Even though most highly anticipated video games will premiere in the fall and winter, this year has already been pretty exciting for PC players. We received great remakes of iconic titles, new installments in established series, ports of console hits, and some unexpected gems. Hence, we created a list of 2023 releases that no PC gamer should miss.
Street Fighter 6
Release date: July 2, 2023.
Street Fighter V had a rough release and was panned for bugs and a lack of content when it came out in 2016. Capcom has apparently learned its lesson because the new installment in the iconic franchise has been praised since its premiere. Firstly, the game signifies the next evolution of the iconic Street Fighter series. It introduces new gameplay mechanics, enhances the visual style, and expands the roster with a mix of classic and six new characters: Jamie, Kimberly, Marisa, Manon, Lily, and JP. In addition to the base roster, Street Fighter 6 has confirmed several DLC characters set to join the cast in 2023 and 2024. These include Rashid, Ed, Akuma, and A.K.I., a newcomer to the series.
The gameplay of Street Fighter 6 continues the series’ tradition of intense, competitive fights. The game employs a well-balanced combat system that emphasizes strategy and skill. The controls are responsive and precise, allowing for fluid movement and quick combos, enhancing the overall experience.
Hogwarts Legacy
Release date: February 10, 2023
Hogwarts Legacy is undeniably one of the most captivating PC video games of 2023. Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games under its Portkey Games label, it provides a mesmerizing journey into the Wizarding World.
The gameplay of Hogwarts Legacy is a blend of action and role-playing. Players can customize their characters, engage in combat against various magical creatures, craft potions, and explore familiar and new locations from the Harry Potter universe. The open-world design adds depth to the exploration, allowing players the freedom to uncover secrets at their own pace. The story of Hogwarts Legacy is set in an era unexplored in original books or movies. It extends the Harry Potter lore, providing players with a unique narrative that uncovers hidden truths from the past.
Resident Evil 4
Release date: March 24, 2023
Resident Evil 4 is another proof that Capcom understands how to breathe new life into their past hits. The remake of the 2005 survival horror elevates to another level the terrifying adventure of Leon S. Kennedy, who’s trying to rescue the U.S. President’s kidnapped daughter. The gameplay of the Resident Evil 4 remake is meticulously crafted, providing a refined survival horror experience. It retains the original’s over-the-shoulder third-person perspective but enhances it with modern mechanics, offering a more fluid and responsive combat system. The game introduces a new cover system and contextual actions, adding depth to encounters with enemies.
One of the distinct advantages of the remake is its stunning visual overhaul. The game features 4K resolution with ray-tracing technology, resulting in lifelike lighting and shadows, detailed character models, and realistic environments. This graphical enhancement significantly elevates the game’s atmosphere and immersion.
Hi-Fi Rush
Release date: January 25, 2023
Hi-Fi Rush took everyone by surprise as it was announced and released the same day. Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, this rhythm-based action game offers a unique and exciting gaming experience. The gameplay in Hi-Fi Rush is innovative and engaging. It combines elements of rhythm and action genres, requiring players to time their actions to the beat of the music. This creates a fast-paced experience that stands out in the gaming landscape.
Critics and players alike have praised Hi-Fi Rush for its exuberant attitude and excellent rhythm combat, often called one of the must-play games in 2023. Its cel-shaded graphics add to its charm, offering an aesthetically pleasing visual experience. Adding to its appeal, Hi-Fi Rush provides regular updates and new game modes, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Release date: July 26, 2023
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart initially premiered on PS5 in 2021, immediately becoming one of the most entertaining and best-looking games on the Sony next-gen console. In 2023, its PC port came out; hence, new players got a chance to embark on a wacky space adventure.
The gameplay of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a blend of action and platforming, offering a dynamic experience that keeps players engaged. It features an innovative Rift mechanic that allows players to hop between different dimensions, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability to the game. What sets this game apart is a new playable character called Rivet. Thanks to two protagonists with their own unique abilities, Rift Apart offers varied gameplay experiences focused on high-octane action puzzle-solving.
Dead Space
Release date: January 27, 2023
Dead Space is another outstanding remake of a classic horror game on our list. The game follows the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer assigned to investigate why the mining ship USG Ishimura has gone silent. Unfortunately, this routine mission turns into a dramatic struggle for survival.
The new version of the game, developed by EA Motive and published by Electronic Arts, has significantly improved the original. It features jaw-dropping visual fidelity, completely rebuilt from the ground up, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and sense of isolation. The detailed environments, coupled with dynamic lighting and shadows, add to the overall horror aesthetic. Players also appreciate the faithful adaptation of the original game’s essence while incorporating modern technologies and design philosophies. If you’re a fan of scary video games, then you have to play Dead Space and experience the new version of Isaac Clarke’s story.
Diablo IV
Release date: June 6, 2023
The expectations for Diablo IV had been exceptionally high, but the new installment in Blizzard’s flagship series didn’t disappoint! The gameplay in Diablo IV maintains the franchise’s signature hack-and-slash combat style but introduces new mechanics. For instance, such features as the ability to ride horses for fast travel and wall-climbing to explore different areas make their debut in Diablo IV. The game also returns to the darker, gothic aesthetic of the earlier installments, which fans love.
One of Diablo IV’s main advantages is its shared open-world structure, a first for the series. This allows for player interaction, cooperative play, and PvP zones, adding a new dimension to the gameplay. Additionally, the game offers extensive character customization options, allowing players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle. The story continues the eternal struggle between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. This time, the player’s ultimate goal is to pursue and defeat Mefisto’s daughter, Lilith.
The Last of Us Part I
Release date: March 28, 2023
The Last of Us, one of the most iconic PlayStation titles, finally came out on PC in 2023. Unfortunately, the port’s premiere wasn’t successful due to crashes, poor performance, and other technical issues interfering with experiencing Ellie and Joel’s emotional journey. Luckily, after a series of patches, the game is finally fixed. As a result, PC players can finally enjoy an intricate blend of action adventure and survival horror.
You will follow the story of Joel, a smuggler navigating the post-apocalyptic United States while protecting a young girl named Ellie. The game is lauded for its strategic combat and resource management, forcing players to scavenge for supplies and carefully plan their every move. Moreover, the plot of The Last of Us Part I is widely regarded as one of the most gripping narratives in video games. It explores themes of loss, survival, and humanity’s capacity for altruism and cruelty in desperate circumstances. Even if you already knew the story from the HBO adaptation starring Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, the game is still worth playing. Taking action into your own hands will let you discover a whole new level of this adventure.
Jagged Alliance 3
Release date: July 14, 2023
Finally, after two decades, Jagged Alliance 2 finally got a worthy successor. The new installment in the renowned turn-based tactical role-playing series, developed by Haemimont Games and published by THQ Nordic, takes players on an intense journey to a war-torn country in Central Africa.
The gameplay of Jagged Alliance 3 is its greatest strength. Tactical combat requires players to think strategically, making every decision count. Players lead the squad of mercenaries, each with unique skills and personalities, adding depth to the gameplay. Long-time fans of the series also appreciate that there are many familiar faces among the available mercs.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Release date: April 28, 2023
This game continues Cal Kestis’s journey, offering an action-packed, narrative-driven single-player experience. Critics and players have praised the game for its compelling narrative, engaging combat mechanics, and detailed world-building. Its ability to capture the essence of the Star Wars franchise while adding new elements has been particularly appreciated. The new adventure also allows players to meet prominent characters from the first game, including Cere Junda, Greez, and Merrin.
The gameplay in Jedi: Survivor is a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat that gives players the opportunity to utilize force powers and lightsaber skills. Similarly to Fallen Order, the game incorporates some elements of Soulslike games; however, it features less demanding combat and five selectable difficulty levels. As a result, Jedi: Survivor is a suitable title for virtually all players and a must-play for Star Wars fans.
System Shock
Release date: May 30, 2023
This survival horror FPS reimagines the 1994 classic, modernizing controls, and gameplay elements while maintaining the original’s essence. The gameplay in the System Shock remake is a mix of first-person shooter action and intricate puzzle-solving. The game retains the original’s distinctive sense of risk versus reward, which raises tension and excitement as players navigate the dystopian space station.
The story remains faithful to the original. Players assume the role of a hacker trapped aboard Citadel Station, controlled by an errant AI, Shodan. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist unravels the station’s horrifying secrets while battling against Shodan’s mechanical and mutated minions. The System Shock remake is a testament to the enduring appeal of the original while demonstrating how thoughtful updates can enhance the player’s experience.
Returnal
Release date: February 15, 2023
Returnal, originally a PlayStation 5 exclusive, made its debut on PC in 2023. The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, blending roguelike mechanics with action-adventure elements. Players control Selene, a space explorer trapped on a hostile alien planet, forced to battle through extraterrestrial entities in her quest for survival. The story of Returnal is both engaging and mysterious. It delves into themes of isolation, resilience, and the fragility of reality as Selene seeks to unravel the secrets of the alien planet and her past.
Notably, the PC version pushes the graphical boundaries of the game even further, making Returnal look truly breathtaking. The port also features full PS5 DualSense controller support, allowing players to experience the game’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback on PC, which were previously exclusive to the PS5 version.
Age of Wonders 4
Release date: May 2, 2023
Like its predecessors, Age of Wonders 4 mixes 4X strategy games with role-playing elements. The game allows players to create their own factions from scratch, offering a unique experience tailored to each player’s preferences. Moreover, the spell system in Age of Wonders 4 is hailed for its variety and intricacy, featuring everything from necromancy to nature spells that alter the world.
The story of Age of Wonders 4 is player-driven, unfolding turn by turn, with the drama between empires creating a compelling narrative. This personalized storytelling approach places the player at the heart of the game, making every decision impactful.
Darkest Dungeon II
Release date: May 8, 2023
The long-awaited sequel to the roguelike masterpiece was released in early access in 2021, but the full version finally came out in May 2023. Darkest Dungeon II is a gripping roguelike road trip into the abyss featuring strategy and psychological storytelling. Players form a party, equip a stagecoach, and venture across a bleak landscape to fight enemies in strategic turn-based duels. The stress mechanic, which affects your characters’ performances based on their mental state, adds a layer of complexity that sets it apart from other RPGs.
One key advantage of Darkest Dungeon II is its atmospheric narrative. The story plunges players into an eerie world teeming with eldritch horrors and madness, where every decision can lead to dire consequences. Furthermore, its hauntingly beautiful art style and chilling soundtrack contribute to its overall appeal, creating an unsettling yet captivating gaming experience.
Dead Island 2
Release date: April 21, 2023
The new entry in the series created by Techland was developed by Dambuster Studios, which proved to be the right studio for the job. This first-person action game combines horror, dark humor, and over-the-top zombie slaying into an epic pulp adventure. Critics and players praise Dead Island 2 for its beautiful visuals and fun gameplay. Despite not fitting squarely into the survival horror genre, it’s lauded as a fun action game that provides an enjoyable weekend getaway to a virtual Los Angeles.
The gameplay in Dead Island 2 is engaging and satisfying. While it may initially seem standard, the game offers a multitude of tools that players can fine-tune to fit their playstyle. Moreover, you may choose from a bunch of colorful protagonists. Another noteworthy thing is that you can experience Dead Island 2 alone or form an up-to-three-player zombie-slaying team in cooperative mode.
Aliens: Dark Descent
Release date: June 19, 2023
The latest game set in the Alien universe is a squad-based strategy game that lets you become the commander of a squad of colonial marines. The gameplay is a balance of fast-paced combat and tactical decision-making. Your team will battle against hordes of Xenomorphs and other enemies across various environments on Planet Lethe. The game shines with its intuitive AI system, where enemies adapt to players’ strategies, making each playthrough unique.
The story is another highlight of Aliens: Dark Descent. The narrative follows a group of marines unraveling the dark secrets of the Xenomorph infestation. The plot is well-paced, with plenty of unexpected twists that keep players engaged.
Remnant II
Release date: July 25, 2023
Remnant II, often described as Dark Souls with firearms, allows players to navigate post-apocalyptic environments while battling a variety of monsters, including formidable bosses. The game’s dynamic difficulty system, which adjusts based on the players’ performance, adds an extra layer of challenge. One of the new features that set Remnant II apart is its expanded crafting system. It allows players to create and upgrade weapons and armor using materials found throughout the world. This feature significantly enhances the game’s strategic aspects and player immersion.
The story of Remnant II builds upon its predecessor, plunging players into a darker, grimmer world filled with new mysteries to uncover. The narrative is gripping, keeping players engaged throughout their journey. The game also offers a co-op mode for up to three players, extending replayability and promoting teamwork.
Subnautica 2: Everything you should know about the game
The deep blue is calling once again, but this time, the waters are completely uncharted—and full of behind-the-scenes corporate drama. If you are one of the millions of survival fans asking if Subnautica 2 is out, we have fantastic news for you. The highly anticipated sequel has officially splashed down! The Subnautica 2 release marks […]
