In a year brimming with exceptional games, singling out the absolute best to crown my finest gaming year ever becomes quite the challenge. Join me as I delve into a selection of games that captured my attention and led me through a gaming journey in 2023. Whether completed or still ongoing, these experiences have left an indelible mark. I invite you to relish in the recounting of my gaming escapades—sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds isn't my initial foray into 2D Zelda titles this year, yet it stands out as the one that truly illuminated the brilliance of the genre. While dungeon-crawling games hold sway in popularity, the distinct charm of 2D Zelda, with its perfect blend of puzzles and combat (a solid 50-50 ratio), became evident to me through this captivating adventure.
The dungeons are a testament to ingenious design, intricately connected and uniquely themed, each mirroring the underlying narrative. Navigating through them, however, involves a thoughtful consideration of the tools at your disposal. Occasionally, this aspect introduces a layer of complexity that can be bewildering, but I found solace in accepting it as an integral part of the overall puzzle experience.
The narrative weaves a compelling tale, making it one of the franchise's finest ending. The captivating story arc enhances the overall experience, contributing to what I consider to be one of the best Zelda games, particularly in terms of its concluding chapters.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, in comparison to other 2D Zelda titles, may be petite in game length, requiring only around 10 hours for completion. Despite its age, this classic in the series still shines brightly, with graphics, sounds, and an OST that have withstood the test of time – an ensemble of perfection. For an enhanced experience, I recommend indulging in it via Nintendo Switch Online.
In terms of dungeon structure, it establishes a gold standard for 2D dungeons that newer games in the genre would do well to emulate. The introduction of innovative tools seamlessly integrates into the combat dynamics, presenting an impressive synergy. The game's ability to transform seemingly trivial tools into potent assets for weakening and annihilating enemies is nothing short of remarkable.
Given its vintage, the occasional inconvenience of switching between weapons and tools can be a minor source of irritation, but it remains tolerable. As for the narrative, simplicity characterizes the story, yet the ending could benefit from a touch of refinement. While undoubtedly a very good Zelda game, it falls short of claiming the title of the absolute best in the franchise.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom undoubtedly clinches the title of Game of the Year. Bursting with an abundance of added content, the introduction of a new skill set allows players to unleash their creativity within the familiar realm of Hyrule from Breath of the Wild. In this installment, the narrative achieves a deeper resonance, unraveling the significance behind the franchise's name — the sacrifice of Zelda and the unwavering courage of Link, proving the boundless possibilities within this legendary world.
Turning our attention to gameplay and dungeon exploration, the innovative approach to reaching dungeons emerges as a puzzle in itself, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience. The journey to each dungeon is seamlessly intertwined with the puzzle-solving aspect, a feature I found particularly delightful. The Wind Template, in particular, stands out as one of the finest dungeons in the entire series.
Summing up the excellence of this game in a few words feels insufficient. It's an experience that transcends description. My earnest recommendation is to immerse yourself in this masterpiece. Play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and discover the magic for yourself.
Nobody Saves the World
Nobody Saves the World exceeded my expectations, delivering an unexpectedly exceptional gaming experience. The game's standout feature lies in its ingenious method of amalgamating every character skill into a singular, customizable form, fostering an unparalleled level of creativity in character creation for combat. This unique approach empowers players to forge their own combat-centric protagonist.
Set within a semi-open world, the game grants players the freedom to chart their path, with every choice deemed correct. However, due to its emphasis on character amalgamation, the game somewhat sidelines traditional weapon and item mechanics. Skills and weapons are unlocked through quest completions, which, while functional, may leave some yearning for a bit more variety.
In terms of narrative, the story draws notable inspiration from the Legend of Zelda series, kicking off with Nobody, the main hero. The final plot twist adds an intriguing layer, I am Nobody, I am everyone. It's a compelling narrative that resonates well.
Moreover, the inclusion of both online and local co-op enhances the overall experience, ensuring a great time awaits players in this well-crafted and inventive game.
Children of Morta
Compared to Nobody Saves the World, Children of Morta may appear slightly weaker, but it still holds its own as a commendable game. Embracing the rough-lite genre, the game unfolds its narrative in a linear manner, a storytelling choice that may not resonate with everyone, but personally, it worked fine for me. The story, while lacking flashy details or intricate plots, is solid, supported by lively commentary. The gameplay, although marred by a few bugs and glitches, manages to remain enjoyable.
Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon stands out as one of the premier rough-lite games I've encountered this decade. Boasting excellent combat mechanics, well-crafted floor designs, and memorable characters, the game is a treasure trove of secrets and discoveries. The challenge level presented by bosses and overall difficulty is commendable, offering a rewarding experience for those willing to master its intricacies. The unique stories tied to each character, inspired by popular games in the industry, add a layer of depth and intrigue. Exploring their pasts is nothing short of incredible.
Furthermore, the game excels in its abundance of items, skills, and combos, inviting players to experiment and discover optimal combinations that elevate the overall gaming experience. The thrill of stumbling upon the perfect combo that aids in conquering a run is nothing short of phenomenal.
Death's Door
Death's Door stands as one of the standout indie games in my gaming repertoire this year. Stepping into the shoes of a soul reaper, unraveling the mysteries of existence, and delving into the profound meaning of life evokes a poignant sense of sadness. This game comes highly recommended, ranking among the best ever created. The soundtrack complements the experience with its cool, emotional, and descriptive tones, adding another layer of depth to this exceptional gaming journey.
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 marks my initiation into the series, and I must admit, it exceeded my expectations, hooking me in from the start. The overall gameplay offers a pleasantly chill and relaxing experience, centered around the retrieval of treasures to restore our ship and rescue Olimar and others, who then join our ranks as friends. However, the night expeditions and Dandori battles inject a dose of stress into the otherwise enjoyable atmosphere, demanding an aggressive playstyle that diminishes the overall fun for me.
On the visual front, the game shines, even considering its platform on the Nintendo Switch. Every detail in the environment is beautifully crafted and exudes life, while the enemies, despite being adversaries, manage to retain a certain level of cuteness.
The incorporation of caves as dungeon-like environments adds another layer to the exploration. Each cave presents an enjoyable challenge, housing a plethora of treasures, items, victims, and enemies. These elements contribute significantly to upgrading our skill set and unlocking new technologies.
In summary, Pikmin 4 earns a solid 9/10 in my books, offering a captivating gameplay experience despite the occasional stress-inducing moments. It's a visually appealing and engaging addition to the series that left a positive impression on me.
Image source: Internet
