Ken Talbot, an avid gamer and esteemed reviewer, has had the opportunity to experience the latest and greatest in PlayStation gaming for the year 2023. His personal Game of the Year picks provide a glimpse into the vast and diverse world of gaming that bridges space operas, fantasy role-playing, gothic horror, survival terror, and superhero action.
Starting with his fifth choice, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," Ken was initially concerned with how the sequel to "Fallen Order" would be handled by Respawn Entertainment. Would it expand its horizon at the risk of losing the charm of its predecessor? The answer proved to be a resounding success as "Survivor" managed to enhance its gameplay with more customization options without sacrificing the storytelling and precision that defined the original. The addition of the blaster stance with its quick draw counter was highlighted as the coolest feature in Star Wars gaming to date.
His fourth pick, "Lies of P," resonated with Ken due to his appreciation for FromSoftware's "Bloodborne," which stands as one of his all-time favorites. Although "Bloodborne's" much-anticipated PS5 version remains an enigma, "Lies of P" emerged as a tribute rather than a mere imitation. With a "filthy carnival aesthetic" and compelling combat, it cemented its place in Ken’s heart despite treading familiar ground with some of the notorious Miyazaki gameplay elements like poison floors. Its rich mystery and a collection of animal masks compelled Ken to embrace its spiritual connection to Yharnam.
Third on Ken’s list is the remake of "Resident Evil 4," a game that not only redefined its own series but left a lasting impact across the action-game genre. Through the remake, it became evident to Ken how the game's influence is still prevalent in modern titles. The reimagined version of Leon S. Kennedy's adventures brought back nostalgia with a few alterations that did not fully resonate with Ken, such as the less spectacular Salazar fight. However, overall, he found it to be a gratifying reincarnation of an enduring classic.
"Marvel's Spider-Man 2" swings in as the runner-up. This sequel by Insomniac Games, riding high on the success of its predecessors, only solidified PlayStation's repertoire of flagship titles. Praised for its universal appeal, the game stood out for Ken, a self-proclaimed comic book aficionado. The implementation of web wings, ability to switch between Miles Morales and Peter Parker, and a story that intricately weaves significant comic arcs together—such as the symbiote saga and "Kraven’s Last Hunt"—resulted in what Ken considers the foremost adaptation of Spider-Man lore into a video game format.
Topping the list is "Baldur’s Gate 3" by Larian Studios, which seems to have profoundly affected Ken. Claiming it may have "ruined RPGs" for him for the sheer depth and complexity it offers, Ken underlines the game’s capacity to make every dialogue exchange feel crucial and every gameplay choice to seem monumental. The freedom to engage in relationships with a diverse cast of characters and tackle challenges in a multitude of ways exemplifies the game's brilliance. He admires how every playthrough can yield a distinctly different narrative, likening the experience to a groundbreaking event that could redefine the RPG genre. Ken foresees future games in development striving to capture even a fraction of the enchantment that "Baldur’s Gate 3" encapsulates.
Ultimately, these games provide a window into the dynamic and constantly evolving world of video gaming. Ken's picks represent different genres, illustrating the expansive realm of interactive entertainment and its power to bring compelling stories, enthralling challenges, and captivating worlds to players around the globe. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Ken’s choices, there is no denying the impact these games have had in shaping the gaming landscape of 2023.
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