Do you remember that thrill of discovering a new game, the buzz around an anticipated sequel, or perhaps even the quiet satisfaction of seeing a beloved classic reimagined? For many PC gamers, 2023 was shaping up to be a truly remarkable year, brimming with potential and groundbreaking experiences. The video above has highlighted just some of the incredible PC titles that were generating significant excitement. Indeed, the landscape of PC gaming continuously evolves, introducing innovative mechanics and breathtaking graphics to enthusiasts worldwide.
Firstly, the sheer variety of experiences on offer was quite striking. From intense survival horror to expansive space operas, a diverse range of genres was set to captivate players. This comprehensive overview is designed to delve deeper into these remarkable upcoming PC games, ensuring that no potential gem is overlooked.
Highly Anticipated PC Games Setting the Stage in 2023
The year 2023 brought forth an impressive lineup of games, each promising unique adventures and challenges. Several high-profile releases were poised to redefine their respective genres, drawing in players with compelling narratives and enhanced gameplay features. These titles represented significant investments in creative talent and technological advancements.
Sons of the Forest
Endnight Games’ long-awaited sequel to the original survival horror hit, The Forest, was released in February 2023, delivering a familiar yet expanded sense of dread. Players were thrust into a mission to rescue a billionaire from a mysterious island, only to find themselves hunted by cannibals and mutants. Survival, building a secure base, and fighting off relentless attacks were the primary objectives throughout this terrifying experience.
In addition to more intuitive and realistic building mechanics, which allowed for greater creative freedom and structural integrity, Sons of the Forest introduced dynamic changing seasons. This feature significantly impacted gameplay, necessitating adaptive strategies for hunting, foraging, and base defense. Furthermore, more intelligent enemies and a groundbreaking AI companion, capable of assisting in combat and scavenging, were incorporated to deepen the survival challenge, providing both aid and an additional layer of immersion.
Atomic Heart
Atomic Heart had been on many gamers’ radars for an extended period, finally seeing its release in February 2023, as previously indicated by various leaks and official confirmations from developer Mundfish. This first-person shooter transports players to a once-utopian Soviet-era world where advanced robots have turned hostile against their creators, and terrifying mutant freaks now roam freely. The game’s distinct low-fi, trippy aesthetic was a major draw, complemented by mind-bending action sequences that consistently surprised players.
The unique visual style and narrative elements combined to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. Players were challenged to navigate this surreal, dangerous environment, utilizing a variety of weapons and abilities to survive the robot uprising. The game’s blend of retro-futurism and intense combat made it a standout title in the FPS genre for 2023.
Crime Boss: Rockay City
While another major heist game, Payday 3, was also scheduled for 2023, 505 Games’ Crime Boss: Rockay City certainly warranted attention upon its release on March 29th for PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PS5. Set in a vibrant 90s-era city, this title allowed players to orchestrate elaborate heists either solo or as part of a crew of up to four individuals. The game was notably stuffed with an impressive roster of Hollywood talent, including Michael Madsen, Danny Glover, Danny Trejo, and Chuck Norris, who fittingly portrayed Sheriff Norris.
This star-studded cast brought multiple interwoven stories to life, each replete with unique missions and distinct objectives that offered significant replayability. The game’s homage to classic 90s action films, combined with its cooperative gameplay and engaging narrative, positioned it as a compelling alternative for fans of crime-themed adventures.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
The much-anticipated Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League made its debut on May 26th, 2023, across PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC platforms. The game allowed players to step into the shoes of four iconic members of the titular Suicide Squad: Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, King Shark, and Harley Quinn. Combat within the game was depicted as frantic and explosive, with each character possessing unique abilities and weapon sets.
Traversal across the sprawling metropolitan environment was designed to be fast and slick, contributing to the dynamic flow of gameplay. A genuine variety in gameplay experiences was observed across each character, ensuring that different playstyles were accommodated and encouraged. Furthermore, the irreverent and humorous tone, a hallmark of the Suicide Squad franchise, was meticulously preserved and accounted for, enriching the narrative and character interactions.
The Next Forza Motorsport
The newest installment in the acclaimed racing series, simply titled Forza Motorsport, was announced several years ago and instantly captured attention with its visually stunning presentation. Developer Turn 10 proudly stated that the entire driving experience had been completely overhauled, a claim supported by a staggering 48 times improvement in physics simulations. This exponential leap in physics fidelity was expected to translate into an unparalleled level of realism and responsiveness for vehicle handling.
To achieve such photorealistic graphics, advanced techniques such as photogrammetry and 3D scans were extensively employed. These methods meticulously rendered every detail, from the varied track surfaces and intricate foliage to the dynamic skyboxes, ensuring an immersive and visually breathtaking racing environment. The commitment to realism was a central pillar of its development.
Starfield
Considerable expectations were placed upon Starfield, given its status as Bethesda’s first entirely new IP in several decades and Xbox’s largest console exclusive of the year. This ambitious space exploration RPG was designed to be massive, featuring a staggering thousand planets, several large and bustling cities, and extensive character creation options. Players were also given the freedom of comprehensive ship customization, encouraging deep personal investment in their interstellar journeys.
A particularly intriguing aspect for PC players was the immense potential for a thriving modding scene. The precedent set by games like Fallout 4, which continues to benefit from extensive community mod support and offers incredible experiences, fueled optimism. Hopes were high that Starfield would similarly embrace and foster a robust post-launch modding community, adding immense longevity and replayability to the already expansive universe.
Redfall
Developed by the renowned Arkane Studios, Redfall immersed players in the titular town, which had fallen under a terrifying siege by vampires. An unlikely group of survivors was tasked with the daunting challenge of defeating these supernatural adversaries. Each character brought a distinct set of skills and a unique background to the fight.
The roster included Remi De La Rosa, a brilliant engineer accompanied by her combat robot; Devinder Crousley, a cryptozoologist adept at deploying various traps; Layla Ellison, who possessed potent telekinetic powers; and Jacob Boyer, a sharpshooter endowed with a mysterious vampire eye and a spectral raven companion. This diverse ensemble ensured varied gameplay strategies and fostered engaging cooperative dynamics among players as they battled the encroaching darkness.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
GSC Game World invested considerable effort in the development of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, with recent screenshots showcasing incredible visual fidelity and atmospheric detail. The prospect of exploring the gorgeously dismal Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, engaging in tense encounters with other stalkers—either as allies or adversaries—remained highly appealing to fans of the franchise. The zone was promised to be filled with enigmatic artifacts to discover, cryptic mysteries to investigate, and terrifying mutants to battle. With over 30 customizable weapon types available, Stalker 2 was poised to represent a massive evolutionary step forward for the series, launching later in the year for Xbox Series X and S, and PC.
Dead Space Remake
The Dead Space Remake was viewed as an exciting and faithful reimagining of the beloved 2008 sci-fi horror masterpiece. While meticulously striving to remain true to the original’s acclaimed source material, the remake also incorporated several significant improvements and innovative changes. Visually, the game received a monumental upgrade, presenting a level of graphical detail and atmospheric terror previously unimaginable.
Numerous gameplay-related enhancements were confirmed, including refined zero-G controls that allowed for more fluid movement in anti-gravity environments. The USG Ishimura, the iconic setting, was rendered as an entirely seamless environment with no load times, significantly heightening immersion. Weapons were carefully tweaked for improved balance and impact, and a new “peeling system” was introduced to graphically heighten the gore factor, enhancing the visceral horror. Furthermore, a dynamic “intensity director” was implemented, intelligently adjusting enemy encounters and environmental events to maximize psychological impact and maintain a relentless sense of dread.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a highly anticipated title, was released on March 17th for PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. The narrative was designed to tell a much darker and more mature story than its predecessor, placing protagonist Cal Kestis under significant duress throughout his challenging journey. Cal’s combat capabilities were expanded with the introduction of new stances, including a quick dual-blade stance for rapid attacks and a powerful stance optimized for heavy, impactful blows. Additionally, Cal was given the ability to seamlessly integrate his blaster and lightsaber in tandem, offering versatile combat options.
New traversal methods were also introduced, such as an ascension cable that allowed for vertical climbing and crossing expansive gaps. The gameplay trailer impressively showcased Cal’s ability to tame and ride various mounts, adding another layer of exploration and engagement to the expansive environments. These additions collectively enhanced both combat fluidity and environmental navigation.
Everywhere
Everywhere, a project led by former Grand Theft Auto series lead developer Leslie Benzies, had been a subject of considerable speculation during its development. The debut trailer, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live, promised a groundbreaking experience blending gameplay, adventure, creativity, and discovery within a multi-world environment. Initial concerns arose regarding potential integration of NFTs and blockchain technology, sparked by open positions for a “blockchain team.”
However, the studio promptly clarified that Everywhere was built on Unreal Engine 5, not blockchain, and aimed to offer an expansive new world where players could seamlessly come together to play, watch, create, share, and much more. This clarification reassured many in the gaming community, reinforcing the focus on pure gaming innovation. The title was definitely worth keeping a close eye on upon its release in 2023, as its ambition was undeniably vast.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Capcom’s iconic Resident Evil franchise, though initially console-exclusive, had always fostered a robust modding community on PC, exemplified by the original Resident Evil 4‘s randomizer and HD project. The highly anticipated remake was released in March, offering heavily revamped visuals courtesy of Capcom’s powerful RE Engine. This engine delivered breathtaking graphical fidelity while maintaining the game’s eerie atmosphere.
New combat mechanics were introduced, such as the ability to block attacks with the knife, adding a layer of strategic depth to encounters. The overall atmosphere was deliberately made spookier, intensifying the survival horror experience for both new and returning players. Further details and insights were consistently emerging prior to its launch, building significant anticipation among fans eager to revisit this classic with modern enhancements.
System Shock (2023)
After enduring years of anticipation and delays, Nightdive Studios’ remake of the classic immersive FPS RPG, System Shock, was finally released in March 2023 for PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS4, and PS5. The remake featured massively revamped HD visuals that meticulously stayed true to the original game’s distinctive art style, yet looked gorgeous in their own right, offering a modern aesthetic without sacrificing nostalgic charm. An overhauled user interface (UI) improved player interaction and accessibility, while new music tracks enhanced the atmospheric tension. Updated controls brought the gameplay firmly into the contemporary era, ensuring a smoother experience while retaining the beloved classic gameplay mechanics. Even SHODAN’s original menacing voice returned, perfectly preserving the iconic antagonist’s presence. These comprehensive updates were designed to satisfy both long-time fans and introduce a new generation to this seminal title.
Minecraft Legends
Developed by Mojang and Blackbird Interactive, Minecraft Legends presented an intriguing fusion of classic Minecraft elements and real-time action strategy gameplay. The premise involved the Overworld facing a formidable invasion from the Nether, requiring the player to unite its diverse inhabitants to mount a successful defense. Unlike traditional strategy games where units are overseen from a detached aerial perspective, players actively participated in battles from a dynamic third-person perspective. This innovative approach blended strategic planning with direct engagement.
The game offered extensive options to build and craft various structures and to recruit different kinds of units, enabling diverse tactical approaches. Minecraft Legends was recognized as an enticing spin-off, even for those unfamiliar with complex strategy games, thanks to its approachable mechanics and familiar Minecraft aesthetic. It was released in the first half of 2023 across PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, reaching a broad audience.
Ark 2
Ark 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Studio Wildcard’s successful survival title, garnered significant attention due to the unexpected involvement of actor Vin Diesel. As strange as it may sound, this unique collaboration defined a core aspect of Ark 2‘s appeal. In addition to boasting revamped visuals that pushed graphical boundaries, the developers passionately hyped a new, compelling storyline deeply intertwined with dinosaurs, an enduring hallmark of the series.
Movement options were significantly expanded, incorporating fluid parkour, tactical sliding, effortless mantling, and a more refined, Souls-like combat system that promised greater challenge and depth. The game was also ambitiously planned to support fully stackable, user-created mods across all platforms, offering an unprecedented level of customization and longevity. This highly ambitious title was eagerly awaited in 2023 for Xbox Series X and S, and PC, poised to deliver a monumental survival experience.
