The first half of 2023 has delivered a delightful array of thrilling video games. While highly anticipated titles like Bethesda’s Starfield are still on the horizon, the spring and early summer have seen the release of unique indie gems, polished remasters, and long-awaited sequels, ensuring gamers are well occupied. If you’re looking for gaming recommendations, get ready to embark on intergalactic adventures, delve into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, race Formula 1 cars, battle dinosaurs in a mech suit, and explore the world of Hyrule with Link and Zelda. This year’s gaming lineup promises endless excitement.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In 2017, Nintendo revolutionized the Zelda franchise with “Breath of the Wild,” breaking away from traditional dungeon-based gameplay to offer players a vast, open-ended Hyrule to explore at their own pace. “Tears of the Kingdom,” the direct sequel, builds upon this expansive world. It introduces floating islands in the sky and intricate underground caverns, all accessible via various means such as karts, flying machines, and hot-air balloons. Nintendo has once again redefined Zelda, delivering another instant classic.
Vendor: Nintendo
Price: $69.99
Meet Your Maker (Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Developed by Behaviour Interactive, known for the popular horror game “Dead by Daylight,” “Meet Your Maker” presents a high-concept multiplayer experience. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, you play as a robot scavenger tasked with raiding the bases of other players. What makes it intriguing is that these bases are designed by fellow players, offering a maze of death traps and ambushes, all handcrafted. In between missions, you’ll also be engaged in crafting your own efficient complex. The blend of creativity and strategy in this game is irresistible.
Vendor: Steam
Price: $29.99
Dredge (Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
“Dredge” is a unique fusion of a fishing-management simulator and cosmic horror. Set in a cel-shaded world, you’ll experience the serene yet sinister life of a sea harvester. Like games such as “Stardew Valley” and “Spiritfarer,” you’ll haul cargo from port to port, upgrading your vessel as you go. However, an enigmatic main quest keeps you hooked as you unravel the dark secrets of a New England archipelago. Casting your line in these waters requires caution.
Vendor: Steam
Price: $24.99
Resident Evil IV (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S)
“Resident Evil IV” marks a turning point in the franchise’s history. Departing from the clunky controls and complex puzzles of its predecessors, it introduced a modern over-the-shoulder camera perspective, delivering a thrilling and action-packed zombie-slaying experience. In this remastered version with 4K visuals, you’ll join Leon Kennedy in battling aquatic behemoths, deranged cultists, and hordes of undead with precise gunplay. It’s a chance for new players to discover the masterpiece that defined an era.
Vendor: Steam
Price: $59.99
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (Nintendo Switch)
Explore the origins of Bayonetta, the eight-foot-tall librarian with supernatural powers, in “Bayonetta Origins.” This Nintendo Switch title shifts away from the flashy combo-driven action of the mainline games, adopting an isometric style reminiscent of “Legend of Zelda.” You’ll control Cereza, the young witch-to-be, and her demon-possessed rag-doll cat, Cheshire, to solve puzzles and battle interdimensional foes. This installment offers a slower, more methodical gameplay experience, showcasing the versatility of Cereza’s character.
Vendor: Amazon
Price: $60
Horizon Call of the Mountain (PlayStation 5)
The PlayStation VR2 has breathed new life into the world of virtual reality, and “Horizon Call of the Mountain” is a prime example. Set in a high-concept post-apocalyptic world, you’ll find yourself scaling rocky cliffs and crafting rudimentary bows while encountering iconic characters from the franchise. VR may still be in its experimental phase, but “Call of the Mountain” demonstrates its potential to immerse players in captivating and dynamic virtual worlds.
Vendor: PlayStation 5
Price: $59.99
Like a Dragon: Ishin! (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S)
The Yakuza franchise, once confined to Japan, has gained popularity worldwide in recent years due to its unique blend of humor and compelling storytelling. “Like a Dragon: Ishin!” takes players to 19th-century Japan during the shogunate era, offering a spaghetti-western pastiche filled with the franchise’s signature elements, from deep soliloquies on revenge to quirky mini-games like chicken racing. For fans of Yakuza, this is a long-awaited treat.
Vendor: Amazon
Price: $60
Octopath Traveler II (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows)
“Octopath Traveler II” builds upon the ethereal art style of its predecessor, offering an engaging eight-pronged narrative that delves deeper into the lives and quests of its characters. Whether you’re a dancer searching for her lost mother or an exiled prince reuniting his band, you’ll experience a richly layered world with its own customs and faith. This game transforms into a world to inhabit rather than simply observe.
Vendor: Amazon
Price: $60
Metroid Prime Remastered (Nintendo Switch)
“Metroid Prime Remastered” takes players on an atmospheric journey, returning to the classic formula of Samus Aran’s adventures. This first-person 3D environment is a masterful representation of the series’ isolating and moody essence. With a recent HD remaster on the Nintendo Switch, players can once again appreciate the game’s majesty while yearning for a sequel that has yet to arrive.
Vendor: Amazon
Price: $39
