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10 great Windows PC games from 2023

The previous year was exceptional for PC gaming, abundant with significant launches and indie treasures.

The previous year was remarkable for PC gaming, offering a diverse selection of major titles and indie games.

Vector collage featuring art from Baldur’s Gate 3 in the shape of a game controller.
Vector collage featuring art from Baldur’s Gate 3 in the shape of a game controller.
The Verge / Image courtesy of Larian Studios
Jon Porter
Jon Porter With five years of expertise in covering consumer tech releases, EU tech policies, online platforms, and mechanical keyboards, I offer valuable insights.

The gaming industry anticipates 2023 as a pivotal year marked by significant challenges, demanding continuous adaptation to remain competitive. Baldur’s Gate 3 Revitalized a 20-year-old PC franchise successfully, alongside introducing smaller projects. Slay the Princess Indie games underscore the valuable role that PCs play in the gaming sector.

Given the widespread availability of games across multiple platforms, our attention will be directed towards highlighting PC games that represent the ultimate gaming experience in 2023. We aim to feature a varied selection of titles that truly showcase the best of what PC gaming has to offer. Slay the Princess Apart from computer-exclusive games, there are also titles designed to provide seamless gaming experience using a mouse and keyboard. Baldur’s Gate 3 Discover PC games with distinctive visual elements for an enhanced gaming adventure. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty or Alan Wake 2 ’s ray tracing).

No matter how you categorize them, the ten games listed below are a fantastic option for enhancing your PC game library with the best releases of the year. Whether you are looking for a leisurely game for a laptop or a challenging one to push your high-performance desktop to its limits, this compilation caters to a wide range of preferences.


Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3.
Image: Larian Studios

Developing video games inspired by the complex world of Dungeons & Dragons presents a significant challenge. This beloved tabletop RPG boasts a deep well of lore and regulations, empowering gamers to unleash boundless imagination. Larian Studios masterfully encapsulated the core of D&D, offering a genuine and engaging gameplay adventure. Baldur’s Gate 3 Approaching the level of freedom offered by the tabletop game.

In Baldur’s Gate 3 If you can envision it, you can probably accomplish it. From hurling a gnome through a village to befriending a pack of ravenous giant spiders or outsmarting tough foes with clever banter and unwavering resolve, the opportunities are boundless. This strategic role-playing game caters not only to Dungeons & Dragons aficionados but also extends a warm invitation to novices unfamiliar with the realm of a 20-sided dice. And of course, one cannot overlook the exhilarating bear confrontation that lies ahead.

Virtually every aspect of the game invites exploration. In addition to crafting a unique character to navigate the Sword Coast, selecting one of the many romantic companions provides access to a wide range of special content. Players striving for perfection will undoubtedly engage in numerous replays to experience everything the game offers. Despite dedicating more than 350 hours to playing, I still encounter new areas, objects, personalities, and concealed mysteries, indicating that my gaming adventure is far from over. Baldur’s Gate 3 Well into the new year, the launch of a DLC by Larian might result in my prolonged absence from family events. - Jess Weatherbed


Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2.
Image: Remedy Entertainment

At its core Alan Wake 2 An innovative survival horror game combines police procedural elements and live-action seamlessly. The flawless integration of real actors creates stunning graphics in this unique 2023 gaming experience, leaving players in awe.

The core concept of the follow-up stays true to the initial game: use light to weaken foes and then employ traditional arms to overcome them. Alan Wake 2 Building upon this concept, the game offers a fresh angle. In this version, gamers step into the shoes of protagonist Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson. They investigate the puzzling disappearance of a writer with shades of Stephen King. As they advance, the narrative reveals more about the writer trapped in a chilling story of his own. are As Wake, you wield the authority to transform the storyline, changing the core of the universe itself.

Immerse yourself in a captivating audiovisual adventure on your PC, as Remedy delivers exceptional support for an unparalleled gaming journey. latest and greatest ray-tracing technologies For optimal immersion, utilize headphones or a surround sound system. The unsettling murmurs of silhouettes beckoning Alan will evoke a spine-tingling sensation. - Jon Porter


Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
Image: CD Projekt Red

Various elements contributed to the choice for reassessment. Cyberpunk 2077 This year stands out as a crucial point in the game's evolution. With three years of consistent updates and improvements, the gameplay has reached its peak, notably after the latest 2.0 update. Moreover, CD Projekt Red has effectively incorporated Nvidia's state-of-the-art graphical advancements, showcasing a dedication to enriching the player's immersion. support for path tracing , frame generation , or Ray Reconstruction .

But it was Phantom Liberty In my view, the standout element of the latest game update is the introduction of a significant side quest brimming with new characters and captivating locations waiting to be explored. Idris Elba's portrayal of Solomon Reed, a secretive agent with ever-changing loyalties and a rich history, is truly exceptional. The entire ensemble delivers top-notch performances, and the game presents a variety of mission genres to engage with during the gameplay.

The extension might not be short, but it seems focused and precise in contrast to the extensive breadth of the initial content. Cyberpunk 2077 Rediscover the mesmerizing brilliance of Night City's neon lights. Phantom Liberty Explore the best of what it offers with this outstanding chance. – Jon Porter


Dave the Diver

Dave the Diver.
Image: Mintrocket

Dave the Diver This unique fusion of different genres may seem unlikely, yet it surprisingly proves to be quite successful.

Fundamentally, it’s best described as a roguelike spearfishing exploration game, where you hunt fish and search for treasures underwater. That’s a lot of fun on its own, but there’s a whole other layer to the game where you make use of your finds in a sushi restaurant, which adds a Diner Dash Improve your abilities using an innovative time management strategy within the roguelike gaming category.

The resulting loop is incredibly fun to dive Elevated by the mesmerizing art style and character concepts within the game. - Jay Peters


Chants of Sennaar

Chants of Sennaar.
Image: Rundisc

Reflecting on the connection between language and culture is comparable to contemplating the eternal dilemma of what existed first - the chicken or the egg. Language and culture are tightly intertwined: language molds the concepts we can express and understand. Translating involves more than just converting words; it requires building cultural connections and acknowledging the subtleties that impact the capacity of people using different languages to communicate efficiently.

That, then, is the core premise of Chants of Sennaar While ascending a colossal edifice, you meet various residents, delve into their languages, and uncover the core of their civilizations. Echoing its forerunners, this journey offers a distinctive mix of recognizable components intertwined in an innovative and enchanting manner. Heaven’s Vault , Tunic , the Myst series, Journey , and half a dozen others.

When evaluating each separate component independently, not all of them operate perfectly. Certain extended stealth sections and a notably difficult concealed doorway could have been excluded. Nevertheless, when combined, these elements come together to create a wholly distinctive and splendid entity. This parallels the essence of language. Despite a finite set of letters and words, we have the capacity to produce a limitless variety of innovative expressions and modes of interaction. Chants of Sennaar Effective communication plays a crucial role in achieving success. - Kate Cox


Viewfinder

Viewfinder.
Image: Sad Owl Studios

I am incensed that people are not talking about Viewfinder During the year, the captivating puzzle game with optical illusions stood out as an outstanding short-form gaming adventure, offering a unique experience.

Observing a presentation about X made my ideas melt away, escaping through my ears. immediately I subscribed to the X game's account on Twitter in its early stages to stay updated. Viewfinder Immerse yourself completely in a unique experience - a step unlike any other. The game's core idea is simple yet mind-bending: take a photo with a Polaroid camera, shake it, and witness the surroundings transform to reflect its image.

Throughout the game, this fundamental idea evolves into a more complex but still solvable puzzle. Occasionally, finding a solution might appear unattainable, requiring strategic positioning of an image to open up a route to liberation. Duplicating images can be a tactic to recreate vital components. Certain tangible objects are impervious to the image's impact. On the contrary, placing an image over specific items could lead to their obliteration, obstructing progress by harming crucial tools or granting entry to areas that were formerly off-limits. Viewfinder is much like Portal The complex puzzle layout in the game is complemented by an engaging plot, introducing depth to the gaming environment. - Ash Parrish


Slay the Princess

Slay the Princess.
Image: Black Tabby Games

In the realm of video games, princesses have often symbolized the ultimate prize. Yet, in this game crafted by the developers of... Scarlet Hollow Get ready for an extraordinary turn of events: rather than saving the princess, contemplate the bold choice of confronting her. Rescuing her could result in disastrous outcomes. This game defies conventional gaming standards, providing unforeseen and exhilarating experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

Slay the Princess This interactive story emphasizes choices, exploring different results, and revealing numerous paths for you to explore and make decisions. a lot The intricate pathways unfold endlessly, continuously presenting new surprises with each twist and turn. Every move uncovers fresh options and unforeseen meetings. Enjoying the discovery of delicate details, I take pleasure in the enigma that is central to this journey. Who am I really? What motivates me to keep moving forward? And why does a persistent inner voice push me to defeat the princess?

The game is short; I completed it in three hours. It offers various choices and outcomes, where each decision matters, creating a intricate network of possibilities. Nier Automata Comprehending the core of this game may take multiple playthroughs. Yet, through engaging narrative, stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and outstanding voiceover work, every gaming session stands out as distinctive and captivating. — Ash Parrish


System Shock

System Shock.
Image: Nightdive Studios

The System Shock The remake stands out as a remarkable and long-awaited accomplishment. This faithful reinterpretation of a survival horror classic, almost 30 years old, manages to capture the essence of navigating through a labyrinth under the watch of a quasi-omnipotent deity. Regardless of familiarity with the original version, the outcome is an unconventional and successful shooter game that surpasses its initial challenging stages.

The plot of System Shock In a familiar setting, you find yourself aboard a space station where an artificial intelligence called SHODAN has gone rogue. The updated version brings back the original voice of SHODAN, Terri Brosius, who will interact with you as you explore Citadel Station. The intricate level designs and unique weapons from the original game remain, offering players the challenge of navigating through corridors while using a variety of weapons, from basic tools like a lead pipe and a pistol to advanced futuristic laser swords and time-altering substances. Modernized controls replace the outdated 90s version, and contemporary graphics enhance the ambiance of Citadel Station with a mix of modern and retro aesthetics. As of now, the game is exclusively available on PC due to a delay in the console release.


World of Horror

World of Horror.
Image: panstasz

World of Horror ’s most obvious draw is its monochrome art style, inspired by manga legend Junji Ito. The roleplaying game touches on numerous Ito themes alongside various Japanese urban legends, putting you in the shoes of a young person whose small town is going mad thanks to a supernatural force. But its biggest triumph is a clever fusion of compelling worldbuilding and semi-random gameplay elements. It can suck you into the same set of short mysteries over and over in hopes of discovering new endings, characters, and strategies, slowly filling out its spooky setting while delivering a real sense of achievement.

World of Horror The compact development group launched the product during its early access stage. over three years ago The most recent update of the game presents numerous fresh characteristics and obstacles as opposed to its original launch in 2020. While available on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, its point-and-click design appears most compatible with computers. In contrast to some other games, this particular one does not put a strain on your graphic card.


Cocoon

Cocoon.
Image: Geometric Interactive

Not since Portal 2 has a puzzle game made me feel as smart as Cocoon , the new release from ex- Limbo and Inside Under the direction of Jeppe Carlsen, the game showcases an unidentified creature exploring isometric environments with minimal controls - a single button and an analog stick.

The game stands out with its step-by-step introduction of the game world's mechanics, skillfully leading players through its increasing intricacy. Its excellence is rooted in its simplicity. Many puzzles revolve around different orbs, offering unique powers and unlocking hidden levels. Soon enough, players find themselves captivated by the quest for collecting these orbs. inside Exploring innovative fields, maximizing their potential in ever-changing and creative ways.

The complexity of the game may appear daunting at first, but the gradual introduction of new skills ensures they are easily grasped. Mastering intricate puzzles becomes a satisfying experience without the burden of excessive frustration. — Feedback from Jon Porter