We’re in the middle of an exceptional year of video games, courtesy of remarkable releases such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Final Fantasy 16, and Diablo IV. What’s even more exciting is that we are only halfway through the year, and a plethora of promising games lie on the horizon. In this list, I present a collection of games that I believe will make waves upon their release. It’s important to note that this list has no specific criteria or qualifications; these games may either contend for the prestigious title of “Game of the Year” or simply hold a special place in my personal gaming aspirations. I welcome you to share your most anticipated games in the comments below, so that we may celebrate gaming together!
Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storms Connections (Release Date: 2023)
While I may not consider myself a dedicated fan of fighting games, the Ninja Storm series has always managed to capture my interest, even from a more casual perspective. The latest installment, Connections, has faced some criticism for not being a completely new game, instead presenting itself as a peculiar amalgamation of its predecessors. However, it’s worth noting that the game introduces fresh characters, innovative mechanics, and an entirely new storyline, which makes it difficult to categorize it definitively. Despite the initial confusion surrounding these aspects, I’ve eagerly anticipated the opportunity to explore new characters, particularly those introduced in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Impressively, we’ve already caught glimpses of gameplay featuring Kawaki, Jigen, and Naruto’s captivating new Baryon mode awakening. Additionally, the story mode appears delightfully absurd, with Naruto himself sporting enigmatic purple eyes and assuming the role of the antagonist, accompanied by the introduction of a compelling new Uchiha character. While Connections may not sweep the Game of the Year awards, it is undoubtedly one of the titles I’m most looking forward to playing.
Viewfinder (Release Date: July 18)
Viewfinder stands out as one of those extraordinary puzzle games that grace us every couple of years, leaving players in awe with its innovative perspective-shifting mechanic. The in-game camera captures images that shape and transform the very environment in which you find yourself immersed. The transition from two-dimensional pictures to captivating 3D playgrounds is where the true magic happens. Imagine a monochromatic image of a building, strategically positioned horizontally to serve as a bridge, allowing you to traverse otherwise impassable gaps. Alternatively, you may find yourself stepping into the image itself, seamlessly transported into a whole new artistic landscape and design. It’s a mesmerizing optical illusion experience that truly comes alive when witnessed in action. As you delve deeper into the game’s intricate puzzles, expect to encounter solutions that are not only creative but also capable of evoking a sense of awe. With its enchanting gameplay mechanics and visually captivating illusions, Viewfinder promises to deliver a truly magical experience.
Starfield (Release Date: September 6)
While we have already covered Starfield extensively, I feel compelled to mention it once more. This highly anticipated game boasts an astounding array of over 1,000 planets awaiting exploration, all enveloped in Bethesda’s signature storytelling and quest design. Moreover, the level of customization available is truly remarkable, extending not only to your ship and various bases but also to tailoring your preferred play style. Some concerns have been raised regarding the ambitious scope of the game, with worries that a significant portion of the planets may turn out to be barren, procedurally generated landscapes. However, it’s worth noting that there are approximately five meticulously crafted planets that, when combined, may even surpass the size of any other Bethesda game. The remaining 995 planets serve to convey the vastness of space and offer players a multitude of procedurally generated content for endless gameplay possibilities. In my opinion, this vastness only adds to the game’s scope without compromising the depth and intricacy of the primary planets and space stations. Ultimately, we must patiently await the game’s launch in September to gauge the general consensus and fully immerse ourselves in the expansive universe of Starfield.
Lies of P (Release Date: September 19)
Lies of P stands out as one of the most captivating games I’ve come across, presenting a unique fusion of Bloodborne and the timeless tale of Pinocchio. As you step into the shoes of Pinocchio, you’ll find yourself immersed in a gothic setting, navigating through haunting environments and engaging in battles against eerie mechanical adversaries. What truly sets this game apart is its unabashed embrace of both the Pinocchio and Bloodborne universes. A cricket housed within a lantern acts as your guiding companion, and there is a lie and truth mechanic. On the Bloodborne side of things, you’ll discover a dodge-focused combat system and an atmosphere that evokes a strikingly similar feel. While many games that attempt to replicate FromSoftware’s style often fall short, Lies of P manages to carve out its own niche through its dark charm. Moreover, it boasts a feature that Bloodborne lacks: a smooth 60 frames per second experience.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (Release Date: October 12)
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has undergone significant changes, straying far from its original vision, with recent entries transforming into sprawling RPGs that bear little resemblance to the stealth-focused gameplay and Assassin guild narrative. However, Mirage aims to be a return to the series’ roots, advertising a smaller map and a renewed emphasis on ascending the ranks within the Assassin order. Admittedly, as Mirage was initially conceived as an add-on for Valhalla, it may not offer a complete restoration of the franchise’s original essence. The inclusion of add-on cosmetics and the introduction of a teleportation technique serve as indicators of this departure. Nevertheless, the allure of a more compact map is undeniably enticing. One of the chief complaints leveled against recent Assassin’s Creed titles is their overwhelming size, often resulting in bloated filler content. With a smaller map, Mirage has the potential to prioritize the core essence of the franchise—assassination—while streamlining the experience and reducing unnecessary padding.
Alan Wake 2 (Release Date: October 17)
The original Alan Wake holds a special place among my favorite games, even more so as I revisit it now with a newfound appreciation. As a younger player, I couldn’t fully grasp the brilliance of its trippy, dream-like storyline and the eerie atmosphere that permeates every aspect of the game. However, returning to it now allows me to fully immerse myself in its captivating world. One aspect that truly stands out to me is the character of Alan Wake himself. Unlike the typical action heroes, he is simply an ordinary man, a horror writer whose profession seamlessly shapes the gameplay and narrative, resulting in a truly unique gaming experience. With the much-anticipated Alan Wake 2 on the horizon, I hope the developers maintain this approach while honing in on the survival horror aspect. The original game hinted at the potential for a more intricate survival horror experience, and with advancements in technology and the expertise of the Remedy team, I have no doubt they will deliver on their vision for the franchise. Additionally, the prospect of multiple protagonists and the ability to switch between them at will is an intriguing concept that holds great promise, and I have every confidence that the development team will execute it masterfully.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (Release date: October 20)
The anticipation for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has been building since the exciting tease of Venom’s inclusion in the game. With the ability to play as both Peter and Miles, the game promises an engaging dynamic between the two iconic characters. A particular point of interest is Peter’s acquisition of the symbiote suit, which not only enhances his combat abilities but also gradually transforms him into a darker persona. It will be fascinating to witness how Miles interacts with this edgier version of Peter. Beyond the captivating storyline, I am eagerly looking forward to swinging through the streets of New York City once again, now with improved performance and an expanded cityscape to explore. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has undeniably become one of the most highly anticipated games, and it stands out in the already jam-packed gaming month of October.
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