IGN's 2023 Best-Reviewed Games: A Year of Unparalleled Gaming Brilliance
Reflecting on the gaming landscape of 2023, it's undeniable that the year marked an exceptional era for video game releases. At IGN, we've meticulously curated the crème de la crème of our Editor's Choice winners, showcasing the titles that achieved stellar scores of nine or ten on our esteemed 10-point scale.
Among the plethora of titles assessed, 34 games and two DLC packs earned their place on our list of the best-reviewed games of the year. Notably, a mere five titles secured a perfect score of 10 from IGN's discerning critics, while the majority achieved an outstanding rating of 9, positioning themselves as exceptional games by any standard.
IGN's senior reviews editor Tom Marks revealed that 19% of the evaluated games in 2023 received a nine or ten, slightly surpassing the average. However, a noteworthy statistic emerges when examining our top-rated games, with an overwhelming 87% comprising titles with a commendable score of 9, underscoring the exclusivity of those earning a perfect 10.
The nominations for IGN's Best Game of the Year Award encompassed titles such as Alan Wake 2, Cocoon, Dave the Diver, Dead Space Remake, Final Fantasy 16, Hi-Fi Rush, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Street Fighter 6, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Each game captivated reviewers, warranting the recognition bestowed upon them as nominees for the Best Game 2023 Award, detailed on IGN's platform.
However, some notable games that received universal acclaim, like Blizzard's Diablo 4, failed to make the final shortlist due to the evolving nature of live-service games. While the launch witnessed widespread acclaim, ongoing experiences encountered rough patches, impacting the overall reception among fans.
One of the prominent titles that scored a 9 was Hogwarts Legacy, fulfilling the dreams of many by immersing players into the wizarding world of Harry Potter. The game provided an immersive experience, enabling players to navigate the halls of Hogwarts, get sorted into houses, and delve into the art of spell casting.
Surveying the gaming landscape, it's evident that Nintendo shone brightly in 2023. Beyond the anticipation for the successor to the Switch, the company continued to produce remarkable titles for the current system. Aside from iconic releases like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo's repertoire expanded with exclusives such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Fire Emblem Engage, and Pikmin 4, captivating critics and enthusiasts alike.
Furthermore, 2023 witnessed an unexpected rise in the sports and racing genre, exemplified by titles like EA Sports UFC 5, Gran Turismo 7 VR, and MLB: The Show 23, each garnering a 9 in our reviews, showcasing innovation and progression in the genre.
Acknowledging the contributions of indie studios, games like Humanity and Ghostrunner 2 stood out, highlighting the creativity and impact of smaller developers. MiHoYo's Honkai: Star Rail made waves in the mobile gaming arena, captivating players with its sci-fi narrative, and setting the stage for their upcoming release, Zenless Zone Zero, in 2024.
Beyond the mainstream, other standout titles earning a 9 from IGN included Jagged Alliance 3, Making of Karateka, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, Remnant 2, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, and Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, showcasing the diversity and excellence prevalent in gaming.
In the realm of flawless scoring masterpieces, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur's Gate 3 emerged as front-runners for IGN's Best Game of 2023. The Legend of Zelda sequel showcased an unparalleled improvement over its predecessor, while Baldur's Gate 3 redefined CRPGs, earning accolades for its monumental impact on the genre.
The year also witnessed stellar remakes, with Resident Evil 4 Remake and Metroid Prime standing out with perfect 10 scores. Capcom's remake set a new benchmark, while Nintendo's iconic Metroid series garnered praise for its enhanced visuals and gameplay improvements.
Special mention goes to DLC expansions like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Dead Cells' Return to Castlevania, recognized for their significant contributions to the gaming landscape.
The best-reviewed games of 2023 have left an indelible mark on the gaming community. Share your favorites from this remarkable lineup in the comments below.
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