2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for video games, with a wide variety of highly-anticipated titles set to be released across multiple platforms. Here are just a few of the games that gamers should keep an eye out for in the coming year:
Fire Emblem Engage
Release Date: 20 January 2023
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Another year, another installment in the highly successful Fire Emblem franchise. Over the past few years, this series has gained immense popularity, resulting in multiple sequels and spin-offs for the Nintendo Switch. In 2019, players were treated to the critically acclaimed Fire Emblem: Three Houses, which attracted a large new fanbase to the franchise. In 2022, we saw the release of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, a spin-off game with an alternate reality theme. And now in 2023, the main series is set to take a big step forward with the release of Fire Emblem Engage.
In Engage, players will take on the role of a new, daring hero who can summon and fight alongside iconic characters from previous Fire Emblem games such as Marth, Roy, Ike, Corrin and Byleth. These legendary figures will aid you in intense, turn-based battles and help lead your armies to victory. Although we don't know much about Fire Emblem Engage yet, the air of mystery surrounding the game only adds to the excitement for its release.
Forspoken
Release Date: 24 January 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PC
Forspoken is a brand new IP from Luminous Productions and Square Enix that is poised to be a potential blockbuster hit. This fantasy video game puts players in the shoes of Frey, a young woman from modern-day New York who is transported to a mystical fantasy world where she obtains powerful abilities. From what we've seen so far, the game boasts smooth movement and visually striking attacks, but it's the story that truly stands out.
Although we've only seen brief glimpses of Forspoken, it appears to be an original and inspired game. Video games have the ability to tell powerful and moving stories and there's a high expectation that Frey's journey will be just as captivating as it looks.
Hogwarts Legacy
Release Date: 10 February 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
Hogwarts Legacy is the highly-anticipated Wizarding World simulator that many fans have been waiting for. Despite the recent controversy surrounding Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and her statements on trans people, some are still looking forward to this magical adventure game filled with creatures and enchanting landscapes to explore. Trailers have showcased the game's stunning visuals and the incorporation of beloved elements from the Harry Potter franchise in a new story set in the Wizarding World. While the game may come with some baggage, it has the potential to be a captivating experience for players.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Release Date: 17 March 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is set to receive a sequel in March 2023, featuring the return of Cal Kestis as the lead character. The game will continue the story from the original game and follows Kestis as he tries to survive in a galaxy that has turned against him after the execution of Order 66, which ordered the extermination of all Jedi. Early trailers have teased new characters and an intriguing story. The first installment of the game was a huge success and proved that single-player Star Wars games have a bright future at publisher EA.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Release Date: 24 March 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
After the successful release of the Resident Evil 2 remake, Capcom is continuing its efforts to update its classic titles for modern audiences. While Resident Evil 4, which popularized the third-person action gameplay present in later entries and remakes of the series, may not have been in dire need of a remake, early previews of the Resident Evil 4 Remake have shown promising signs that it will be a fresh and updated take on the game. With the increased visual capabilities of current-gen consoles, the game, which is now almost 20 years old, appears to be filled with even more tension and horror moments that challenge player expectations. It remains to be seen how the game will handle the later and more eccentric elements of the original story, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Release Date: 26 May 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League faced a delay in early 2022 and information about the title went quiet, but it has been confirmed that the game is now set for a May 2023 release. This action-adventure game is described as an open-world, story-driven experience where players take on the roles of different members of the Suicide Squad, such as Harley Quinn, King Shark, Deadshot, and Captain Boomerang, on a mission to save the world from the mind-controlling villain, Brainiac.
As Brainiac is controlling members of the Justice League, players will have to track down and defeat characters like The Flash, Wonder Woman, and Superman, all of whom are under his control. The game will feature a strong co-op mode, but can also be played solo, allowing players to switch between characters at will. Regardless of which anti-hero is chosen, the game promises to be an action-packed and thrilling adventure.
Street Fighter 6
Release Date: 2 June 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
Street Fighter 6 has been officially announced for release on PC and consoles in June 2023, featuring significant updates to its fighting system. The game boasts a new, dynamic art style, an array of powerful fighters, improvements to online play and many other changes. Whether you're a fan of arcade fighting games or simply interested in seeing the advancements made in the genre, Street Fighter 6 looks to be a standout title.
In addition, the game will also introduce a new, user-friendly control scheme that aims to make the game more accessible for players of all skill levels. Get ready to sharpen your skills and test your mettle when this game launches in 2023.
Diablo IV
Release Date: 6 June 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
The highly-anticipated Diablo IV was first revealed in 2019 and is finally set to release in June 2023. Early previews of the game have showcased new character classes, ominous enemies, and an abundance of skeletons - all of which players can expect when the game finally becomes available.
Final Fantasy XVI
Release Date: 22 June 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Final Fantasy XVI, the latest entry in the iconic Final Fantasy franchise, is set to release in June 2023. Despite the announcement, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding the game. We know that it will be set in a world inspired by medieval Europe, where multiple armies work to maintain peace through the use of powerful gems known as Mothercrystals. As the Archduke of Rosaria, players will embark on a wild and magical quest after the dark god Ifrit causes chaos in the land. The Eikons, powerful deities, will play a significant role in the story as well as in combat, with early previews showcasing intense battles between monsters.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Release Date: Q3 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Similar to other games with a projected 2023 release, information about Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit game, is currently limited. Teasers and screenshots have revealed some aspects of the story, including the inclusion of both Miles Morales and Peter Parker as Spider-Man and a prominent role for Venom, but the plot and gameplay details remain largely unknown.
However, based on the success and acclaim of the original game, it's likely that the sequel will be just as thrilling and grand as the first adventure. The original game was a major hit and helped revive the comic book video game genre. Insomniac Games, the developer of the game, has a reputation for creating high-quality games and it's safe to assume that they are working on something truly spectacular, amazing, and superior. We'll have to wait to see what's in store, but it's definitely something worth looking forward to.
Alan Wake 2
Release Date: 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
The highly-anticipated sequel to 2010's Alan Wake, Alan Wake 2, has announced a planned release date for 2023. While there is a possibility that the date may change due to the reported scope of the game, fans of the franchise remain hopeful for its on-time launch. The development team at Remedy has a strong track record, having created critically acclaimed games such as Max Payne and Control, so expectations for this sequel are high.
Currently, we know that the upcoming game will take more inspiration from the survival horror genre than the original, featuring a variety of scares and surprises. With an emphasis on horror elements, Alan Wake 2 is shaping up to be a massive and terrifying experience.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Release Date: Between April 2023 – 2024
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows PC
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, an open-world game based on James Cameron's Avatar universe, is one of the most highly-anticipated games of the industry. The game was announced in 2017, with developer Massive Entertainment revealing the adaptation following the announcement of four major film sequels. After a prolonged development period, many players began to question if the game would ever be released. However, in 2021, the first major glimpses of the game were finally shown.
In this title, players will take on the role of their own Na'vi warrior on a grand journey to the Western Frontier, an area never before explored in the Avatar world. While it was originally slated for release in 2022, Ubisoft recently announced that the game has been significantly delayed and may not be released until 2024
2023 is expecting to be a fantastic year for video game releases, with a variety of titles. With the advancements in technology and game development, we can expect these games to offer an immersive and engaging experience. It's an exciting time for gamers and we can't wait to see what 2023 has in store for us.
