Being a gamer in 2023 is something to be proud of. The gaming industry stood up in 2023 after the arrival of next-generation consoles, while PC gaming remained impressive with its increasing power. We have been fortunate to have some truly remarkable games to enjoy over the past year, contributing to the industry's record-breaking performance. Games from various developers and genres, some with larger budgets and others with smaller ones.

 

We have done what we always do and reviewed the games we have played to determine which ones left an indelible mark and made our time with them truly memorable.

So, without further ado, this is your yearly Game of the Year 2023 Awards from the staff here at NoobFeed, the gaming news and review source gamers trust.
 

Most Hyped Games of 2023

- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (80/100)
- Resident Evil 4 (90/100)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (100/100)
- Diablo IV (75/100)
- Final Fantasy XVI (90/100)
- Alan Wake 2 (95/100)
- Hogwarts Legacy (95/100)
- Baldur's Gate 3 (95/100)
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (75/100)
- Starfield (80/100)
 

Most Hyped Games of 2023: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
NoobFeed Rating: 100/100

 

While Breath of the Wild created a new feeling for the entire gaming world, its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, turned it up a notch and made it that much better. There are a good number of people who are disappointed that Breath of the Wild seemingly killed off what was known before as the traditional Zelda format, but with Tears of the Kingdom. They brought back so many of the elements that made those games feel wonderful. Of course, many people will miss the linear stories, the dungeon items, and the overall feeling of the old Zelda titles, but Tears of the Kingdom surely fills in a lot of those holes for now. – Reviewed by Jacob Cowsert
 

Best Indie Games

- SEASON: A letter to the future (90/100)
- Dredge (90/100)
- Risk of Rain Returns
- American Arcadia
- UGLY (85/100)
- Viewfinder
- Killer Frequency
- Planet of Lana (80/100)
- The Last Case of Benedict Fox (90/100)
- Figment 2: Creed Valley
 

Best Indie Game of 2023: Dredge
NoobFeed Rating: 90/100

 

DREDGE can come off as a bit underwhelming if you've never played it. The same can be said for most games with a Lovecraftian theme. It's the type of game where you have to dive into the deep end and see for yourself just how much this game has to offer. The story might be a bit vague to follow unless you go out of your way to find everybody and see what they have to say, but this is well worth it. DREDGE is actually quite well-designed and can appeal to anybody. If you're looking for a bit of relaxed gameplay or some horror while trying to flee for your life, you'll definitely find what you're looking for. – Reviewed by Jay Claassen
 

Best Action Games

- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (80/100)
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
- Final Fantasy XVI (90/100)
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty 85/100
- Resident Evil 4 (90/100)
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (75/100)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (100/100)
- Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons (85/100)
- Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (90/100)
 

Best Action Game of 2023: Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
NoobFeed Rating: 85/100

 

Considering that Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty was developed by Team Ninja, it will inevitably be compared to the Nioh games. The game, on the other hand, can stand on its own thanks to its distinguishing characteristics. Character development and the game's features, like martial arts, spirit, and morale, were nicely combined. The game features some of the most epic boss fights and has clever, narrow combat that will test your parrying skills. The story and visuals suffer more than they should, but it's still a solid role-playing game. Not everyone will relish Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, but those willing to take on the challenge will have a fantastic time. – Reviewed by Azfar Rayan
 

Best Action/Adventure Games

- Baldur's Gate 3 (95/100)
- Horizon Call of the Mountain
- Starfield (80/100
- Hi-Fi Rush
- The Invincible (95/100)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (100/100)
- Assassin's Creed Mirage (85/100)
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (60/100)
- Remnant II (95/100)
- Pikmin 4
 

Best Action/Adventure Game of 2023: Remnant II
NoobFeed Rating: 95/100

 

Remnant II is a brilliantly unforgiving game that can and likely will go extremely far, though this is what makes the game so great. Combine that with the droves of lore and detail in the world, and you end up with a game that's damn near impossible to put down because you'll feel the need to keep trying and see what happens next. The best aspect of Remnant II is that you don't have to play co-op; with the right Archetype and weapons loadout, solo is definitely possible and still makes the game extremely approachable for players of any skill level… As long as they have the patience for it. – Reviewed by Jay Claassen
 

Best Ongoing Games

- Baldur's Gate 3 (95/100)
- Slay the Princess
- Apex Legends (80/100)
- Cyberpunk 2077 (90/100)
- Final Fantasy XIV (90/100)
- Fortnite (50/100)
- Genshin Impact
- Counter-Strike 2 (65/100)
- Football Manager 2024
- MEGA MAN X DiVE Offline
 

Best Ongoing Game of 2023: Cyberpunk 2077
NoobFeed Rating: 90/100

 

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is undeniably a must-have. There's so much extra there with this absolutely worthwhile DLC. Simply put; different characters, various places, and different kinds of adventures. It's like the main game's endings but with greater variety. The time investment is well justified by the increased level cap, the additional cyberware, and the interesting new story. There's a ton more to discover, and you'll be able to craft your own playstyle thanks to this, upping Cyberpunk 2077's replay value and role-playing possibilities significantly. If you're a Cyberpunk 2077 enthusiast and want the complete, definitive experience, you should give Phantom Liberty a go. – Reviewed by Azfar Rayan
 

Best Strategy Games

- Fire Emblem Engage (80/100)
- Jagged Alliance 3 (80/100)
- Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew (90/100)
- Last Train Home (95/100)
- Pharaoh: A New Era (85/100)
- SteamWorld Build (90/100)
- Dungeons 4 (95/100)
- Showgunners (75/100)
- King Of The Castle
- Ash of Gods: The Way (90/100)
 

Best Strategy Game of 2023: Dungeons 4
NoobFeed Rating: 95/100

 

Dungeons 4 looks set to be the biggest sequel to an already great series of releases while maintaining the same level of over-the-top quality and brilliant story. Though it's also one the most of the most fleshed-out games out there with so much to keep you sucked in, whether you're looking for a good story or just some strategy with a challenge, you'll likely get exactly what you're after. – Reviewed by Jay Claassen

 

Best Horror Games

- Alan Wake 2 (95/100)
- Bramble: The Mountain King (90/100)
- FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (65/100)
- Resident Evil 4 Remake (90/100)
- The Invincible (95/100)
- The Callisto Protocol (75/100)
- PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo (92/100)
- The Outlast Trials
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (85/100)
- Amnesia: The Bunker (80/100)
 

Best Horror Game of 2023: Alan Wake 2
NoobFeed Rating: 95/100

 

Alan Wake 2 might have its flaws, but it's definitely the sequel we needed after what happened in the first game. Between the visuals and sound engineering, you'll be in for quite a treat, and you might end up losing hours in pursuit of seeing what happens next in the story. Granted, the story is great too, even if a bit confusing at times, but that's part of Alan Wake's plot. This is definitely a game that can appeal to horror and mystery fans alike. – Reviewed by Jay Claassen
 

Best Sports Games

- FIFA 23 (90/100)
- EA Sports PGA Tour (90/100)
- WWE 2K23 (88/100)
- NHL 23
- Blood Bowl 3
- NBA 2K24 (85/100)
- AEW Fight Forever (75/100)
- Forza Motorsport (90/100)
- Madden NFL 24 (83/100)
- Knockout City
 

Best Sports Game of 2023: Forza Motorsport
NoobFeed Rating: 90/100

 

Forza Motorsport is a fantastic racing game that delivers a satisfying experience. While that may be the case, the driving experience is nothing like a simulator. If you have an Xbox One X or S, you'll get a satisfying sense of weight and stability when navigating racing cars. You'll be startled by the disparate visual standards; newer cars have sharper detailing than older ones. Forza Motorsport is a must-have for any Xbox owner when it comes to improving your online driving skills. – Reviewed by Azfar Rayan
 

Best Multiplayer Games

- Street Fighter 6 (90/100)
- Counter-Strike 2 (65/100)
- Destiny II: Lightfal
- Diablo IV (75/100)
- Throne and Liberty
- Samba de Amigo: Party Central
- Six Days in Fallujah
- Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 (90/100)
- Mortal Kombat 1 (90/100)
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder (95/100)
 

Best Multiplayer Game of 2023: Street Fighter 6
NoobFeed Rating: 90/100

 

Street Fighter 6 has been beefed up to seem like a true next-gen fighting experience with a robust training mode and its revived control mechanism that attracts a wide variety of players. Despite World Tour being a great addition to the game, it requires further enhancements in the coming days, while the implementation of Rollback Netcode guarantees consistent performance in every match. The Drive mechanism and the overall presentation are friendly enough for beginners and offer what veterans need to keep them interested in a new game. Capcom left nothing untouched in Street Fighter 6, and anyone who loves fighting games will surely enjoy playing it. – Reviewed by Azfar Rayan
 

Best Role-Playing Games

- Baldur's Gate 3 (95/100)
- Starfield (80/100
- Lies of P (90/100)
- Hogwarts Legacy (95/100)
- Sea of Stars
- Dave the Diver (95/100)
- Octopath Traveler II (85/100)
- Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
- Street Fighter 6 (90/100)
- Returnal (90/100)
 

Best Role-Playing Game of 2023: Lies of P
NoobFeed Rating: 90/100

 

Lies of P's storytelling is top-notch, with engaging stories and challenging character missions that immerse you in its universe. The Bloodborne-inspired fighting system is a highlight, rewarding an offensive approach to gameplay with a variety of exciting attacks. If you're not a fan of Souls-like games, you probably won't end up like this one because of how difficult and irritating it can sometimes get. The game's story, setting, and mechanics are as impressive as anything else FromSoftware has made. Lies of P has quickly become one of my top picks by borrowing so many fantastic features from other games in the Souls-like genre. – Reviewed by Azfar Rayan
 

Most Anticipated Games of 2024

- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Tekken 8
- Little Nightmares III
- Dragon's Dogma II
- Stellar Blade
- Pragmata
- Rise of the Ronin
- Crimson Desert
- Senua's Saga: Hell Blade II
- Silent Hill 2
 

Most Anticipated Game of 2024: Silent Hill 2

 

One of the most legendary titles in the series, Silent Hill 2, sees a remake by the amazing Konami Publisher. Produced by Bloober Team SA, promising to be a faithful redefinition of the story, fans are bound to get their money's worth. Take the part of James as he journeys into Silent Hill in search of someone sending a letter in the name of his deceased wife. Along the way, enjoy the painted picture of guilt, grief, and despair as our protagonist comes to terms with the truth. – By Michael VanDine

 

NoobFeed Game of The Year 2023

- Baldur's Gate 3 (95/100)
- Lies of P (90/100)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (100/100)
- Resident Evil 4 (90/100)
- Final Fantasy XVI (90/100)
 

Game of The Year 2023: Baldur's Gate 3
NoobFeed Rating: 95/100

 

Baldur's Gate 3 is the long-awaited masterpiece we all need. It might not have all the mechanics from Dungeons & Dragons, but it does have enough for even a newcomer to start getting into it while getting an intensely rich story to experience as well. With its epic character customization, dialogues, and vast world, this is definitely the type of game you'd get lost in for hours on end. Aside from the unfortunate downside to going multiplayer, this game is still best experienced with friends, provided you get along well enough. Or not, the chaos is still great. – Reviewed by Jay Claassen

 

That's it, folks! Many congratulations to all publishers and developers winning the respective category awards and especially to Larian Studios for delivering us Baldur's Gate 3, which will be talked about for years to come.

We look forward to yet another fantastic year for gaming in 2024, and with that, Happy New Year to everyone.

 

On behalf of the NoobFeed team,
Sarwar Ron (@SarwarRon)
NoobFeed