Good Games Casually: Derek's Top 7 Games of 2023
My name is Derek Lockwood, host of the chill video game podcast Good Games Casually! My podcast offers a blend of gaming tips and mental health advice for busy gamers. As a 34-year-old content creator who also understands the time constraints of a hectic lifestyle, I provide insights on how to integrate gaming into tight schedules. Alongside practical gaming tips, tools, and resources, Good Games Casually aims to emphasize the importance of mental well-being. Our content includes strategies for balancing gaming with daily responsibilities while maintaining mental health. This includes discussing how gaming can be a stress reliever and a way to unwind, as well as how to avoid gaming becoming a source of additional stress. Good Games Casually is a resource for those who want to enjoy their gaming hobby without compromising their mental and overall well-being. My Game of The Year 2023 list will consist of my Top 7 games of 2023.
1. Resident Evil 4 Remake
The Resident Evil 4 Remake takes the top spot in my Game of the Year 2023 list for several compelling reasons. Foremost, its innovative approach in remaking a beloved classic stands out. The developers have meticulously updated the visuals and mechanics, breathing new life into the game while preserving the essence that made the original iconic. This modernization includes enhanced graphics, more fluid character animations, and reimagined gameplay elements that offer a fresh yet familiar experience.
Immersion is another key factor where Resident Evil 4 Remake excels. The game’s atmospheric design, combined with its gripping narrative and refined sound design, creates an intensely immersive experience. Every environment is richly detailed, and the use of lighting and shadows adds to the game’s suspenseful ambiance. The voice acting and sound effects further immerse players in this thrilling world.
Gameplay in the Resident Evil 4 Remake is a perfect blend of action and horror. The game strikes a balance between tense, survival-horror moments and adrenaline-fueled action sequences. The updated control scheme and combat mechanics make the gameplay feel more responsive and engaging, enhancing the overall enjoyment and replayability.
The Resident Evil 4 Remake stands as a testament to how remakes should be done. It respects the original while elevating every aspect to offer a new generation of gamers and long-time fans an exceptional gaming experience. Its blend of innovation, immersion, and polished gameplay rightfully earned the top spot in my Game of the Year 2023 list.
2. Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy 16 secures the second position in my Game of the Year 2023. The game sets a new standard for the iconic series with its bold narrative choices and innovative approach to world-building. It departs from traditional Final Fantasy themes, introducing a darker, more mature storyline that captivates players with its depth and complexity. This narrative boldness is a significant factor in its high ranking.
In terms of immersion, Final Fantasy 16 excels with its beautifully crafted world. The game’s visual design is stunning, featuring detailed landscapes, dynamic weather systems, and lifelike character animations. The orchestral soundtrack and voice acting are of exceptional quality, enhancing the emotional depth and realism of the game’s world. These elements work in harmony to create a richly immersive experience that fully engages the player.
The combat system is a standout feature, offering a fluid and dynamic experience that blends real-time action with strategic elements. This new combat system feels more intense and engaging, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. The game also offers a variety of quests and side activities, providing a well-rounded and satisfying gameplay experience.
Final Fantasy 16’s stunning world, and engaging combat system make it a standout title in 2023. Its ability to push the boundaries of the series while maintaining the core elements that fans love cements its position as the second-best game of the year.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom earns the third spot, marking its place with a triumphant gameplay excellence. This title stands out for its ambitious expansion of the Zelda universe, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, Breath of The Wild, while introducing new elements that redefine the franchise.
Innovation is a key aspect of this title. Tears of The Kingdom expands the exploration possibilities with a larger, more dynamic world. The game introduces novel mechanics, Ultra Hand, and puzzles that challenge the player’s creativity and problem-solving skills. These innovations not only pay homage to the series’ legacy but also push it into new, uncharted territories, appealing to both long-standing fans and newcomers.
Immersion is achieved through the game’s breathtaking open world, meticulously detailed and brimming with life. The art style, an enchanting blend of fantasy and realism, captures the essence of the Zelda series. The soundtrack, always a hallmark of the franchise, is both nostalgic and fresh, perfectly complementing the game’s atmosphere. Every aspect of the world, from the sprawling landscapes to the intricate dungeons, is designed to draw players into the kingdom of Hyrule like never before.
Gameplay in Tears of The Kingdom is both familiar and innovative. The combat system is refined, offering more fluid and engaging encounters. The addition of new tools, abilities, and Ultra Hand encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing players to interact with the world in unique and varied ways. The balance between exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat is meticulously maintained, ensuring a gameplay experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom is a masterful continuation of a beloved franchise. Its innovative features, immersive world, and engaging gameplay not only honor the legacy of Zelda but also elevate it to new heights, making it a worthy contender for the third spot.
4. Lies of P
Lies of P claims the fourth spot in my Game of the Year 2023 list, distinguishing itself with a unique blend of innovation, deep immersion, and captivating gameplay. This game stands out for its creative reimagining of a classic tale, setting it in a dark, fantastical world that intrigues and enthralls players.
Inspired by the tale of Pinocchio, the game takes this familiar story and twists it into a dark, complex narrative filled with moral ambiguity and intriguing characters. This fresh take on a classic story is both bold and captivating, offering a narrative depth that is both unexpected and deeply engaging.
Immersion is a key strength of Lies of P. The game’s world is richly detailed and atmospheric, crafted with a gothic aesthetic that perfectly suits its dark narrative. If you’re thinking, “This sounds similar to the Bloodborne aesthetic.”, you would not be wrong! The environments are meticulously designed, from the gloomy streets to the foreboding architecture, each element contributing to the game’s hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Lies of P is both challenging and rewarding. The combat system is intricate, requiring skill and strategy to master. The game encourages exploration and experimentation, with various weapons and abilities that can be combined in unique ways.
Lies of P is a brilliant reimagining of a classic tale, set in a mesmerizing world that’s both haunting and beautiful. Its innovative narrative, immersive world-building, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in 2023 and a deserving occupant of the fourth spot on this list.
5. Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars secures the fifth position, celebrated for its exceptional blend of nostalgia-driven, immersive storytelling, and engaging gameplay. This title is a tribute to classic RPGs, think Chrono Trigger, revitalizing the genre with modern touches while preserving the charm and essence of its inspirations.
Innovation in Sea of Stars is primarily seen in its approach to reviving retro RPG elements with contemporary finesse. The game beautifully merges traditional turn-based combat with innovative mechanics that add depth and strategy to each encounter. It modernizes the classic formula with quality-of-life improvements and fresh narrative elements, making it appealing to both fans of old-school RPGs and new players.
Immersion is a standout feature, achieved through its captivating story, richly detailed pixel art, and an enchanting soundtrack. The world of Sea of Stars is filled with vibrant landscapes and intricate designs, each area bursting with personality and lore. The storytelling is deep and engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that is both heartfelt and intriguing. The music complements every aspect of the game, enhancing the emotional depth and nostalgia.
The combat system is a clever blend of classic turn-based mechanics and dynamic interactions that keep battles interesting and tactically rich. Exploration is rewarding, with a world full of secrets, puzzles, and hidden treasures. The game also avoids common RPG pitfalls, such as random encounters and grinding, making the gameplay experience smooth and enjoyable.
Sea of Stars is a loving homage to the RPGs of yesteryear, reimagined for a modern audience. Its blend of nostalgic charm, immersive storytelling, and thoughtful gameplay refinements make it a great addition to the video game releases of 2023.
6. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Remake
Super Mario RPG: Legend of The Seven Stars Remake claims the sixth spot, celebrated for its nostalgic charm, modern updates, and deeply engaging gameplay. This title stands as a masterful remake of a beloved classic, offering both a trip down memory lane and a fresh new experience for modern players.
Innovation in the remake is apparent in its updated graphics and refined gameplay mechanics. Including Party Skills that differ based on the team composition. The developers have skillfully enhanced the visuals, bringing the colorful world of Mario and his companions to life with vibrant, modern graphics while retaining the game’s original charm. The gameplay has been updated to feel more fluid and intuitive, making it accessible to new players while still providing depth and challenge for veterans of the original.
The game’s story, a unique blend of Mario’s whimsical universe with traditional RPG elements, is as engaging as ever. The characters are lovingly recreated, with their personalities shining through in high-definition graphics and improved animations. The soundtrack, updated with modern orchestration, adds to the immersive experience, capturing the magic and excitement of Mario’s adventure.
Gameplay in Super Mario RPG: Legend of The Seven Stars Remake remains faithful to the original while incorporating new elements. The turn-based combat is polished, with added mechanics that bring a new level of strategy to battles. The game’s puzzles and exploration elements have been updated to offer a more seamless and enjoyable experience, ensuring that every aspect of gameplay feels fresh and engaging.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of The Seven Stars Remake is a lovingly crafted tribute to a classic, balancing nostalgia with modern game design. Its blend of updated visuals and refined gameplay make it a must-have addition to my Game of the Year 2023 list, offering something special for both new players and longtime fans.
7. You Will Die Here Tonight
You Will Die Tonight stands out as the seventh and final game in this Game of the Year 2023 list, notable for its innovative integration of death as a core game mechanic, alongside its immersive narrative and psychological horror elements. This game distinguishes itself with a gameplay experience that is as unsettling as it is engaging.
You Will Die Tonight is highlighted by its unique approach to death as a central gameplay mechanic. In this game, dying isn’t just a setback; it’s an integral part of the story’s progression. Each death loops the story, allowing players to explore different choices and paths. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to the game, as players must experiment with various decisions to find the best path that saves all survivors. It’s a clever twist that elevates the gameplay experience, making each playthrough unique and thought-provoking.
The looping story, influenced by player choices, creates a deep sense of involvement and urgency. The game’s visual and audio design contributes to an intense, foreboding atmosphere, keeping players on edge and fully absorbed in the game’s world. The challenge lies in understanding the consequences of each choice and using the knowledge gained from previous loops to alter the course of events. This approach to gameplay demands careful thinking and emotional resilience, making each progression feel significant.
You Will Die Tonight is an exceptional example of narrative-driven psychological horror, using innovative mechanics and immersive storytelling to create a memorable and unsettling experience. Its unique treatment of death as a gameplay element and the looping narrative structure make it a deserving candidate for the final spot on my Game of the Year 2023 list.