The gaming landscape of 2023 has been abundant with unique and engaging experiences for PlayStation enthusiasts, encapsulating a variety of genres and styles. As we further explore personal accounts of the year’s stand-out titles, we delve into Scott McCrae’s curated list of his top five favorite games for PS5 and PS4, revealing what made each game a memorable part of his 2023 gaming journey.
Starting with Scott's fifth pick, "Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon" stakes its claim as an action-packed title that thoroughly impressed. Despite Scott's initial unfamiliarity with the series, the game won him over with its intense mech combat, particularly highlighting the satisfaction of wielding a giant mech chainsaw. The simplicity of destroying a counterpart in a nail-biting 1v1 fight became a pivotal moment, corroborating the game's ability to resonate with both series veterans and newcomers alike. While the potential for deep customization is there, Scott admits to engaging with the game more straightforwardly, treating it as an action-packed extravaganza featuring mechanized giants.
The fourth spot is held by "Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name." Despite reservations about the series’ directional choices, Scott found the narrative involving Kiryu exceedingly compelling, sufficiently hyped, and emotionally stirring. This title not only provided a robust and engaging story despite its shorter length but also laid the groundwork for future excitement, particularly for the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth." Scott applauds RGG Studio for their ability to craft climactic finales and convey stories that tap into the player's emotions, validating the studio's reputation.
Coming in at third is the much-debated remake "Resident Evil 4." Scott’s initial skepticism—stemming from a fear of tarnishing the original’s legacy—was swiftly overturned as the remake proved to be a triumphant reimagining of an already classic title. Capcom managed to retain the core essence of the original game, from its quintessential campy dialogue to its riveting gameplay, while also enhancing character depth and modernizing the experience. This title stands as a testament to Capcom's present prowess, with Scott advising gamers to give the developer their due trust.
In the runner-up position, "Alan Wake 2" establishes itself as a beacon of cinematic storytelling and gameplay innovation, accomplishing feats that rival or even surpass higher-budget titles. Here, Remedy Entertainment steps out of the conventional survival horror playbook and delivers a game that Scott regards as not only humorous and thrilling but also thought-provoking and atmospheric. Garnering special mention is a specific level within the game, which, due to its design, left a lasting smile and an enduring memory in Scott's gaming chronicle.
At the pinnacle of Scott’s list, "Street Fighter 6" earns its place as the ultimate gaming package of 2023. The diverse and exceptional elements of the game—a confluence of art direction, soundtrack, character design, and both single-player and multiplayer content—come together to forge a fighting game that stands on par with the greatest in the genre. Beyond its impressive features, what truly distinguishes "Street Fighter 6" for Scott is its core fighting mechanics, which deliver an unparalleled experience that has significantly claimed his playtime and evidently will continue to do so.
Through this eclectic array of games, Scott's personal Game of the Year picks encompass mechanized action, impactful storytelling, masterful remakes, and competitive excellence. They reflect a year where game developers pushed the boundaries of immersive experiences, creating works that captivated, challenged, and transported players into worlds that will be reminisced by gamers for years to come. Each title in its own right demonstrates the creative and engaging potential of modern video games, affirming the medium's diverse appeal and the exceptional talent that brings these digital worlds to life.
