Lunatic_Gamer
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It's been one of the most memorable years in gaming history, and several months into it, 2023 is showing no signs of slowing down. The first half of the year saw some terrific remakes in the form of Dead Space, Like a Dragon: Ishin, and Resident Evil 4 land on PlayStation consoles, and since then, we've seen the return of Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Dead Island 2 rise from the dead, and Diablo IV spin a sinister new tale.Looking ahead, there's still plenty to get excited for. In the immediate future, Final Fantasy 16 looks like a major departure from previous games, Assassin's Creed Mirage looks like a mercifully more compact sandbox, and Exoprimal wants you to remind thousands of dinosaurs that, if an asteroid isn't going to cause their extinction, humans in bleeding-edge armor warsuits are more than happy to finish the job that the cosmos started.
We've also got sequels like Alan Wake 2, Tekken 8, and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon on the way, more original games like Immortals of Aveum, Atlas Fallen, and Lies of P coming out soon, and some fighting game fun in the form of Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8. Overall, it's a great time to have a PlayStation console.
Final Fantasy XVI - June 22
The next chapter in the Final Fantasy mainline series appears to be an action-packed blend of swords and sorcery that follows in the footsteps of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Featuring a more mature storyline with conflicts between multiple worlds and ample political drama, Final Fantasy XVI will follow protagonist Clive Rosfield, the son of an archduke, throughout three different eras of his life. While it's not an open-world game, the unique areas look ripe for exploration, and there will be large-scale boss fights featuring Eikon.For more details, check out a detailed roundup of everything we currently know about Final Fantasy XVI.
Exoprimal - July 14
Jurassic Park meets Anthem in Exoprimal, a brand-new IP from Capcom in which you'll have to join other players to help keep an exploding dinosaur population in check--using mechanized means, of course. Outfitted with a range of high-tech warsuits and weaponry, you'll be able fend off the Cretaceous critters in style while you also work towards dismantling the malevolent AI Leviathan that's responsible for all the prehistoric chaos.
Immortals of Aveum - July 20
Despite what Phil Spencer's wardrobe might suggest, there's no Hexen remake on the way right now. But there is Immortals of Aveum, a fast-paced FPS from EA that swaps bullets for magic. Developer Ascendant Studios has worked hard to ensure that the gameplay feels just right in this magical FPS, as you'll unleash this arcane artillery alongside other magical abilities in combat reminiscent of Doom Eternal's gameplay loop. As a battle mage who has access to all three colors of magic, Immortals of Aveum is a fast-paced FPS that features its own comprehensive lore and no shortage of enemies to cast a spell on.
Atlas Fallen - August 10
Sand. It's coarse, rough, irritating, and it gets everywhere. But it also makes for an excellent medium to channel magic through, which is exactly what you'll be able to do in Atlas Fallen. After being delayed to August, this action-RPG is almost ready to unleash a sandstorm of magic, monsters, and stylish combat. You'll be able to use a wide range of skills in combat, and developer Deck13 says that players will easily be able to tailor their individual combat styles to unlock their sandy potential.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon - August 25
After years of high--but dark--fantasy, Elden Ring developer From Software is going back to its mechanized roots in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Don't expect a grand open-world adventure on the same scale as its award-winning 2022 game, but rather a more focused return to its classic franchise where you'll have to navigate deadly gauntlets and constantly upgrade your mech for the challenges that lie ahead on an alien world ruined by humanity's ambitions.
Mortal Kombat 1 - September 19
MORTAL KOMBAT! The new era of the long-running--and ultra-violent--fighting game franchise kicks off in September, and as expected, it's going all out on its trademark gore. At its core, Mortal Kombat 1 is still a hard-hitting fighting game with some great combos that you can dial in while it also experiments with a new Kameo fighters system. This new gameplay mechanic allows you to call in an assist from a varied roster of Mortal Kombat legends, allowing you to strategically pummel your competition when used properly. Combined with impressive graphics, a brand-new timeline with some big changes to the established lore of the franchise, and gruesome finishers, Mortal Kombat 1 is shaping up to be a great reminder why 2023 has been a terrific year for fighting game fans.
Lies of P - September 19
A remaster of Bloodborne might be a pipe dream until Sony says otherwise, but for fans looking for the next best thing, Lies of P isn't too far off. While it takes plenty of inspiration from the PS4 masterpiece, Lies of P puts its own spin on that challenging formula with a decadent art direction, flexible combat mechanics, and a fascinating adaptation of the Pinocchio fable. A gorgeous new entry in the Souls-like genre, Lies of P looks and feels great, as its recent demo has proven.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty - September 26
It's been a long journey for Cyberpunk 2077, as it launched in a less-than-optimal state back in December 2020, slowly rebuilt itself over many months, and experienced a major resurgence along the way. Phantom Liberty caps off that saga with an expansion that overhauls the entire experience, rewriting Cyberpunk 2077's digital DNA and significantly evolving the experience. On top of that, the new story dives into spy-thriller territory and Keanu Reeves reprises his role as renegade rocker Johnny Silverhand in the game's one-and-only expansion before CD Projekt Red focuses more resources on Cyberpunk 2077's upcoming sequel.
RoboCop: Rogue City - September
Can RoboCop: Rogue City do the impossible and be the first good game starring Old Detroit's cyborg cop? That remains to be seen, but so far, developer Teyon is making an admirable push to deliver an authentic RoboCop simulator. Just like the mechanical man himself, Rogue City's RoboCop is a slow but tank-like law enforcer in a dystopian world that accurately captures the vibe of the 1987 film. With some intriguing RPG-inspired elements and Peter Weller reprising his role as RoboCop, Rogue City could be a crowd-pleasing game for fans of the source material.
Baldur's Gate 3 - October 6
A sequel to the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate series that has spent the last few years in early access, Baldur's Gate 3 is almost done with its fine-tuning on PC and is gearing up for a full release. Like those classic RPGs set in the Forgotten Realms, Baldur's Gate 3 follows a branching narrative that has some tangible consequences for your actions and features a mix of real-time exploration and tactical turn-based combat. It's Dungeons and Dragons without the need for a bag of D20s, and with its multiplayer component, you'll be able to take part in a high fantasy experience with your friends.
Assassin's Creed Mirage - October 12
The 13th installment in the Assassin's Creed mainline series, Assassin's Creed Mirage is set in 9th century Baghdad and follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character introduced in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Ubisost has described the game as a return to the series' roots, with less focus on RPG elements and a renewed emphasis on linear storytelling and stealth. Mirage also marks the return of the series' Black Box assassination missions, which task players with finding unique ways to eliminate dangerous targets.
Lords of the Fallen - October 13
Another sequel that has been a long time coming, Lords of the Fallen looks set to build on the challenging combat and atmospheric dark fantasy setting that the 2014 game became famous for. Developer Hexworks is aiming to deliver a deep and immersive action role-playing experience in this dark fantasy game, as well as intriguing lore, PvP multiplayer, and impactful combat whether you're swinging some heavy steel around or casting some arcane magic.
Alan Wake 2 - October 17
13 years after Alan Wake first encountered dark forces during a writer's retreat, the author is back in action. The first game was a unique blend of psychological horror and narrative-driven gameplay, and for the sequel, developer Remedy Entertainment is expanding on that world with a new playable character--Saga Anderson--a dark and mysterious world to explore, and new mysteries to uncover.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - October 20
Insomniac is doubling down on web-slingers for its next Spider-Man game and pitting them against some familiar villains. While details on how the game will evolve the spider-formula are still being kept under wraps, what we do know is that the sequel will be darker than the first entry in the series and is being compared to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. As for villains, you can expect to tangle with slimy symbiote Venom, voiced by none other than Candyman actor Tony Todd.
Alone in the Dark - October 25
It's been a long time since horror fans experienced a lack of light in solitude, and finally, Alone in the Dark is making a comeback. While there aren't too many details on this remake of the cult-classic 1992 survival-horror game, you can expect a few modern flourishes like an over-the-shoulder perspective and contemporary combat mechanics in this incarnation of Alone in the Dark, alongside a tense atmosphere and some clever puzzles. The game also has plenty of star power, as two characters, Emily Hartwood and Detective Edward Carnby, are brought to life by Free Guy's Jodie Comer and Stranger Things' David Harbour, respectively.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name - November 8
While Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth won't be out for a while, you can satiate your desire to brutally--but never lethally--punish hotheads in Japan with this upcoming interquel. Set after the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, The Man Who Erased His Name chronicles Kiryu Kazama's exile as he finds himself drawn into yet another web of intrigue. This is a shorter adventure when compared to previous Yakuza--now retitled to Like a Dragon in the West--games, but like the other games in the series, it'll likely hit that sweet spot for episodic storytelling, bizarre side quests, and action-packed gameplay.
Persona 5 Tactica - November 17
Atlus has a whole lot of Persona games in development, and in the spin-off department, you can prepare yourself for a grid-based tactical game that looks very similar to Nintendo's Fire Emblem series. Featuring cute chibi redesigns of fan-favorite Persona 5 characters, this is a more strategic game when compared to the turn-based nature of the core Persona titles.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - December 7
Tropical alien jungles, dangerous wildlife, and humanity being resource-stealing jerks. Yup, that certainly sounds like the setup for a new adventure set in the world of Avatar, one that happens to tie into James Cameron's film universe. A first-person action-adventure game that looks like it might have some Far Cry DNA spliced together with its Na'vi helixes, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will take place on a section of Pandora called the Western Frontier, which the films have yet to explore. As a Na'vi who reawakens after a 15-year cryo-nap, you'll be able to wield both your native weaponry and humanity's advanced arsenal as you take back the planet and forge your own legend.
Star Wars Outlaws - TBA
Not so long ago, at a Ubisoft Forward showcase far, far away, the next big Star Wars game stole the show during Not-E3 season. Outlaws looks like the type of Star Wars game that fans have been waiting over a decade for, as this open-world adventure takes a walk on the wild side of that galaxy. As a resourceful thief who becomes the most wanted fugitive in that cosmos, you'll be able to experience the dream Star Wars lifestyle. Namely, one that includes shootouts with Stormtroopers, dogfights in space, and conversations with a sassy BX-Series Droid Commando.
The Crew Motorfest - TBA
Sun, beaches, and pure V8 horsepower is what Ubisoft is looking to deliver in The Crew Motorfest. Like the previous games, this third entry in The Crew series gives you the opportunity to explore new locations, engage in high-speed races across Hawaii, and win some bragging rights thanks to the robust social features. While it doesn't look like a major evolution, The Crew Motorfest does sport improved graphics, a wider range of cars, and a dynamic open-world environment that could provide some automobile magic.
Tekken 8 - TBA
With Street Fighter 6 out and Mortal Kombat 1 on the horizon, Tekken 8 is preparing to also join in on the fun. Bandai Namco's popular 3D brawler has been going strong since 1994, but this latest chapter in the mainline series looks set to introduce major evolutionary changes when it eventually arrives. While the Mishima family saga--Father's Day is always awkward in that household--is still at the heart of the series, Tekken 8 is amplifying its signature approach to digital fisticuffs with enhanced graphics and an improved approach to its aggressive combat mechanics.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League - TBA
Rocksteady is returning to the DC Universe with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. A noticeable departure from the Batman: Arkham series, Kill the Justice League follows the super villain-turned-anti-hero group The Suicide Suqad as they are given the seemingly impossible task of killing the alien invader Brainiac and any members of the Justice League who have been brainwashed by him. The game features four playable characters--Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and King Shark--a whole lot of multiplayer fun, and most notably, Kevin Conroy's final performance as Batman following his passing on November 10, 2022.
Skull and Bones - TBA
For PlayStation owners who have been patiently waiting for their own Sea of Thieves, Ubisoft is at long last answering the call with Skull and Bones. While decidedly less cartoonish, Skull and Bones is a tactical action game set on the open sea that allows players to team up and engage in piracy and naval warfare. In addition to this multiplayer mode, the game also features a single-player campaign set in the Indian Ocean. Originally intended as an Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag spinoff, Skull and Bones has been in development since 2013. Here's hoping for no more delays in 2023.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake (indefinitely delayed)
The remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, considered to be one of the greatest RPGs of all time, is in a perilous position right now. We're holding out for that New Hope, even if the project might be delayed indefinitely following a stall in development at studio Aspyr Media. If it does make it past these new hurdles, then expect a complete rebuild of the BioWare classic that's still home to one of the best twists in modern gaming.
Silent Hill 2 Remake - TBA
One of the most notable survival-horror games of all time is getting the remake treatment in Silent Hill 2 Remake. Originally released in 2001, Silent Hill 2 follows James Sunderland as he searches the eerie town of Silent Hill (hey, we went there last year!) for his thought-to-be-deceased wife. The game primarily consists of solving riddles and puzzles as well as avoiding death--particularly at the hands of the iconic villain Pyramid Head. Upon release, the game was praised for its dark themes, smart use of symbolism, and shocking plot. While Bloober Team has not stated all the changes coming to the remake, most notably is the pivot to an "over-the-shoulder" third-person perspective, similar to the recent Resident Evil remakes.
Marvel's Wolverine - TBA
It's still early days for Spider-Man developer Insomniac's next Marvel game, but the studio is getting ready to put everyone's favorite mutant back in the video game spotlight. Details are naturally slim at this point in time, but if the trailer is anything to go by, then this mature take on Wolverine should be a bloody adventure where the berserker is more than ready to prove that he's the best there is at what he does. And what he does ain't pretty, bub.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - TBA
Final Fantasy VII Remake was a perfect example of how to revitalize a a classic game, and with the opening chapter behind it, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth looks set to chart new ground as the middle chapter for the ambitious trilogy. Details are naturally being kept under lock and key, but creative director Tetsuya Nomura did mention that development of Rebirth has been "progressing rapidly since we adopted a new development structure," and that some development of the third game is already in progress as well.Nomura also added that Rebirth is being developed in such a way that you don't need to have played the original version of Final Fantasy VII, nor do you even necessarily need to have played Remake (though we'd definitely recommend it). Rebirth is expected to launch between December 2023 and March 2024.
Eternights - TBA
If you thought the regular dating game was tough, try finding a partner when the apocalypse is around the corner. Eternights is a dating action game that blends dungeon-crawling exploration with a chance to romance a cast of five quirky and lovable characters. You'll need to scavenge, survive, and build relationships while facing a ticking clock, but the stronger your bond becomes with your party, the more powerful you'll become as you unlock unique skills and spells that you can use in battle.
The Most-Anticipated PlayStation Games Of 2023 And Beyond
With Summer Game Fest, the PlayStation Showcase, and more having past, let's look ahead at what exciting PS5 games are on the way.
www.gamespot.com
