It’s no secret that 2023 is off to a raucous start with multiple high-scoring games hitting within the first few months of the year. This list will be your guide to every gaming experience Game Informer considers a must-play in 2023, encompassing the best games you can play on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC, among others.

Below you’ll find a list of the top-scoring games of 2023, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We’ll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!

9.5

Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime was a masterpiece in 2002, and that assessment still rings true in 2023. Read review

Platforms: Switch

Release Date:
February 8, 2023

Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

It’s not only one of the best action games in recent memory; it’s the best Resident Evil since, well, probably the original Resident Evil 4. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 4, PC

Release Date:

March 24, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC), TBA (PlayStation VR2)

9

Dead Space (Remake)

This exceptional remake faithfully recaptures the magic of its predecessor while amplifying the elements that made it beloved in the first place. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Release Date:
January 27, 2023

Fire Emblem Engage

Players looking for deep customization, expertly crafted strategy RPG combat, and a heartfelt story with adoration for more than 30 years of Fire Emblem history will find that and more in Engage. Read review

Platforms: Switch

Release Date:
January 20, 2023

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy is a lengthy and rewarding adventure that adeptly captures the magic of the stories from which it is inspired. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Release Date:

February 10, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), April 4, 2023 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One), July 25, 2023 (Switch)

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line

After nearly a 10-year gap, Theatrhythm is back and it’s better than ever. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch

Release Date:
February 16, 2023

8.75

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Much like the young Cereza herself, Bayonetta Origins doesn’t look like much on the surface, but this exceptional and refreshing change of pace for the franchise kept a smile permanently plastered on my face. Read review

Platforms: Switch

Release Date:
March 17, 2023

Chained Echoes

It may harken back to the greatest 16-bit RPGs, but this intriguing gem has more than enough new ideas to keep players guessing. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Release Date:
December 8, 2022

Hi-Fi Rush

Hi-Fi Rush finds a magical sweet spot between rhythm games, stylish action, and lighthearted, character-driven platformers we don’t see very often anymore, and by every measure, it comes out on top. Read review

Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC

Release Date:
January 25, 2023

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is still an enhanced remaster of a 12-year-old Wii game, but it effectively brings forward one of the pink puffball’s best outings, complete with enhancements and additions. Read review

Platforms: Switch

Release Date:
February 24, 2023

MLB The Show 23

Myriad options and modes allow you to engage with America’s Pastime precisely how you want, and in the process, MLB The Show 23 delivers one of the best baseball games in years. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch

Release Date:
March 28, 2023

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a finely honed delight. Its action is precise and responsive, and learning the intricacies of each adversary is exceedingly fulfilling. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Release Date:
March 3, 2023

8.5

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp might not include much new material, but it presents a strong case that classic games don’t always have to change to be relevant again. Read review

Platforms: Switch

Release Date:
April 21, 2023

Before Your Eyes

Before Your Eyes puts its unique blinking mechanic to great use, offering a novel and fun method of interacting with this memorable, bittersweet tale. We’ve also updated the review to highlight the excellent PlayStation VR2 version. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation VR2, PC, Mac, iOS, Android

Release Date:

April 8, 2021 (PC), September 28, 2021 (Mac), July 26, 2022 (iOS, Android), March 10, 2023 (PlayStation VR2)

Lil Gator Game

Lil Gator Game presents a short, enjoyable Zelda-inspired adventure wrapped in a poignant, wholesome narrative. Read review

Platforms: Switch, PC

Release Date:
December 14, 2022

Octopath Traveler II

Octopath Traveler II does what an excellent sequel should. Instead of breaking new ground left and right, it improves on the original in nearly every way and feels more confident about the stories it tells. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC

Release Date:
February 24, 2023

Rytmos

Rytmos feels designed with musicians in mind, but puzzle fiends will also find a chill afternoon of challenges to play through here, too. Read review

Platforms: Switch, PC

Release Date:
February 28, 2023

Tchia

The tone, the music, and Tchia’s abilities all come together to create something that is simply fun, and it all takes place in a setting that demands to be explored. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Release Date:
March 21, 2023

For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.

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