Introduction
Look, game of the year lists don't really need an introduction right? Except my list is different. I liked many games this year, but not every game I played was released this year. My list is limited to what I played in 2023, but will include games released in previous years. So with that in mind, LET'S GET INTO IT!
Category: Biggest Tearjerker
This is a fun one, it goes to Opus: Echo of Starsong. Released in 2021, this game is about your journey to find a lost world to try to restore honor to your clan with the help of a witch who struggles to sing, which is a necessary requirement for finding worlds as they have to harmonize with each world's Starsong. A moving game that had me unable to talk for an hour after I finished it, it's available on Switch, Xbox, and PC.
Category: Most Surprising
I don't know if anyone else is surprised, but I certainly am. Sonic Frontiers. I was not expecting the game to be as good as it was, I'm used to being disappointed with Sonic games. However, with this one, I chose to 100% it and other than a few frustrating things, I cannot express how great the game is. The soundtrack is overall fantastic, the gameplay is solid, and it really does feel like "Gotta Go Fast" means something here. Even the story is really, really good. I honestly think this is the best Sonic game released to date and is available on each modern platform, PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One.
Category: Best Soundtrack
This list actually does have a few titles released this year, which is rare. Best Soundtrack goes to Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical. The game needed a little more time to cook if I'm being completely honest, but overall it's still very good and Asterion is my fluffy, awkward boy. A murder mystery, Stray Gods has you picking lyrics as you progress to change the flow and mood of the song, making each playthrough unique as you pick different options leading to multiple endings. I hope to see more from the team in the future, though Austin Wintory, the lead composer, is known for his fantastic work. Stray Gods is available on PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One.
Category: Least Surprising
No one will be shocked to see this game on the list, just about everyone loved it. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game itself is "What if Breath of the Wild, but MORE?!" in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming. It's fun to explore and see what kind of shenanigans you can get into. I have a feeling a lot of people really enjoyed this one, but I've said it before and I'll say it again: Tears of the Kingdom is to Breath of the Wild what Oracle of Seasons is to Oracle of Ages. There are still puzzles, but it's more action focused. I feel it isn't necessary, but I'll still list the platform for consistency: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available on Nintendo Switch.
Category: Game of the Year
My game of the year is a short game, some of you may have seen me talk about it. I've recommended it to at least ten different people as it is a fantastic experience, even if the actual story is not that great. Chants of Sennaar, a game about learning languages by using various environmental clues from signs to conversations and even previously learned in game languages. The gameplay itself is practically perfect, I really can't think of too much that could have improved it, along with a soundtrack that perfectly captures the moods without overwhelming the soundscape. Again, the only real flaw is the game's story, but it's easy to overlook for as good as everything else is. Chants of Sennaar is available on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
Conclusion
That's it folks! I hope y'all enjoyed my little write-up here. I don't really have anything else to say, but if you enjoyed that, give these games a try. Avaris out!