Games That Will Blow You Away In 2023 And Beyond

2022 may have been a great year for video games, but believe it or not, 2023 is quickly shaping up to provide even more thrilling games across a variety of genres for modern consoles and PC. Filled with eagerly anticipated sequels and brand-new properties developed by acclaimed game studios, the new year is coming out the gate with impressive new titles. And the best part is that there's something for everyone, from terrifying survival horror to frenetic fighting game revamps.

The following titles are the biggest and best games slated for release in 2023 and beyond, which are either rapidly nearing their anticipated release dates or have been newly announced. Here's what we know about these games so far, including gameplay and overarching premises, their planned release dates, what platforms they will be available on, and what types of game modes have been confirmed. Let the hype commence.

After developing the successful "Dynasty Warriors" franchise, Omega Force is turning its attention to the upcoming monster-hunting game "Wild Hearts." Set in the fantasy world of Azuma, inspired by feudal Japan, players hunt ferocious behemoths known as the Kemano across the countryside. In addition to traditional medieval weaponry, hunters also rely on a variety of steampunk gadgetry and weapons to help slay the beasts that terrorize Azuma.

In development since 2018 (per GameSpot), "Wild Hearts" offers a mix between melee combat and item-building/customization, with both a single-player mode and the option to play cooperatively online with up to two additional hunters. While there are certainly some superficial similarities with Capcom's "Monster Hunter" franchise, "Wild Hearts" stands very much as its own distinct game. A sweeping gameplay experience that plays an emphasis on constructed tech and combos during combat, "Wild Hearts" brings a fresh perspective to monster-hunting titles.

• Release date: Feb. 17, 2023

• Genre: Action RPG

• Game modes: Single-player, online multiplayer

• Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

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After successfully remaking "Resident Evil 2" and "RE 3" for modern audiences, Capcom is turning to the crown jewel in the franchise with a remake of "Resident Evil 4." Following the basic plot of the classic 2005 original game, Leon S. Kennedy is dispatched to Europe to rescue the U.S. President's daughter after she is kidnapped by a cult. However, Leon quickly learns he's in way over his head as he battles entire mutated villages and fearsome monsters to save his target.

"Resident Evil 4" is widely cited as one of the greatest games of all time, so there is a high level of expectation riding on the impending remake's ability to improve upon the original. Fortunately, Capcom has proven itself more than capable of remaking classic "Resident Evil" titles before, particularly in the case of 2019's "Resident Evil 2" remake. A gameplay trailer for "Resident Evil 4" hints at a darker and more visceral experience than the original, along with some noticeable gameplay updates to bolster Leon's abilities.

• Release date: March 24, 2023

• Genre: Survival horror

• Game modes: Single-player

• Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Developer Rocksteady Studios has proved its superhero video game bonafides with its universally acclaimed "Arkham" trilogy, which concluded with 2015's "Batman: Arkham Knight." Rocksteady is changing things up considerably for its next DC Universe title, "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League." As Brainiac invades Earth, he brainwashes the Justice League to unleash havoc and aid in his conquest. It falls upon the Suicide Squad, DC's motley supervillains vying for government-mandated clemency, to save the day by facing off against the biggest heroes in the world.

Set in an open-world map of Metropolis besieged by Brainiac and the mind-controlled Justice League, the game has players use the four-person team to stop Brainaic's plot. Players can either play alone, with AI controlling their teammates, or opt for up to four-person cooperative multiplayer. With each Suicide Squad member sporting their own gameplay styles and a boatload of DC references — not to mention iconic Batman actor Kevin Conoy's final performance in the role — "Kill the Justice League" marks Rocksteady's triumphant return after a lengthy hiatus.

• Release date: May 26, 2023

• Genre: Action adventure

• Game modes: Single-player, online multiplayer

• Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

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Activision Blizzard's dark fantasy epic "Diablo" is launching its fourth main installment in the summer, marking a new era for the quintessential dungeon-crawler franchise. Featuring five fan-favorite character classes, "Diablo 4" both updates familiar facets of the series and breaks new ground. In a shift for the franchise, "Diablo 4" can only be played online, excluding a single-player offline mode for players looking to explore the fantasy world of Sanctuary.

Set in the aftermath of "Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls," the forces of Heaven and Hell have been depleted, and the demon Lilith has taken advantage of the chaos. Players must battle hordes of enemies to improve their skills and gain powerful weapons to confront Lilith and her angelic ally, Inarius. Judging from the game's alpha build, "Diablo 4" is quietly distancing itself from the controversies that marred 2022's "Diablo Immortal," returning the series to its roots.

• Release date: June 6, 2023

• Genre: Hack-and-slash

• Game modes: Online multiplayer

• Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

One of the most influential PC RPG series of all time, "Baldur's Gate" blends the fantasy aesthetics and stakes of "Dungeons & Dragons" with party-based exploration and combat. After nearly three years of early access, "Baldur's Gate 3" is finally poised to have its official launch in August 2023, providing fans with the full gameplay experience they've been craving. In a shift from previous installments, "Baldur's Gate III" utilizes a turn-based combat system that gives players more of a chance to plan moves and enjoy the game at their leisure.

Set over a century after the events of the previous game, "Baldur's Gate 3" sees the realm overrun by the monstrous mind flayers, who infect the player character with their spawn. As the player scrambles to find a way to purge the infection from their body before they transform into a mind flayer themselves, they team up with others afflicted by the creatures to work together. Offering both a sweeping single-player mode and the ability for players to join each others' parties online, "Baldur's Gate" marks the fantasy franchise's full-fledged and long-awaited return.

• Release date: August 2023

• Genre: RPG

• Game modes: Single-player; online multiplayer

• Available on: PC, macOS

PlayStation has a solid track record of impressive Spider-Man video games, and this remained especially true with "Marvel's Spider-Man" from 2018. While PlayStation owners received an excellent spin-off chapter in "Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales," the 2018 game's full sequel, "Marvel's Spider-Man 2," swings onto the console in late 2023. Among a growing sea of superhero games coming out this year, the sequel is one of the most anticipated games of the year, and developer Insomniac Games is back at the helm.

Plot details surrounding "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" remain tightly under wraps, though a teaser trailer has shown Peter Parker and Miles Morales in action before being approached by Venom. Both previous games in the series featured an open-world New York City, in which the web-slinging heroes fought all manner of crime and took time to help out the denizens of the city. Now with two superheroes teaming up, "Spider-Man 2" is poised to raise the stakes and the scope established by its predecessors.

• Release date: TBD 2023

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game modes: Single-player

• Available on: PlayStation 5

"Dead Space" creative director Bret Robbins is pivoting from sci-fi survival horror to dark fantasy with upcoming first-person action title "Immortals of Aveum." Officially announced by developer Ascendant Studios at The Game Awards 2022, a teaser trailer unveiled a sprawling realm with darkened chambers and lush cityscapes under attack. Unlike many other fantasy action games, "Immortals of Aveum" will be played in first-person, providing an engaging and immersive gameplay experience. As the game's official site puts it, think of this as a "magic shooter."

The game's teaser hints at a world defended by champions known as Immortals, as well as a kingdom recovering from a devastating war that brought it realm to the brink. As the trailer's scope expands, an explosive conflict involving might and magic is displayed, with the player character tapping into their own magical abilities to save the day. Though Ascendant Studios and publisher Electronic Arts are currently keeping many details under wraps, "Immortals of Aveum" is expected to launch in 2023 for the latest consoles and PC.

• Release date: TBD 2023

• Genre: First-person shooter

• Game modes: Single-player

• Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

After revisiting its iconic RPG "Final Fantasy 7" and rebuilding it from the ground for modern audiences with 2020's "Fantasy 7 Remake," Square Enix is ready to unveil the reimagining's next chapter. Titled "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth," the upcoming action RPG continues the story of Cloud Strife and his friends as they face off against the villainous Sephiroth for the fate of his home Midgar. In contrast to the original "Final Fantasy 7," "Remake" and "Rebirth" feature real-time combat similar to contemporary "Final Fantasy" titles.

With a greater emphasis on cinematic storytelling, "Rebirth" provides fuller character arcs for its fan-favorite cast of actors, as well as plenty of new twists for folks who thought they knew where the story was going. As the middle installment in a planned trilogy of games remaking and diverging from the original "Final Fantasy 7" story, "Rebirth" is poised to be even darker and more intense than its predecessor. 

• Release date: Late 2023/Early 2024

• Genre: Action RPG

• Game modes: Single-player

• Available on: PlayStation 5