Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2023
It’s no secret that 2023 is off to a raucous start with multiple high-scoring games hitting within the first few months of the year. This list will be your guide to every gaming experience Game Informer considers a must-play in 2023, encompassing the best games you can play on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC, among others.
Below you'll find a list of the top-scoring games of 2023, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We'll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
They say you can never go home again, but I adored returning to Hyrule with all new tools. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Baldur's Gate 3
Whether you choose peace or something less savory, Baldur’s Gate 3’s intricate writing and impressive emphasis on experimentation make it one of the most unforgettable games in the genre. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date:
August 3, 2023 (PC), September 6, 2023 (PlayStation 5), 2023 (Xbox Series X/S)
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime was a masterpiece in 2002, and that assessment still rings true in 2023. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
It's not only one of the best action games in recent memory; it's the best Resident Evil since, well, probably the original Resident Evil 4. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date:
March 24, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC), TBA (PlayStation VR2)
Street Fighter 6
Between its cohesive aesthetic, the bounty of clever features, and crisp central gameplay, Street Fighter 6 is one of the most impressive entries the genre has seen in some time. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date:
Diablo IV
Diablo IV is a massive and deeply engrossing action RPG that continually seduces players with its promises of power and riches and regularly follows through. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Respawn's anticipated sequel gives you more of everything you liked in the prior game, and then plenty more on top. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
April 28, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), TBA (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Dead Space (Remake)
This exceptional remake faithfully recaptures the magic of its predecessor while amplifying the elements that made it beloved in the first place. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date:
Fire Emblem Engage
Players looking for deep customization, expertly crafted strategy RPG combat, and a heartfelt story with adoration for more than 30 years of Fire Emblem history will find that and more in Engage. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is a lengthy and rewarding adventure that adeptly captures the magic of the stories from which it is inspired. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 10, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), May 5, 2023 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One), November 14, 2023 (Switch)
Pikmin 4
Pikmin may never rise to the top of the Nintendo heap, and it’s probably unfair to expect it ever could, but the latest Pikmin is the best effort yet. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a smooth, consistently thrilling adventure with fun combat, all in a gorgeous and inviting world. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
After nearly a 10-year gap, Theatrhythm is back and it's better than ever. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch
Release Date:
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Much like the young Cereza herself, Bayonetta Origins doesn’t look like much on the surface, but this exceptional and refreshing change of pace for the franchise kept a smile permanently plastered on my face. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous 2 takes inspiration from those that came before it, but by intertwining a gorgeous art style, enticing exploration, and rewarding combat, it rises above the horde of Castlevania-inspired action titles. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Chained Echoes
It may harken back to the greatest 16-bit RPGs, but this intriguing gem has more than enough new ideas to keep players guessing. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Dave The Diver
This simple and joyful game combines undersea exploration and restaurant management, and the biggest surprise is just how supremely well it all works. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush finds a magical sweet spot between rhythm games, stylish action, and lighthearted, character-driven platformers we don't see very often anymore, and by every measure, it comes out on top. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date:
Kirby's Return To Dream Land Deluxe
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is still an enhanced remaster of a 12-year-old Wii game, but it effectively brings forward one of the pink puffball's best outings, complete with enhancements and additions. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
MLB The Show 23
Myriad options and modes allow you to engage with America’s Pastime precisely how you want, and in the process, MLB The Show 23 delivers one of the best baseball games in years. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch
Release Date:
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
Even if the narrative of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie falls short compared to past entries, it still stands above most other games in the genre. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a finely honed delight. Its action is precise and responsive, and learning the intricacies of each adversary is exceedingly fulfilling. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp might not include much new material, but it presents a strong case that classic games don’t always have to change to be relevant again. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Before Your Eyes
Before Your Eyes puts its unique blinking mechanic to great use, offering a novel and fun method of interacting with this memorable, bittersweet tale. We've also updated the review to highlight the excellent PlayStation VR2 version. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation VR2, PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Release Date:
April 8, 2021 (PC), September 28, 2021 (Mac), July 26, 2022 (iOS, Android), March 10, 2023 (PlayStation VR2)
Darkest Dungeon II
Darkest Dungeon II is a harsh but fantastic game whose white-knuckled battles and hazard-filled exploration will trap you for hours. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
Disney Illusion Island
Illusion Island doesn’t overhaul the platformer genre, but its distinctive no-combat focus on simply moving through Monoth keeps the trip amusing, brisk, and gratifying. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Final Fantasy XVI
There's a linear action game in Final Fantasy XVI, and it's the highlight of the experience. But standard RPG tropes slow it down. Still, it's a Final Fantasy worth experiencing. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date:
Humanity
Humanity mixes challenging puzzles with an engaging and heartfelt narrative to great success. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, PC
Release Date:
Lil Gator Game
Lil Gator Game presents a short, enjoyable Zelda-inspired adventure wrapped in a poignant, wholesome narrative. Read review
Platforms: Switch, PC
Release Date:
Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler II does what an excellent sequel should. Instead of breaking new ground left and right, it improves on the original in nearly every way and feels more confident about the stories it tells. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Rytmos
Rytmos feels designed with musicians in mind, but puzzle fiends will also find a chill afternoon of challenges to play through here, too. Read review
Platforms: Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date:
February 28, 2023 (Switch, PC), May 16, 2023 (iOS), August 1, 2023 (Android)
Starfield
Bethesda has crafted a vast and engaging universe to explore, but it can be a challenging game to get started on. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date:
Tchia
The tone, the music, and Tchia’s abilities all come together to create something that is simply fun, and it all takes place in a setting that demands to be explored. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date:
For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.
