The year 2023 is coming to an end, and it’s time to take a look at the new games of the year. In this list, you’ll find five games that might even make it to Game of the Year with their Metacritic score.
On December 7, 2023, we will learn which title has made it to the Game of the Year 2023. The candidates are not yet known, but we have looked at the current ratings on Metacritic (via metacritic.com) and present to you in this list five games that could at least make it as contenders with their scores.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Genre: Open-world action-adventure | Developer: Nintendo | Platform: Nintendo Switch | Release Date: May 12, 2023 | Metacritic: 96
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to Breath of the Wild and the second game in the popular Zelda series, offering you an open world.
Unlike its predecessor, in Tears of the Kingdom, you not only explore the surface of Hyrule but also an ancient civilization in the sky and the mysterious underground. You embark on a mission to uncover the truth about the catastrophe that plunged the kingdom into chaos.
With a Metacritic score of 96 and a large fanbase, the game definitely has a chance to become a strong contender for Game of the Year 2023.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Genre: Role-playing game | Developer: Larian Studios | Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox | Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Metacritic: 96
That Baldur’s Gate 3 is also a very strong contender for Game of the Year comes as no surprise, even without considering the Metacritic score of 96.
The role-playing game has been everywhere since its release in August, captivating players not only with its concept but also with the possibilities it offers.
Especially the interactions with NPCs and romances with your companions, as well as the decision-making options and the overall charm of the game, make this title a major hit.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, you assemble your party to experience your own story. You face the battle, resist a mind flayer parasite in your head, or you succumb to the power and corruption and become ultimate evil.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Genre: Platformer | Developer: Nintendo | Platform: Nintendo Switch | Release Date: October 20, 2023 | Metacritic: 93
Super Mario Bros. Wonder has not been on the market for long, but with a Metacritic score of 93, it could definitely be considered a contender for Game of the Year 2023.
That a game featuring Mario and his friends is doing so well is hardly surprising. After all, the cheerful plumber has been delighting the gaming community and several generations for years in various adventures.
However, fans had to wait a full 11 years for a truly new 2D installment of the platforming series. Perhaps this explains why Super Mario Bros. Wonder has such a high Metacritic score just four days after its release.
This title, however, also features some new power-ups, such as the elephant fruit, the bubble flower, or the drill mushrooms, making the game a new experience even for long-time fans.
Resident Evil 4 – Remake
Genre: Action-adventure, Horror | Developer: Capcom | Platform: PC, PS5/PS4, Xbox | Release Date: March 23, 2023 | Metacritic: 93
The remake of Resident Evil 4 has also made it onto this list with a Metacritic score of 93 and the potential to be a contender for Game of the Year.
The original title, which was released in 2005, proved itself among other games in the series and is considered a legendary part by many fans. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the remake has been well received.
Of course, the game has been graphically enhanced, but the story does not differ from the original title. However, more elaborate dialogues, more readable background information and contexts provide a more intense gaming experience than nearly 20 years ago.
Street Fighter 6
Genre: Fighting game | Developer: Capcom, BANDAI NAMCO | Platform: PC, PS5/PS4, Xbox | Release Date: June 2, 2023 | Metacritic: 92
Street Fighter 6 has a Metacritic score of 92 and stands just behind the previous games on the list, but whether a fighting game can hold its own as Game of the Year is still questionable.
Nevertheless, it should not be overlooked. Because it is already quite a high score for a fighting game. The game also celebrated a very successful release with over 2 million players.
Street Fighter 6 is the latest installment in a well-known and beloved series and aims to offer you an advanced combat system with three different control types (Classic, Modern, and Dynamic). Additionally, you now receive real-time commentary during your fights that is meant to provide a feeling of a live broadcast.
Which games do you see as contenders for Game of the Year 2023? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments.
