In the gaming landscape of 2023, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) stands as the platform of choice for enthusiasts seeking immersive gaming experiences.
This year witnessed the emergence of several remarkable games that captivated both audiences and critics alike. From exclusive titles to multiplatform gems, the PS5 library showcased diversity and excellence.
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Let’s delve into the top ten games that left an indelible mark on the gaming world in 2023 and 2024.
Best PS5 Games in 2023 and 2024
- Genre: Action RPG
- Overview: Lies of P shines as one of the standout Souls-like games, capturing the essence of FromSoftware’s formula. Its dark and gritty horror fantasy setting, akin to a twisted Pinocchio tale, features stunning backdrops, unsettling designs, and well-crafted bosses. The game is challenging, catering to those who appreciate the Souls-like genre’s difficulty.
- Protagonist: Pinocchio, a robot puppet on a quest to find his creator, Japedo.
- Unique Feature: Pinocchio’s ability to lie influences the game’s outcomes, offering multiple endings.
- Challenge Level: Designed as a challenging souls-like game with a demanding learning curve.
- Highlights: Formidable bosses, unorthodox move set, and exhilarating gameplay once mastered.
- Genre: Puzzle
- Sequel to the original Talos Principle, known for challenging puzzles and philosophical narrative.
- Setting: Future world with Androids populating the Earth.
- Gameplay: Protagonist 1K unravels the secrets of a mysterious Mega structure.
- Unique Aspect: Each environment features a distinct theme, keeping the game fresh.
- Narrative: Complex moral dilemmas and thoughtful dialogue add weight to the gameplay.
- Genre: RPG
- Overview: Positioned as one of the biggest RPGs of the year, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers addictive turn-based combat, extensive freedom in decision-making, and a rich storytelling experience. Whether you’re a Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast or a newcomer, the game provides a compelling adventure with challenging combat and multiplayer options.
- Characters: A large cast, each with distinct traits and backgrounds.
- Environment: Sprawling open world with nonlinear gameplay, allowing players to undertake missions independently.
- Freedom: Unparalleled levels of freedom, with a quality-driven style, making it an inspiring experience from start to finish.
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Overview: Alan Wake 2 excels in delivering a thrilling and narrative-driven experience. As a PlayStation exclusive, it explores new dimensions of storytelling within the medium, experimenting with different gameplay elements. Moody and scary, the game features multiple playable characters and diverse horror scenarios, making it a captivating adventure.
- Sequel to the 2010 thriller Alan Wake, featuring a slower, suspenseful pace and horror themes.
- Dual Perspective: Split between characters Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson.
- Gameplay: Limited supplies and defenses heighten the danger in encounters with supernatural entities.
- Exploration: A dark and haunting environment adds depth to the horror experience.
- Genre: Fighting
- Evolution from Street Fighter 5 with revamped control system and emphasis on combos.
- Gameplay: Combines a simple but fun style with strategic depth, encouraging creative combat.
- World Tour Mode: Adds a new element, allowing players to journey through the Street Fighter world.
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Remake of the original Dead Space, emphasizing a relatable protagonist and enhanced exploration.
- Atmosphere: Pulsating atmosphere and riveting combat contribute to a terrifying experience.
- Improvements: Enhanced gameplay and story deliver a fresh experience while staying true to the horror roots.
- Genre: Action RPG
- Overview: A major hit and one of the top-selling games of the year, Hogwarts Legacy immerses players in the magical world of Harry Potter. With a vast open world to explore, including Hogwarts Castle, the game provides a solid adventure with interesting lore twists. It successfully caters to fans of the franchise, offering a bit of magic and fun.
- Genre: RPG
- Overview: As a PlayStation exclusive, Final Fantasy XVI offers a unique and action-oriented take on the beloved series. While not without flaws, including pacing issues and occasional fluff, it introduces a fast-paced combat system, compelling characters, and extraordinary boss battles. The game continues the tradition of providing a distinct and memorable Final Fantasy experience.
- Departure from the traditional RPG template, adopting a combat-heavy approach.
- Setting: Nations of Valesia go to war, with the protagonist Clive Rosfield seeking revenge.
- Style: Comparable to franchises like Devil May Cry, with a Game of Thrones aesthetic.
- Emphasis: Aggressive gameplay without filler quests, providing a bold reinvention for the series.
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Overview: Taking the top spot is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the latest from Insomniac Games. While not surpassing the groundbreaking success of its predecessor, the sequel introduces new elements with multiple playable characters, additional villains, and expanded locations. It successfully builds on the formula, offering a cinematic and fun adventure for fans of the web-slinger.
- Sequel to the critically acclaimed Marvel Spiderman, introducing co-protagonists Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
- Antagonist: Confrontation with villains like Craving the Hunter, with the Venom symbiote adding new dynamics.
- Gameplay Mechanics: New abilities for Peter, diverse movesets for Miles and Peter, and engaging boss fights.
- Scale: A larger and more ambitious sequel that builds upon the successful formula of the original.
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Overview: Amidst the wave of game remakes, Resident Evil 4 Remake stands out as a major success. Retaining the oddball and unique elements of the original, it adds a touch of scariness and depth to characters like Ashley, Graham, Leon, and Louise. The game offers replayability with incentives, unlockables, and the additional Ada Wong DLC, Separate Ways.
- Remake that elevates the classic Resident Evil 4 with improved gameplay, atmosphere, and characterization.
- Combat: Realistic combat mechanics, scarier atmosphere, and intense boss fights.
- Evolution: A successful remake that surpasses the original while retaining its core elements.
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Overview: A sequel to Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order, Survivor expands on its predecessor in every aspect. With vast hub world areas resembling open-world settings, new planets, enhanced combat options, and a darker, more compelling story, it stands out as a must-play for Star Wars enthusiasts. Despite initial performance issues, the game’s content, including the story and gameplay, is exceptional.
- Expansion: More expansive maps, additional force abilities, and varied lightsaber styles.
- Hub World: A larger hub world enhances the open-world feel, providing a dynamic Star Wars experience.
- Genre: Action RPG
- Overview: Despite facing valid criticisms, Diablo 4 delivers a fun experience for fans of the series. Set in a compelling open world with ongoing updates, the game incorporates classic Diablo elements like character building, grinding, and replayability. While contentious changes and monetization strategies exist, the core experience of dungeon crawling and slaying demons remains satisfying.
- For more info visit Diablo 4 Complete Guide and Tutorial
- Genre: Mecha Action
- Overview: FromSoftware’s return to the Armored Core series with Fires of Rubicon brings a challenging mech action experience. Focused on fast movement, weapon variety, and meticulous customization, the game caters to fans of technical robot action. With tight gameplay, cool music, and appealing design, it satisfies the craving for nerdy, mechanical combat.
Final Tips
The PlayStation 5 gaming landscape in 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular, with a diverse array of games spanning multiple genres.
From the challenging and immersive experiences of Lies of Pinocchio and The Talos Principle 2 to the gripping narratives of Star Wars Jedi Survivor and Alan Wake 2, each title on this list has contributed to the richness of the gaming world.
As players continue to explore these captivating worlds, the PS5 remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Which of these games has won your favor in 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments below.