Finest new video games of 2023


Pokemon Legends: Arceus

A screenshot of Pokemon Legends Arceus, due out in 2022

  • Launch date: January 28, 2022
  • Platform: Nintendo Change

Pokemon followers have been calling for a twist on the tried-and-tested franchise method for years, they usually acquired it with Legends: Arceus, an expansive prequel set in a feudal-era Sinnoh known as the Hisui region – long before Pokemon and humans lived in harmony.

Trainers need to survey distinct environments, catch loads of Pokemon, and complete the region’s first-ever Pokedex. As well as original Hisuian forms and never-before-seen evolutions, longtime fans can expect new battle features, some terrifying Pokemon encounters, and loads of post-game content.

Horizon Forbidden West

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West, one of 2022's most anticipated video games

  • Release date: February 18, 2022
  • Platforms: PS5 and PS4

For fans of post-apocalyptic adventure games, it doesn’t get much better than 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn – so you’ll be glad to know its sequel, the highly-anticipated Forbidden West, takes everything that was good about the original and improves on it in almost every way.

With underwater exploration of lakes and seas, brand new tools like the Shieldwing and Pullcaster to play with, and an even bigger map than last time to explore – which looks absolutely stunning, by the way – it’s one of the most exciting releases of the year.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

Destiny 2 gameplay capture from Witch Queen expansion

  • Release date: February 22, 2022
  • Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

While it’s not technically a new game, The Witch Queen is arguably the best expansion that Destiny 2 has received so far, earning it a spot on our ‘best games of the year’ list.

Marking the beginning of the end of the Light and Darkness saga, it brought plenty of content including the twisted Throne World, a new Glaive weapon, and a Legendary Campaign. Most importantly, it helped breathe new life into a five-year-old game and made us excited about its future.

Martha is Dead

Martha is Dead

  • Release date: February 24, 2022
  • Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC

There was plenty of controversy surrounding Martha is Dead before it was even released, especially with the news that certain scenes would be censored on PlayStation consoles, but fortunately, the actual game more than lived up to the hype and it feels destined to become a horror classic.

Set in Tuscany during the 1940s, the game follows Giulia as she hunts for the truth behind her twin sister’s traumatic murder. What follows is a psychological horror that pushes plenty of boundaries, but if you can stomach the gore and shock, it’s a brilliant game with a story that will stick with you beyond the credits.

Elden Ring

A screenshot of Elden Ring

  • Release date: February 25, 2022
  • Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X| S, Xbox One, and PC

From the minds of Dark Souls creator, Hidetaka Miyazaki, and the author of the iconic A Song of Ice and Fire novels, George R. R. Martin, comes Elden Ring. The long-awaited FromSoftware title finally arrived in February, and it didn’t disappoint, with many already calling it their favorite game of the year.

There’s clear inspiration from Dark Souls, but with plenty of new features to enjoy like the impossibly big open-world map and the ability to fight on horseback. Combine this with a huge collection of unforgiving boss fights and tough-but-rewarding progression, and it’s easy to see why it’s won so much acclaim.

Gran Turismo 7

gran Turismo 7

  • Release date: March 4, 2022
  • Platforms: PS5 and PS5

Gran Turismo has been bringing the racetrack to living rooms around the world for over two decades now, so naturally, expectations were high for its first foray onto the PS5 – and we’re pleased to say that it goes above and beyond them, becoming one of the best driving sims on PlayStation ever.

In our review, we praised the “ridiculous array of content and absorbing racing mechanics” in the game, as well as the outstanding visuals and immersive use of PlayStation tech that helps it rise to the top. There are also plenty of gameplay modes that give it loads of replayability.

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