading to addictive tactical challenges infused with dark humor.

10. Starfield – Bethesda Softworks embarks on an ambitious journey, drawing inspiration from decades of science fiction classics. While not every corner of the galaxy shines equally, Starfield’s sheer ambition and Bethesda’s storytelling finesse promise a compelling experience. It’s a hopeful beginning for what may become another cherished franchise in Bethesda’s legacy.

In this remarkable year for video games, these titles stand out as shining stars, catering to the diverse tastes of gamers worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Top 10 video games 2023

More about Top 10 video games 2023

• Baldur’s Gate III by Larian Studios
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom by Nintendo
• Cocoon by Annapurna Interactive
• Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty by CD Projekt Red
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder by Nintendo
• Chants of Sennaar by Rundisc
• Sea of Stars by Sabotage Studio
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 by Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew by Mimimi Games
• Starfield by Bethesda Softworks