Editorials

The Gaming Trend 2023 Most Anticipated Video Games list!

I’m not saying 2022 was at all lacking in good video games, but something about the year seemed a little light. As we approach 2023 however, it looks like we’re in for an absolute DELUGE, with tons of releases coming in the new year. We know a few might get bumped, but there’s every chance we get new announcements we weren’t expecting as the year continues. Here’s what we’re looking forward to, pulled from the list of 2023 hopefuls.

Q1

One Piece Odyssey – January 13 [XB/PS/PC]: 

Anthony Shelton – I’ll be upfront: I don’t like One Piece, but if there is a way to get me into a franchise I don’t like, create a good video game. From what I’ve seen, One Piece Odyssey looks like it will be a good One Piece game and video game. Switching the video game adaptation from action game to JRPG might be the most influential move. There will be more room to develop and enjoy the characters as a group, and it has the standard turn-based mechanics JRPG’s tend to lean on. ILCA, the developers behind the Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes, is trying something here and while it still looks a bit C-tier, it might play like an A-tier.

One Piece Odyssey - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

Noah Rigsby – I think it’s best to start with a bit of context. I’m a huge One Piece fan and have been into the series for a few years now. One Piece Odyssey looks to be the Straw Hats’ best adventure yet. Plus, we are getting to revisit one of the best pre-time skip arcs with Alabasta and Princess Vivi. Moving to a turn-based system worked for the Fairy Tail game, so I believe this new system is going to be a great time as well. One Piece is riding an enormous wave of momentum with the anime, manga, and box office success of Film Red. The series keeps putting out winning products, so it’s no surprise I’m foaming at the mouth about One Piece Odyssey.

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Persona 4 Golden/Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable – January 19 [XB/PS/SWITCH]:

David Flynn – You may have already played Persona 5, but the two other modern Persona entries are just as good if not better. Persona 4 Golden is already available on PC, but will no doubt resonate with a new audience on all platforms along with Persona 3 Portable, also coming to PC. While there isn’t quite a definitive version of P3 yet, P3P has some great features not available in FES such as a female protagonist and social links with your party members. Both are fantastic games and we can’t wait to dive back into them. Now if Atlus would acknowledge that 1, Innocent Sin, and Eternal Punishment exist…

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Fire Emblem Engage – January 20 [SWITCH]: 

Adam Moreno – With Fire Emblem: Three Houses not only changing the formula a bit for the Fire Emblem franchise, but introducing the franchise to an entirely new group of fans; their work is cut out for them in Fire Emblem Engage. How will they move the franchise forward while still keeping the pieces that made Three Houses so accessible to the common gamer? I’ll be excited as well to see how Marth fits into the world given that most gamers only really know him from Super Smash Brothers, myself included. Here’s hoping for another 300+ hours playing a Fire Emblem game for me! 

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Forspoken – January 24 [PS/PC]:

Forspoken Interview with Creative Producer Raio Mitsuno Gaming Trend

David Flynn – OK, so you’re in a place you wouldn’t call earth, with freaking dragons, and talking to a cuff. Oh and you do magic now. Jokes aside, Forespoken is one of my two most anticipated titles for 2023 simply for how fun it looks to play. Athia is a dangerous world, and Frey will need to master powerful magic both in combat and for the game’s magical parkour system. This looks to be part open world RPG, part third person shooter, and part character action (complete with a style meter), and I couldn’t be more excited.

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DualSense Edge controller – January 26 [PS]:

David Burdette – The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is one of the best controllers you can use, but PlayStation has long stayed out of the accessory game when it comes to pro controllers. The buck stops here, or rather, your buck will be gone when the DualSense Edge launches. While the price is high at $199, the customization that’s available may set a new standard for the industry. Being able to swap out stick modules is a huge thing, and the swappable back buttons look to have a different feel than others. All of that and more, along with Sony’s top of the line haptics and adaptive triggers still available? Color me interested.

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Dead Space Remake – January 27 [XB/PS/PC]:

Dead Space Official Gameplay Trailer

Ron Burke – The Dead Space Remake is what you remember Dead Space looking like in your nostalgic brain.  A complete retooling from top to bottom, the team has polished everything from the graphics and sound to the overall level design and flow.  No longer are enemies locked behind memory limitations and loading zones – they can chase you from stem to stern of the USG Ishimura, and once again enterprising Engineer Isaac Clarke is here to save the day.   

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Season: A Letter to the Future – January 31 [PS/PC]: 

Anthony Shelton – Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and you get to behold all of it. A cataclysm marks the end of the world and it’s your job to photograph and record audio of everything important so if humanity survives, they will remember what life was like before. Season is beautiful, and based on the demo, it lets you capture that beauty however you want. It’s also interesting how it challenges your ability to multitask. While you’re focusing on looking for something to photograph, you might miss interesting sounds, and vice versa. The stakes are weighty, but Season is relaxing to play. Sony likes to push these kinds of games, and Season looks like it will be worthy of the excitement.

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Deliver Us Mars – February 2 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke – Deliver Us The Moon was one of the earliest showcase titles at the launch of the RTX revolution, but it’s also a magnificent game in its own right.  Continuing some of the story elements from the first game (but by no means a prerequisite), Deliver Us Mars puts you in the shoes of Kathy Johanson, a scientist and astronaut responding to a distress signal sent from Mars. Mars is where research on reversing climate change and recolonization is occurring in giant colonization ships called ARKs, and the one where her father and sister have now gone missing.  It’s a more personal story this time around, but also sporting some deviously challenging puzzle elements and verticality.  It should be a real treat for returning and new players alike.

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Hogwarts Legacy – February 10 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron BurkeSet hundreds of years before Harry Potter, this game gives players the chance to experience the magic of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in any way they see fit.  The worldbuilding, the magic, the monsters – every video of this game in motion looks better than the last.  It’s been a long wait, but seeing all of these incredible systems come together for one choice-filled game makes me excited to receive my owl-delivered letter.

Hogwarts Legacy - Gameplay Showcase II

Cassie Peterson – Who doesn’t love getting into the lore and the history behind beloved stories and franchises? I’ve been obsessed with the Harry Potter universe since I was in elementary school, following all of the news and interviews, consuming as much Harry Potter content as I possibly could. However, that didn’t translate all too well into gaming for me. Hogwarts Legacy looks to be changing that and gives me hope that I might finally find a Harry Potter game I could sink hours into. Until then, however, I’ll just have to keep playing Hogwarts Mystery on my phone.

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Wild Hearts – February 17 [XB/PS/PC]:

Cassie Peterson – Wild Hearts is EA’s twist on the hunting genre where you’re up against giant nature-infused beasts. I couldn’t be more excited for this game after sinking hundreds of hours into games like Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise. In Wild Hearts you’ll learn to harness the power of Karakuri, an ancient technology that is both a weapon and a tool that can take many different shapes and forms.Our Editor in Chief, Ron Burke, got to go hands-on with Wild Hearts a little while back. Click here to check out the preview!

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Atomic Heart – February 21 [XB/PS/PC]: 

Atomic Heart - gamescom 2022 Combat Trailer

David Burdette – I’ve been intrigued with Atomic Heart ever since the first moment I saw it. The creepy aesthetic, the Metro-like setting, the Bioshock inspired powers. Whether or not those games influenced Atomic Heart is a moot point, but what it’s aiming at looks incredible. I for one can’t wait to venture into this alternate version of the 1955 Soviet Union and figure out what the heck is going on with all these robots in an unstable facility.

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Like A Dragon: Inshin! – February 21 [XB/PS/PC]:

David Flynn – I’ve been waiting for this one since the PS3 era. As a long time Yakuza fan, this previously Japan exclusive spinoff takes beloved characters like Kiryu back to Japan’s late Edo period. OK, it’s not actually Kiryu but Sakamoto Ryōma, a real life historical figure, who becomes embroiled in a coup plot to take over the Tosa domain. Rather than brawling through the streets, you’ll use sword stances to take down anyone foolish enough to get in your way. This is a full remake of the original game in Unreal Engine 4, so the over the top, shirt-ripping drama will be even more gorgeous. 

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PlayStation VR2 – February 22

Feel a New Real | PS VR2

Ron Burke – Virtual reality is absolutely incredible.  Frankly, it’s impossible to describe – you have to experience it for yourself.  Sony is taking a huge step forward with PSVR2, bringing it to the bleeding edge of where the headsets on PC are today.  Games like Horizon: Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, Firewall: Ultra, The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR, and enhanced versions of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, Moss & Moss: Book II, Demeo, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2, No Man’s Sky are just scratching the surface.  There’s a ton of amazing content coming, and a whole lot of console-only players are about to be blown away.  

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After The Fall – February 22 [PSVR2]:

Ron Burke – The team that brought us Arizona Sunshine are back with a 4-player cooperative online game that will truly test the limits of Sony’s new hardware.  The team has taken fan feedback to heart, reducing the grind and polishing it up nicely.  If you’ve got friends who fancy a bit of wave-based zombie slaughter, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.  

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Horizon Call of the Mountain – February 22 [PSVR2]:

Horizon Call of the Mountain - State of Play June 2022 Announce Trailer | PS VR2

David Burdette – Horizon Forbidden West was my first 100/100 score, and its world building is one of the best things about it. Being able to explore that world is a treat, and having the opportunity to do that via PlayStation’s innovative new VR2 should be even better. It looks like there’s going to be a ton of traversal, along with fighting plenty of robot dinos, so it’ll be worth the price of entry. Not to mention looking up and watching a Tallneck walk by seems like it will be breathtaking.

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Company of Heroes 3 – February 23 [PC]:

Ron Burke – How do you build on one of the best RTS games ever made?  Well, you double it.  Every single thing you can think of – units, maps, allies, there’s even two campaigns!  Modernized, gorgeous, built around multiplayer but with two engaging campaigns, stuffed to bursting with content, and incredibly engaging, this is going to be an early contender for Strategy Game of the Year – you can mark that down right now.  

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Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe – February 24 [SWITCH]:

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe - Nintendo Direct 9.13.22 - Nintendo Switch

David Flynn – It’s Kirby! Who doesn’t like Kirby? No one, that’s who! Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a modern port of the Wii original with a few new features. You’ll be able to play new minigames, test out the Mecha copy ability, and best of all all four players can go through the whole adventure as Kirby! As someone who never played the original, this seems like a perfect way to experience Kirby’s console return. 

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Octopath Traveler II – February 24 [PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Noah Rigsby – Octopath Traveler was a refreshing addition to the RPG landscape when it was released in 2018. The game took you through the daring adventures of eight unique and charismatic characters. Turn the clock forward and we’re in a similar situation; eight travelers and a journey to take, but all of them new and with improvements to the formula. With a great foundation for its gameplay and countless avenues to take its story, look out for this game in 2023.   

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Destiny 2: Lightfall – February 28 [XB/PS/PC]: 

Anthony Shelton – Cyberpunk Destiny. I like it already. If we’re being honest, we know Destiny’s formula isn’t going to completely change in Lightfall. Bungie has been making incremental improvements since their split from Activision. But after The Witch Queen (which was a top five game for me this year), I have high hopes that Bungie will continue to keep what worked and move that into Lightfall, particularly the storytelling and the improvement on undedicated players being able to enjoy more endgame activities sooner. As Destiny 2 gets closer to winding this first main storyline, it has become a tale of it’s not how you start, but how you finish, and it seems Bungie will be finishing strong.

Noah Rigsby – I love Destiny and enjoy seasonal content throughout the year, but there is something special about their yearly expansions. In Lightfall, we are taking our first steps toward the conclusion of the light and dark saga. I almost fell out of my seat watching the Game Awards trailer as a Guardian grappled onto a Yeet Titan (yes we call them Yeet titans) using the new Strand subclass. Taking place in the neon metropolis of Neomuna, the next chapter of our Guardian looks to be its best yet.

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Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – March 3 [XB/PS/PC]:

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty - Official Gameplay Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

Richard Allen – TeamNinja, the creators of the acclaimed Ninja Gaiden Sigma series, are back and this time they are diving into the world of Souls-like games with Wo Long, an action-RPG. After some time with the demo, I can safely say that Wo Long is near the top of my most anticipated release list for 2023. Featuring fast-paced combat, Souls-like co-op, brutal bosses, and a complex upgrade and combat system, Wo Long is shaping up to be one of the most intense experiences of 2023.

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Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse – March 9 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Corvo Rohwer – Fatal Frame is one of the very few horror franchises that actually gives me shivers, and I can’t wait to turn the lights down low and delve into Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. Originally released on the Wii back in 2008, this horror classic is getting a remastered release for modern platforms. I’m excited to pick up the camera obscura once again, and see how the game compares to my favorites of the series, Crimson Butterfly and The Tormented.

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Skull and Bones – March 9 [XB/PS/PC]:

Skull and Bones | Gameplay Overview Trailer

Ron Burke – It seems like forever ago that I played Skull and Bones at E3, and it’s gone through many iterations in that time.  There’s something magical about the allure of ship to ship fighting, and we’ll finally get to see this game come to life.  In what form is the last remaining question, but that doesn’t stop us from being excited to sail the high seas.  Drink up me hearties, yo ho!

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The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure – March 14 [PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Flynn – It’s great to see more Trails titles being localized, slow as the process may be. As someone just starting their journey through this massive series, I may have no idea what Trails to Azure will be about, but you can bet I’m going to play it. The first two titles I’ve played have an incredibly solid foundation that’s bound to make any RPG satisfying to play through at the very least, with a massive and detailed world that I can’t wait to learn more about.

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Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon – March 17 [SWITCH]:

David Flynn – While we may have found Bayonetta 3… disappointing, we’re willing to give Cereza another chance. This prequel story sees young Bayonetta searching for her mother with the help of a demon named Cheshire. Origins isn’t a character action game, and instead more focused on story and puzzles. Bayonetta, and Platinum as a whole, has never been known for storytelling, but the unique art style has us intrigued at the very least. 

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Resident Evil 4 Remake – March 24 [XB/PS/PC]:

Resident Evil 4 - 2nd Trailer | PS5 Games

David Flynn – Resident Evil 4 is one of the best games ever made, and Capcom is remaking this genre defining classic in the vein of Resident Evil 2 and 3 Remake. But how do you improve on perfection? Especially when the game is already on every platform under the sun (including the Zeebo)? Will they keep the camp the game is known for? Will it include Mercenaries mode and Assignment Ada? Will me mee that dog again? DOES HIS RIGHT HAND STILL COME OFF?!?! I don’t know, but I’m excited to find out. 

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The Last of Us Part I – March 28 [PC]:

David Burdette – While it’s still a recent game, it’s amazing to see the life breathed into this remake. We talked about it in the review on PS5, Naughty Dog has made The Last of Us look incredible and everything work as smoothly as it possibly can on next-gen. Most importantly a slew of accessibility features grace the game, giving everyone a chance to experience one of the most awarded games of all time. Did I forget to mention this release is on PC? Oh yeah, time to play this one as Homer Simpson.

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Crime Boss: Rockay City – March 28 [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – I’ll be honest, when that trailer hit, I had no idea what in the world was going on. Michael Masden came on stage with goons to introduce it in a weird early 2000s E3 moment, and suddenly we had stars like Vanilla Ice, Danny Glover, and Kim Basinger thrown at us. Also… WHAT THE CRAP, CHUCK NORRIS IS IN THIS? Snippets of gameplay showed it’s an FPS, but a six minute gameplay breakdown reveals a Payday crossed with GTA V heists sort of deal. It looks pretty shiny in what we’ve seen, and if they can nail the fun factor this could be a surprise hit.

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Q2

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection – April 14 [PS/PC/SWITCH]:

2nd Trailer - Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection

Jack Zustiak – I’ve been playing Mega Man for as long as I can remember. I started on my older brothers’ NES, which created a rift between me and the original Mega Man. He belonged to my older siblings. As I got older and got my own games, however, along came Battle Network. This was “my” Mega Man.  To me, these games mark the creative peak of the entire franchise – they totally reinvented both the designs and mechanics of the original games and transformed them into something shockingly relevant. Their portrayal of the internet may seem naively hopeful now, but at the time it was fresh and exciting; frankly, it still is. The rapid pace of the sequels stayed compelling through consistently creative mechanical shake-ups, resulting in a series I was consistently excited to grow up with.  In the Legacy Collection, all of that wild creative energy is gathered into one convenient collection.

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Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores – April 19 [PS]:

David Burdette – Very little is known on just what Burning Shores will entail, but as a huge fan of Forbidden West, I can’t wait to check it out. What we do know is this is a PS5 exclusive expansion, and that has you wondering what kind of scale the team at Guerrilla will be going for. One thing’s for sure, seeing the Hollywood sign all busted down and rusting away was a sight to behold. Also, are we going to get to fight that huge monster robot? Maybe that’s why we’re moving on to PS5…

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – April 28 [XB/PS/PC]: 

David Burdette – It’s Star Wars… what else do you need? Not to mention, it’s a sequel to one of the best Star Wars games we’ve ever gotten. Cal Kestis has obviously been through a lot, and that’s just from what we saw in Fallen Order, but with the tagline Survivor in tow you’d imagine things will only get worse. With his trusty lightsaber/s, BD, and the Force to guide his way, we’d imagine an incredible adventure is in store. And… is that a blaster I see on Cal’s belt?

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - Official Reveal Trailer | PS5 Games

Adam Moreno – Cal Kestis is back and with some battle scars to show for it. Last we saw our rag-tag group of heroes, they had survived an attack from Darth Vader (very hard to do) and are now on the run again in Jedi: Survivor. Who’s in the tank from the trailer? What new force abilities have Cal and his friends learned in the time between Fallen Order and Survivor? Will BD continue to be adorable? I guess we’ll find out in 2023.

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Dead Island 2 – April 28 [XB/PS/PC]:

Dead Island 2 - Welcome to HELL-A Gameplay Trailer

David Burdette – If you thought zombies were played out, you don’t know a thing. This one might seem like it’s back from the dead though, announced way back in 2014. After nearly nine years and onto a third studio, we’re finally about to head back to the island of the dead. Or L.A., which maybe has turned into an island during the apocalypse? The gory combat is back, although this time with more bullets and now zombie powers. Throw in online co-op, and we have the makings of a bloody good time.

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – May 12 [SWITCH]: 

Adam Moreno – For most gamers, Breath of the Wild was the first game we played on the Nintendo Switch. It took the Legend of Zelda formula and opened the world even more, allowing us to explore the way we wanted. Tears of the Kingdom takes what we saw in Breath of the Wild and looks like they’ve added plenty of new ways to get lost in Hyrule. It’ll be exciting to see what the story looks like, hopefully adding more Zelda and Link moments along the way!

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Official Trailer #1

David Flynn – It’s safe to say just about everyone is waiting for Tears of the Kingdom with bated breath. Breath of the Wild single handedly redefined the open world genre on top of rebuilding Zelda from the ground up, so what awaits us in the sequel? Will it simply be more BotW goodness, or another attempt at innovation? Regardless, we’re eager to step into Link’s (or Linkle’s, perhaps) boots to explore Hyrule from a new, airborne perspective.

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Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League – May 26 [XB/PS/PC]: 

Adam Moreno – We had a good year last year as DC fans when it came to video games. Gotham Knights gave us a solid Batfamily story full of emotional moments from Alfred and Nightwing, Robin and Red Hood having family bonding, and getting one of the best Batgirl’s we’ve ever had (in my opinion). Now it’s time to turn all that on its head and get a little loud. Suicide Squad has a reputation to maintain anyways! I’m expecting a lot of energy and fun and a LOT of character. Time to see if the wait is worth it for Kill the Justice League!

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Street Fighter 6 – June 2 [XB/PS/PC]:

Street Fighter 6 - Pre-Order Trailer | PS5 Games

Jack Zustiak – My love for fighting games will always exist, but my interest in the latest releases comes in phases. Only one anchor consistently ties me to the fighting game genre: Street Fighter. That’s right, I even like Street Fighter V! Street Fighter perseveres even when the odds are stacked against it. That burning fighting spirit keeps it alive, and Street Fighter 6 looks to be heating things up even hotter than ever. The new battle mechanics overflow with possibilities and the reinvented visual style captures the amazing craftsmanship of Capcoms’s designers in exciting new ways. Street Fighter 6 is the first fighting game in a while that I’m seriously excited to dive deep into.

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Diablo IV – June 6 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke – If you weren’t impressed with the rainbows and lighter tone of Diablo III you won’t have to worry about that with this game. It’s dark the whole way through, all the way to its core, and the fight ahead is grim.  We are just a few months away from an open beta, and a few more from launch, but what we’ve seen over the last few months is impressive.  Using in-engine graphics that rival the CGI cutscenes of other games, this game is a looker as well.  The combat looks more visceral than ever, and we can’t wait to finally team up to save the world of Sanctuary once again.

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Final Fantasy XVI – June 22 [PS/PC]:

Final Fantasy XVI - Revenge Trailer | PS5 Games

David Burdette – While Final Fantasy has been on point over the last few years in spin-off form, the mainline entries always have a special glimmer to them. Final Fantasy XVI in particular seems to have a larger than life approach to it, with the trailers featuring the huge summons in spectacular fashion. The move into a Game of Thrones/European setting and theme is also intriguing, along with a story that looks to be as bombastic as we’ve ever seen. We’ve got a little bit of a wait, but it looks like it’s going to be more than worth it.

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2023

Alan Wake II [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Burdette – I’d like to take some credit for this one after playfully calling out Remedy and Sam Lake on GameStop TV. I wanted and hoped for the remaster, but never expected a sequel, and that’s finally happening. The interesting thing will be seeing how the years have changed the approach, especially with Lake confirming the move to more survival horror as opposed to the action thriller of the first one. There’s a chance this one could be huge, not a lake, but an ocean.

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Aliens: Dark Descent [XB/PS/PC]:

Aliens: Dark Descent - World Premiere Reveal Trailer | Summer Game Fest 2022

Ron Burke – I’m a simple man of simple tastes.  You give me a hulking existential threat capable of instilling the worst dread imaginable and unleash it on an ill-prepared human race and I’m there with a bag of popcorn to watch it all unfold.  Developer Tindalos Interactive, creators of the fantastic Battlefield Gothic: Armada series set in the Warhammer universe are set to give me precisely what I’m looking for.  A single-player game, Aliens: Dark Descent has you commanding a squad of battle-tested Colonial Marines tasked with taking down the titular beasts on a moon base, offering class-based squad combat, progression, research, and tense base building should give us an entirely new take on the franchise.  Stop your grinnin’ and drop your linen, this will be one to watch!

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Arc Raiders [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – One thing’s for sure, it looks gorgeous. Arc Raiders has an intriguing retro aesthetic to it, and hopefully it will back it up with stellar gameplay. What we know; it’s F2P, it’s co-op, and it’s a third-person shooter. Fighting big retro looking robots in a post apocalyptic world just seems like icing on the cake. Whatever this concoction turns out to be, I’m definitely interested in giving it a try.

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Ark 2 [XB/PC]:

Ron Burke – I’m a sucker for survival crafting, and Ark has dinosaur riding.  Ark has been a huge success, and while we don’t know what Vincent Petrol (Vin Diesel is in the CGI cutscenes) will bring to the table, you can bet it’ll be turning sticks and rocks into progressively larger structures until you finally find yourself on the back of a roaring T-rex with lasers on its head.  It’s a strange world Studio Wildcard is making, and we are here for it.  

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Assassin’s Creed Mirage [XB/PS/PC]: 

Adam Moreno – Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla were two of my favorite Assassin’s Creed games alongside the Ezio Trilogy and Black Flag. Will Assassin’s Creed Mirage be able to combine the things I loved about the original run of Assassin’s Creed games with the movement and RPG elements I loved about the new era? What secrets will be seen in Baghdad during our time as an assassin? What weapons will we get to add to our arsenal? I’m excited to see what it looks like when Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes a leap of faith into our lives in 2023.

Assassin's Creed Mirage: Cinematic World Premiere | #UbiForward

David Burdette – Getting back to the basics is good for any long running franchise. While I love the huge vistas provided in recent Assassin’s Creed games, it can be tiresome to explore and grind for 100+ hours. Mirage looks to bring us back to Assassin’s Creed 1, both in a smaller scale and in location. Baghdad isn’t the Holy Land, but it looks to be familiar to fans of the OG games. Add in all the benefits of making eleven games between the two and it should be fun running around the rooftops and flopping into hay bales again.

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Atlas Fallen [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – There’s been a single trailer so far, but what we’ve seen looks super awesome. It kind of makes me think of Prince of Persia mixed with Darksiders, and that’s a great combination. The sliver of gameplay at the end of the reveal trailer looks not only slick, but gorgeous, so it’ll be interesting to see what grand scale it could reach. All we know is 2023 for Atlas Fallen, but I hope I get to surf the sand sooner rather than later.

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Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – The only trailer we saw looked insanely gorgeous, but it’s how everything is being presented that calls to us. This is an open world game, but one taking on a first person perspective, and you wonder if it might play similar to a Far Cry game. The universe this game inhabits is flush with characters, creatures, lore, and more, so you’ll have a lot to work with as you discover what the western regions of Pandora holds. You might not be enjoying this one with Jake and Neytiri from the movies, but after watching Way of the Water you’ll certainly be itching to get back to Pandora sooner rather than later. Frontiers of Pandora will hopefully be there for the back scratch sometime in 2023.

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Banishers: Ghosts of a New Eden [XB/PS/PC]:

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden - World Premiere Reveal Trailer | PS5 Games

David Burdette – I’m a big fan of what Don’t Nod did with Vampyr, and I was curious if we might see a sequel to it. While Banishers isn’t the same thing, the choice of setting and theme calls to me. A ghost/spirit hunting action-RPG where a ghostly companion (who seems to be your wife who has passed away) guides you? It just looks too good, and I know for certain not to question Don’t Nod’s ability to craft an amazing story along with engaging dialogue. Keep this one on your radar.

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Behemoth [QUEST/PSVR2]:

David Burdette – With a more in depth reveal at TGAs, Behemoth is certainly on my radar. The setting reminds me a bit of Skyrim, with the horned helmet of your character really driving that point home. But the world built on the setting is what’s intriguing. There are enemy soldiers, but what is this undead creature attacking? And the colossal beast at the end? Plus, looks like we’ll be having fun with a grappling hook in all sorts of ways? We haven’t even discussed how all of this is going to be in VR, and that just makes it all the more interesting. One thing’s for sure, I’m looking forward to trying it, especially with the PSVR2.

Black Myth: Wukong [XB/PS/PC]:

Corvo Rohwer – Souls-likes have been popping up like daisies, and it can be hard to tell which ones are actually worth checking out. However, with everything that developer Game Science has revealed about Black Myth:Wukong, I am already hooked. Based on the Chinese novel Journey To The West, players will control a monkey based on one of the main characters of the story, Sun Wukong. This game is deeply entrenched in Chinese mythology, and has absolutely the best aspect of the gameplay previews that have been shown off. Sporting incredible enemy design and a stunningly beautiful world built within Unreal Engine 5, Black Myth Wukong is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Blue Protocol [XB/PS/PC]:

Noah Rigsby – I was thoroughly impressed with Blue Protocol’s reveal trailer. Genshin Impact’s success has shown that gamers like anime inspired visuals. Blue Protocol is taking that inspiration and going the MMO route. You’ll be able to venture into the beautiful world of Regnas as your own customizable character, and I can’t wait to party up with friends as we take on massive raids and dungeons. Plus, it’s being published by Amazon Games, so it’ll definitely have the funding to continually release content.

Wishlist now!

Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile [IOS/ANDROID]:

David Burdette – Warzone 2.0 has converted me fully into the battle royale space, and now it’s time to take it on the go. Although it’s already in the testing phase in Australia, we’re still waiting for Warzone Mobile everywhere else. The big draw? Verdansk, the acclaimed OG Warzone map, is back, and not only that, some old multiplayer maps to get in the groove on your phone. With those big rocks, along with full cross-progression, look for this F2P FPS to be a huge hit.

Pre-register now!

Crash Team Rumble [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – I figured Crash 5 probably wasn’t a thing, and while this isn’t it, it’s still an awesome surprise. Our favorite marsupial is back, and this time he brought friends. Problem is, it seems you’ll be facing some of them in a winner takes all battle for all the marbles… er, Wumpa fruits. It’s interesting, looks fast-paced, and seems like a blast. Mix in a little insanity and you’ve got a Crash Bandicoot game for sure.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty [XB/PS/PC]:

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty — Official Teaser #2

Noah Rigsby – This past year I replayed Cyberpunk 2077 with the next-gen updates and was blown away. After many bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements, the game is finally everything we were promised. CD Project Red is now looking to the franchise’s future in the first paid expansion, Phantom Liberty. The upcoming DLC will bring us new weapons, new implants, and a new storyline. Not to mention, how can you not be excited about a returning Keanu Reeves and debuting Idris Elba?

Everspace 2 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke – Everspace was one of those surprise games that you find yourself coming back to over and over again.  A fast paced RPG looter at its core, our time with the early game tells a more personal story than its predecessor, though we get (optional but totally cool) VR support this time around.  It’s spent a good amount of time in Early Access and it’s almost here.  If you love games like Freelancer, then you need Everspace 2 in your library.  

Get Early Access now!

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PS]:

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH – First Look Trailer

David Burdette – Yeah I know, this one probably has zero chance of hitting in 2023, but Square still said next Winter. The continuation of the surprising remake is certainly highly anticipated, with a story that brings new life to the FFVII saga. In the trailer we saw Cloud walking around with… Sephiroth? Is the big bad everyone loves a teammate in this one? Either way, exciting times are ahead.

Forza Motorsport [XB/PC]:

Cassie Peterson – Forza games are among the most stunning of racing titles. We’ve been blessed with a back-to-back release of Forza Horizon games, taking us to the UK countryside and into the caldera of a volcano in Mexico, but it’s time we get back on track, literally. The last Motorsport entry was clear back in 2017, but after the expiration of various licenses, Forza Motorsport 7 has basically disappeared from store shelves as well as digital storefronts. It’s time we get back on the circuits and see what the future of Forza holds.

Homeworld 3 [PC]:

Homeworld 3 - Official Extended Gameplay Trailer

Ron Burke – It’s amazing to see this series continue, and it looks like developer Relic is working hard to elevate it to the next level.  Debris of massive ships now provide cover, and a fresh set of dangerous implements should make this unique RTS really shine.  And shine it does – every ship looks absolutely stunning up close, and the ballet of death that occurs over planets has never looked better.  With a completely rebuilt missile ballistics system, expect to see plenty of multi-colored contrails when this game ships in 2023.  

Wishlist now!

Hades II [PC Early Access/Consoles]:

David Flynn – Supergiant’s latest masterpiece, Hades, is one of the crown jewels of the rogue-like genre. With theoretically infinite content, charming characters, multiple weapons to master, and a ton of story to sift through, what more could you want? A full blown sequel, that’s what! Hades 2 will follow Zag’s sister Melinoe as she seeks to take down Chronos in Tartarus. Supergiant has been batting 100 their whole career, and while this is their first sequel and another early access title, we can already tell it’s going to be a hit.

Wishlist now!

Hollow Knight: Silksong [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Hollow Knight: Silksong Reveal Trailer

David Flynn – What started as a DLC for Hollow Knight quickly became its own game. Announced all the way back in 2019, this indie darling sequel follows Hornet in an all new land as she platforms and fights her way through an interconnected world. We’ve been waiting so darn long for the game, and while we still barely know anything about it, Silksong is supposedly coming sometime this year.

Wishlist now!

Hyenas [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – The extraction shooter seems to be the next battle royale; a genre everyone is trying to break into due to popularity. Escape from Tarkov may have the intensity, and DMZ in Warzone 2.0 may appeal to casual gamers, but Hyenas looks like it’ll be unique to the genre with a space-age setting along with some insane FPS gunplay in zero gravity. While nothing on their resumé would suggest Creative Assembly is the one you’d look at for this genre, their creativity in Alien Isolation is a good reminder of what they’re capable of.

Wishlist now!

Immortals of Aveum [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – EA Originals has really paid off over the years, with standouts such as It Takes Two (a GOTY winner) and Lost In Random, along with the upcoming Wild Hearts mentioned above. Immortals of Aveum looks to be the next smash hit from the publishing arm, and the idea behind it sounds awesome. Created by the minds behind Call of Duty and Dead Space, new studio Ascendant is debuting with Immortals of Aveum, and promises a visceral, first-person magical shooter. We don’t know much beyond the inaugural CGI trailer from TGAs, but the little flair of the intricate wrist armor, along with the flashy spell flicks we’ve seen in plenty of movies, leads us to believe this one could be an intense ride. 

Lies of P [XB/PS/PC]:

Lies of P - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

Richard Allen – Pinocchio meets…Bloodborne? That’s exactly what you’ll get with Lies of P, a souls-like set to be released in 2023. Despite being based around the tale of Pinocchio, Lies of P oozes with a beautifully dark atmosphere and a world filled to the brim with grotesque enemies to defeat. The few videos released so far showcase the game’s fast-paced combat and beautiful aesthetics, promising one of the most unique experiences of 2023. I can’t wait to explore this dark Belle Époque world and guide Pinocchio on his mission to become a real boy.

Wishlist now!

Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – Kiryu returns to the delight of old fans of the Yazkuza franchise, but this one is a bit different. Like A Dragon Gaiden looks to bridge the gap between three different games, Yakuza 6, Like A Dragon, and the upcoming Yakuza 8, while giving some closure to Kiryu’s tale. While most love the turn-based change of Like A Dragon, Gaiden will bring back the action-adventure genre from the previous entries, giving another taste of the past. Like A Dragon Gaiden is going to be a must play in getting ready for Like A Dragon 8, so get that throat ready for more karaoke and those fists ready for some punching.

Little Devil Inside [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Burdette – We’ve not seen hide or hair of this delightful game in quite some time, but that doesn’t mean I’m not excited for it. Little Devil Inside has encountered a few delays, but every time we see a new trailer what the game has grown into looks awesome. We know it’s single player and co-op, along with exploring a wonderful world and fighting all kinds of monsters. We just want it in hand. Hopefully, this is the year that happens.

Wishlist now!

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 [PS]:

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - PlayStation Showcase 2021: Reveal Trailer | PS5

David Burdette – The first outing from Insomniac was a smashing success, and expanding the universe with Miles was a terrific choice. Now throwing in the both of them, and Venom? Just the setting and characters alone rank high in the superhero power rankings, but when you add in the prowess of Insomniac, who has built two perfect games for our favorite webslingers? The sky’s the limit for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and even then you might be swinging from the moon with expectation. Sequels don’t always measure up, but it feels like this one can and will.

Wishlist now!

Mina the Hollower [PC]:

David Flynn – Do you like 2D Zelda? Did you enjoy Shovel Knight? What if I were to tell you the people behind Shovel Knight were trying their hand at a top down game in the vein of Link’s awakening with a Castlevannia but with small animals aesthetic? Yacht Club Games certainly knows how excited I am (sorry for all the emails), and now you do too. We hope lightning will strike twice for this indie darling studio.

Wishlist now!

Minecraft Legends [XB/PS/PC]:

Minecraft Legends – Announce Trailer

Cassie Peterson – I fell instantly in love with Minecraft Dungeons when it graced our screens a couple years ago. I’d been looking for a solid hack-and-slash dungeon crawler for ages after getting bored of Dungeon Hunter 5 on my phone. Minecraft Dungeons filled the spot while also throwing in that classic Minecraft feel. Now we’ve got a new Minecraft adventure to embark on! This time we’ve got to save the Overworld from those pesky Piglins. Minecraft truly is a game that keeps on giving.

Wishlist now!

Moving Out 2 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Ron Burke – My in-laws noticed that all the games we like seem to involve manual labor.  Well, packing up boxes with three of my friends and flinging them violently into the moving truck was a blast in Moving Out, and the sequel looks to bring more of that madness.  We are excited to go back to work as a FART (Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technician) – let’s the physics fly!

Wishlist now!

Nightingale [PC]:

Nightingale: Realmwalker’s Journey Trailer

Ron Burke – There are a lot of incredible games on the horizon, but Nightingale is absolutely gorgeous.  With a fae neo-Victorian gaslamp aesthetics and a horror twist aesthetic, Nightingale will provide a near limitless amount of content as you build a base in one space and then take portals to the worlds beyond.  The game will blend real-world scientific heroes like Ada Lovelace with fictional ones like Allan Quartermain, and frankly that’s such a fresh and cool idea that we can’t help but be excited.  We won’t have to wait long as the game heads into Early Access in Q1 of 2023.  

Wishlist now!

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals [PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Corvo Rohwer – Fans of the odd, mysterious and strange will find themselves at home within Oxenfree, and I’m sure the sequel will only crank up the dial. Taking place five years after the events of the first game, strange radio signals have emerged within Camena, the hometown of the new protagonist Riley. While not directly linked to the first game, fans will notice the similar wavelengths while allowing newcomers to jump right in. Oxenfree was a game that twisted and bent my mind from start to finish, and I can’t wait to tune into a new mystery.

Wishlist now!

Pikmin 4 [SWITCH]:

Pikmin 4 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Direct 9.13.2022

David Flynn – We’ve been waiting close to a decade for the next Pikmin title, and while we’ve only seen the smallest of glimpses we can’t wait to play it. The unique blend of real time strategy, unit management, treasure hunting, and time limits is something you just can’t get anywhere else. Supposedly 4 will add a new camera mode too, allowing you to marvel the majesty of a ruined Earth from a new angle. Something makes me doubt we’ll get the game next year, but we can dream. 

Pragmata [XB/PS/PC]:

Noah Rigsby – It’s been a while since we’ve seen any footage of Pragmata. Originally scheduled to release in 2022, we now know it’s slated to release this year. The wait looks to be well worth it, as the latest teaser trailer was visually incredible. You can tell Capcom is aiming to utilize the full power of new gen hardware and their shiny RE Engine, which has been putting in the work. Capcom has been killing it recently with Resident Evil and Devil May Cry, so I can’t wait to see what they have in store.

Wishlist now!

Redfall [XB/PC]:

Redfall - Official Into the Night Trailer

David Burdette – Arkane is always good for something unique, and while Redfall may end up falling under something close to Left 4 Dead, it still should move the genre forward. Featuring up to four player online co-op, this vampire slayer romp is a lot more colorful than most dreary FPS it seems to be following. With a really interesting story in tow, several factions you’ll be facing, and some cool characters with different abilities, there looks to be a lot to like. All the gameplay we’ve seen looks really Arkane-y as well, so if you’re into Dishonored or Deathloop, this will be right up your alley.

Wishlist now!

Remnant II [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – Certainly a surprise, Remnant II was revealed at The Game Awards. I really liked the original, with a nice take on the roguelike genre blending with some awesome visuals and clean gameplay. Remnant II wasn’t the first thing I thought of, and mainly because this one looks a lot more steampunk mixed with Bloodborne vibes. Also, are they going to go even heavier with the Soulsy style? In any case, it looks fantastic, and we’re all here for the step this sequel is taking.

Wishlist now!

Replaced [XB/PC]:

Adam Moreno – I saw the trailer for Replaced during The Game Awards and it looked wild! Futuristic, AI, side-scrolling, interesting animation style, intense musical score; it seems to have everything. OH, and you get a dog companion?! Sign me up. I’m someone who loves interesting characters and interesting settings, and Replaced seems to have both. I’ll be interested to see if the game lives up to how insanely hype the trailer was.

Wishlist now!

Returnal [PC]:

Returnal - Announce Trailer | PC Games

David BurdetteReturnal was our 2021 Trendsetter Game of the Year, and for good reason. It’s an incredible blend of action, roguelike, and suspenseful story. I for one have a tough time getting into roguelikes, but Returnal’s amazing atmosphere and outstanding audio design pull you in, with some of the best use of the DualSense we’ve seen. It’s also fun as heck to play, and now that PC players can get their hands on it this one is a no-brainer pick up.

Wishlist now!

RoboCop: Rogue City [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Burdette – While it’s not the most prestigious game, I had a lot of fun playing Terminator: Resistance. Teyon is back again with another 80’s fan favorite, this time bringing us a RoboCop game. They’ve even convinced Peter Weller to come back to voice RoboCop. While little has been seen of the gameplay, if Terminator: Resistance is any indication it should be a blast to play, and hopefully will follow the engaging dialogue system. There’s every chance for RoboCop: Rogue City to be a very memorable experience when it releases in 2023.  

Wishlist now!

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl [XB/PC]:

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Come to Me Official Trailer

David Burdette – Stalker 2 is a bit of a sad story, with the team devastated by the war in the Ukraine. Our hearts go out to them, and the game will come when it comes. That being said, what we’ve seen looks incredible. I’ve already mentioned Metro in regards to Atomic Heart above, but Stalker 2 leans a lot more into that series in look and feel. It also looks like it’s going to blow away the standard for how pretty a FPS can be, with beautiful visuals that you can’t compare with anything out there right now. The story is shrouded in mystery, and I look forward to uncovering it when we make the trip into this post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Pre-order now!

Sea of Stars [PS/PC/Switch]:

David Flynn – Sea of Stars is a turn based RPG inspired by classics like Chrono Trigger and… look, I’m sure we’ve all heard that spiel a million times, but Sea of Stars looks to hold a lot of promise. You follow two siblings as you traverse the world in a prequel to the Messenger, with gorgeous sprite work and dynamic lighting. I’ve been following this one for a long time, and I’m eager to get my hands on it to see if it plays as good as it looks. 

Wishlist now!

Starfield [XB/PC]: 

David Burdette – I have been excited and waiting for Starfield ever since the first trailer. The question as always is how Bethesda will push the medium forward, given the successes of Skyrim and Fallout. One thing’s for sure, we’re going to spend days in this game, with over a thousand planets to explore and more dialogue to engage in than any Bethesda game has ever seen. I may not touch a fraction of what this game has to offer, but I’ll definitely try.

Starfield: Official Gameplay Reveal

Adam Moreno – Bethesda has had us waiting with baited breath for a long time for Starfield. As a huge fan of science fiction myself, I have been so excited to see what “Skyrim/Fallout in space” actually looks like in practice. The trailer looked amazing, the gameplay looked amazing, but we’ve seen this before with specific space games where you are supposed to have a lot of freedom in travel and exploration; let’s hope Starfield hits the nail on the head.

Wishlist now!

Stellar Blade [PS]:

David Burdette – Talk about style points. This PlayStation console exclusive looks better every time we see it, and though there’s only been a handful of trailers, the gameplay is stunning. Everything about it screams fast paced and flashy, and we don’t see enough of that with Devil May Cry V being the last game I can think of in that wheelhouse. Stellar Blade reminds us a lot of Nier as well, and only in the best ways. I’m pretty sure we’re not the only ones itching to get our hands on it.

Wishlist now!

Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Direct 9.13.2022

Noah Rigsby – Have you ever wanted to guilt trip your virtual child into taking over the family farm? It’s definitely not as bleak as it it sounds, as dreams can come true in the newest entry of the long running franchise. Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life brings the classic to a new generation along with new friends and new events. Plant your roots in the quiet town of Forgotten Valley, breathe life into your farm, and make everlasting memories with loved ones in this beloved cherished generational tale.

Pre-order now!

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Ron Burke – Suikoden I & II were two of the games that made me fall in love with early PS1-era RPGs.  The team made me care about 108 warriors (or Stars of Destiny), and each one of them I can remember to this day.  It’s amazing what the team could make out of sprites, and I can’t wait to adventure with Viktor, Kahn, Eilie, and more as we once again set out to bring peace to the Scarlet Moon Empire.

Wishlist now!

System Shock Remake [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – It’s tough to do remakes right, and System Shock is looking to do the impossible. This one is a cult classic from the mind of Warren Spector, and birthed some of the best games out there in Deus Ex and Bioshock. So far, the trailers look promising, with some great neon FPS gameplay. Can they preserve the spirit of System Shock while bringing it into the modern age? I for one look forward to seeing the results.

Pre-order now and try the demo!

Tchia [PS/PC]:

Tchia - Commented Gameplay Walkthrough

David Burdette – If charming were a video game, it might be Tchia. It reminds me of a combination of Breath of the Wild and Wind Waker, and that’s not a bad mix. That’s not even taking into account the really unique “soul jumping” ability, where you can take control of any animal or object. It’s cutesy, it’s whimsical, and it’s definitely on our wishlists.

Wishlist now!

The Expanse: A Telltale Series [PC]:

David Burdette – I’ve never watched the show, but with how intriguing a Telltale adaption of sounds I may have to start. The team over at Telltale Games has been reborn, and with The Wolf Among Us 2 also on the schedule this year, it’s exciting to see this resurgence. Telltale games can be special, like what they’ve done with The Walking Dead and Batman. If they can manage to take a lesser known IP like The Expanse and draw players in, they might be able to “Telltale-ify” anything.

The Invincible [XB/PS/PC]:

The Invincible - First Gameplay Showcase

David Burdette – There’s something about minimalist storytelling that speaks to me. Not to mention a good retro space adventure. The Invincible looks like it will be exactly that, and the mystery Starward Industries is hiding is one I can’t wait to explore. Move over rover, it’s my turn to walk on Mars.

Wishlist now!

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Burdette – I didn’t know I needed a Lord of the Rings game focused on Gollum, but I definitely want it after the trailers. LOTR: Gollum reminds me a bit of the Styx games, with a high focus on stealth. Gollum isn’t exactly the kind of creature to get in a brawl ya know. Exploring Mordor and more will be great, but exploring the dual personality of Gollum will be an even bigger treat, fleshing out the character as well as leading into decision making that can alter your path. There’s a lot of untapped potential in this one.

Wishlist now!

THE Lords of the Fallen [XB/PS/PC]:

Richard AllenThe Lords of the Fallen is the follow up to the 2014 release Lords of the Fallen (Yeah, the titles are a bit confusing), a game which I felt deserved far greater fanfare than it received. Lords of the Fallen provided a unique experience filled with challenging combat, and I have full faith that this next release in the series will be a more confident experience. While little has been shown of the game thus far, I still rank this title high on my must play list of 2023.

Wishlist now!

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette – You’d think we’d run out of ways to make murder simulators, but apparently not. Dead By Daylight is still a huge property, and games like Friday the 13th and Evil Dead had their haydays. One you may not have heard much on, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is following in those footsteps, allowing you to play as Leatherface while chasing down the Slaughter family. Something a teeny bit different, this one will have daytime maps, a departure from the nocturnal leanings of other asymmetrical horror games. If you like any of the three games mentioned earlier, this one should be a good pick up.

Wishlist now!

The Wolf Among Us 2 [XB/PS/PC]:

The Wolf Among Us 2 - OFFICIAL Full Trailer (2022)

Jack Zustiak – The original Wolf Among Us shines brightly as my favorite of the original Telltale’s run of games. It expertly utilized the universe of the Fables comic books, taking the best elements of its inspiration to craft an engaging story that stands firmly on its own. I don’t know if I can realistically expect a decade late sequel to reach the same heights, but I’m certainly intrigued, and everyone knows that intrigue is key for a good noir thriller.

Wishlist now!

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke – I have a 15 pound 4-foot-long chainsword in my office.  That alone should speak volumes for just how excited I was to see the announcement of another entry in this series.  By the Emperor, the gameplay looks bloody and violent, and I’m here for it.  This time around we’ll be dealing with the Tyranid horde, and the Imperium demands that we hack and slash them into oblivion.  For the Emperor!

Wishlist now!

Witchfire [PC]:

Witchfire Summer Game Fest 2022 Trailer

David Burdette – I’m a sucker for a good FPS, and Witchfire looks like it has that DOOM-style gunplay that will make you chuckle after a good kill. The trailers so far have been amazing as well, with incredible visuals that should only get better with polish. This dark fantasy shooter is arriving in Early Access soon, and you should probably wishlist it on the Epic Games Store soon so you’re ready when it hits. If it hits anything like the way those guns seem to, it’s gonna be sweet.

Wishlist now!

————————————————————————————————————-

That’s it for our most anticipated video games of 2023! What are your highlights? Anything we missed? Tell us all about it in our Discord!

Lead Video Game Editor | [email protected]

David Burdette is a gamer/writer/content creator from TN and Lead Editor for Gaming Trend. He loves Playstation, Star Wars, Marvel, and many other fandoms. He also plays way too much Call Of Duty. You can chat with him on Twitter @SplitEnd89.

Adam is a musician and gamer who loves his partner in crime, Regan, and their two pets Rey and Finn. Adam is a fan of Star Wars, Mass Effect, NFL Football, and gaming in general. Follow Adam on Twitter @TheRexTano.

Podcast Editor | [email protected]

Anthony Shelton hosts and produces the Gaming Trend podcast and creates opinion videos occasionally on YouTube. He carries some of the strongest opinions among the staff and is generally harder to impress. But if impressed, he sings developers' praises just as loudly. He typically plays everything except horror and most RTS, but genres he gravitates towards are platformers, FPS, racing, roguelikes, fighting, and loot-based games. He has quit Twitter and uses Threads. Follow him at iamashelton.

David is the kind of person to wear his heart on his sleeve. He can find positives in anything, like this is a person who loved Star Fox Zero to death. You’ll see him playing all kinds of games: AAAs, Indies, game jam games, games of all genres, and writing about them! Here. On this website. When not writing or playing games, you can find David making music, games, or enjoying a good book.
David’s favorite games include NieR: Automata, Mother 3, and Gravity Rush.

Editor | Website

Corvo is a writer who loves to explore journalism through video games. Writing and editing reviews for triple-A games and indies alike, he finds his passion within expressing his experiences in a fair and accurate manner. Some of Corvo's favorite games are Destiny 2, Mass Effect, and Disco Elysium.

Jack's background is in law, but he's been writing about games since long before that. He aims to capture a game's essence in (hopefully) new and interesting ways with his writing. Occasionally he will even make his articles fun to read. Results vary on that. Talk to him about Mega Man! Preferably not in the third person!

News Editor | [email protected]

Richard Allen is a freelance writer and contributing editor for various publications. While he enjoys modern gaming, he is a retro gamer at heart, having been raised on a steady diet of Contra, Mario, and Dragon's Lair.  Chat with him via @thricetheartist on Twitter.

Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief | [email protected]

Ron Burke is the Editor in Chief for Gaming Trend. Currently living in Fort Worth, Texas, Ron is an old-school gamer who enjoys CRPGs, action/adventure, platformers, music games, and has recently gotten into tabletop gaming.

Ron is also a fourth degree black belt, with a Master's rank in Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū, Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do, Universal Tang Soo Do Alliance, and International Tang Soo Do Federation. He also holds ranks in several other styles in his search to be a well-rounded fighter.

Ron has been married to Gaming Trend Editor, Laura Burke, for 28 years. They have three dogs - Pazuzu (Irish Terrier), Atë, and Calliope (both Australian Kelpie/Pit Bull mixes), and an Axolotl named Dagon!

Noah is the resident weeb who spends most of his time gaming and watching anime. His goal is to expand his skills while meeting new people. You have probably seen him feeding the other team kills in Overwatch Comp or speculating Star Wars and One Piece. Follow him on twitter @RigsbyNoah.

Cassie Peterson is an Editor for Gaming Trend but also a sporadic content creator and exceedingly average Rainbow Six Siege player. She goes by MzPanik on Twitter and Twitch and all of the gaming platforms.

The Gaming Trend 2023 Most Anticipated Video Games list!

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