As previously mentioned, 2023 was rough for game devs, but there’s no denying it was a remarkable year for releases. So given all the amazing new games I played this year, it says even more about how special Baldur’s Gate 3 was - because when it came time to think about GOTY, it was not even close. BG3 is an incredibly special, once in a generation game the likes of which we likely won’t see again for some time.

I was ready to bounce off, intimidated by its depth and pacing, but this game is truly something else. Great writing, VA, world design and more than anything, an obscene level of player agency.

Basically Genshin but sci-fi instead of fantasy, and turn-based instead of realtime combat. The intro tutorial is painful, but push through and it becomes pretty fun. Lock up your wallet.

An interesting take from atop the shoulders of Slay the Spire. Not quite as fun and somehow not quite as deep, but relatively addictive and room for lots of variety.

My worries for such a fundamental shift, turning Darkest Dungeon into a roguelite, are completely quashed. Its predecessors brutal, punishing heart is still here, inside an absolute masterclass in presentation.

A roguelike which plays like a tabletop cardgame in which your inventory management itself defines how combat plays out. An interesting concept allowing for dynamic builds. Could do with some UX love.

A relatively short, and undeniably Tiny version of Darkest Dungeon. Could do with a bit of a QOL uplift, but still very fun and superb value for money. Cute, compelling strategy, and great music.

Hate the visual design, love the game. Scratches the Slay the Spire itch, but with its own compelling & distinct design. Very more-ish, just stick with it through the intense tutorial. Really cool.

Chess with a shotgun. Gets a bit deeper as you play, and deceptively satisfying. Cool packaging of a neat little concept and worth a look.

Well put-together and crazy addictive autobattler slot machine. Obviously hugely RNG dependent, but fun enough to keep coming back.