Despite some great releases, the past two years had been largely quiet for the video game industry. While we witnessed the launch of XBOX Series X and PS5, their launch titles were lackluster to say the least.
Now that we are in 2023 and with the shadow of COVID-19 behind us, we can finally expect a slew of exciting video games across all genres to be released this year. With that being said, here are ten of them that we can’t wait to get our hands on.
Final Fantasy 16
Release Date: 22 June 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 (6 months exclusivity)
Fans of the longstanding Final Fantasy series will be delighted with this latest instalment. Final Fantasy 16 takes place in Valisthea, a realm similar to medieval Europe.
You play as protagonist Clive Rosfield on a magical quest after the dark god Ifrit causes chaos in the land. FF16 will feature area-based exploration, and fast paced action combat.
Dead Island 2
Release Date: 28 April 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
It has been more than a decade since the first Dead Island entry. I’m sure most of us still remember the tearjerking cinematic trailer, only to be bamboozled with an over the top zombie survival horror game.
After a decade of development hell, the developers finally showcased the gameplay trailer, and a release date of April 28.
Starfield
Release Date: First half of 2023
Platform(s): Xbox Series X/S, PC
This is Bethesda’s first game release as a first-party studio after being acquired by Microsoft. Announced together with the much maligned Fallout 76, Starfield is Bethesda’s first brand new IP, which focuses space exploration and adventure.
Featuring a deep character creator, factions to join and fight, recruitable NPCs and thousands of planets to explore, this could be one of Bethesda’s biggest games yet.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Release Date: 24 March 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Resident Evil 4 had been a favourite among survival horror fans, and will be arriving in its remake form. RE4 Remake follows the footsteps of the remakes of previous instalments, bringing this classic title to a whole new generation of gamers.
First released on the PS2 and GameCube, this near 20-year-old title appears to be much more horrifying thanks to the graphical horsepower of next-gen consoles and PC. Fingers-crossed that Capcom will make Ashley less annoying this time.
Fire Emblem Engage
Release Date: 20 January 2023
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Fire Emblem had enjoyed immense popularity in recent years, beginning with the hit title Fire Emblem Awakening. In this instalment, you will play a new hero (with hair looking like toothpaste) that can summon and fight alongside heroes from past games, such as Byleth and Marth.
Not much detail is still known about Fire Emblem Engage, but we definitely excited for more turn-based tactical RPGs.
Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon
Release Date: To be confirmed
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
FromSoftware of Dark Souls fame, had revealed their latest video game at The Game Awards 2022, showcasing giant mechs engaged in over the top explosive combat. FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki had revealed that Fires Of Rubicon will be set n a destroyed world and retain the challenging boss battles.
This will be the first Armored Core title in more than a decade, and you would not want to miss this.
Diablo 4
Release Date: 6 June 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
The past few years had not been a good for Blizzard, with the infamous Diablo Immortal ‘out of seasons April Fools joke’ reaction and series of controversies surrounding the treatment of their female employees.
However, we hope Blizzard can get things right with Diablo 4, their latest main entry into the Diablo franchise. Early reveals had showcased gothic as hell villains, new classes, and tons of undead.
Exoprimal
Release Date: To be confirmed
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
Who still remembers Dino Crisis? Exoprimal looks somewhat like a spiritual successor to this cult classic, but with online multiplayer gameplay. In this game, you wear an exo-suit and arm yourself with futuristic weapons to slay hordes of invading dinosaurs.
It sounds ridiculous, but we welcome the idea of nuking teleporting dinosaurs to oblivion.
Like A Dragon: Ishin!
Release Date: 21 February 2023
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
As a long time Yakuza fan myself, I simply can’t wait for this game to be released. This time you are thrown into the Bakumatsu period, and play as Sakamoto Ryoma, which looks eerily similar to Kazuma Kiryu, the protagonist of the Yakuza series.
Do expects tons of whacky mini games, side quests peppered on top of stoic plotlines with political intrigue and a robust action combat system.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Release Date: 12 May 2023
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Here, we left the most anticipated game for last. The direct sequel to the critically-acclaimed Breath of the Wild is upon us. So far, Nintendo has not shown much information about the upcoming instalment.
All we know so far is that Tears of the Kingdom will feature expansive open-worlds in Hyrule and the skies above it. We definitely can’t wait for this to land on Nintendo Switch.
What Games Are In Your Wishlist?
That just about wraps up our most anticipated games of 2023. There are many more titles that we could not fit on this list, but be sure to stay tuned to The AXO for more gaming news and updates.
