Game of the Month – our favourites of 2023

Game of the Month: Alan Wake 2

Released on 27th October

The darkness has returned to Bright Falls in the long-awaited sequel to Alan Wake. It's been eleven long years since our favourite author stood up against the forces of darkness and now he must once again load his flashlight with fresh batteries. It's time to show the darkness once and for all that light always triumphs over darkness.

The story is about Saga Anderson, an FBI profiler who travels to Bright Falls (the location from Alan Wake) to investigate a series of ritualistic murders. When she finds pages from a horror story, her planned investigation turns into a struggle to maintain her sanity.

Matthew Porretta, the voice actor for Alan Wake, revealed in the podcast "Monsters, Madness, and Magic" that the game will be released in October 2023. To be more precise, it will be released on the 27th of October, and the game will only be released as a digital edition. The reason is that the game studio wants to keep the price down.

You can choose to buy the game and play just the main story, or buy an Expansion Pass that gives access to two upcoming expansions to the game.

Alan Wake 2 is released for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via the Epic Games Store). If you haven't played the original Alan Wake, we recommend that you start there for a more coherent story.

• Alan Wake 2 (PC)
• Alan Wake 2 (Xbox)
• Alan Wake 2 (PS5)

Dead Space Remake

Released on the 27th of January 

Dead Space Remake is a hotly anticipated remake of the original game from 2008. You play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer who is thrown into a world of terrifying monsters, madness and heart-pounding situations where everything wants to kill him.

The game begins with you and your friends responding to a distress call from the spaceship USG Ishimura. When you get there, the ship is seemingly empty of people, but don't let the silence fool you. The ship is not as empty as one might think, and before you know it, the silence turns into terror and despair.

Dead Space Remake has been completely redesigned with nicer looking graphics and better animations. The story is largely the same as before, but with small tweaks that make it fit better with the two subsequent games. The game is available for Xbox, Playstation and PC.

Forspoken

Released on the 24th of January

Forspoken is an exciting adventure that takes you to the magical land of Athia. Here you’ll get to experience a large and open game world with mythological creatures and fantastic places to discover. But be careful as you run, jump, and swing your way in best parkour style – magical corruption has turned humans and animals into ferocious monsters.

You have four major areas to investigate. Each with their own evil ruler that you must defeat to stop the corruption from destroying the entire world. To help you, you have a magical bracelet that gives you unnatural powers. And believe us, magical powers are good to have when evil is knocking at the door.

Forspoken can be experienced on Playstation and PC.

Hogwarts Legacy

Released on the 10th of February

Hogwarts Legacy may be the most anticipated game of 2023. Take part in the magical world of Harry Potter and all that it entails. Magic, trolls, duels with wands and of course a dark danger that you must defeat. After all, you’re at Hogwarts. What would a castle full of wizards be if there were no horrors to fight?

Yes, you can use the Avada Kedavra spell when fighting the ancient creatures that wish you and your magician friends harm. No, the sport of Quidditch is not included from the start, so you can forget about whizzing around amongst the clouds in search of the Golden Snitch.

Hogwarts Legacy is released for Playstation, Xbox, Switch and PC.

Atomic Heart

Released on the 21st of February

This game is so amazingly crazy in every way that we hardly know how to explain what Atomic Heart is all about. In Atomic Heart, the machines have rebelled against humanity and threaten to destroy the entire world if they are allowed to run free.

You play as the KGB agent Major Nechaev, a degenerate human with a mind in complete decay who must, by all means necessary, stop the machines before they manage to leave the test area they are in.

It all takes place in an alternative 1950s in a dilapidated dystopia deep in the middle of the Soviet Union. Fight your way through research stations and other sinister areas to understand the secrets that threaten to destroy the entire world.

Atomic Heart is available for PC, Playstation and Xbox.

Sons of the Forest

Released on the 23rd of February

The sequel to the survival game The Forest is hotly anticipated and after several delays, it's finally time to go out into the forest again. Explore secret and mysterious places hiding among the trees, build your makeshift abode and keep the horrors that come out of the night at bay. You can play by yourself or together with your friends.

The game world is open and you can move around freely. Collect resources, build shelters against the forces of the weather and withstand attacks from cannibals. Yes, the game has cannibals and they are not kind. You can create buildings, lay traps, cook, hunt and use a variety of tools. You need to master everything to survive and even then, you might not make it. A tip: If you see something moving in the shadows - strike first and ask later.

Sons of the Forest is released for PC (Steam), Xbox and Playstation.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Released on the 28th of April (NOTE: The game is delayed. The previous release date was March 17th)

This is the second game in the series about Cal Kestis - the sidekick from the first game who has now left his years as a padawan behind to step forward as a full-fledged Jedi.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up where the first game left off. The threat from the Empire grows stronger and the responsibility that rests on Cal's shoulders only gets heavier. You must continue the story and stand up to both the Empire and their allies in this epic adventure.

The new game offers many new areas to visit, better graphics and improved game mechanics. To survive, you must master your abilities as a Jedi. For example, you can use the Force to throw your enemies around just like before. Or throw things at them if you prefer. The game has lightsabres? Of course! The game introduces a whole host of new and cool fighting techniques for lightsabre fans in particular.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available to play on PC, Playstation and Xbox.

Resident Evil 4 Remake

Released on 23 March

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a remake version of the fourth game in the Resident Evil series. Just like with the previous relaunches, we get significant graphics improvements and a modernised gameplay.

You’ll get the same classic horror game that scared millions of players worldwide, but in a nice package, better suited for your modern game console or gaming computer.  

Resident Evil 4 Remake is about agent Leon S. Kennedy who travels to a remote village to rescue the president’s kidnapped daughter. The inhabitants of the village are not welcoming, to say the least, and it’s not long before both Leon and the president’s daughter have to run for their lives. 

If you haven’t played the Resident Evil series before, we recommend that you start with the first game, whose Remake version was released back in 2002. 

Resident Evil 4 Remake is available on Playstation 4, Playstation 5 and PC.

Dead Island 2

Released on the 28th of April

Zombies! Lots and lots of zombies! And they all want to eat your brain. Dead Island 2 is an FPS game that offers large amounts of zombies, dark humour, blood and a little adventure.

The island you're on has turned into hell on earth after all the inhabitants turned into moaning, murderous zombies. Or almost everyone - you are very much alive and to stay alive you must become the ultimate zombie slayer.

To make it, you need to be fast, choose your targets carefully, and be completely without hesitation. It's not slow, scurrying zombies you face. They are quick-footed and if you are not careful, you risk facing more problems than you could’ve imagined. And believe us, you don't want to face these problems.

Dead Island 2 is available to play on PC, Xbox and Playstation. The trailer for the game can be found on YouTube here.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Released on the 12th of May

Is this the most anticipated game release of the year? The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom picks up after the events of the first Breath of the Wild game.

In the new game, you don't just stay on the ground. Now you finally get the chance to soar high amongst the clouds. We actually don't know more about the game than that, as Nintendo has chosen to keep the details tight. Of course, we hope for a new, epic story and that Zelda has gotten better at keeping her weapons intact.

This is a sequel that many have been waiting for, and just like before, you must have a Switch to take part in the adventure. If you haven't gotten the first game yet, we recommend you start with Breath of the Wild.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available to play on Nintendo Switch.

Street Fighter 6

Releasing on 2nd June

Come early summer, fans of the Street Fighter series will finally get to dive into a fresh and thrilling chapter with dynamic gameplay that elevates the martial arts experience. With Street Fighter 6, we're introduced to three unique game modes – World Tour, Fighting Ground, and Battle Hub – along with 18 brilliant fighters to choose from, including new faces and old favourites.

The combat system in Street Fighter 6 has had a makeover, now offering three distinct control types tailored to each player's personal preference. And to amp up the realism, there's now the option to listen to commentators during matches, just as if you were watching a UFC broadcast rather than playing a video game.

Throughout the game, you'll gather resources and money which can be used to enhance your character's journey. There's a wide range of clothing and accessories to choose from, but think carefully about your choices as they influence your character's ability to execute various attacks. Your health and stamina are also affected by your attire choices.

If you opt for the World Tour mode, you'll have an open game world to explore. Here, you can hone those crucial fighting skills against characters you encounter on the streets. It provides the perfect platform to test and refine your controller skills before diving into the more competitive game modes.

Street Fighter 6 will be available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 from 2nd June 2023.

Diablo IV

Released on the 6th of June

Once again, the gates of hell stand wide open to all the horrors that lurk in the hottest parts of the underworld.

Lilith, Mephisto's daughter, has been resurrected, and with it, a horror like no other has spread across the world. It's up to you and your allies to step over the threshold of hell and face the hordes of diabolical monsters that rise from the darkness.

With Diablo IV we get a new story that takes you on a long and exciting adventure with improved graphics and epic loot to collect. As usual we get endless amounts of demons to fight and also PVP against other players if you're attracted to that.

Diablo IV is available to play on PC, Xbox and Playstation.

Final Fantasy XVI

Releases on 22nd June

Final Fantasy XVI is the sixteenth instalment in the legendary and acclaimed Final Fantasy series. The new game takes us to a considerably darker place than previous entries in the series – a world filled with power struggles, revenge, and tragedies that line our protagonists' story.

As the game begins, you take on the role of Clive Rosfield, the high guard of Rosaria and protector of his younger brother Joshua. The brother is a so-called "dominant", a human with innate powers used for political purposes to govern the six realms in the Final Fantasy universe. Six realms whose existence is threatened by a powerful plague that can disrupt the fragile alliance the realms have had for many years.

In addition to the standard edition, there is also a more expensive collector's edition with a more lavish box, extra skins for your characters in the game, and a cloth map of "Valisthea". The collector's edition also includes a small plastic statue, a pin collection, and more.

Final Fantasy XVI is released for both PC and Playstation 5. The release date is 22nd June.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series

Releases on 27th July

Telltale is finally back with a new game. This time, the game studio takes us to space in "The Expanse: A Telltale Series". A multi-part series where the first part is released at the end of July.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is based on the TV series of the same name. We follow the character Camina Drummer, voiced by Cara Gee, on her adventures with the spaceship Artemis.

In the game, you get to take on space pirates, loot shipwrecked spaceships, and explore unknown parts of the space area "the Belt". Just like with previous games from Telltale, you are constantly challenged with difficult choices that change how the story unfolds.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is released for Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 5, and PC on 27th July.

ARK: Survival Ascended

Releasing summer 2023

ARK II arrives in 2024, but before that, we can look forward to the upcoming ARK: Survival Ascended.

It is a remake version of the game ARK: Survival Evolved, which was released back in 2015.

The game has received a new graphics engine, dynamic water, interactive nature, and much better performance on modern computers.

Other improvements include support for mods on Xbox and Playstation, a new third-person view, and more types of buildings.

ARK: Survival Ascended also features a new mini-map and includes everything that was previously released for ARK: Survival Evolved.

The game will be available on Xbox, Playstation, Switch, and PC during the summer.

Baldur's Gate 3

Releasing on 3rd August

Baldur's Gate 3 is a highly anticipated RPG that picks up 120 years after the events of Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. Create your character and embark on an epic journey filled with thrilling quests in a world brimming with dangers.

Play solo and assemble your party of adventurers as you encounter characters willing to join your quest. Or why not face the looming evil with friends in multiplayer?

Baldur's Gate 3 kicks off with you being captured by so-called "mind flayers", creatures that have invaded the continent of Faerûn where the game is set. Your objective is to escape and find a way to rid yourself of the parasite implanted in you during your captivity.

The game was initially slated for a fall 2020 release. During its development, an "early access" version for PC was launched, but with limited content. Now, the fully-fledged version is coming, complete with the entire storyline and map, available for both PC and Playstation 5.

Haven't played Baldur's Gate or Baldur's Gate 2? We recommend playing them first for a cohesive experience.

Overwatch 2: Invasion

Releasing on 10th August

Null Sector has launched a large-scale invasion, and our heroes are geared up to face the legion of robots attacking cities worldwide. With the "Invasion" expansion, a new hero is introduced, a new game mode named "Flashpoint", and three massive missions with accompanying storylines. These new missions take place in Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and Gothenburg.

Other significant updates in Overwatch 2: Invasion include a special co-op event, meaning you play alongside a friend, and the new training mode "Hero Mastery" to help you master all the heroes. The classic training map has also been revamped to feel more contemporary with a new practice field.

Overwatch 2: Invasion isn't a free expansion. You'll need to pay a bit more than a tenner for the "Invasion Bundle", which grants access to the three missions, 1,000 Overwatch coins, the new hero, and a legendary skin for Sojourn.

If you shell out a bit more than 40 quid, you'll get the "Ultimate Invasion Bundle". This package includes everything mentioned above, plus a "Null Sector Premium Battle Pass", 20 Battle Pass levels straight off the bat, 2,000 Overwatch coins, and legendary skins for Cassidy and Kiriko.

Find out more about Overwatch 2: Invasion on the official game page here.

Starfield

Releasing on 6th September

Starfield is the next-generation space game from the creators of acclaimed titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. Embark on an epic journey across a vast universe with countless planets to explore. Create your character and your ship, evolve, and uncover the mysteries hidden in the dark corners of space in this eagerly awaited space RPG for PC and Xbox.

Starfield is the next-gen space game from the game studio that brought us Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Set out on an epic adventure with a vast and open game world filled with numerous planets to visit. If you stick to the main storyline, you're looking at up to 40 hours of gameplay. However, if you wish to experience everything Starfield has to offer, it'll take much longer.

Over 1,000 planets are accessible to the player, and you can fine-tune everything related to your character and ship. From colour choices to character traits and everything in between. Fancy building your own house on a planet? It's entirely possible!

Explore thrilling worlds, join factions, establish outposts as bases, and recruit NPCs to assist you on your journey. Starfield offers a mix of familiar and new gameplay mechanics in a massive setup, coming to Xbox Series X/S this September.

Life By You

Released on the 12th of September

Life By You is a new life-simulator that challenges the ever-popular The Sims series from EA Games.

The setup in Life By You is the same as in The Sims. You take control of digital avatars and guide them through life. Their fate lies entirely in your hands, and you can choose to help or hinder them along the way.

What makes Life By You especially interesting is that the game modernises the setup with greater opportunities to explore the game world. You can use cars, buses, bicycles and many other vehicles across vast areas.

The game can be modded by dedicated developers who wish to add new, exciting features. You can control your avatars as you please, have real conversations with them, and even design your own world.

Life By You will be released for PC via platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store.

Lies of P

Releases on 19th September

You've never seen Pinocchio this cool, we promise. In the game "Lies of P", you get to experience a completely new take on the popular story of the wooden boy whose nose grows every time he lies. Instead of being a wooden boy, you take on the role of a humanoid mechanoid.

When the game begins, you wake up at a train station in an alternative 19th-century London. The only thing that catches your eye is a lone piece of paper with the message: "Find Mr. Geppetto. He's here in the city". Setting out to find Geppetto is nothing short of a challenge, the city has sunk into madness and a bloodbath is taking place wherever you turn. And if you're not careful, you're next in line to be affected by what has brought the city to ruin.

The game "Lies of P" has been described as a Bloodborne in steampunk style and it promises a real challenge for the players. Pinocchio must fight and lie from start to finish in this eagerly awaited game. The launch takes place on PC in September.

And you, watch out when you finally encounter Geppetto. He may not be as warm-hearted as in the classic story.

Counter-Strike 2

Releases on 27th September

Counter-Strike 2 is the official sequel to the ever-popular Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or simply CS:GO.

The game is a substantial overhaul of its predecessor, featuring a more modern graphics engine and improved performance. Valve refers to the game as the most significant technological leap in the history of the game series.

In addition to much better graphics with realistic smoke, Counter-Strike 2 employs other enhancements such as "sub-tick updates", which means that servers understand players' movements in real-time.

Maps have been reworked at various levels. The more favoured maps have been visually enhanced, but without major changes. Other maps have been partially or entirely reworked.

Other new features include improved sound effects, more realistic lighting, and much more.

Counter-Strike 2 is a free-to-play game.

EA Sports FC 24

Releasing on 29th September

Autumn is saved! EA is releasing the new and improved "FC 24" on the 29th of September - and blimey, are we excited! This is the first game in the new FC series after EA can no longer use the name "FIFA" for their games. Essentially, EA Sports FC 24 builds on everything that made FIFA 23 so popular, but not without a whole host of improvements that take the football game to the next level.

Among the news, we find HyperMotionV, a new technology where EA has included authentic movements and running styles from more than 1,200 footballers. You get precise movements detailed down to the smallest level thanks to the improved game engine, Frostbite. EA has upgraded the game engine to show more details with up to ten times more anatomically correct player models.

Other news is that Ultimate Team now includes female players, you can upgrade your players with Ultimate Team evolutions, and there's cross-play for games within the same platform and generation. In total, EA Sports FC 24 includes a whopping 30 leagues with 19,000 players, more than 700 teams, and over 100 arenas.

Assassin's Creed Mirage

Released on the 5th of October

Assassin's Creed is coming to 9th-century Baghdad. Step into the shoes of the assassin Basim and join the mysterious organization called Hidden Ones for new, epic missions in an open game world. Sneak, murder, climb, and jump your way through perhaps the biggest adventure yet in the history of Assassin's Creed – set 20 years before the events of Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

This game places much greater emphasis on staying undetected compared to the previous, considerably more violent games. Stay in the shadows, assassinate your targets, and make your escape before anyone realizes you were there.

There are two versions of the game: Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. The Standard version of the game includes only Assassin's Creed Mirage. If you choose the Deluxe Edition, you'll receive additional in-game items such as Prince of Persia-inspired attire, unique appearances for your eagle and horse, weapons, and more. You'll also get the game's soundtrack and a digital artbook.

Assassin's Creed Mirage will be released on October 5th. The game will be available on Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Amazon Luna, and PC (Epic Games Store).

NHL 24

Releasing on 6th October

Hockey enthusiasts can look forward to the new and improved NHL 24, set to release on 6th October. The game boasts several major updates that elevate the experience beyond what last year's NHL 23 offered, including the new "Exhaust Engine" and a physics-based contact system for harder hits.

NHL 24's game engine is fundamentally built on the popular Frostbite engine, but with many enhancements tailored for hockey graphics and animations. Two notable improvements include a system that simulates goalie fatigue over the course of a game and a mechanism for continuous pressure on the opposing team.

There's also a new system for realistic checks in NHL 24. You can send opponents crashing through the plexiglass or over the boards if you land a sufficiently powerful hit with your shoulder or stick.

If you're keen on playing against friends online, you can utilise the new cross-play support, allowing gameplay between all recent Xbox and Playstation consoles. NHL 24 will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 4, and Playstation 5.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Releasing on 20th October

At last, we get a continuation of the acclaimed and thrilling tale of Spider-Man and Miles Morales.

In Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the two swift-swinging friends continue to protect New York's citizens from the underworld – and this time, they're setting their sights on none other than Kraven the Hunter and Venom.

The game world has significantly expanded with three new areas to explore – Brooklyn, Queens, and Coney Island. Both Spider-Men have upgraded combat techniques, with Miles Morales harnessing more electric abilities and Peter Parker donning a new symbiote suit that promotes a more aggressive playstyle.

You can seamlessly switch between the two characters, choosing the one that best suits the moment.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will be released exclusively for Playstation 5. There might be a PC version in the future, but if you're on a Playstation 4, you're out of luck. There are no plans for a PS4 version.

Alan Wake 2

Releases on 27th October

The darkness has returned to Bright Falls in the long-awaited sequel to Alan Wake. It's been eleven long years since our favourite author stood up against the forces of darkness and now he must once again load his flashlight with fresh batteries. It's time to show the darkness once and for all that light always triumphs over darkness.

The story is about Saga Anderson, an FBI profiler who travels to Bright Falls (the location from Alan Wake) to investigate a series of ritualistic murders. When she finds pages from a horror story, her planned investigation turns into a struggle to maintain her sanity.

Matthew Porretta, the voice actor for Alan Wake, revealed in the podcast "Monsters, Madness, and Magic" that the game will be released in October 2023. To be more precise, it will be released on the 27th of October, and the game will only be released as a digital edition. The reason is that the game studio wants to keep the price down.

You can choose to buy the game and play just the main story, or buy an Expansion Pass that gives access to two upcoming expansions to the game.

Alan Wake 2 is released for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via the Epic Games Store). If you haven't played the original Alan Wake, we recommend that you start there for a more coherent story.

Modern Warfare III

Releasing on 10th November

The story of Captain Price and the pursuit of Vladimir Makarov continues in the third game of the Modern Warfare trilogy.

The campaign in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III picks up where Modern Warfare II left off. This means you should ideally play the first two games first if you haven't already done so.

The basic storyline is that your team of specially trained soldiers must locate and neutralise the ultranationalist Vladimir Makarov. The goal is to prevent him from starting a third world war.

The games in the series take us on a journey to a number of different, fictional locations, including the country of Urzikstan. You get the chance to sneak around with silenced weapons and shoot wildly as bullets whizz past your ears – all with upgraded, modern graphics and new sound effects.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Release date: 5th December

Disney Dreamlight Valley is as much a life simulation game as it is an adventure for players. Step into a world built on everything the Disney universe has to offer, along with the iconic Pixar film studio.

You get the chance to explore a place filled with magical creatures that you can interact with. Complete fun quests, alone or with friends, and build your own Disney experience just the way you want it.

As the game progresses, you unlock new characters from famous Disney and Pixar films. These characters offer you a chance to invite them into your home within Disney Dreamlight Valley so you can hang out with them there.

Disney updates the world with new characters, areas, and things to do. Amongst other things, material from the film "The Princess and the Frog" will be introduced in 2024.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is available for purchase on PC, Mac, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4.

Hades 2

After the enormous success and acclaim surrounding Hades, it’s soon time for the successor Hades 2. We stay in Greek mythology and this time you play as the princess of darkness in the hunt for the giant Kronos. The game has received a new look, but the feel of the first game seems to remain. Release date? Sometime late 2023. Maybe.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

When humanity faces the dreaded Tyranid hordes, the divine Emperor responds by sending his angels, the Space Marines, to stop the threat. You shoulder the role of one of the best warriors of the Adeptus Astartes legion, and it’s up to you if the galaxy is going to survive the invasion that awaits. Prepare for war.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is available to play on PC, Xbox and Playstation.

Skull and Bones

Hoist the sail, bring out the parrot and load the cannons. It's time to set out on the seven seas with your friends. Skull and Bones is a pirate game set in the heyday of pirates and your goal is to collect tons of treasure while making life miserable for rival captains.

Embark on adventures in search of glory and riches, but beware of the dangers lurking both on the water and beneath the surface. If your ship sinks, others can pick up your stuff, but at the same time, you can sink your opponents and take part of their hard-earned cargo for your own gain.

Upgrade your ship and decorate both the schooner and your own character in this hotly anticipated pirate game on PC, Xbox and Playstation.