Our individual Game of the Year articles allow our lovely team of writers to share their own personal PS5 and PS4 picks for 2023. Today, it’s the turn of contributor Henry Stockdale.
Dredge resonated in a way I didn’t expect. Lovecraftian-esque horror has never been my bag and my adventures in video game fishing mainly occur through RPG mini-games but I didn’t stop Dredge until I’d finished. There’s a palpable sense of dread that keeps exploration exciting while balancing risk vs reward, and a mysterious narrative weaves this together well. It’s the most unique fishing game I’ve ever played, Black Salt Games nailed it.
What, you thought Robert’s list would be the only place you’d see Trails? Think again. As someone who’s thoroughly invested in Trails, I loved Trails into Reverie. Closing the series’ first half after ten games isn’t easy, yet Falcom’s latest RPG delivers a fine epilogue for both the Crossbell and Cold Steel arcs. The world-building remains exceptional, the stakes are high and that’s lifted by strong character writing. I’m ready to continue in Trails through Daybreak.
I’d say there aren’t many games that can convince me to sink 70 hours into them these days, but my list quickly disproves that. Almost immediately, Final Fantasy 16 grabbed my attention through its political intrigue, then held onto it through an excellent combat system and a strong presentation. Arguably, it didn’t need to lay on the side quests quite so thick, though they often deliver some great world-building. I won’t forget my journey through Valisthea anytime soon.
As someone who loves VR gaming, February’s PSVR 2 launch was exciting and I’d consider Horizon Call of the Mountain a strong start for the new generation. With production values comparable to Half-Life: Alyx, Horizon is a stunning visual showcase with great interactivity and enjoyable exploration. It’s a compelling journey that feels essential for PSVR 2 owners and the best we’ve seen on Sony’s latest headset yet.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is everything I wanted from a Dungeons & Dragons RPG and more. For a tabletop game often reliant on the “theatre of the mind,” Larian delivered a thrilling campaign with an astonishing level of freedom. All while managing the tricky task of translating D&D’s 5th Edition in a way that fits a video game. It’s an incredible world filled with incredible characters, setting a high standard for RPGs that I doubt will be surpassed for a long time.
What do you think of Henry’s personal Game of the Year picks? Feel free to agree wholeheartedly, or berate relentlessly in the comments section below.
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
