It’s the time of year when we look back at everything released over the last twelve months and try to pick our Game of the Year. Normally there’d be one or two clear front runners, but this year every game released seems to have been a AAA or Indie banger vying for the title. We got our gaming critics together and asked them to choose their Game of the Year and explain why.
Luke Addison (Co-Lead and Critic) – Alan Wake 2
Before the release of Alan Wake 2, I was going to struggle with what to pick for my Game of the Year. With games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Lies of P, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and so many more, it seemed an impossible task. A few hours into Alan Wake 2 I knew my decision was going to be far easier. A tour de force of horror, tension, drip-feeding knowledge of the situation, and incredible technological feats, it felt like everything we’d been waiting thirteen years for, and as much fun as every other game you could choose this year has been, this outstripped them all.
The new additions to the Alan Wake universe more than held their own, with some parts of Saga’s story being more interesting and evocative than that of Alan’s. Want to be an FBI agent investigating a string of murders for a few hours? Play as Saga. Want to enter the Dark Place and try to unravel the mystery of what’s happening with yourself, Mr. Door and much more? Play as Alan. There’s so much going on, so much to take notice of, that you’ll want to play through the game multiple times and experience it in a multitude of ways.
With the Remedy Connected Universe in full swing, and Control 2 reportedly in development, we won’t have to wait too much longer before we revisit the world of Alan Wake and his cohorts… certainly not thirteen years, we hope.
Daniel Boyd (Co-Lead and Critic) – Trepang2
I imagine that many are in the same boat, given the sheer amount of great games that dropped in 2023, but I struggled with my GOTY pick this year. I found myself deliberating even more than I usually do. Out of the titles officially nominated at this year’s Game Awards ceremony, my pick would be the Resident Evil 4 remake, but then, how comfortable do I feel saying that the best game in a stacked year like 2023, was a title that was originally released in 2005? While we are speaking of remakes, the Dead Space remake was also incredible, and I even went as far as awarding that game a 10/10 in my review.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was also an incredible experience, standing tall as the greatest PlayStation exclusive of the year and delivering one of the greatest franchise tie-in games ever created. And that is the issue; it isn’t an original IP and already comes with an inbuilt fan base and nostalgic goodwill.
So, I had to ask myself the most basic question that I could as a reviewer, which game was the most fun? And the answer to that is Trepang2. When the game first dropped back for PC in June, I gave it a 10/10 in my review and joked that Spider-Man 2 and Starfield were going to have to do a hell of a lot to beat it out for my GOTY. Although I was half joking when I made that comment, it is a fact that no other gaming experience in 2023 has brought me as much unbridled joy as Trepang2 has, and as a reviewer, that is ultimately all that I am looking for.
Ezekiel Hall (Critic) – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
While this year has managed an incredible lineup of games that made this choice very hard, I have to go with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 as my Game of the Year selection. As I played through the campaign of Insomniac’s latest installment in the franchise, I realized how much I had been anticipating this game.
Despite my extremely high expectations, there was never a point where I was disappointed or felt underwhelmed. This was truly a comfort game, where everything was both familiar and fresh, and gamer fatigue had still not set in by the time I earned the plat.
There were certainly many revolutionary titles that deserve their place in the nominations this year, from Baldur’s Gate 3 to Alan Wake 2, but when it comes to my own experience I have to stick with Spider-Man (pun intended). The devs at Insomniac do an incredible job of world-building, creating smooth gameplay, and perfecting details and side stories that further develop the New York environment.
The main story seemed to be just the right length and it set the stage for even more fun in the future. Since only ten percent of Tony Todd’s lines were used for the game, it seems clear that we have not yet seen the last of Venom. Hopefully, a DLC announcement will come soon, so gamers can look forward to even more action in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Osama Farooq (Critic) – Persona 5 Tactica
In a year stacked with AAA releases, Persona 5 Tactica emerged as a wholesome surprise, especially considering how this was my entry point into both the Persona franchise and the tactical role-playing genre. P-Studio ensured that no newcomers to the series or strategic video games got lost by putting its own stunningly stylish spin on the Phantom Thieves’ latest adventure. It is simultaneously simple enough for those unfamiliar with the lore and a layered experience for veteran players.
The visuals and animation alone make Atlus’ title an absolute gem for the eyes to behold, with vibrant sequences being presented one after another. The game never slows down, keeping things fast-paced and exciting all the way through, even during the less action-packed character interactions. Persona 5 Tactica truly shines when its wonderful roster is just conversing, with diverse personalities being portrayed by every character, making the crew the heart and soul of the experience.
The emotions are genuine, the humor is hilarious, and it makes you care about what happens to these people. Persona 5 Tactica is my Game of the Year because it seamlessly introduced me to a new series and genre while also being a lot of fun.
Lisa Kamlot (Critic) – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was the most fun I had in a video game all year. Taking the recipe that made the predecessors so great, the sequel adds nuanced aromas and spice, creating a multi-layered explosion of flavor that lingers on your palate long after you’ve devoured it.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 pulls off an acrobatic balancing act between lighthearted humor and heavy subject matter that takes you on an exhilarating, yet emotional ride. One minute, I’m laughing at Peter’s silly dad jokes and smiling contently after one of the touching subplots. The next, I find myself tearing up, staring at the screen in disbelief, and reflecting on life, love, and loss.
Not just the narrative and characters, but also the combat and traversal have depth, creating a more varied experience. Both Spider-Men have an arsenal of special abilities, acrobatic moves, and shiny gadgets, giving you more options to fine-tune your fighting techniques. The fluid rhythm of combat is satisfying, and the flashy finishers never get old.
It also features an incredibly fun traversal system. The new Web Wings allow for an effortless synergy between swinging, jumping, and gliding as you navigate the vibrant streets of New York. The sheer power of the PS5 and the game’s striking visuals elevate the entire experience, as set piece after set piece takes your breath away. I can’t count the number of times I could barely grasp that this was a video game.
Combining high-octane action and awe-inspiring set pieces with complex characters and a gripping narrative, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 fires on all cylinders. It drew me in and truly made me feel like Spider-Man, making it my Game of the Year 2023.
Adil Farooq (Critic) – Final Fantasy XVI
The Final Fantasy franchise has constantly evolved throughout the years, and there has been no greater evolution than with Final Fantasy 16. For me, experiencing the amazing and breathtaking world, story, and characters of the game was one of the fondest gaming memories I have from this year.
Final Fantasy 16 wears its Game of Thrones inspiration on its sleeve, and it’s clear that Square Enix and Creative Business Unit III had a clear vision for this game. I mean, what’s there not to love about incredibly large-scale kaiju battles?
It feels like a combination of many different games. The combat of Devil May Cry, the story and world of God of War (2018), and the over-the-top nature of Asura’s Wrath all combine into one to create a franchise-defining experience. Some may not have liked the dramatic shift from turn-based combat and the party system that Final Fantasy is known for, but I can assure you that if you’re hesitant to try this game out for those reasons alone, then you’re sure to be missing out. Final Fantasy 16 is, without a slither of a doubt, my Game of the Year.
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