Conversations about how 2023 could be the best year for games started as early as the summer and have only ramped up as we approach its conclusion. It’s hard to argue that any year can really compete with the unprecedented number of big hitters we got. However, conversations have boiled down to the same handful of critically acclaimed releases. This has left dozens of others completely overshadowed despite being genuinely great. That’s why we wanted to give some flowers to games that, in any other year, would be topping many GOTY lists but instead are largely forgotten.
The Nominees are…
- Fire Emblem Engage
- Dead Space Remake
- Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
- Octopath Traveler 2
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
And the award goes to…
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon!
Now, it’s important to note we’re not saying Bayonetta Origins is better than the other games on that list, only that it’s the best one we feel no one gave a fair shot. Origins doesn’t share the core DNA of the previous titles but instead offers a completely unique experience. The main selling point is how you control both Cereza and her demonic companion Cheshire simultaneously. This leads to some of the most creative and refreshing combat and puzzle designs we’ve seen all year. It is still an action game, but not nearly as technical or bombastic, and has a more heartfelt and wonderous tone told through a storybook framing device. If you haven’t checked it out, this is a tale you won’t regret your time with.
