It’s time to check the dust build-up on the coolers of your favorite gaming machine. The best video games of 2023 are yet to hit the market, and we’re talking about icicle-melting releases generating more buzz than rustling leaves.
Can things really get louder than crackle doodle doo? Indeed, they can, and they will. Your ears will be flapping to the noise; those butt dents on your gaming couch will achieve the status of permanence. So, if you want something to keep you on your toes when breezy, consider clocking some of the following games:
1. Cocoon
Release date: September 29, 2023
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4
This season’s video game lineup includes Cocoon, a puzzle adventure developed by Jeppe Carlsen. For those unfamiliar with this stellar name, that’s the lead designer of Inside and Limbo. And that same genius will make you spin the wheels of your mind to successfully navigate through an Indie world.
Well, in fact, it’s not just one but multiple worlds to explore. These are small, and you must find a way to leap between them. Once you do that, you’re supposed to combine them to solve the challenging puzzles embedded in the plot of the game. So, orb your way through the breathtaking multiverse, little bug, and crack all cosmic mysteries!
2. The Lamplighters League
Release date: October 3, 2023
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
“Transport yourself to the time of black-and-white movies for a moment,” they said. “It’ll be fun, and we can give you a helping hand with that if you want,” they uttered. Of course, your answer to these questions was positive. And now they, the staff at Harebrained Schemes, are launching you into an alternate version of the 1930s!
Their newest strategy RPG, The Lamplighters League, is set almost 100 years into the past. A shout-out to all the different personalities and abilities out there, the game sees you building a team of characters that don’t seem to mix. However, you need them to stop the horrible Banished Court, a cult that screams “trouble.” And we know you don’t intend to miss an excellent turn-back combat because of some teammate friction!
3. Hellboy: Web of Wyrd
Release date: October 4, 2023
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Down for a sublime, challenging roguelike? Well, one coming this October will suck you into the dark and atmospheric art style of Mike Mignola. It’s Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, and we can’t wait to peep into its comics-inspired universe! But what can we expect to see? How will Upstream Arcade surprise us this time?
Well, our favorite red superhero’s horns are a given, which is expected. However, he — or should we say, you — will be roaming around the Butterfly House, a spooky, supernatural space key to the gameplay. But that’s understandable — after all, you’ll be searching for a missing B.P.R.D. agent, so things have to be on the edgier side! Plus, quaking in your boots is a hell of a way to build character as a gamer.
4. Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Release date: October 5, 2023
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Microsoft Windows
How well do you know Baghdad? If not too well, you could take a virtual stroll through the Arab world of the 9th century this fall. And you’ll be the spitting image of Basim, the brawny dude from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Of course, he’s Loki reincarnated, so you can expect a plot with plenty of mischief! Taking about hours of fighting against the Templar Order!
The game’s world might be smaller than its predecessor’s, but that’s not to its disadvantage. If anything, this is one of those new game releases that aim to pay tribute to the origins of the entire franchise. Therefore, you’ll see many elements from the first-ever Assassin’s Creed game. However, the new game’s features and mechanics will be modern, perfect for immersing you in the vintage, not the dated.
5. Lords of the Fallen
Release date: October 13, 2023
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Been missing the 2014 Lords of the Fallen? In that case, you’re in for a treat this year. Hexworks have done their magic for you to use yours in the 2023 sequel of this game! And with a big world that’s an intriguing combo of two layered on top of each other, you’ll have much toggling between scenarios to do.
One of these places is the realm of the living (Axiom). The other one is where the dead reside (Umbral). The alternating between the two comes with its own rules. For instance, you can use a magical lantern to go to Umbral. Moreover, this is the perfect place to drag yourself if you wish to melee-weapon-tickle monsters. Also, some areas might be inaccessible in one realm but easy to get to in the other, meaning you can expect lots of walking and fun.
6. Sonic Superstars
Release date: October 17, 2023
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Hardcore Sonic fans know what the classic Sonic experience is about. Much to their joy, Sonic Superstars builds on the franchise’s stellar reputation, boosting it even more with the irresistible charm of new zombies and landscapes. However, some things remain the same. That said, Sonic is collaborating with the old squad, with Knuckles (not the Ugandan one), Amy, and Tails on board.
Evil Dr. Egmann will again be at the center of our little heroes’ attention, which SEGA knows very well how to keep. The blue speedy hedgehog will also have new powers, meaning the gameplay will be even better. It’s “modern meets classical” with this 3D platformer and its engaging plot. All in all, it will have you gaming season after season until, hopefully, an even more engaging sequel comes out.
7. Cities: Skylines 2
Release date: October 24, 2023
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
If you’ve always been prone to making smaller-scale modifications to the landscape surrounding you, October 24 will be your day. It’s when Cities: Skylines 2 comes out, and you have excellent reasons to be excited! You’ll be able to shape an entire metropolis as you figure out how your architectural plans affect its inhabitants. And the whole building experience will be super realistic and non-limiting — a great gift from the game’s developers.
Continuing the legacy of a fantastic prequel, the game will come packed with great new features. For example, it’ll allow for greater customization. Also, you’ll have the pleasure of placing fantastic structures on the horizon while fiddling with a deeper simulation. It seems like it’ll be an excellent choice for those with plenty of spatial intelligence to seize the day with.
8. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
Release date: October 24, 2023
Platforms: PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Unfortunately, we live in a time when being somewhat concerned about the threats of nuclear weapons and war is normal. And if we know anything about the Metal Gear Solid franchise, it is that it’s been highlighting the catastrophic outcomes of unprecedented happenings forever. Now that the Master Collection Vol. 1 is coming, it’s possible to be at the center of such events in the haven of the digital realm.
The collection was officially announced together with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. What do you get by purchasing it? You get the Metal Gear, MG2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid, MGS2: Sons of Liberty, and MGS3: Snake Eater. Fun fact: the last two were also part of the HD Collection. All five of them will undoubtedly be among the best stealth video games of 2023.
9. Ghostrunner 2
Release date: October 26, 2023
Platforms: PS5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S
It feels like the original Ghostrunner, it looks like it, but it’s so much more. The hardcore, post-apocalyptic sequel to this game offers players an adventure that’s hard to resist. Its cyberpunk world underscores all you must do to free everyone from a dangerous AI cult that has corrupted the last refuge of human survivors. But can you do that, and more importantly, how do you do it?
This game’s world is bigger than that of the older release. Also, the Keymaster is dead, so you’ll navigate some challenging situations. Moreover, the absence of a leader leaves a massive power vacuum, creating the opportunity for greed to become the dominant force in society. Still, not all is as dark and scary as it seems, especially not the improved dialogue system!
10. Alan Wake 2
Release date: October 27, 2023
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Remedy has been dropping hints about Alan Wake 2 since the 2021 Game Awards. They’ve told us about Saga, a badass detective who works for the FBI. According to the plotline, she’ll try to solve a few ritualistic killings in Bright Falls. But what makes this creepy sequence of events exciting for everyone who likes this franchise? The fact that Saga is a playable character!
According to this survival horror game’s premise, Alan, the original playable character, has been stuck in an alternate dimension for over a decade. Needless to say, that’s reason enough for fans of the genre to be thrilled about the chance of being terrorized from a third-person perspective. Fans will also be able to profile characters and solve the main mystery by using a pinboard.
11. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
Release date: November 10, 2023
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Task Force 141 is returning this year and will be ready for those special operations. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be released this November, so prepare for Captain Price going after Vladimir Makarov, an ultranationalist war criminal. Yes, it smells like many battles will be fought in the name of world peace, so why not be part of such a unit?
If you’ve always felt like CoD’s signature cinematic campaign missions lacked something, you’ll be pampered this year. MW3 introduces open combat, so you’ll get to make more choices as a player! Isn’t that fantastic? There will also be new gameplay features, modes, and many zombie hoards to fight. Never has there been more to deal with in a game of this franchise, so get ready to strategize like a real pro!
12. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Release date: December 7, 2023
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
We’ve been waiting for this game too long, but it’s been worth it. Massive Entertainment’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is coming this December, just in time to divert attention away from Holiday games. And how can it not steal the show when we all want to be a Na’vi, even for a second? Seriously, who doesn’t like Pandora? We know for sure the Walt Disney World Resort does!
The game doesn’t fall under the exclusives category, but it doesn’t have to. Its plot is reason enough for fans to be stoked for it! Long story short, the human militaristic corporation of RDA abducts you and trains you to serve them. But 15 years later, you’re set free and aim to reconnect with your people and protect them from this evil establishment. Also, here’s a fun fact: the game introduces you to a part of Pandora unexplored in other media!
Play, Seize the Day, and Earn!
Whether you prefer rolling in the autumn leaves or making snowmen, it won’t matter much this year. Because of these fantastic video games, in 2023, you’ll be turning into a hermit, so whatever happens outdoors is irrelevant! We’re kidding, of course. However, we’re super serious when we say these are some of the best games you’ll cross paths with.
Now, making money is an excellent thing to focus on, no matter the season. That said, whenever you want to take a break from the game you’re playing, you can spend some time fiddling with the Pawns.app. This application lets you complete surveys and share your unused internet for cash, meaning it’s a lucrative pastime. Therefore, check it out, relax, earn some, and save for some platformers!
