Notable Games I Played in 2023.
Games that I totally played as a real gamer man.
2023 was an interesting year for video games. You had some of the highest highs with ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ and ‘Spider-Man 2’, but also some real stinkers like ‘The Day Before’ and ‘Forspoken’.
While I didn’t get around to playing every release this year, I did hit up the games I was interested in the most. So, let’s take a moment and briefly discuss some of my favorites from this year.
If you don’t see a game you played or don’t like my list, then just know that my opinions should not be taken seriously. I mean, I’m tbe guy who talked about ‘Sharkenstein’, you think my opinion holds much weight?
1. Prodeus.
It shouldn’t be any surprise that a ‘Doom’ inspired game made this list, not that there was any sort of order to this list anyway. Me playing and loving ‘Doom’ clones is a lot like Pizza Hut laying off their appropriately paid employees – we just can’t stop.
‘Prodeus’ is an enjoyable retro shooter that features an additive core gameplay loop and visuals that blend satisfying gore with nostalgic pixel art.
2. Metal Hellsinger.
On the flip side, we have a game taking notes from the newer ‘Doom’ games, or movement-shooters in general. I couldn’t help but put this on the list either. I’m a like junkie or a game studio that delivers empty promises.
The twist here is that it’s also a rhythm game with a killer soundtrack. The shooting and movement mechanics mesh well with the beat-matching gameplay. The levels themselves might be meh and forgettable, but the gameplay is more than enough to keep you going.
3. Final Fantasy 16.
The ‘Final Fantasy’ series is one I’ve always wanted to dive into, but I’ve never gotten too deep with the attempts I’ve made. It’s not that I didn’t like what I was playing, it’s just a case of: “Oh, I’ll come back to it later” and then later never comes. ‘Final Fantasy 16’ However is the first, and so far only, entry I’ve beaten.
I had a good time with this one as the sheer spectacle, banging music, and for the most part, gripping story kept me going. The combat is fine enough, but it gets a little repetitive by the end, though I blame some of that on the boss fights that tend to go on for longer than they should.
That being said, I do like the different abilities you can mess around with. It gives the player freedom to experiment with different combos that’ll fit their own play styles.
4. Spider-Man 2.
Ah, ‘Spider-Man 2’, not only was it my most anticipated game of the year, but it turned out to be my favorite game of 2023. I was ready to swing around New York City and beating up criminals for the sake of new costumes.
Yes, you heard that right, I fight crime to look good. Anyway, everything from traversal to combat felt smoother than Keanu Reeves in my fan fictions. It was almost impossible to improve the formula from the last two games, and while they didn’t necessarily improve it, they did add more options.
You get to play around with web wings, slings, and other Spidey things. However, I do wish Venom had gotten more voice lines. On top of that, the Mary Jane sections felt weird.
She can take out enemies with a single takedown while it takes the literal superhumans whole combos? I like that there is a way to defend yourself now, but it’s just odd if you stop and think about it.
5. Baldur’s Gate 3.
Lastly, we have ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’, a game that I have yet to beat, but one that would be criminal to not mention. This wasn’t even a title I was planning on picking up, but a stream of recommendations pushed me.
What can I say? I’m a sucker for peer pressure.
Anyway, ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ is great at allowing the player to look at a situation in a thousand different ways. The attention to detail and repercussions of your actions are astonishing. You also have a wide range of characters, each feeling unique and varied.
My only problem is that I do wish you could bring five party members into the world and not just four.
What a list, what a year. I can only hope 2024 will bring us more quality titles to enjoy.
