This post is part the final part of my “Games of 2023” series. You can read the Introduction here.
2023 Summary
Games played: 50 Session hours: 810.00 Sessions: 381 Oldest game played: The Legend of Zelda (NES) - 08/22/1987 Newest game played: Super Kiwi 64 (PC) - 12/02/2022 Most achievements earned: Horizon Forbidden West (PS5) - 77 Favorite game to 100%: Horizon Forbidden West (PS5) Most hours played: Horizon Forbidden West (PS5) - 168.25 Total spent: $702.69 Game of the year: Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)
Not included in post and summary: StarCraft II (PC) – Multiplayer, Remnant: From the Ashes (PC), and Ghost of Tsushima (PS5) – Multiplayer.
I do a balancing act when I pick my game of the year. This year, I picked Horizon Forbidden West. In the grand scheme of my favorite video games, games like Super Mario World and Link’s Awakening rank higher, but I still picked Horizon this year. First, I lean towards a new-to-me game. I have played Super Mario World dozens of times already. I, also, tend to give an edge to newer games. This helps narrow down the candidates for my game of the year. Forbidden West meets these criteria, while being a phenomenal game.
I tried not to buy too many games this year. I ended up playing more games than I bought, which is a big achievement for me. The games I did buy, I tried to play right away; only a few remain in my backlog. I placed a heavy emphasis on playing games from my backlog. Outside of not buying games, I had a little bit of a strategy.
For retro games, I made a goal to play the remaining NES games I own. Also, I wanted to play all of the Gameboy games I own. I succeeded on both of those fronts. I did not have ton of games from those consoles, so I put a dent in my SNES games. I did well, but I have a lot more to go. I would really like to check off the remaining SNES games in 2024; on top of that, I would like to play my three Gameboy Color games.
For non-retro games, I focused on games I more recently acquired. A lot of the games on this list I acquired within the last three years. On top of that, I also played games I thought would be fun. The Costume Quest games were perfect Halloween games. It felt right to play Grim Fandango at the beginning of November. I am going to continue this strategy in 2024, with the help of Infinite Backlog.
Usually, I like to say something about the video game industry. A lot has happened this year, but I just want to say one thing: my heart goes out to all of the developers who have been laid off. I hope they can find a new job quickly. Thank you for the joy you have given the world through your games.
2023 Game Releases
I like to look back and give a thought or two about the games that were actually released in the past year. There were a lot of them; I suspect the pandemic had something to do with it. Here are my rapid-fire thoughts.
Amnesia: The Bunker – I watched Markiplier play it. I think it is an outstanding game, and I wish I could actually play it. Alas, it is too scary.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – An Assassin’s Creed in the vein of the older games? I’m in… just not right away. I will probably pick it up on a sale this year.
Atomic Heart – This game has a Bioshock vibe to it. I was interested in it before it released, but the reviews are a little cold. I will probably pass on it.
Baldur’s Gate 3 – I do not like CRPGs. However, I might have to give this one a spin. It has gotten a lot of love.
Bramble: The Mountain King – I noticed this game a few years ago. It still looks cool, and has gotten great reviews. I am going to have to carve out time to give it a go.
Bread & Fred – I am always looking for games to play with my friend, and this looks like a great couch co-op game.
Cocoon – This is getting outstanding reviews. I will definitely be playing this one, maybe soon.
Dead Space – Another game I watched Markiplier play, because it is too scary for me. It looks like an outstanding remake.
Diablo IV – I am kinda over Diablo. I put hundreds of hours into the other three games, but I think I am going to pass on this one.
Horizon Call of the Mountain – I do not have a PSVR, and do not plan on getting one. However, if I do then I will play this game. I love the Horizon series.
Immortals of Aveum – I still think the concept of this game sounds good. It got middling reviews. I might buy it at a steep discount.
Jusant – This sounds like a pretty chill game. I will probably end up playing it.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – The first game and Miles Morales are in my backlog. I really should play them so I can play this one.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 – I am glad these games are now available for purchase again. I wish they did a little more than just re-release them. They need some extra love to fix some things and squash some bugs.
Planet of Lana – It still looks like a cool game. I like the artstyle. I might get to it someday.
Redfall – I love Arkane, but they really shit the bed on this one. I was cautiously optimistic for it, but now I think I will just pass on it. No matter how many patches they do, it sounds like the core gameplay is just mediocre.
Remnant 2 – I played a little bit of the first one with a friend. It is fun. The sequel sounds like a big improvement. I might have to check it out.
Resident Evil 4 – Another scary game. I had hoped Markiplier would play it on his channel, but I think I might have to look into a different video.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – I still need to play the first game. I heard this one is buggy, so I am in no hurry to get to it.
Starfield – I accidentally got it for free when I bought my video card. I am waiting for patches and official mod support before jumping in. I hope to get to it in 2024, but it might be 2025.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – I was really tempted to buy it right away. I held off because of other games and the end of the year. I will most likely buy it and play it this year.
Super Mario RPG – I never got around to the original on the SNES. I might have to get this one.
System Shock – This remake looks good. I think it will be too scary for me, but I will end up watching someone else play it.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – I am not sure if I want to play this one. I liked Breath of the Wild, but I do not really want to play more of it. Tears of the Kingdom just sounds like more of it.
Valiant Hearts: Coming Home – I loved the first game. I really need to check out this game.
Viewfinder – It sounds like a cozy game. I will have to give it a shot sometime.
I doubt anyone read all 10,000+ words, but I do thank you for checking out this year’s installment. I enjoy putting this together each year, but I really need write more full reviews to shorten up these posts. I only have one more thing to say: play games, and have fun.
– Royfuss
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