As the new year gets underway, PC gamers around the world are eagerly anticipating the release of some of the biggest and most exciting titles yet to come. From highly-anticipated sequels to groundbreaking new IPs, there's something on the horizon for every type of gamer. Here are some of the most anticipated PC games of 2023 that you won't want to miss:
images credits: TechSpot
1. Resident Evil 4
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Genre: Survival horror, over-the-shoulder
Release date: March 24, 2023
Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror game with an over-the-shoulder perspective that gives an updated gameplay experience. Capcom, the game's developer, has received acclaim for its remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3, so fans eagerly anticipated the same level of quality in Resi 4.
Before Resident Evil's switch to a first-person perspective, Resident Evil 4 was considered the best game in the series. The game features an overhaul of its original systems and with updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and controls. While Capcom assures fans that the reimagined storyline will "preserve the essence of the original game," early hands-on reviews suggested that it was too similar to the original.
If you enjoy Dead Space, Resident Evil games before Resi 7, or remakes, then Resident Evil 4 is definitely worth buying. The famous over-the-shoulder perspective remains, and with its updated gameplay, graphics, and storyline, the game provides a fresh, exciting experience for both old fans and newcomers to the series.
2. Dead Space
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Genre: Survival horror, over-the-shoulder
Release date: January 27, 2023
Dead Space, is a survival horror game that promised to scare the pants off of players. Fans of the original Dead Space series and other horror games like The Callisto Protocol, Resident Evil 4, and anyone who enjoys feeling terrified should try out this one.
It has been a decade since gamers last played as Isaac Clarke in Dead Space 3, making the return of the Necromorphs long overdue. The new game has been rebuilt from the ground up, using the Frostbite engine instead of the outdated RenderWare engine to provide improved visuals. The limb dismemberment mechanic, a hallmark of the series, has been updated to make it look more realistic with the Peeling system. This allows players to carve through multiple layers of Necromorph flesh, tendons, and bones to remove a limb, and even use dismembered body parts as weapons.
While some remakes of classic games fall short of expectations, EA promised that Dead Space will not disappoint. The recommended specs, which include at least a Ryzen 5 5600X or a Core i5-11600K and at least a Radeon RX 6700 XT or an RTX 2070, suggest that this will be a visually stunning experience. Fans of horror games should prepare themselves for a wild ride when they try out Dead Space.
3. Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
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Genre: First-Person Shooter/Survival
Release date: December 2023
Recommended for fans of: Previous Stalker games, Metro Exodus, and post-apocalyptic settings
After nearly a decade of waiting, fans of the Stalker series are finally getting their wish with the upcoming release of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Originally announced in 2018, the game faced significant setbacks, including a cancellation and a controversy surrounding NFT integration. However, after dropping the NFT plans and overcoming development challenges caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Stalker 2 is finally set to arrive this December.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts stunning visuals, as confirmed in the latest trailer released in December. To experience the game's full graphical potential, players are recommended to have at least an Nvidia RTX 2070 Super, Radeon RX 5700 XT, or Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti.
Set in the exclusion Zone around the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, players will face a range of dangers, from anomalies and mutants to bandits and new enemies. The game promises to deliver an experience that both fans of the original series and new players can enjoy.
Overall, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2023, and fans are eager to get their hands on it this December.
4. Company of Heroes 3
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release date: February 23, 2023
Company of Heroes 3 was released on February 23, 2023, and real-time strategy fans were thrilled to have the franchise back after years of waiting. The 2006 original is still considered one of the greatest RTS games of all time, and the third entry did not disappoint.
CoH 3 includes two full campaigns that take place during World War II, one in North Africa and the other in Italy. Relic Entertainment added features such as the tactical pause in single-player mode, which is a welcome addition for those who feel overwhelmed by so much happening at once on the battlefield.
In addition, the game features fully destructible environments, verticality that affects units' line of sight, and a dynamic campaign map that allows players to oversee everything in the war, offering full "sandbox-style" gameplay, according to Relic.
Although Sega announced a three-month delay to Company of Heroes 3 back in October, the wait was worth it. Fans got to experience the full game, and it did not disappoint.
5. Diablo IV
Genre: Hack-n-Slash ARPG
Release date: June 6, 2023
If you're tired of Diablo Immortal's aggressive monetization and mobile-first design, and want a different version of Blizzard's popular RPG franchise, then you're in luck. Diablo IV, a hack-n-slash ARPG, is set to release on June 6, 2023.
Blizzard has a lot to prove to disappointed fans after the commercial success of Diablo Immortal. They promise an open world that will appeal to both newbies and hardcore veterans, with features such as PvP zones, eight-player bosses, and world tiers that unlock after reaching level 50. In terms of monetization, Diablo IV will be a full-price game with a Cosmetics Shop and Season Pass, both of which have free and premium tiers.
However, Blizzard emphasizes that none of these options will offer pay-for-power advantages. Some Blizzard employees are skeptical that the June 6 release date will be met, so a delay is possible.
6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Genre: Action-adventure
Release date: March 17, 2023
7. Hogwarts Legacy
Genre: Action, role-playing
Release date: February 10, 2023
Hogwarts Legacy, an open-world action RPG set in the world of Harry Potter, was one of the most anticipated games among Steam users prior to its release on February 10, 2023. Its setting within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, complete with potion-making, spellcasting, dark wizards, and mythical creatures, made it seem like the perfect setting for an RPG.
Set in 1890, the game allows players to control their own customized Hogwarts student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Being able to select which Hogwarts house to join, each with its own unique traits and companions, was a highlight for fans of the books and movies.
With Simon Pegg lending his voice to the character of headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black, it's no wonder people were excited about this game.
8. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Genre: Third-person action-adventure
Release date: May 26, 2023
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios and set in the DC Universe. It will be released on May 26, 2023, and is a continuation of the legendary Batman Arkham games.
The game features an open-world setting where players control one of four supervillain misfits, including Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, and King Shark. The others are controlled by the AI but can be taken over by the main player at any time. Alternatively, you can invite three friends to participate in co-op multiplayer mode.
The storyline follows Brainiac's takeover of the Justice League, including Superman, Batman, The Flash, and the Green Lantern. The Suicide Squad must track them down and free the heroes before taking on the big bald baddie.
Although there were concerns about an aggressive monetization system, the trailers look great. The game was delayed to launch into 2023, with the new release date being May 26. Despite the disappointment of Gotham Knights, Warner Bros. could redeem itself with this return to the DC Universe, especially as it appeals to fans of the Batman Arkham series, DC comics, and Harley Quinn.
9. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Genre: CRPG
Release date: Most Likely 2023
Warhammer 40,000 fans have been waiting for a long time for a CRPG game, and Owlcat, the developer behind the Pathfinder series, has finally created one in the form of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. This game offers players the opportunity to control a Space Marine, an Aeldari Ranger, and a Sister of Battle, make fateful decisions and engage in high-impact turn-based battles.
Despite no official release date being given, the game is currently in closed alpha testing with a beta version scheduled for 2023. Fans are hopeful that the final version will launch before the year's end. If you're a fan of Games Workshop or games like Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Divinity: Original Sin 2, or Wasteland 3, this game might be worth checking out.
10. Homeworld 3
Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
Release date: First half of 2023
Homeworld 3, the long-awaited third installment in the Homeworld series, is finally set to release in the first half of 2023. Developed by Blackbird Interactive, the studio founded by the art director of the first game, Rob Cunningham, and responsible for the Homeworld Remastered Collection, the game promises to offer the same classic RTS space experience that made the first two games so beloved. Fans can expect to control multiple ships in 3D space while enjoying the fantastic music that has become a hallmark of the series. Additionally, Homeworld 3 introduces a roguelike cooperative mode, adding an exciting new dimension to the gameplay.
11. Baldur's Gate 3
Genre: CRPG
Release date: August 31, 2023
Baldur's Gate 3 has been available on Steam early access since October 2020, but it remains one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. The full 1.0 release is set to arrive in August, and fans of the classic CRPG originals and newer games in the genre, like Divinity: Original Sin 2, should be prepared to take some time off work to fully immerse themselves in the game.
Feedback from players participating in the early access program has been overwhelmingly positive, with most criticisms aimed at the amount of time Larian Studios is taking to finalize the game. The game is being hailed as the most advanced virtual tabletop game ever made, which bodes well for fans of all things Dungeons & Dragons. Baldur's Gate 3 is definitely at the top of this writer's list of must-buy games.
12. Atomic Heart
Genre: First-person Shooter
Release date: February 21, 2023
Atomic Heart, developed by Mundfish, takes place in an alternative Soviet Union in 1955 and features aggressive robots and other machines, leading many to assume that it is simply a Bioshock clone. However, according to early reviews, the game is hard to pigeonhole, with a mix of different genre styles packed into it. It appears to be more of a straight-up shooter than an immersive sim, with crafting, a mix of open-world and linear sections, plenty of gunplay and melee weapons, and surreal and slightly erotic elements. Atomic Heart is also one of 2023's best-looking games, which was released on February 21. It is available on PC Game Pass, so subscribers can try it out.
13. Starfield
Genre: RPG, space sim
Release date: September 6, 2023
Starfield is an upcoming RPG and space sim game that has generated a lot of hype, which it will have to live up to when it is released in September 6, 2023. The game promises to allow players to visit 1,000 different worlds across 100 systems, which could be overwhelming for some, although there is no active landing on planets. Bethesda has a track record of creating massive and immersive RPGs, so fans of Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Mass Effect will likely find something to enjoy here. One of Starfield's unique features is its character creator, which offers deep customization options, including the ability to choose backgrounds like Professor, Gangster, Chef, and Combat Medic. Players can customize their ships as well. Bethesda will undoubtedly want to avoid the issues faced by Cyberpunk 2077 and ensure that Starfield is as polished as possible before releasing it.
Here are some games that are worth mentioning as potential releases in 2023:
Alan Wake 2: Fans of the original survival horror game have been waiting for a sequel for over a decade, and Remedy Entertainment has finally announced it. Not much is known about the plot or gameplay, but the trailer suggests it will be another psychological thriller.
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania: This is a standalone expansion to the critically acclaimed roguelike action platformer Dead Cells. It promises to be a love letter to the classic Castlevania games, with new enemies, bosses, and environments to explore.
Hades 2: Supergiant Games' hack-and-slash roguelike was a surprise hit in 2020, winning numerous awards and accolades. While the studio has not officially announced a sequel, the game's success makes it highly likely.
Lies of P: This is an upcoming RPG from the developers of the popular Pillars of Eternity series. The game promises a deep, branching story that adapts to player choices, as well as real-time combat and a unique magic system.
Remnant 2: Remnant: From the Ashes was a sleeper hit in 2019, blending third-person shooting with Souls-like difficulty and procedurally generated levels. Its sequel promises to build on the first game's strengths and introduce new features and enemies.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series: The popular sci-fi TV show is getting its own episodic adventure game from the makers of The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us. Players will make decisions as various characters in the Expanse universe, affecting the story's outcome.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: The first Space Marine game was a fun, if flawed, third-person shooter set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Its sequel promises to improve on the original's mechanics and offer more variety in weapons and enemies.
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