2023 has been an extraordinary year for video games. It boasts a vast collection of incredible new releases, eagerly awaited sequels and classic favourites that have been beautifully remade or remastered. This article is dedicated to highlighting the best PS5 games of 2023.
The year kicked off in January, and since then, we’ve seen an impressive variety of games spanning numerous genres. There have been action-packed adventures like Hogwarts Legacy and games that weave engrossing narratives, such as Baldur’s Gate 3.
Compiling a list of the year’s top games is undoubtedly subjective. Still, here at Player.me, we’ve put together a carefully considered selection of what we believe is the year’s best offerings for the PS5.
7. Cocoon
Puzzle games can sometimes be missed in annual best game selections. Yet, Cocoon stands out as a superbly designed puzzle adventure game, earning its place among the seven best PS5 games of 2023. Players who enjoyed Limbo and Inside will recognise the similar art style, thanks to Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer, who contributed to those titles. In Cocoon, you control a Cicada-like creature, using orange orbs to manipulate the environment and solve puzzles.
Cocoon features a unique colour scheme and gameplay mechanics. Completing the story takes about six to seven hours, but it’s thoroughly engaging and absorbing. As the game progresses, you gain new superpowers to help with the puzzle challenges. Be sure to try it, as it also received a nomination at The Game Awards 2023.
Release Date: September 29, 2023
Metacritic Score: 90
6. Rogue Legacy 2
Rogue Legacy 2 is one of this year’s most engaging video games. Also, it rightly sits among the best PS5 games of 2023. In this game, you’re cast as a hero with a unique combination of name, class, and equipment, tasked with exploring dungeons, levelling up, and defeating bosses.
Echoing the captivating gameplay loop of the original Rogue Legacy from 2009, each death in the game means the end of that character, but their loot is passed on to their successors. This game has similarities with Hollow Knight, another exceptional title.
Rogue Legacy 2 introduces 15 different classes, each offering another way to play. The main story can take about 30 hours to complete, depending on your skill level, and those aiming for full completion might spend around 100 hours. It’s a game packed with plenty of content and enjoyment, making it an unmissable choice for fans of side-scrolling games on the PS5.
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Metacritic Score: 90
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is another beauty in the list of best PS5 games of 2023. This action-adventure game follows on brilliantly from Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Exclusive to the PlayStation 5, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 enhances the gameplay of its predecessors, introducing new elements for both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The main story can be completed in roughly 20 hours, with a more thorough playthrough lasting about 30 hours. Ranking sixth, it’s a must-play for any Marvel fan.
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Metacritic Score: 90
4. Street Fighter 6
Capcom’s Street Fighter series, renowned for its iconic characters and competitive gameplay, remains a top choice among fighting games. In 2023, Street Fighter 6 stands out, securing the fourth position in the seven best PS5 games of 2023.
The game has a lineup of 18 characters, blending familiar faces like Ken and Zangief with newcomers such as Manon. It offers a 19-hour story mode full of adventure alongside a dynamic online hub for battling both friends and random opponents.
For fans of fighting games, Street Fighter 6 is a must-try, offering the perfect opportunity to showcase your gaming prowess.
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Metacritic Score: 92
3. Dead Space (Remake)
Remakes usually don’t make it to lists like the seven best PS5 games of 2023, but this year has been a standout for both remakes and remastered titles. Among them, Dead Space has carved out its place as one of the best PS5 games of 2023.
The moment you lay eyes on the USS Nishimura rendered in stunning 4K, the game immerses and terrifies you with its Necromorph and spine-chilling audio. Whether you’re a fan of horror games or missed the original release on the PlayStation 3 in 2008, Dead Space is a must-play. Its unparalleled space horror experience makes it a standout title in the PS5’s 2023 lineup. For fans of the genre, this game is an essential play.
Release Date: January 27, 2023
Metacritic Score: 89
2. Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 remake also secures a spot on the list of the seven best PS5 games of 2023. This latest version of Leon and Ada’s adventure, previously released on various platforms, is a superb update.
Ideal for newcomers or those wanting to revisit a classic, Resident Evil 4 is a standout choice to play as 2023 draws to a close. This version introduces a new gameplay mode, Mercenaries, a wave-based challenge where you aim to eliminate 150 enemies within a time limit, earning ranks from C to SS based on performance.
Mercenaries mode, perfect for solo play or sharing the controller with friends in a nostalgic, turn-based style, adds an arcade-like dimension to the game. While it lacks multiplayer, it’s well-suited for hot-seat gaming sessions.
Release Date: January 24, 2023
Metacritic Score: 93
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Topping our list of the seven best PS5 games of 2023 is Baldur’s Gate 3. This game, developed and published by Larian Studios, is not just a standout RPG but is set to be one of the best. Offering around 150 hours of gameplay, it’s highly replayable.
As the third main entry in the Baldur’s Gate series, it draws from the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Over 1.3 million players have already completed the game.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has scooped up numerous accolades, including seven at the Golden Joystick Awards 2023, such as Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design. Available in multiple languages, it’s a perfect choice for an epic adventure, whether solo or with friends, especially as the year winds down.
Release Date: August 3, 2023
Metacritic Score: 96
Final Thoughts
Several excellent games didn’t quite make our best PS5 games of 2023 list but are still noteworthy. Titles requiring a PlayStation VR headset, like Moss: Book II and Red Matter 2, are examples. Additionally, Alan Wake 2 didn’t make the list but deserves honourable mention. It’s also worth mentioning major 2023 updates for games like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
On another note, some eagerly anticipated games like Diablo 4 and Hogwarts Legacy were close contenders but didn’t quite make it to our list.
2023 has undoubtedly been a fantastic year for video games. Our selections reflect what we believe to be the best PS5 games of 2023. As the year draws to a close, we’ll keep sharing more lists and insights.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
