2023 is shaping up to be a great year for role playing games. With so many exciting titles on the horizon, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 5 must-play RPG games of 2023.
From the vast open world of Starfield to the magical world of Hogwarts Legacy, there’s something for everyone on this list. So whether you’re a fan of classic RPGs or you’re looking for something new and exciting, be sure to check out these 5 games in 2023.
Number 1. The Legend of Zenda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel to Breath of the Wild, is an exceptional action-adventure game that lives up to its predecessor’s legacy. Developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, Tears of the Kingdom takes players on an epic journey through the expanded and breathtaking open world of Hyrule.
In this installment, players once again assume the role of Link as he embarks on a mission to aid Princess Zelda in thwarting Ganondorf’s plans to destroy Hyrule. The game’s development was spearheaded by Nintendo’s EPD division, with acclaimed director Hidemaro Fujibayashi and producer Eiji Aonuma at the helm.
Tears of the Kingdom received widespread acclaim for its notable improvements, particularly the expanded open world that allows for vertical exploration. The game’s emphasis on exploration and experimentation encourages players to uncover hidden secrets and engage in thrilling quests. With its captivating gameplay and stunning visuals, Tears of the Kingdom is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the development team.
Upon its release, Tears of the Kingdom shattered records, selling over 10 million copies in its first three days. This overwhelming success is a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the passionate fanbase it has garnered over the years.
In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an outstanding sequel that exceeds expectations. Whether you are a devoted Zelda fan or a newcomer to the series, this game is a must-play. Prepare to embark on a grand adventure filled with wonder, danger, and the enduring magic that has made The Legend of Zelda series legendary.
Number 2. Stray
Stray, the captivating third-person adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, offers a truly unique and enjoyable gaming experience. Released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on July 19, 2022, Stray introduces players to a mesmerizing world where they assume the role of a stray cat trapped in a walled city.
As players navigate the city, they encounter a rich cast of characters, including robots, machines, and mutant bacteria. With the aid of a helpful drone companion named B-12, the stray cat embarks on a quest to unravel an ancient mystery and escape the confines of the city.
The game’s third-person perspective allows for immersive exploration as players leap across platforms, climb obstacles, and interact with the environment to unlock new paths, solve puzzles, and discover valuable items. B-12’s unique abilities, such as hacking into technology and storing items, further enhance the gameplay experience.
Stray has garnered praise for its visually stunning cyberpunk world, charming characters, and its ability to capture the essence of feline behavior and movement. The game’s cat-like gameplay adds an extra layer of immersion and uniqueness, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.
Commercially, Stray has achieved significant success, selling over one million copies within its first week of release. This is a testament to its captivating gameplay and appeal to players seeking a truly original adventure.
In conclusion, Stray is a standout game that offers a delightful and distinct gaming experience. With its visually stunning world, engaging puzzles, and heartwarming story, it is a must-play for those seeking an adventure unlike any other. If you’re looking for a unique and enjoyable gaming experience, Stray should definitely be on your radar.
Number 3. Starfield
Starfield, the highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, is set to release on November 11, 2022, for Microsoft Windows and Xbox Series X/S. This game takes players on a thrilling journey into the 24th century, where they will explore multiple star systems and unravel the mysteries that lie within.
The expansive open world of Starfield offers an astounding number of over 1,000 planets to explore. Players have the freedom to land on any planet and delve into its unique environments, ranging from vibrant forests to harsh deserts. The ability to build settlements, join factions, and customize characters with various skills and abilities adds depth to the gameplay.
In terms of combat, Starfield combines first-person shooting with third-person melee combat. Players can employ a wide range of weapons, including guns, swords, and energy-based weaponry, as well as utilize their character’s skills and abilities to gain an upper hand in battles.
Notably, Starfield utilizes the Creation Engine 2, a powerful new game engine developed by Bethesda Game Studios. This engine enables the game to deliver more realistic graphics, complex physics, and expansive worlds compared to previous Bethesda titles.
Undoubtedly, Starfield stands as one of the most anticipated games of 2022, poised to redefine the open-world RPG genre. While its true potential remains to be seen, it is clear that this game will leave a lasting impact and be a topic of discussion among players for years to come.
Number 4. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy, the highly anticipated open-world action role-playing game developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games, is set to take fans on a captivating journey into the Wizarding World. With its setting in the late 1800s, a century before the events of the Harry Potter novels, the game offers a fresh and immersive experience.
In Hogwarts Legacy, players assume the role of a student holding a vital key to an ancient secret that threatens the wizarding world. The game grants players the opportunity to explore iconic locations such as Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and a new open-world area. Learning spells, brewing potions, and mastering the skills of a wizard or witch are just a few of the thrilling activities players can engage in.
The game’s richly crafted world is inhabited by various enemies, including trolls, Dark Wizards, and goblins. Players must utilize their abilities and skills to protect the wizarding world and overcome these formidable adversaries.
Scheduled for release on February 10, 2023, Hogwarts Legacy will be available on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Key features of Hogwarts Legacy include its open-world exploration, allowing players to freely roam Hogwarts and other iconic locations. Character customization options, spellcasting mechanics, and engaging combat against a variety of enemies further enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, the game’s story offers a fresh narrative within the beloved wizarding world, enabling players to shape the outcome through their choices.
Hogwarts Legacy is poised to captivate fans of the Harry Potter franchise, offering an immersive and magical experience filled with exploration, customization, spellcasting, and thrilling combat.
Number 5. Forspoken
Forspoken, the action role-playing game developed by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix, takes players on a captivating journey through the land of Athia. Released on January 24, 2023, for PlayStation 5 and Windows, the game follows the story of Frey Holland, a young woman transported to Athia who discovers her magical abilities.
Forspoken showcases a visually stunning world, featuring diverse environments such as forests, mountains, and cities. Frey’s magical powers allow for swift traversal and solving puzzles, adding depth to the gameplay experience. The game’s combat mechanics offer fast-paced action and the ability to transform into different creatures.
Reception for Forspoken has been mixed among critics, with praise directed towards its visuals, combat, and story. However, the game has faced criticism regarding voice acting, pacing, and originality. Commercially, it fell short of expectations, selling 1.5 million copies worldwide.
Despite the mixed reception, Forspoken remains an ambitious game with noteworthy features. Its impressive visuals, engaging combat, and intriguing story make it an enjoyable experience for fans of action role-playing games.
Key features of Forspoken include its fast-paced combat with various abilities, a vast and visually striking world, a unique story accompanied by diverse characters, stunning visuals powered by the Luminous Engine, and gameplay mechanics that encompass parkour, magic, and creature transformations.
If you’re in search of a fresh action role-playing game, Forspoken offers an enticing adventure worth considering. While it has its flaws, the game’s strengths make it a worthwhile experience for enthusiasts of the genre.
Of course, these are just a few of the many great RPGs that are scheduled to be released in 2023. So whether you’re a fan of classic RPGs, action RPGs, or something in between, there’s sure to be a game on this list that you’ll enjoy.
