36 of the Best Video Games 2023

Whether you’re a console or PC lover and no matter what genre is your favorite, you’re likely always looking for some of the best video games to check out. While personally, I’m a Galaga, Mario, Most Wanted, Splinter Cell, and other video games-from-yesteryear player, there are a TON of titles available that I wouldn’t mind checking out.

Unfortunately, I cannot play FPS games thanks to motion sickness and my refusal to take Dramamine to play a game. LOL. Anyway, I have an old PS2, Xbox One, and N64 and while there won’t be many (if any) of those titles on this list, you’re likely to find something that suits your tastes.

Ready, Player? Check ’em out.

12 of the Best Video Games for PC

Some of these best video games may be available on console as well, but most players prefer PC:

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty 

A futuristic, open-world environment peppered with violence. The highly anticipated release offers a robust character creation system, intricate storyline, and graphics that will make you feel like you’re living in the future. The recently rolled-out 2.0 update, accessible at no additional cost to all owners, significantly enhances Cyberpunk 2077 by fine-tuning skill progression, AI, and other integral RPG elements. If you haven’t yet delved into the world of Cyberpunk 2077, the timing couldn’t be more perfect to jump in.

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt

Another highly praised RPG from CD Projekt Red, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt follows the story of Geralt of Rivia as he navigates a morally complex world. With multiple endings and choices that have lasting consequences, this game will keep you engaged for hours on end.

Jagged Alliance 3

Fans of the best video games that are turn-based strategy games will love Jagged Alliance 3, the latest installment in the beloved franchise. With new mercenaries to hire, a variety of missions to complete, and improved graphics and gameplay, this game is sure to be a hit with both old fans and newcomers.

League of Legends

A free-to-play MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) game, League of Legends has been a favorite among PC gamers for years. With regular updates and additions to its roster of playable characters, this game offers endless hours of competitive fun.

Among Us

A party game with a twist, Among Us has skyrocketed in popularity due to its simple yet addictive gameplay. Players take on the role of either crewmates or imposters on a spaceship, trying to figure out who the imposter is before it’s too late. Perfect for multiplayer sessions with friends.

Valorant

If you’re a fan of FPS games but can’t handle motion sickness like me, Valorant may be the perfect alternative. This free-to-play game combines elements of tactical shooters and hero-based gameplay, making for a unique and exciting experience.

Diablo 4

The highly anticipated sequel to the one of the best video games in an action RPG series, Diablo 4 promises to deliver even more demon-slaying, loot-collecting fun. With stunning graphics and new gameplay mechanics, this game is sure to be a hit with fans of the franchise.

Street Fighter 6

The classic fighting game returns with its sixth installment, featuring new characters and improved gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, Street Fighter 6 offers intense battles and endless replayability.

Amnesia: The Bunker

Horror game lovers, look no further. Amnesia: The Bunker is a first-person survival horror game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With immersive gameplay and a terrifying atmosphere, this game is not for the faint of heart.

Vampire Survivors

Another horror game, Vampire Survivors puts a unique spin on the genre by allowing players to control a group of survivors after a vampire outbreak. With strategic gameplay and an intriguing storyline, this game is perfect for fans of both horror and strategy games.

Pizza Tower

Looking for a more lighthearted game? Pizza Tower is a retro-style platformer that puts you in the shoes of a pizza delivery boy who must navigate through obstacles to deliver pizzas. With charming pixel graphics and catchy music, this game is perfect for casual gamers.

Viewfinder

For those who enjoy the best video games with puzzles, Viewfinder offers a unique twist. Players must navigate through a maze-like world by manipulating the perspective to uncover hidden paths and solve puzzles. With beautiful graphics and challenging gameplay, this game is worth checking out.

9 of the Best Video Games for Xbox

Now we’re getting into some good games I’m actually familiar with – haha.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Often, there’s an irresistible urge to glimpse your own house from the cockpit of a Boeing-747, and Microsoft Flight Simulator stands ready to satisfy this unique fascination. This treasured franchise has made a triumphant return, offering everything you could want from a flight simulator – meticulously detailed aircraft and breathtaking landscapes to glide above – while also providing the serene journey you would anticipate at an altitude of 50,000 feet.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

The Halo series played a pivotal role in establishing the console’s reputation in the gaming world, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection is nearly indispensable for this very reason. This collection not only houses Halo 1, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4, but also offers enhanced versions of the primary games, allowing players to relive the originals or explore them in stunning high definition. Despite an initial rocky start and a waning multiplayer scene over time, the main appeal lies in the opportunity to delve into four of Xbox’s best video games. The older games have been rejuvenated with improved graphics, frame rate enhancements, high-resolution cutscenes, and more. It’s a modern makeover that breathes new life into these timeless classics.

Sunset Overdrive

Insomniac Games, renowned for the wildly popular Ratchet & Clank series, capitalized on its proficiency in designing eccentric weapons by creating an open-world metropolis filled with color and energy, reminiscent of the Jet Set Radio game. Sunset Overdrive is a fusion of vibrant punk rock energy and chaos, enabling players to execute exceptionally imaginative acts of mass destruction. Players can launch objects such as bowling balls, fireworks, explosive teddy bears, and more, annihilating mass crowds of mutants, robots, and peculiar gang members while maneuvering through the city with gravity-defying sneakers. The game may sometimes miss the mark with its bold humor, but the pure joy and liberty found in sliding, flipping, and dashing through Sunset Overdrive’s urban playground undeniably make it worth playing.

Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7 excels on all fronts, from its stunning 4K visuals to its refined gameplay mechanics. The AI has been enhanced, collisions hold more weight, and the handling of each car is meticulously calibrated, offering an incredibly immersive driving experience. The controls are precise, providing thrilling moments as you push vehicles to their limits, skidding around corners while balancing on the brink of the tires’ grip. The balance of realism and entertainment is spot on, although the progression may demand some effort. As you strive to amass a collection of cars and triumph in various events, you might experience moments of grind. However, despite this minor hurdle, Forza Motorsport 7 is undeniably one of the best video games for racing in the current market.

Gears 5

This series was one of my FAVS back in the day and I may just have to circle back and play this one. Continuing directly from the narrative of Gears of War 4, Gears 5 shifts its focus to Kait Diaz’s story. Tormented by the loss of her mother, Kait embarks on a journey to uncover her past, sparked by a Locust Horde emblem necklace given to her by her mother in her final moments. Classic characters, from Marcus Fenix to his son JD, make a return, enhancing the quintessential Gears experience. The game’s appeal extends beyond its potent single-player or co-op storytelling, featuring a comprehensive multiplayer component that offers everything from player-versus-player combat to a rewarding horde mode that consistently delivers.

Grounded

Obsidian Entertainment’s innovative rendition of the classic “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” has transitioned from Early Access into a fully released game, quickly ascending the ranks to become one of the top five exclusive Xbox games. Grounded is an immersive survival game that places players in the shoes of a miniaturized child attempting to survive amidst the intricacies of a garden ecosystem. The game offers an intricate crafting system and a robust survival experience. Additionally, the presence of enlarged insects adds an unexpected yet thrilling element of horror to the game.

Sea of Thieves

One of the greatest exclusives for Xbox One owners is undoubtedly Sea of Thieves. This adventurous pirate saga by Rare offers an immersive experience as players traverse vast seas, treasure hunt at locations marked by an ‘X’, combat skeleton armies and undead sea captains, and gather resources like chickens for trade with nomadic merchants. Amidst all these activities, there are lighter moments with grog-swilling, sea-shanty singing, and camaraderie with your friends. If you’re unfamiliar with Sea of Thieves, it suffices to know that it’s an unbeatable gaming option when it comes to enjoyment with friends.

Starfield

Starfield, a grand space RPG from Bethesda Game Studios has made its impressive debut. While it may not top our list of Xbox exclusives, it undoubtedly ranks among the best video games. Embark on an adventure with Constellation to unravel the enigmas of the universe. Engage with allies and adversaries, embrace the life of a space marauder, or invest considerable time in crafting your personalized spaceship. Starfield brims with activities and countless celestial bodies waiting to be explored.

Psychonauts 2

Nearly two decades following the launch of the initial game, we were graced with its sequel. Psychonauts 2, with its enchanting whimsy and enthralling journey through myriad mental landscapes, was indeed a sequel worth waiting for. It’s a brilliant platformer accompanied by a captivating soundtrack that induces an irresistible urge to dance. The game’s innovatively designed levels leave an indelible impression that lingers for years. Furthermore, an insightful recap at the commencement of the game ensures that newcomers can dive straight into the action, regardless of their familiarity with the original game.

5 of the Best Video Games for PlayStation

The compilation exclusively features the best video games developed by Sony’s in-house studios or those acquired post-release of the game, hence notable PlayStation games produced by third parties such as FF7, Metal Gear Solid, and titles like Bloodborne (a FromSoftware creation, despite Sony Japan’s role) and Demon’s Souls, are not incorporated, even if they were published by PlayStation.

Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus presents a daring concept, defying traditional gaming norms with its absence of common enemies, elaborate progression mechanics, skill trees, or level-ups. Instead, it delivers a sequence of boss battles against 16 mammoth colossi, each encounter leaving an indelible imprint in your memory. One moment, you find yourself dodging a towering sword attack, scrambling upwards towards the gigantic creature’s neck; the next, you’re clinging onto a massive underwater beast, fighting to maintain your grip as it plunges into the depths; then, you’re on horseback, chasing a soaring creature, piercing its buoyant sacs with your arrows. Layered on top of these thrilling encounters is a narrative that delivers a profound emotional impact. Few games can match the unforgettable experience offered by Shadow of the Colossus, making it a standout title for both PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves amplified the elements that made the original so compelling – its captivating characters, splendid storytelling, and awe-inspiring adventurous landscapes, and took them to another level. With its remarkable sequences (the crumbling edifice, the convoy, the iconic TRAIN), an enthralling love narrative filled with suspense, and cleverly crafted dialogue, Among Thieves stands out as a world-spanning adventure comparable to legendary adventure cinema. While future installments of Uncharted would continue to scale new heights of grandeur and visual splendor, Among Thieves remains the series’ crowning achievement.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Insomniac’s rendition of Spider-Man truly stands out as one of the best video games with the open-world slant. Of course, it includes the usual elements of an open-world game: a wealth of side quests, collectibles, and unlockable content. However, its true magic lies in its moment-to-moment gameplay. As Spider-Man, players can swing and run up the walls of New York City’s tallest buildings, dive into street-level skirmishes with criminals, all without ever touching the ground. This thrilling experience is both a detailed homage to the character and the city that gave him life, coupled with a touching, heartfelt narrative nestled among grand action sequences and intense boss battles. For those seeking further adventures after the end credits, Spider-Man: Miles Morales (released in 2020) offers a superb, albeit compact, continuation of the 2019 game, introducing a variety of compelling new characters and gameplay elements to the formula.

The Last of Us

The Last of Us, an epitome of action-adventure gaming from the past decade, delivered a deeply moving narrative through the unexpected bond between Ellie and Joel, thus leaving an enduring imprint in gaming history. Its intense survival-horror gameplay kept players on edge, and its unforgettable conclusion continues to resonate. With its compelling supporting characters, exquisite artistic design, and an intriguing spin on cooperative multiplayer, there is no denying that The Last of Us stands as one of the crowning achievements of Naughty Dog, if not the most illustrious accomplishment to date. And if you haven’t checked it out yet, the new show ROCKS.

God of War

Santa Monica Studio’s God of War exemplifies PlayStation’s commitment to delivering unrivaled first-party quality. It unfurls a captivating narrative, underpinned by the complex and evolving bond between Kratos and his son, Atreus. This story is intricately interwoven within a rich world teeming with intriguing characters and locales, ensuring that each step of the journey unveils new wonders. The diverse realms traversed by the father-son duo also provide remarkable combat arenas, showcasing the game’s profound battle mechanics. The Leviathan Axe, wielded by Kratos, ranks among the most gratifying weapons in video gaming, and is complemented by elaborate skill trees, diverse armor sets, and the clever incorporation of Atreus AI, making each battle an unforgettable experience. The latest installment of God of War triumphs not simply due to these aspects, but because it respects its origins, refining and contemporizing them. To put it simply, God of War is a timeless classic.

The Best Video Games on Nintendo Wii:

There are some all-time classics on this console and while I’ve only played a few of the titles, I know there are a LOT of fans of these titles. Take a look:

Wario Ware: Smooth Moves

Wario Ware: Smooth Moves is an unbeatable contender in the party game genre and offers a plethora of “microgames,” served in rapid-fire sequence. The four-player game, employing the Wii Remote in frantic gameplay, gives players just moments to comprehend each game before swiftly transitioning to the next. The game is imbued with a distinctive Japanese eccentricity, with some microgames being utterly enigmatic, further enhancing the overall atmosphere of chaos.

Wii Sports Resort

While most remember the original Wii Sports as the emblematic Wii experience due to its bundle with the Wii console, it’s unjust to overlook its stellar successor – Wii Sports Resort. This follow-up also served as a gateway for the Wii MotionPlus. Wii Sports Resort carries forward simple, motion-based sports like bowling and tennis, but introduces new games like table tennis and Frisbee golf that demand finesse and proficiency, courtesy of the Wii MotionPlus attachment to the Wii Remote. Moreover, the ingenious integration of Wuhu Island as a singular setting for all the events is an applaudable concept, so much so that it was replicated in Pilotwings Resort for 3DS!

Punch-Out!!

Little Mac may not hold the same iconic status within Nintendo’s character roster, but Punchout on Wii proves he’s a formidable contender, harking back to his initial boxing exploits. This refreshed version of the NES classic breathes new life into the modern console era, retaining the original’s pattern-based boxing gameplay that made the series a hit in the 8-bit era. All the fan-favorite characters like Glass Joe, King Hippo, and Bald Bull make a grand return, brought to life in larger-than-life fashion by the skilled team at Next Level. This game serves as the ultimate test of your quick-response skills, harkening back to old-school gaming. Make no mistake; once you reach the championship, any lapse in focus – even as brief as a blink – could have you kissing the canvas.

Mario Kart Wii

As an all-time favorite and a standard-bearing installment on every Nintendo console, Mario Kart Wii upholds its stellar reputation in the gaming world. It notably brought the game’s iconic kart racing to the online platform on a home console, a significant leap forward for the series. The game also introduced exciting features like bikes and tricks, adding a new dynamic to the largely unchanged gameplay that Mario Kart is known for. Although it may seem more tailored for a casual gaming audience, its core essence remains distinctly ‘Mario Kart’.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

“Skyward Sword represented a daring leap of faith. The game transformed a franchise – acclaimed for its trailblazing innovations over decades – by revamping its foundational controls and, in turn, its gameplay. The series’ emblematic hero, Link, no longer swung his sword at a button’s press; players were tasked with the challenge of precisely swinging the Wii remote. Motion gaming wasn’t just an added feature—it became the crux of the game, an experience that couldn’t be replicated with traditional controls. Beyond defining the Wii generation, Skyward Sword delivered an extraordinary Zelda journey, boasting some of the series’ most impressive dungeon designs and a gripping narrative that built to one of the most memorable game endings ever. To stand alongside and even outshine titans like Super Mario Galaxy, the Metroid Prime Trilogy, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl is no small feat. However, Skyward Sword, with its groundbreaking achievements in motion control, defining storytelling, and exemplary design, isn’t just an exceptional Wii game—it’s the pinnacle of Wii gaming.”

5 of the Best Video Games on Nintendo Switch

This is one console I want to add to my collection. I don’t play the best video games that often but Nintendo holds a special place in my heart. My brother, wife and I used to play Tetris and RC Pro AM on the original Nintendo and my kids and I used to play GoldenEye on N64. My youngest daughter says I will enjoy the Switch and that it has a lot of the best video games so I’m going to give it a shot and will likely grab a couple of these titles.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey represents a triumphant evolution of the series, thanks to the introduction of Mario’s novel companion, Cappy, who endows our beloved plumber with an array of unique abilities. This departure from the Mushroom Kingdom imbues Mario’s journey with a fresh perspective, even as it preserves the familiar nostalgia and retro appeal – rest assured, green pipes and ground pounds are still integral parts of the game. Essentially, this is Mario in his prime, and his latest escapade on the Switch is visually stunning.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart is another one of those classics I used to play with my kids and this one in the lineup looks incredibly fun.

The essence of the Nintendo journey isn’t truly captured until you’ve incited friendly rivalry by emerging victorious in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a staple on every Nintendo platform. The Switch was designed for this immediate, intuitive, and enjoyable gameplay. It supports local play for up to eight players, bringing to life the fantasy of starring in a Nintendo lifestyle advertisement. Furthermore, the Switch allows duo-play on a single console anytime, anywhere. Above all, this version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe represents the zenith of one of the best video games of all time, serving as the perfect example of the Switch’s potential greatness.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

We used to play the heck out of Pokemon Stadium but from what I hear, this one rocks in its own right. Pokemon Legends: Arceus delivers a breath of fresh air into the Pokemon franchise with its foray into an open-world format, creating a uniquely immersive experience. Situated in an era where Sinnoh was known as the Hisui region, the game is devoid of contemporary elements like cities, Pokemon Gyms, and trainers. Instead, it focuses on an explorative journey where players are tasked with unraveling the mysteries of the region and creating the very first Pokedex. Engaging with wild Pokemon in battles, capturing them, and training them to work alongside the in-game human characters to solve an intriguing mystery forms the crux of the gameplay. This shift in direction provides a refreshing departure from the traditional gameplay mechanics, marking a significant milestone for the series.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Another title I’m familiar with – though the kids always kicked my butt. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate raises the bar when it comes to character selection, boasting an impressive roster of 74 unlockable characters. This record-breaking list includes 11 entirely new characters, not counting those available via DLC. This diverse lineup offers an assortment of new fighters to master amidst intense battles. Yet, this is the best Super Smash Bros. game to date, displaying not only enhanced visuals but also intricately designed stages and improved character movements. The knockout animations have never been more gratifying. Moreover, there’s a robust single-player storyline that is sure to captivate players. All in all, it’s an exceptional package.

Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

For those seeking a nostalgic, dungeon-centric gaming experience on the Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a must-have. This remastered version revitalizes the Game Boy Colour classic – Link’s Awakening DX – by outfitting it with a distinctive, toy-like art aesthetic, making it one of the most visually appealing games on the Switch, while also being remarkably endearing. Even though it feels like a completely new game, it successfully retains the unique essence and narrative of the original, thus earning its place among the best video games currently available on the Switch.

In conclusion, the gaming landscape is filled with brilliant gems, boasting immersive narratives, exceptional gameplay, and groundbreaking mechanics. Whether you’re a PC or console player, there are a lot of good games available. The best video games above are certain to give you hours of entertainment.