2023 was a significant and impactful year for the gaming industry. We witnessed some extraordinary sequels as well as new franchises. Whether in the realm of independent titles or among AAA games, gamers experienced a very enjoyable and entertaining year. But now, in the early days of 2024, it’s time for the editorial team of Gamefa to share with you what we believe are the the top 10 games of the past year.
10. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
FromSoftware has breathed new life into the mech genre with the release of Armored Core VI. Thanks to the seamless integration of the series’ central core with the developer’s expertise in Soulsborne games, we are witnessing the best version of the AC series yet, encompassing the amazing craftsmanship and finesse that FromSoftware is known for in designing mechs and combat systems. In this title, you will immerse yourself in a deeply customizable and expansive experience, all the while witnessing its impact on the battlefield. On the other hand, Fires of Rubicon, with its multiple endings and narrative paths, boasts high replayability, promising to engage its audience for hours.
We gave Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon a score of 9/10:
Thanks to its simplified user interface, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is highly recommended for newcomers. It immediately appeals to those whose top priority is instant action or trial and error with diverse builds. If both of these elements capture your attention, then placing AC VI at the top of your shopping list is a must. Although ignoring the narrative potential and dealing with a limited number of overly powerful builds in the second half of the game may be a bit challenging, the seamless integration of action and assembly, electrifying encounters, smooth controls, and vibrant artistic design all contribute to making AC VI a truly unique and engaging experience. – Mohammad Hossein Karimi
9. Diablo IV
If you blend the essence and dark theme of Diablo with the deep role-playing systems of Diablo II and the action-packed chaos of Diablo III, Diablo IV emerges. Since its release, the game has navigated a path full of twists and turns, yet many people still hope for the delivery of valuable content in the years to come. This title will keep you engaged for tens or even hundreds of hours, and if you are a fan of its gameplay style and context, it will undoubtedly find a place among your best choices.
We gave Diablo IV a score of 10/10:
Diablo IV boldly stands as one of the best games of the year and even one of the greatest action role-playing games in history. Blizzard has created this game with all its might, and despite any potential challenges related to constant internet connectivity, it remains incredibly thrilling, highly recommended for an unparalleled experience. Everything in Diablo IV is at its peak. The game excels in artistic and technical graphics, features highly enjoyable music, and its voice acting is masterfully executed. It offers captivating classes for its characters and provides satisfying customization, offering significant replay value. Moreover, Blizzard weaves an excellent and epic narrative in Diablo IV, creating a dark world that is hard to forget. – Mohammad Oliae
8. The Talos Principle 2
If you have an interest in puzzles and philosophy, don’t waste your time! Because The Talos Principle 2 should be a top priority for you. This title, with improvements and problem-solving compared to the first version, is considered one of the best puzzle games in 2023, offering a compelling and meaningful story. However, be aware that the puzzles in this game are not easy, and they will test your patience, intelligence, and tolerance thoroughly.
We gave The Talos Principle 2 a score of 9/10:
The Talos Principle 2 can be considered one of the best puzzle games. It is a profoundly philosophical and beautiful work that engages your mind, boldly earning its place as one of the best titles of 2023. All the unnecessary and additional elements from the first version have been removed, and a step forward has been taken in terms of puzzle creativity. The game’s environments are exceptionally well-designed, not only becoming more expansive but also more visually appealing. The philosophical discussions in the game are very captivating, immersing you in deep contemplation, and when the game concludes, you will fully feel the impact and power of the experience.
However, unfortunately, at times, especially in the later hours of the game, we encounter crashes and technical issues that I hope will be addressed with upcoming patches. Additionally, some of the puzzles can be tiresome and could have been better. Nevertheless, these issues do not diminish the overall excellence of the game. I recommend playing this game to all puzzle genre enthusiasts. – Mohammad Oliae
7. Planet of Lana
Beautiful, diverse, and soothing artistic design, appealing puzzles, and outstanding music elevate Planet of Lana to one of the best titles of 2023. The game also has a compelling story, and your 4-hour adventure includes many unexpected events.
We gave Planet of Lana a score of 9/10:
Planet of Lana is a delightful experience in every aspect. Almost all elements of the game are in their right place, and there are no noticeable issues. This game stands out as one of the best puzzle/platformer titles in the ninth generation, and regardless of your preferred gaming genre, you should by no means miss out on it. – Mehdi Rezaei
6. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake had an impossible mission, but it emerged triumphant. Remaking one of the most influential and best third-person titles in history is no easy task, but Capcom successfully brought it to fruition. This remake has set a standard for reimagining, and in the years to come, it will be used as a benchmark for restoring old classics.
We gave Resident Evil 4 Remake a score of 10/10:
The remake of Resident Evil 4 takes a completely different approach compared to all the remakes you have seen so far. It inherits all the unique and positive aspects of the original game and provides an intensely faithful experience. The developers have adopted an approach that, far from excessive alterations, intelligently introduces innovations into the structure of the original game. Just like in 2005, they have brought forth a work that elevates and transforms various standards. – Arman Zarmehr
5. Lies of P
Lies of P, without a doubt, is one of the finest Souls-like games that comes remarkably close to the quality of titles developed by FromSoftware. While drawing inspiration from FromSoftware’s games, Lies of P takes a more direct approach to storytelling and narration style. It can effectively depict a dark and unforgiving world for the narrative of Pinocchio. If you enjoy being challenged, Lies of P is a game you shouldn’t miss.
We gave Lies of P a score of 9/10:
Lies of P is an excellent example of a Souls-like game that doesn’t limit itself to drawing inspiration solely from FromSoftware’s titles and has a lot to offer. From the storytelling and world-building to the combat, weapons, artistic graphics, and optimization, Lies of P encompasses a complete package of everything developers should adhere to and prioritize. Undoubtedly, Lies of P stands out as one of the well-crafted AA titles in recent years, providing an engaging experience for enthusiasts of hardcore and Souls-like works. – Mostafa Zahedi
4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
If in 2017, after experiencing Breath of the Wild, you asked the audience how one could imagine a better sequel, the answer might have been deemed impossible. However, Nintendo demonstrated that they could go even beyond that and create a work with even more freedom. Tears of the Kingdom symbolizes freedom in exploration and puzzle-solving, pushing the boundaries of current gaming experiences.
We gave The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom a score of 10/10:
Tears of the Kingdom is an unparalleled open-world and sandbox experience that not only introduces new features but extensively enhances the capabilities of the previous game. This title is a creativity-driven experience, allowing you to explore its world by constructing structures and employing new strategies. It keeps your hands open to continue discovering its world even after spending hundreds of hours, ensuring you never get tired of it. – Mohammadreza Norouzi
3. COCOON
COCOON is considered one of the surprises of 2023. The game has no UI or guidance, yet it instinctively and naturally guides you forward towards its creative puzzles. Clearly, we can observe the design brilliance of titles like Inside and Limbo in this work, and its distinctive qualities set it apart from other conventional gaming titles. However, it’s not just the quality of gameplay and level design that stands out; the game also introduces a unique and innovative idea centered around world-shifting.
We gave COCOON a score of 9.3/10:
COCOON is a small game with big ideas. The game, without uttering a word, not only entertains the audience but also conveys tangible human themes and concepts, all while telling a story of instincts. COCOON once again reminds us of the creative exploration within independent games and calls for elegance in design from other developers. – Mohammad Hossein Karimi
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 managed to change the perspective of many gamers towards RPG titles and may herald a new era for CRPGs. The freedom of choice, meaningful and extensive story branches, enjoyable combat with surprise elements, and charismatic and engaging characters are shining features of the new work from Larian Studios. Baldur’s Gate 3 is considered one of those works that will entertain its audience for dozens or even hundreds of hours, with very high replayability.
We gave Baldur’s Gate 3 a score of 9.5/10:
Baldur’s Gate 3 is an excellent turn-based role-playing game and easily deserves recognition as one of the best games of this year. The game excels in all its aspects, from its technical and artistic graphics to its story, gameplay, music, and more. While its story can sometimes feel dry and artificial, this is related to the extensive nature of the game’s narrative and your choices throughout. Nevertheless, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a very well-crafted storytelling experience with extensive and detailed character development. The gameplay is designed in a way that remains engaging and not tiresome even in the long run, maintaining its initial appeal. However, the number of game bugs, especially from the second part onwards, is quite high, and at times, this can be frustrating. If we consider the game’s bugs and frame rate issues, it serves as a fundamental lesson in personalization, emphasizing the importance of ‘early access,’ receiving feedback from the audience, and technical and artistic graphics. – Mohammad Oliae
1. Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is a risky venture that has received a budget in the range of tens of millions of dollars, resembling an independent game. With a complex and multi-layered story, it immerses you deep within itself and will captivate your mind for a long time after the final credits. In a close battle between Alan Wake 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3, Remedy’s new game emerged victorious and received the title of “Best Game of 2023” according to the Gamefa website.
We gave Alan Wake 2 a score of 9.5/10:
Alan Wake 2 is not only an exceptional sequel but also stands out as a survival horror masterpiece. The highly engaging storytelling, complex yet logical characterizations, adherence to survival horror genre principles in gameplay, and ultimately the design of levels and atmospheric creation make this work easily claim its place at the top of the list of the best horror experiences I have had in recent years. If you are a fan of the survival horror genre and haven’t experienced this game, you will never forgive yourself! – Arman Zarmehr
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