Level Up Your Gaming: Top 20 Video Games in 2023

Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Chief Editor

✅ Quick Summary

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the top 20 video games in 2023! If you’re a gaming enthusiast, prepare to level up your gaming experience with this carefully curated list of must-play games.

• Gaming has surged in popularity due to its interactive nature, providing an engaging alternative to passive entertainment forms.
• The rise of online platforms has transformed it into a social activity, connecting players globally. With genres catering to varied tastes, games offer both escapism and a competitive spirit, further enhanced by the rapid advancements in technology.
• The accessibility of games on multiple devices, coupled with their integration into popular culture and potential educational value, solidifies gaming’s position as a leading form of modern entertainment.

Benefits of playing video games

🟢 Cognitive Development: Many video games require players to think critically, strategize, and make quick decisions. This can enhance problem-solving skills and improve reaction times.

🟢 Hand-eye coordination: Action games, in particular, can enhance hand-eye coordination as players navigate complex environments and react to fast-paced scenarios.

🟢 Stress Relief: Video games offer an avenue for relaxation and escapism. Engaging in virtual worlds can provide a break from daily stresses, offering a moment of respite.

🟢 Social Connections: Multiplayer and online games promote social interaction, helping players forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones.

🟢 Skill Development: Many games simulate real-world activities, from managing resources in strategy games to learning the basics of driving in racing games.

🟢 Educational Value: Several video games are designed with education in mind, teaching subjects like history, physics, or language through immersive experiences.

🟢 Enhanced Creativity: Games like “Minecraft” allow players to build and create, fostering creativity and imaginative thinking.

🟢 Goal Setting: Many games have objectives and achievements, teaching players the value of setting goals and working towards them.

🟢 Empathy Building: Narrative-driven games can put players in others’ shoes, fostering empathy and understanding of different perspectives.

🟢 Enhanced Multi-tasking: Managing various in-game elements can improve a player’s ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.

✔️ Trends in the video game industry

🔵 Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): While VR has been around for a while, advancements in technology have made experiences more immersive. Similarly, AR games, like “Pokémon GO”, blend the real world with gaming elements, and the potential here is vast.

🔵 Cloud Gaming: Platforms like Google’s Stadia, NVIDIA’s GeForce Now, and Microsoft’s xCloud are pioneering cloud gaming, allowing players to stream high-end game titles without requiring powerful hardware.

🔵 Cross-Platform Play: More games are promoting cross-platform capabilities, allowing players on different devices or gaming consoles to play together, bridging the gap between different gaming communities.

🔵 Mobile Gaming Growth: Mobile gaming continues its rapid ascent, with games like “Genshin Impact” showing that console-quality games can be successful on mobile platforms.

🔵 Live Service Games: Games like “Fortnite” and “Destiny 2” offer ongoing content updates, ensuring longevity and continuous player engagement long after the initial release.

✔️ How to choose the right video game for you

🔹 Determine Your Interests:

• Genre: Are you into fast-paced action games, strategic role-playing games, casual puzzle games, or immersive simulations?
• Narrative: Do you prefer games with compelling stories, character development, and dialogue, or do you lean toward titles that focus solely on gameplay?

🔹 Platform Availability:

• Consider the platforms you own: PC, console, mobile device, or VR headset. Some games are platform-specific.

🔹 Budget Considerations:

• While many fantastic games come with a price, there are also numerous free-to-play options available that offer quality gameplay. Additionally, consider the in-game purchases or subscriptions that might be associated with some titles.

🔹 Research and Reviews:

• Read reviews from both critics and players. Sites like Metacritic, IGN, or GameSpot can provide insights. User reviews can also give you a sense of any potential issues or highlights that professional reviewers might not mention.

🔹 Game Length:

• Do you want a game you can finish in a few hours, or are you looking for a more extended experience that offers dozens (or even hundreds) of hours of gameplay?

💎 The Top 20 Video Games in 2023

20 Starfield

Starfield is a highly anticipated role-playing game set in space, developed by Bethesda Game Studios. It marks the company’s first original RPG in over two decades, propelling players into a universe filled with boundless exploration, technological marvels, and the untamed vastness of space. Starfield beckons players to become space explorers, traveling to distant planets, encountering unique alien species, and shaping the narrative through their choices and actions. The game’s commitment to detail, realism, and expansive lore sets it apart, making it one of the most awaited titles in recent memory.

Highlights

• Vast Open-World Exploration: Players can explore a vast universe with numerous planets, each with its own ecosystem, history, and mysteries.
• Dynamic Storytelling: The narrative adjusts and molds based on player decisions, leading to multiple endings and replayability.
• Technological Innovations: Starfield offers detailed space vessels that players can upgrade and customize, realistic space physics, and intricate in-game systems replicating space travel’s challenges and wonders.

19 Chants of Sennaar

“Chants of Sennaar” is a captivating role-playing game centered around the mystical land of Sennaar. In this title, players are immersed in a world where ancient chants hold the power to shape reality. The game delves deep into the lore of Sennaar, a place where the line between magic and music is blurred, and where chanting can summon creatures, mend wounds, or even reshape landscapes. As the protagonist, players must navigate a series of challenges, conflicts, and quests, harnessing the power of chants while also deciphering the ancient mysteries of Sennaar.

Highlights

• Musical Magic System: A unique gameplay mechanic where players use musical chants to cast spells, influence the environment, and interact with various entities.
• Rich Lore and World-building: Sennaar is a land with a deep history, intricate cultures, and a plethora of myths waiting to be uncovered.
• Dynamic Encounters: Depending on the chant chosen by the player, interactions can lead to peaceful resolutions, intense battles, or entirely unexpected outcomes, providing a fresh and dynamic gaming experience.

18 Citizen Sleeper: Purge

“Citizen Sleeper: Purge” is a gripping dystopian adventure game set in a future where the distinction between humans and machines is perilously thin. In this world, “Sleepers” are cybernetic beings living with implanted memories of human lives they never lived. The story takes a dark turn as the governing body announces a “Purge,” intending to wipe out all Sleepers. Players step into the shoes of a Sleeper, navigating a society turned against them, forming alliances, and ultimately deciding the fate of all Sleepers.

Highlights

• Deep Narrative Dive: A story that challenges players’ perceptions of identity, memory, and the essence of being human.
• Choice-driven Gameplay: Every decision matters. From dialogue choices to major plot decisions, the game offers multiple paths and endings based on player actions.
• Vibrant Cyberpunk Setting: A beautifully rendered world that marries the grimy aesthetics of cyberpunk with the emotional challenges of societal prejudice and survival.

17 Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask

“Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask” is a new entry in the Pokémon series, taking trainers to the previously uncharted region of Tealia. This game introduces an exciting storyline revolving around the mysterious “Teal Mask,” an ancient artifact believed to possess the power to control Pokémon in unparalleled ways. As a budding Pokémon trainer, players embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of this mask while battling a nefarious organization intent on harnessing its power. Along the journey, trainers will encounter new Pokémon species native to Tealia and face challenges like never before.

Highlights

• Mysteries of the Teal Mask: Dive deep into the lore of Tealia as you uncover the origins, powers, and secrets surrounding the enigmatic Teal Mask.
• New Pokémon Species: Discover and capture brand-new Pokémon exclusive to the Tealia region, expanding your Pokédex and team possibilities.
• Dynamic Battles and Challenges: Engage in intense battles with an updated battle system, utilizing strategies and techniques influenced by the power of the Teal Mask.

16 Pikmin 4

“Pikmin 4” continues the beloved real-time strategy series where players collaborate with the adorable, plant-like Pikmin creatures to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and battle predators. Set in a vivid, larger-than-life world as seen from a pint-sized perspective, the game presents new environments, Pikmin types, and challenges. Players will join Captain Olimar (or a new protagonist) on another perilous but wondrous adventure, uncovering the secrets of their mysterious planet while forging a symbiotic bond with the Pikmin.

Highlights

• New Pikmin Types: Discover and command new varieties of Pikmin, each with its unique abilities and attributes, broadening the strategic gameplay.
• Expansive Worlds: Navigate diverse terrains, from dense jungles and murky swamps to arid deserts and icy caverns, each teeming with wonders and dangers alike.
• Enhanced Multiplayer Modes: Engage in cooperative and competitive modes, allowing players to team up or face off in various challenges and missions.

15 We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie

Building on the whimsical world of “We Love Katamari,” the “REROLL + Royal Reverie” edition introduces enhanced graphics, revitalized gameplay mechanics, and a slew of new levels that dive deep into the eccentric King of All Cosmos’ dreams. In this entrancing sequel, players once again roll up virtually everything in their path – from thumbtacks to continents – to create gigantic clumps of everyday items, or katamaris. As players progress, they’ll delve into the “Royal Reverie,” a dreamlike dimension filled with the innermost thoughts, wishes, and desires of the King, presenting new challenges and story arcs.

Highlights

• Revitalized Graphics: Dive into the Katamari world like never before with updated graphics that bring every detail, color, and character to life in high definition.
• Royal Reverie Levels: Navigate through surreal landscapes, bizarre terrains, and face unique challenges in the King’s dream-inspired levels.
• Expanded Gameplay Mechanics: With new items to roll up, enhanced controls, and novel obstacles, the gameplay feels fresh while retaining its classic charm.

14 Pokemon Sleep

This game promises to turn sleep into entertainment, intertwining the player’s real-world sleep patterns with in-game progress. The mechanics revolve around the amount of time players sleep and the time they wake up, influencing the gameplay in unique ways. This is part of The Pokémon Company’s broader initiative to make players’ everyday life more entertaining.

Highlights

• Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: Unlike traditional games, “Pokémon Sleep” rewards players based on their sleeping habits, making the act of resting an integral part of the gaming experience.
• Integration with Pokémon GO: The game has ties to “Pokémon GO,” allowing players to benefit in both games simultaneously.
• Enhance Real-world Health: By promoting a regular sleeping pattern, the game aims not just to entertain, but also to encourage healthier lifestyles among players.

13 Street Fighter 6

The latest installment in Capcom’s illustrious fighting game franchise, “Street Fighter 6,” promises to redefine competitive brawling. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, the game boasts a revamped combat system, intricately designed stages inspired by global locales, and an engrossing story mode. New faces join the roster alongside series veterans, each bringing unique fighting styles and stories. Whether you’re a casual player or a pro, Street Fighter 6 offers a blend of depth and accessibility that caters to all.

Highlights

• Revolutionized Combat: Dive into a combat system that feels familiar yet fresh, with new mechanics that add layers of strategy and skill to each fight.
• Expansive Roster: Engage in battles with a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct movesets, hailing from different parts of the world.
• Stunning Visuals: Powered by the latest in gaming technology, every punch, kick, and special move is rendered in breathtaking detail against dynamic backdrops.

12 Homebody

In “Homebody: Domestic Adventures,” players navigate the life of a character who finds joy and challenges within the confines of their home. This simulation game offers players a chance to create, decorate, and manage a living space, all while balancing the character’s work-from-home job, hobbies, and virtual social life.

Highlights

• Detailed Home Customization: From furniture choices to color schemes, design a unique living space that reflects your style.
• Dynamic Daily Challenges: As days progress, face new challenges such as dealing with household chores, adopting pets, and mastering indoor gardening.
• Virtual Social Life: Organize virtual game nights, online dates, or group watch parties, ensuring your character stays socially connected while indoors.

11 Final Fantasy XVI

“Final Fantasy XVI” is the sixteenth main installment in the legendary “Final Fantasy” series developed and published by Square Enix. Historically, the “Final Fantasy” series has been known for its intricate stories, deep character development, breathtaking visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics. While each title usually presents a new universe, with new characters and settings, certain motifs like chocobos, crystals, and specific spells or summons tend to recur.

Highlights

• A New Tale: As with other mainline titles, “Final Fantasy XVI” promises to deliver a fresh narrative, filled with twists, turns, and memorable characters.
• Stunning Graphics: Building upon the advancements in gaming technology, this installment is expected to push the boundaries of visual storytelling further.
• Gameplay Evolution: While the core gameplay mechanics might retain the essence of the series, there’s always innovation in combat, exploration, and interactions in each new title.

10 Diablo IV

“Diablo IV” is the highly-anticipated fourth main installment in the acclaimed “Diablo” series, developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. Set in the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary, “Diablo IV” promises to return to the series’ darker roots, both in terms of visual style and narrative tone. Players will once again face the forces of Hell, battling through hordes of demons and uncovering the malevolent plans unfolding in the shadows.

Highlights

• Open-world Exploration: Unlike its predecessors, “Diablo IV” introduces a more expansive, contiguous open world with varied regions from frozen tundras to bleak deserts, allowing for deeper exploration and immersion.
• Mounted Travel and Combat: Players can now traverse the vast landscapes of Sanctuary on horseback, adding a new dynamic to both exploration and combat.
• New and Returning Classes: “Diablo IV” features a mix of new character classes and returning favorites, each offering unique skills and gameplay styles. The initial announcements revealed classes like the Barbarian, Sorceress, and Druid.

9 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

In “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” Link embarks on a new journey in the vast kingdom of Hyrule. The realm’s balance is disrupted when mysterious tears in the fabric of reality begin to appear, leaking malevolent energies and creatures from other dimensions. With Princess Zelda’s powers waning, it’s up to Link to traverse both familiar lands and uncharted territories, seeking the sources of these rifts and mending the kingdom’s tears.

Highlights

• Dimensional Gameplay: Experience multi-dimensional gameplay where Link can traverse between Hyrule and alternate versions of the kingdom, each with its unique challenges.
• New Magical Abilities: Harness the power of the tears to gain new magical abilities and skills, augmenting Link’s combat and puzzle-solving capabilities.
• Engaging Narrative: Dive into a rich storyline that explores the deeper lore of the Zelda universe, the origins of the tears, and the intertwined destinies of Link and Zelda.

8 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

In a galaxy torn by conflict, “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” thrusts players into the tumultuous aftermath of Order 66, a dark decree that sought the eradication of the Jedi Order. As one of the few surviving Jedi, you must navigate a galaxy that has turned hostile, evading the relentless pursuit of the Empire’s Inquisitors. With the Jedi Order in shambles and friends few and far between, survival becomes as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

Highlights

• Hide and Seek Gameplay: Employ stealth, wit, and Force to evade the Empire’s grasp, moving from planet to planet, seeking refuge and allies.
• Developing Your Jedi Skills: In your journey, uncover ancient Jedi holocrons and hidden temples to regain and enhance your Force abilities.
• Moral Choices: Faced with a galaxy that fears and despises the Jedi, make choices that will define your path: will you seek revenge, aim to rebuild, or abandon the ways of the Jedi entirely?

7 Dredge

“Dredge: Depths Uncovered” is an atmospheric, underwater exploration game set in a post-apocalyptic world where rising sea levels have submerged ancient cities and civilizations. Players take on the role of a skilled operator of a high-tech dredging machine, tasked with uncovering relics, resources, and secrets from the deep.

Highlights

• Stunning Underwater Visuals: Experience a beautifully rendered underwater world, teeming with marine life, sunken architecture, and the remnants of a forgotten era.
• Resource Management: Carefully manage your dredging machine’s power, oxygen, and storage capacity as you delve deeper into the abyss.
• Unravel Mysteries: Discover logs, artifacts, and ancient technologies that reveal the story of a world lost to the waves.

6 Laya’s Horizon

“Laya’s Horizon” is an immersive, open-world RPG set in the expansive lands of Veridia, a realm where horizons stretch endlessly, and the sun casts long shadows over ancient ruins and bustling cities alike. Players assume the role of Laya, a young horizon-chaser, determined to uncover the secrets of her lineage and the truth behind the mystical horizons that beckon her.

Highlights

• Expansive World Exploration: Journey across diverse terrains – from golden deserts to lush forests, each holding its own mysteries and challenges.
• Dynamic Day-Night Cycle: As the horizon shifts, so does the world of Veridia. Encounter unique creatures, events, and challenges as day turns to night.
• Deep Lore & Storytelling: Dive into a rich narrative, encountering a cast of memorable characters and uncovering ancient prophecies that shape Laya’s destiny.

5 Resident Evil 4 Remake

“Resident Evil 4 Remake” is a reimagining of the iconic survival horror game that originally released in 2005. The game follows Leon S. Kennedy, a U.S. government agent, on a mission to rescue the President’s daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult in a rural part of Europe. As Leon delves deeper into the village and the looming castle, he confronts horrifying creatures, hostile villagers, and dark secrets.

Highlights

• Revamped Visuals: Leveraging modern gaming hardware, the “Resident Evil 4 Remake” boasts highly detailed environments, realistic character models, and enhanced lighting effects, bringing the world of RE4 to life like never before.
• Modernized Gameplay: While retaining the essence of the original, the remake introduces streamlined controls, improved camera angles, and updated combat mechanics to cater to both veterans and newcomers.
• Expanded Lore: Dive deeper into the story with additional cutscenes, character interactions, and background details, enriching the narrative and tying it closer to the broader “Resident Evil” universe.

4 Tchia

“Tchia” is an open-world adventure game inspired by the New Caledonian island and its rich culture. Developed by Awaceb, a studio founded by natives of New Caledonia, the game captures the heart and spirit of the Pacific islands. Players assume the role of Tchia, a young girl with the mystical ability to take control of any animal or object she encounters, allowing for a unique gameplay experience.

Highlights

• Vibrant Open World: Explore a breathtaking archipelago, climb trees, glide through the air, and dive into clear blue waters. Every island in the game offers diverse ecosystems, challenges, and secrets.
• Unique Soul-Jumping Mechanic: Tchia has the power to “soul jump” into animals and objects. This ability lets players see the world from various perspectives, whether it’s soaring as a bird, climbing as a goat, or rolling as a coconut.
• Rich Cultural Inspiration: The game delves deep into the customs, music, and folklore of New Caledonia. From the soundtrack, which features traditional Kanak music, to the art style and storytelling, “Tchia” is a celebration of Pacific Islander culture.

3 Dead Space

“Dead Space” is a survival horror game developed by EA Redwood Shores (later known as Visceral Games) and published by Electronic Arts. Originally released in 2008 for various platforms, the game quickly became iconic within the horror genre. Set in the distant future aboard the USG Ishimura, a massive mining ship, players take on the role of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who faces a nightmarish scenario when the ship’s crew is slaughtered and transformed into monstrous creatures known as Necromorphs due to an alien artifact.

Highlights

• Atmospheric Horror: “Dead Space” is known for its intense atmosphere, combining dimly-lit environments, eerie sound design, and sudden scares to keep players on edge.
• Strategic Dismemberment: Combat in the game emphasizes “strategic dismemberment.” Instead of traditional headshots, players need to target the limbs of Necromorphs, adding a tactical layer to encounters.
• Engaging Narrative: Isaac Clarke’s journey is filled with suspense, emotion, and dark lore. The story delves into themes of isolation, desperation, and the terrifying consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

2 Fire Emblem: Engage

In the sprawling continent of Fidelia, where the echoes of ancient battles whisper through the winds, “Fire Emblem: Engage” presents players with a renewed conflict that entwines fate, loyalty, and honor. In a realm where the boundaries between realms blur, summoners with the ability to call forth heroes from different timelines are emerging, leading to a grand collision of past and future.

Highlights

• Realm Engagements: Players can now engage in battles across multiple realms, each with its unique terrain, challenges, and enemies. The choices made in one realm can influence the state of another, leading to dynamic, ever-evolving battle scenarios.
• Time-Twisted Allies: With the power of the Engage Stone, summon heroes not just from Fidelia’s history but also its potential futures. Each hero brings a distinct skillset, lore, and personal quests, allowing for unparalleled team combinations.
• Enhanced Relationship Dynamics: Building on the series’ iconic support system, “Engage” introduces cross-time relationships. Bonds formed between heroes of different eras unlock exclusive story arcs, abilities, and even potential changes to the game’s ending.

1 Hi-Fi Rush

“Hi-Fi Rush” transports players into the neon-lit world of Electrosound City, where music isn’t just a form of entertainment—it’s a way of life. In this rhythm-action game, players assume the role of Max Volume, a young aspiring DJ set to make his mark in the electrifying arenas of the city’s Hi-Fi Grand Prix.

Highlights

• Dynamic Beat Battles: Face off against rival DJs in pulse-pounding beat battles. Sync with the rhythm, chain combos, and unleash powerful soundwaves to dominate the stage.
• Extensive Tracklist: With a diverse range of tracks, from electronic and hip-hop to rock and classical, there’s always a fresh challenge awaiting. Players can even upload their songs for a personalized experience.
• Customizable Gear: Collect, mix, and upgrade sound equipment. Whether it’s vintage turntables or futuristic sound modulators, find the perfect combination that suits your style.

🔸 Different genres of video games

• ✅ Action
• ✅ Adventure
• ✅ Role-Playing Games
• ✅ Sports
• ✅ Racing
• ✅ Fighting
• ✅ Strategy
• ✅ Simulation
• ✅ Horror
• ✅ Massively Multiplayer Online
• ✅ Platformer
• ✅ Puzzle
• ✅ Battle Royale
• ✅ Shooter
• ✅ Music & Rhythm
• ✅ Sandbox
• ✅ Roguelike
• ✅ MOBA
• ✅ Idle/Clicker

🔸 Tips for getting the most out of your gaming experience

✔️ Right Equipment:

• Invest in a good-quality gaming console or PC. Ensure your hardware can handle the games you want to play.
• Consider purchasing peripherals such as ergonomic controllers, gaming keyboards, and headsets for a better experience.

✔️ High-Quality Display:

• Use a monitor or TV with a high refresh rate and resolution. This can dramatically improve the clarity and fluidity of your games.

✔️ Comfortable Environment:

• Sit in a comfortable chair with proper back support. This is especially important for prolonged gaming sessions.
• Ensure the room has adequate lighting to reduce eye strain.

✔️ Sound Matters:

• Good-quality sound can make a huge difference. Use quality headphones or speakers to immerse yourself fully.

✔️ Stay Updated:

• Regularly update your games and system software to enjoy the latest features and optimal performance.

🔸 Gaming accessories and equipment for an enhanced gaming experience

💎 Gaming Headsets:

• Crucial for multiplayer games, a good gaming headset offers clear sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfortable ear cushions for extended play. Brands like HyperX, SteelSeries, and Turtle Beach are popular choices.

💎 Controllers:

• While many gamers prefer the keyboard and mouse setup, others swear by controllers for certain game genres. Options include the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, SCUF controllers, or the DualShock 4.

💎 Gaming Keyboard and Mouse:

• Mechanical keyboards, with their tactile feedback, and high-DPI mice offer precision that can be a game-changer. Brands like Corsair, Razer, and Logitech are leaders in this space.

💎 Mouse Pads:

• A good mouse pad, especially one with extended lengths, can offer better tracking for your mouse and more comfort for your wrist.

💎 Gaming Monitors:

• Look for monitors with high refresh rates (144Hz or more), low response times, and support for technologies like NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync. Curved monitors also offer a more immersive experience.

Conclusion:

The gaming industry has witnessed an unparalleled evolution over the past few decades, transitioning from pixelated games on arcade machines to hyper-realistic, immersive experiences on various platforms. As technology continues its relentless advance, the future of the gaming industry promises even more innovation, possibly reshaping entertainment as we know it.