2023 Gaming: Starting the year off with a bang 

2023 is finally upon us, and it already seems like an amazing year for the gaming industry. We  have news about a lot of games coming this year, and many of them I am super excited for. I have picked out 14 of the games coming out later this year that I’m hyped about, and some games I might not be hyped for, but I think will either be really well received, or there is already excitement built around them.

I have separated them into four different categories, including zombie-esque games, open world games, and souls-like games.

Zombie-esque games contain either zombies specifically or some other undead or alien-type entities that you have to fight or run from.

Open-world games are games that give you the utmost freedom in your exploration with a world you can traverse at will. 

Souls-like games are games made in a similar way as the “Dark Souls” series, which often are very difficult with slightly unforgiving game play and a focus on bosses and environmental storytelling.

Zombie-esque:

“Dead Space” Remake- PlayStation 5, Xbox series X and series S, Steam

Dead Space was a critically acclaimed horror game originally released on Oct. 4, 2008. It is still commonly regarded as one of the best horror games made, which makes this remake far overdue. The remake is slated for release on Jan. 27. We know quite a bit about what’s being added to the remake, for one Isaac Clarke will have a voice actor which he did not have in the original “Dead Space”. Another thing they are revamping is the dismemberment system allowing more realistic injuries and attacks. 

“Dead Island 2”– PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and series X and series S, Epic game Store

Dead Island 2 is a long awaited sequel coming 12 years after the release of the original “Dead island”. The original received mixed reviews, as there were quite a few bugs in the game; however, there is no doubt that it paved the way for other zombie-based games like “Dying Light” and “Days Gone”. The sequel is planned to release on April 28. There isn’t going to be much in the way of plot, instead focusing on sandbox violence.

“Sons of the Forest”– Steam

“Sons of the Forest”, being released Feb. 23, is the sequel to the well-received horror game, “The Forest”. Based on what we know, you are tasked with finding a missing billionaire on an island filled with mutated cannibals. It looks like it’s following the game play of the first and is an open-world survival game.

“Atomic Heart”– PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and series X and series S, Steam

“Atomic Heart” is the first standalone game on this list releasing Feb. 21. Set in communist Russia where killer robots have gone haywire, you have to create and scavenge for weapons to survive this hellscape. It is heavily inspired by “Bioshock” and while not outright stated, seemingly “Dying Light” as well. It is going to be fast paced and chaotic with terrifying enemies including the aforementioned robots and zombies. 

Open World

“Hogwarts Legacy”–  PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and series X and series S, Steam, Nintendo Switch

despite some controversy surrounding this game as J.K. Rowling is already problematic and one of the story line is a little distasteful,“Hogwarts Legacy” is a highly anticipated open world role playing game set in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, available to buy Feb. 10. It is going to be set in the 1800’s before the events of the main Harry Potter series. You will be able to choose your house, take classes and complete quests to help upgrade and grow your abilities to become a masterful witch or wizard. 

“Forspoken”– PlayStation 5, Windows

Slated for release on Jan. 24, “Forspoken” is about a New Yorker who is transported to the magical world of Athia. She must use magical abilities to help stave off the tyrannical rule of the Tanta’s. The game seems to be very fluid, and the game play trailer looked very cool, with a vast array of combat and traversal magic you can use. My biggest fear with this game is it will just end up being too complicated to be fun.

“Assassin’s Creed: Mirage”–  PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and series X and series S, Epic Game Store

The next installment in the very popular Assassin’s Creed series is said to be taking the series back to its roots. Instead of the large open world of the last two games” Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey” and “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla”, it is going to feature a much smaller open world with a large emphasis on stealth. If done right, I will be very happy, as personally I was not a huge fan of Odyssey and Valhalla’s format. “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” will be released March 9.

“Tears of the Kingdom”– Nintendo Switch

“Tears of the Kingdom” is the much anticipated sequel to the “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”. While I personally couldn’t get into Breath of the Wild, I know this game has won quite a few of the most-anticipated game awards since it was announced in 2019. “Tears of the Kingdom” is coming out May 12.

“Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League”– PlayStation 5, Xbox series X and series S, Steam

This is one of my most anticipated games this year. Set in the Arkham universe after Braniac’s arrival and corruption of the justice league, Amanda Waller sends in the suicide squad consisting of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang and King Shark. They have to work together to take down the heroes. So far we have seen trailers including Green Lantern, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash. It also features Kevin Conroy’s last performance as Batman. It is set to release on May 26.

Souls-like

“Lies of P”–  PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and series X and series S, Steam

“Lies of P” is a gothic, gritty souls-like game based upon the story of Pinocchio. It has no confirmed release date other than 2023, but I am super excited for this game. It seems to take massive inspiration from “Bloodbourne”,which is one of my favorite games of all time, with its dark victorian-esque setting and difficulty of combat. 

“Hollow Knight: Silksong”– PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and series X and series S, Steam, Nintendo Switch

“Hollow Knight: Silksong” is the long-awaited sequel to the amazing “Hollow Knight”. It doesn’t have a confirmed release date other than 2023. The first “Hollow Knight” game was an absolute masterpiece, and I hope this one will live up to it. In this game, you take control of Hornet, an enemy-turned-ally in the first game, in a brand new kingdom to explore. The enemies are all new and look amazing and the new attacks and combat style of Hornet will make this game a must buy for this year.

“Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty”–  PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and series X and series S, Steam

“Wo Long” is a souls-like game set in China at the end of the Late Han Dynasty. Releasing on March 3, This game looks very faced pace with quick and brutal combat. The trailers reminded me of “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’s” game play with a similar speed and flow to the combat. I think it is going to be very challenging, but the combat does look very rewarding.

“Jedi Survivor”– PlayStation 5, Xbox series X and series S, Steam

Coming out March 17, “Jedi Survivor” is the heavily anticipated sequel to “Jedi Fallen Order”. We reprise our role as Cal Kestis as he continues his journey to stop the Sith. Survivor also expands on the first with new forms of light saber combat as well as new force abilities. 

Ultimately, I think this year is shaping up to be a really fantastic year for games, maybe even better than last year. We’re getting some amazing games in only the first few months, and it makes me super thrilled to see what is to come down the road.