2023 has already been an absolutely incredible year when it comes to new game releases. In 2023 alone, Metacritic lists 25 game releases that have amassed an average score of 90 or higher. The previous best year, again according to Metacritic, was back in 2011.
Let's just take a little glimpse at some of the games that came out this year that scored a 90 or higher. We had Baldur's Gate 3 in August, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in May, the Resident Evil 4 remake in March, Alan Wake 2 literally came out just at the end of October, Street Fighter 6 in June, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is another late October release, Diablo 4 filled that ARPG itch in June, Turbo Overkill in July, Dave the Diver in June, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty in September, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for PS5 owners in October.
Games just on the brink of that 90 threshold are also certified bangers. Some of those games include the Dead Space remake, Hi-Fi Rush, Pizza Tower, and Armored Core 6.
It was a ridiculous year for game releases from a player perspective.
Was it your personal best year for game releases ever? Maybe 2018 was your personal favorite. 2018 saw the release of Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, Celeste, Undertale, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Monster Hunter: World, and Beat Saber.
Maybe 2011 takes the crown for you with games like Batman: Arkham City, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Portal 2, Mass Effect 2, Uncharted 3, Gears of War 3, and Forza Motorsport 4.
Let's go even older, back to 2007. Wii Sports, Halo 3, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Super Mario Galaxy, The Orange Box (Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2), Assassin's Creed, and MotorStorm all came out here.
Then there is 2004 where we saw releases that include: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Half-Life 2, Halo 2, Burnout 3, Unreal Tournament 2004, World of Warcraft, Metal Gear Solid 3, Ninja Gaiden, The Sims 2, and Counter-Strike: Source.
1988 though is an interesting choice.
Though, we do have some over 65 visiting apparently...