It’s been an intriguing year for PlayStation. The PS5 Slim (now with a detachable disk drive!) and the PlayStation Portal were among the company’s high points and low points, respectively. … the low points of job losses, postponed games, significant data breaches, and the departure of CEO Jim Ryan after 28 years in office.
Additionally, even though 2023 saw the release of cross-platform blockbusters like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Diablo IV, PlayStation still had a number of exclusive titles that were not to be missed.
Spider-Man 2
Not much has to change when your first game is as excellent as the original Spider-Man. Thankfully, Insomniac’s developers achieved precisely that in Spider-Man 2. Though there are a few novel concepts in the sequel, such as web wings that allow you to fly over New York City, overall it’s just better. Since you play as both Miles Morales and Peter Parker, there are more villains to battle, a larger city to explore, and more Spider-Men to command. It also eliminates a portion of the open-world superfluous content from the original, allowing you to concentrate more on becoming the greatest Spider-Man you can be. That implies loads of thrilling battles (where bad people definitely don’t die) and thrilling swinging through skyscrapers. It closes with the promise of even more to come, just like most Marvel franchises do. — Andrew Webster
Forspoken
The fact that Forspoken released this year rather than what seems like mid-2022 is the sole unexpected aspect of its inclusion on this list. Even with criticism over “cringe” dialogue and insensitive brand tweets, Forspoken remains one of the best PS5 console exclusives of the year. This game is worth your time because of its parkour movement technology, magic system, graphics, and narrative. Hardcore parkouring over the environment is still rather enjoyable, and I love the idea of utilizing various nail art techniques to enhance certain skills. Now come on, what other game allows you to completely destroy the strength of your acrylics? None at all!
Frey is a welcome addition to the Black female lead cast as well. Ella Balinska’s portrayal authentically and with a flair that doesn’t make one grimace makes her come to life. You better believe I would scream if I were teleported into another realm and used my mind to blow up a dragon.
There are several issues with the game. Beyond boss battles with the four Tantas, there isn’t much open-world exploration. The typical monsters in the dungeons lack variation, and the passages are copy-pasted with vacant spaces. Forspoken, however, is evidence that a game doesn’t have to be flawless to be fun—especially considering that it’s one of the few that actually dared to try something new.
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla
Barely more than a week has passed since the release of God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla and it is good enough to be on this year’s Best Of list. Sony Santa Monica shocked God of War aficionados at The Game Awards by revealing that free DLC for God of War Ragnarok would be available in a few days.
God of War’s action is remixed into a roguelite genre by Valhalla. As Kratos travels through combat arenas and encounters both known and unknown foes, he will need to rely entirely on his skills and arsenal. He will occasionally be presented with a selection of advantages and power-ups, all of which must be combined to create the ideal arsenal of abilities in order to overcome Valhalla’s obstacles. Though it’s a delightful spin on Ragnarok’s typically entertaining fighting, Valhalla’s real genius is elsewhere. The most engaging aspect of the game is the plot, as it is with everything related to this new period of God of War. Once more, Kratos must face his history in Valhalla, but this time, it will be used as a tool for healing rather than as a club.
The myth of Valhalla that leaves the most genuine impact is “The One Where Kratos Goes To Therapy… Literally.” Kratos can’t embrace a better future because he is so afraid he will make the same mistakes again. And a lot of Valhalla’s conversations and exchanges center on analysing some of those errors (do you recall when he severed Helios’ head and submerged Greece in a dark, dank void?) and reinterpreting them so Kratos can acknowledge them for what they are and go on. Given God of War’s intended demographic, the 10-hour (or less, depending on your skill level) therapy session known as the DLC may not always feel overtly preachy.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Yes, I am aware that Battlegrounds 3 has already been added to the PC list, but this is my list, and I am free to discuss any games I want to play on the console. You will have to put up with it. Although I was ecstatic that BG3 would be available on consoles, I was initially unimpressed by the actuality. On the PS5, Baldur’s Gate 3 was awkward and glitchy, requiring me to overcome a steep learning curve before I could enjoy myself once more. I’m pleased to report that the game now runs smoothly on PC and PS5, thanks to Larian Studios’ dedication to providing post-launch patches and upgrades.
Because of its immense scale, intricate intricacy, and depth, Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of those once-in-a-decade, epoch-shifting video games. Despite having played the game for more than 300 hours, I have missed a lot of material. I don’t mean little side missions here and there; I mean whole regions that have never been explored. Baldur’s Gate may test your patience if you do not like fighting games like Dungeons & Dragons, but the characters and stories in the game make up for any combat annoyances. These are some of the best writing and performances in a game that I have ever seen. It outshineth all its ancestors and inspirations together. Going forward, Baldur’s Gate will be the gold standard for all heavily narrative role-playing games. Hot elves are also present! And tieflings that are hot! Everyone is incredibly attractive! Is there anything more you could ask for?
Final Fantasy XVI
I’m still reflecting on my time spent playing Final Fantasy XVI. I can still clearly recall my firsthand experience of “accepting the truth.” My mind and emotions are permanently marked by the battle with Bahamut, which I consider to be the height of video game fighting. Final Fantasy XVI takes the worst cues from “gritty” prestige dramas like Game of Thrones, thus fighting felt so damn wonderful that I can overlook the game’s lesser story points.
With voice acting by Ben Starr and Ralph Ineson and a soundtrack by Masayoshi Soken that feels like pure gas being injected into your veins, Final Fantasy XVI makes you feel like you could punch God in the face and then lets you.
Diablo IV
For the first time, I understood why the Diablo format appeals to individuals. The grind can be enjoyable at times. With its numerous and intricate character customization options, Diablo IV is a game that makes the grind enjoyable. Your character is created with the sole purpose of wreaking havoc. Although it shouldn’t be the main idea of a game, numbers go up frequently, and Blizzard has managed to make it enjoyable as well.
I’ve figured out that I want to base strong characters around an ability that I enjoy, therefore I’m not even worried about creating the most effective sorcerer by using the “correct” skills and abilities. Diablo IV is successful because the player benefits from each and every aspect of that level of customization. Playing the “best” version of a class isn’t important because there are nine million alternative variations that feel just as fantastic and make you laugh just as much.
Then, after being let loose in vast regions with several dungeons to gather tons of treasure to further customize your construct, you find yourself wondering where the hours have gone.
Humanity
Unlike anything else available now, humanity is a return to classic puzzle games. You’re undoubtedly familiar with the general vibe if you played games like Echochrome and IQ: Intelligent Qube. Playing as an ethereal Shiba Inu, you can use simple instructions like “jump” and “turn” to maneuver among big groups of people. Getting the majority of people to the stage’s end is usually the only objective. Think Lemmings meets stylish aesthetic.
However, the amazing thing about humanity is that it never stops surprising you with new notions and ideas, developing into a well-thought-out puzzle that presents fresh problems every time. By the end, the puzzles really do resemble a war zone, complete with small figures brandishing lightsabers. Better still, after completing the campaign, you can explore a ton of user-generated levels. — AW
