Xbox Hall of Gamers: Cameron's Top 10 Games of 2023
Hi, my name is Cameron/ShadowlessAU and I’m a Social Media Manager/Marketer in the games industry, who works alongside indie titles to reach their audiences. I produce and co-host a gaming podcast called Xbox Hall of Gamers which focuses exclusively on covering gaming from the lens of an achievement hunter.
10. Venba
Venba just scraped onto the list because damn when was the last time you saw a game this beautiful make you this hungry? I can’t think of any other experience where I’ve played a game and thought to myself, I need to try that! This game even with its incredibly short playtime left me with the feeling of needing to make something, but I wouldn’t be surprised if players are hungry for more.
9. The Crew: Motorfest
Listeners who follow me know that I’m a big fan of Forza Horizon for what it represents in terms of arcade racing, so imagine my surprise when Ubisoft wanted to try a crack at the formula. The Crew Motorfest is an enjoyable experience that has some drawbacks (no true cross-play Ubi?) but had a few new ideas that I hope I see implemented further in the future.
8. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Breathtaking world design, fast-paced combat, and an incredible co-op opportunity give players a worthy challenge in this incredible souls-like. I highly recommend Wo Long to anyway who wants an entry point into Dark Souls, but may find it advantageous to bring along a friend.
7. Assassin's Creed Mirage
Assassin’s Creed Mirage isn’t going to win any awards for innovation but it’s a game that was released this year that I most remember fondly due to its ability to drive nostalgia from the first game in the series. This is one of those titles that I just wanted a sandbox to go be an assassin for a little while, and I think it offers an enjoyable experience without breaking expectations.
6. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
A compelling narrative that blends drama and action? Sign me up! Having always enjoyed the Yakuza series I found myself quite at home with this short and sharp experience. Typically Yakuza games can set a completion anywhere from 100-200 hours so to be able to complete every aspect of this game in a weekend left me quite happy with how much it cut away the fat to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
5. Roboquest
You know when you find a roguelite that hits just right? Roboquest surprised me as a late contender for the game of the year with its incredible fast-paced gameplay, heart-pumping music, and highly enjoyable cooperative experience. Players familiar with Gunfire Reborn can come to expect much of the same here, with the benefit of added mobility and diversity in class control. This game will leave you with the feeling of one more run over and over again.
4. Cocoon
Cocoon has unquestionably earned my spot for a puzzle game of the year with an unparalleled puzzle experience that reinvented what a puzzle game could be. The game introduces groundbreaking mechanics that seamlessly combine worldbuilding and rewards players for exploration and puzzle-solving. Players will leave this game astounded with what is possible with clever and well-delivered game design.
3. A Space for the Unbound
A Space for the Unbound stands as a clear masterpiece for delivering an emotionally driven narrative, pixel-art nostalgia, and a game mechanic craftfully weaved into storytelling. Set in 90s Indonesia the game explores the themes of friendship, love, and personal growth with deeply relatable characters that will resonate with players on a profound level. This is indie as art and it’s unquestionably one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had the joy of playing.
2. Dredge
“An indie fishing game in 2nd for game of the year” I hear them gasp. I didn’t believe it either, but this game reeled me in hook, line, and sinker. Dredge is an incredibly simple premise that revolves around some incredibly sharp gameplay. You, a fisherman sail to the coastal town of Greater Marrow and take up a job to be the town’s local angler. Simpl enough until you start to notice the strange phenomena around you, and fish written straight out of a HP Lovecraft novel.
1. Alan Wake II
