It's that time of year again, the year end recap of the games I completed throughout the year. This was the first time in a very long time that I actually completed some games! And I nearly completed a game every month! So that's like a two-fer right there! Now this list will contain a game that I played (and completed) years ago, but got another playthrough in 2023. So, anywho, let's dive right into my Top 5 games I completed in 2023!
5. Vampire Survivors
For a game that appears to be super simple, don't let the cover deceive you. Vampire Survivors has an calming/hectic feel to it. I played through Game Pass and honestly, I don't believe I would have spent the money to get this game when it came out. After playing it though, I had to support the developers directly and purchased it. Along with the DLC packs.
4. For the King
Corey and I have always hunted for good couch co-op games. Just something to play together, that has meaty gameplay hooks, and well. For The King delivers in spades. Seriously this game will challenge even the most hardcore of you. Random battles, procedurally generated maps and dungeons, random world bosses; it's great alongside a partner.
3. Gears of War
Released waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back towards the launch year of the Xbox 360, my close friend John (owner of mybrainongames.com) played and beat this bad boy. Excellent experience for anyone looking for a couch co-op third person shooter. The ultimate edition is what we just knocked off the list again and it was FIIIIIINE! Grab a friend and take the fight to the Horde!
2. TMNT: Shredder's Revenge
Another great game to play co-op with one or a group of friends. The trophies/achievements aren't too difficult so it's good for those achievement hunters out there and honestly it's just wonderful to have a classically-styled side-scrolling beat 'em up for modern consoles that is so well done. Right up there with Streets of Rage 4.
1. Sea of Stars
Alright! Within just 1st hour of playtime, Sea of Stars became the frontrunner here. Valere and Zale aren't the strongest characters in their own, but my God are they great with the ensemble cast. The star of the show is, of course, Garl. The kid does some INCREDIBLY heavy lifting, but fits the character and story perfectly. Someone that wants to go above and beyond for his friends and loved ones. And the way every character weaves in and out of each other's personal journey's is fantastic. This is a wonderful love letter to how great a game can be, even if it doesn't have the graphics of a Triple-A game where we can see the individual pores on the characters. I honestly can not think of a bad thing to say here. The combat is simple, but challenging and all the more rewarding once you have figured out the "Lock" system. Every place you visit is so unique and full of personality that once you've wrapped up everything in that area, you WANT to come back.
OH! And I can't name Sea of Stars my GAME OF THE YEAR without mentioning how GREAT the soundtrack is! Truly Eric Brown's work here holds up well to my favorite composer of all time, Nobuo Uematsu. Seriously, Sea of Stars soundtrack could stand with Uematsu's prime Final Fantasy days. Seriously, buy Sea of Stars, play the game, buy the soundtrack and bask in the absolute euphoria of emotions here.