From the vantage point of 2026, it's clear that 2023 wasn't just another year in gaming; it was a seismic event. Looking back, that initial slate of anticipated titles, which felt like a wishlist at the time, ended up delivering one of the most memorable and stacked years the industry has ever seen. The hype was real, and for the most part, the games delivered in spades.

The Early Year Blockbusters

The year kicked off with a chilling return to the USG Ishimura. The Dead Space Remake wasn't just a fresh coat of paint; it was a masterclass in respectful modernization. Giving Isaac Clarke a voice again, alongside those terrifyingly detailed visual and audio overhauls, made the corridors feel claustrophobic all over again. It was the perfect, if nerve-wracking, way to start the year.

Then came the magical elephant in the room. Despite the surrounding controversies, Hogwarts Legacy captured the imaginations of millions. Stepping into the 1890s-era castle, choosing your house, and exploring a fully realized wizarding world was, for many, a childhood dream come true. The game's commercial success was absolutely massive, proving the enduring power of that universe. Talk about casting a powerful spell!

Spring Showers of Excellence

Capcom had a phenomenal year, and it started in March with the Resident Evil 4 Remake. Fans held their breath, worried the iconic game couldn't be improved. They needn't have worried. The updated controls, the more menacing Ganados, and the deeper connections to the RE lore made it feel both nostalgic and terrifyingly new. It set a new gold standard for remakes.

Not to be outdone, Cal Kestis returned in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Expanding the galaxy, introducing new stances like the blaster-lightsaber combo, and delivering a darker, more personal story solidified the series as a cornerstone of modern Star Wars storytelling. It was a hit with both critics and fans, no question.

The Long-Awaited Crown Jewels

May 2023 will be remembered for one game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The sequel to Breath of the Wild didn't just meet expectations; it shattered them. Introducing the mind-bending Ultrahand and Ascend abilities, along with the sprawling sky islands and depths below Hyrule, created a sandbox of creativity that players are still discovering new things in. It wasn't just a game of the year contender; it was a generation-defining experience. The wait was agonizing, but boy, was it worth it.

Summer brought its own heavy hitters. Final Fantasy XVI took a bold, mature turn with its political drama and Eikon-focused combat, dividing some fans but thrilling others with its spectacle. Meanwhile, Diablo IV successfully lured players back to Sanctuary with its compelling live-service model, dark atmosphere, and satisfying loot grind. It proved the franchise still had that addictive pull.

Surprises and Sleeper Hits

Some games flew a bit under the radar but left a lasting impact. Like a Dragon: Ishin! finally brought its samurai drama to the West, and its unique take on the Yakuza formula was a delight for series veterans. Over in the indie scene, Lies of P turned out to be far more than a Bloodborne clone. Its grim Pinocchio tale, intricate weapon-crafting system, and stunning Belle Epoque aesthetic earned it a spot as one of the finest Soulslikes not made by FromSoftware. Who knew a wooden boy could be so hardcore?

The Games That Took Their Time

Of course, not everything went according to plan. The year also had its share of high-profile delays and games that, in hindsight, needed a bit more time in the oven.

• Starfield: Bethesda's massive space RPG finally launched later in the year, and while it delivered a huge universe to explore, it was met with a mixed reception due to technical issues and familiar Bethesda quirks. It was ambitious, no doubt, but it felt like it could have used another pass.

• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League: This one ended up slipping into 2024. The initial live-service co-op reveal didn't land as Rocksteady hoped, leading to a significant delay for retooling. Fans are still waiting to see if it can capture the magic of the Arkham series.

• Hollow Knight: Silksong: The 'Elden Ring of indie games' maintained its elusive status, missing its initial window and keeping fans in a perpetual state of anticipation. At this point, the community joke is that it will release when we least expect it... maybe in 2027?

A Lasting Legacy

Looking back from 2026, 2023's lineup was staggering. It was a year of incredible remakes that honored their source material, groundbreaking sequels that pushed boundaries, and ambitious new IPs that carved out their own space. It set a bar for quality and variety that developers are still trying to match. For players, it was a year of tough choices and overflowing backlogs—a very good problem to have. The echoes of Hyrule's sky islands, the halls of Hogwarts, and the streets of a reimagined Resident Evil 4's village are still felt today, reminding us just how special that year was for gamers everywhere.