‘Tis another year done and dusted. Up until 2021, I celebrated the end of the year with a “best of” list. This time, however, I’ve decided to resurrect the concept and pay homage to 2023 with a game (or three) for each letter of the alphabet. Eligible games include those released on Steam, including games previously in Early Access, without third-party DRM (sorry Hifi Rush). If AAA gaming has left you jaded, I guarantee you’ll find something fresh in this list. Games with a ⭐️ are my personal favourites.
All game banners sourced from Steam/SteamDB.
A
City builders can sometimes be slow-paced and finicky, but you’ll encounter no such barriers in Against the Storm with its frenetic roguelike gameplay and immersive dark fantasy setting. Astral Ascent graduates from Early Access as a slick, well-polished 2D action roguelike, while those seeking something fresh in the arguably saturated roguelike deckbuilder genre can find comfort in the innovative dice-based Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles.
B
Larian’s masterpiece Baldur’s Gate 3 deserves every ounce of every accolade it can get for showing the big AAA publishers how it’s done. And no, I don’t have anywhere near enough time to allocate to playing it just yet. One day. For some nostalgic 3D platformer action reminiscent of Jet Set Radio, consider Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. And if you just can’t get enough of survival roguelikes, check out Brotato.
C
The innovative mechanics and elegant presentation of Cobalt Core might not be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but they sure give Slay the Spire a run for its money in offering one of the best gameplay loops of any roguelike deckbuilder in recent years. For a change of pace on a cold, stormy night, settle in to Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly and immerse yourself in its rich story and atmosphere. Lastly, fans of wacky sokoban will have plenty to open in Can of Wormholes.
D
2023 saw two standout games in what can only really be described as a mashed-up microgenre of adventure, fishing, exploration and management, with the deliciously lovecraftian DREDGE and the scintillating Dave the Diver. In a similar vein, the pixel art strategy dotAGE shows just how brightly tabletop-inspired game mechanics can shine.
E
Space-based looter shooters don’t come any more hectic and dazzlingly beautiful than EVERSPACE 2, even if it has abandoned its roguelike roots to instead be more of a linear RPG. Speaking of roguelikes, consider checking out Ember Knights to satisfy that Binding of Isaac itch. Or, if you’re looking for a Persona-esque style indie dating sim, consider Eternights.
F
If you happen to be on the lookout for a great turn-based city builder game with a heavy focus on resource management optimisation, consider Farlanders. Or, if you’re aiming to build something more ambitious, such as a sci-fi airship, check out the post-apocalyptic survival base-builder Forever Skies.
G
Gravity Circuit shows that arcade-style 2D platformers are as alive as ever; it is an absolute must play for Mega Man enthusiasts. On the strategy front, Paradox may well be the king of Middle Ages grand strategy, but Great Houses of Calderia is a welcome and ambitious attempt to tackle the Crusader Kings formula. We’ve been blessed with plenty of low-poly hexagonal tile-based strategy games in recent years, and Growth continues to innovate the genre with its flora and fauna placement gameplay.
H
If Vampire Survivors is considered the ideal form, then HoloCure: Save the Fans is the only thing that comes remotely close (plus it’s free!). Another great survival roguelike with a dark fantasy / retro aesthetic and gameplay reminiscent of late 90s RPGs a là Diablo / Baldur’s Gate, consider Halls of Torment. Lastly, for a colony sim set adrift the open seas, check out Havendock.
I
Experience an incredible story in the time-looping party-based adventure RPG In Stars and Time. Or, battle it out in Inkbound, a turn-based tactical roguelike that looks very much like the latest Torchlight, and which almost went so far as to become monetized like the latest Torchlight.
J
Those dismayed at Kerbal Space Program 2’s less-than-stellar launch can find some solace in Juno New Origins, a positively no-frills indie attempt at the sandbox space simulator genre. And for those looking to temporarily transcend to a higher plane of existence, go no further than the absurdly psychedelic Juice Galaxy.
K
Fans of 80s setting horror games and/or murder mysteries have their prayers answered with Killer Frequency, while the wacky Killbug is an excellent homage to arena shooters past. And no, I’m sure you’re asking, but as an avid longtime fan of KSP since 2013, I cannot in good faith recommend its sequel Kerbal Space Program 2 in its current state.
L
Lethal Company is easily 2023’s best co-op game, environmental design doesn’t get much better than the postapocalyptic metroidvania Laika: Aged Through Blood, and Last Train Home is an intriguing blend of tactical combat and overland resource management.
M
Are you a fan of dark fantasy? Do you have the patience for traditional roguelikes and/or RPGs like Ultima? Just play Moonring; it’s beautiful. If you’d rather smash your keyboard over and over again, check out the flimsy but unfathomably addictive physics puzzler Mosa Lina. Lastly, if you’re looking for a colony sim like ONI but themed around building your own magic academy (or if you disliked Spellcaster University’s roguelike mechanics), consider Mind Over Magic.
N
Combat flight simulators are a tricky bunch, but Nuclear Option is impressive, with its gritty visuals and approachable Ace Combat style controls. Because let’s be honest, few people have the time to master DCS.
O
For fans of innovative, story-rich supernatural adventure mystery, check out Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. If you’re after some excellent voxel crafting / automation in the style of Forager, consider Outpath.
P
If there’s anything I’ve loved a little too much recently, it’s the explosion in sokoban-esque pixel puzzlers. Especially those with meta puzzles. Pâquerette Down the Bunburrows is one such game; a devilishly difficult pathfinder that seems simple on the surface but which quickly becomes a whole, whole lot more. Survival roguelike enthusiasts have a lot to enjoy in Picayune Dreams, with its innovative gameplay, great story and excellent breakcore aesthetic. And for a short but emotionally sweet cinematic adventure game, you can’t do much better than Planet of Lana.
Q
The free-to-play CRPG Quest for the Golden Candelabra is an extremely well-designed, faithful Pathfinder 2e adaptation.
R
2013’s iconic Risk of Rain gets a full remake in Risk of Rain Returns. If you’re tired of the stock medieval setting common in many a life / farming sim, then check out the stone-age themed Roots of Pacha. Lastly, consider Reshaping Mars to scratch that colony automation / Per Aspera itch.
S
If nothing else, Slay The Princess deserves some extreme respect for its distinct visual style and multifaceted voice acting. It is easily the best psychological horror game of 2023. Another great horror game is Sons of the Forest, the long-awaited sequel to the innovative open world survival horror game The Forest. And for an amazingly refreshing detective noir immersive sim, check out Shadows of Doubt.
T
Croteam’s near-flawless masterpiece The Talos Principle 2 is one of the best games of the year, and arguably one of the greatest puzzle games of all time. It’s the quintessential example of a perfect sequel in almost every aspect, from its grand world design and streamlined mechanics, to its majestic soundtrack and brilliant graphics. If you’re a fan of factory automation games like Satisfactory and are seeking a change of scenery, consider Techtonica. Lastly, the minimalist low-poly Thronefall is a perfect blend of RTS and tower defence, and an excellent lesson on “less is more”.
U
Old school XCOM doesn’t get more hardcore than USC: Counterforce, a hectic squad-based tactical RPG with one heck of a UI.
V
It is said that one should not judge a book by its cover. Presumably the same thing goes for games. With that in mind, Volcano Princess is a surprisingly deep and engaging life/social simulation in the spirit of Princess Maker. One glance at Void Stranger’s monochrome pixel presentation and you might dismiss it as yet another bland sokoban, but to do so would be to rob yourself of the opportunity to experience the finest mind-bending, labyrinthian, meta-mechanical, and shockingly fourth-wall breaking game of the year that hits you like a train. Lastly, the quirky, dizzying Vividlope shows that the 3D arcade puzzle genre is severely underrated. Its early 2000s aesthetic provides a pleasant burst of nostalgia.
W
If you’re looking for some Wuxia martial arts action, check out the brilliant RPG Wandering Sword.
X
Fans of classic XCOM and Xenonauts will surely have high expectations for Xenonauts 2. Judging by the reviews there is a still a long way to go.
Y
Your Only Move Is Hustle is without a doubt the best indie gem of 2023, with its exhilarating gameplay and honest presentation. One of the finest 2D fighter games you’ll ever play.
Z
We are at the point of the alphabet where there’s not much to choose from. Even then, Zortch is by no means scraping the barrel; it’s an excellent old-school FPS.