Question:

1: How many video games are released in an average year these days?

THOUSANDS.

You read that right, pals. There are games released on every platform pretty much every day of the week (which is what wish lists are for) and yes, it’s just overwhelming beyond belief when you realize some days all you want is for time to slow down just so you can play and complete more games (well, that’s just me). In any event, here’s a very short list of a few titles that kept or are still keeping me occupied in 2023:

Marvel’s Midnight Suns (PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series S/X)- This took a while to get to, but I’m glad I finally decided to take the plunge. Admittedly, the whole licensed costume hero genre has played itself out, but once in a while, some developer gets it right and in a surprisingly well-done manner. Firaxis Games (Civilization XI, among other great titles) made a fun turn-based tactical game that got somewhat ignored at retail, but is worth a look just for the things it does somewhat excellently. It’s not for everyone, but I’m betting that people that don’t normally play these types of games will be surprised when they try it and see how well it all works together.

Wanted: Dead (PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series S/X)- Basically, this is the Binary Domain of PS4/PS5 releases, and if you’re grinning at that reference, good. This somewhat gory M-rated squad-based action game from developer Soleil has its quirks (lots of them), but it’s also a chunk of awesome, surreal fun once you roll with it and just play what’s here. The game feels like one of those funky PS2 titles like X-Squad, or a team-based State of Emergency mixed with goofy but awesome PS1 games such as Crisis Beat or Crisis City where more modern-ish Unreal 4 rendering techniques outstrip the core gameplay, which has loads of complexity under the hood once you discover it. Controls can be a bit wonky and death comes almost too easily in spots, but I’m having a blast with this one so far. Granted, this more of a “cult classic”, but if you want a game that’s surprisingly deep and equally insane, here you go.

That and the game may actually get you to gain a few extra pounds this holiday season:

Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery (PC, Consoles!)

OK, so you’re a frog with a magnifying glass, a sticker covered notebook AND a 2nd best detective of questionable quality (but, somehow always able to solve every case you get for reasons). Anyway, this compilation of all three adventures makes for a great gift for kids as well as adults looking for a no-stress, non violent way to spend an hour or two (or longer if you get into part three’s scooter riding sections and lose track of time (oops).

For all its simplicity, this is one of the the purest and most enjoyable titles of the year in my book. (Just don’t tell Lobster Cop).

Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi (PC, PS4/PS5, Switch)

Yes, it came out, what? Two years ago, but it’s never left my play stack in all that time. Developers Experience, Inc and Poppy Works have cooked up a hefty throwback to the classic Wizardry games with a 1979 Japan setting with a few twists to the formula that keep things fresh. While it can get incredibly tough at times, there’s always the feeling of “Just one more floor” as you navigate the labyrinth and all its various hazards. While I wish the character creation was a lot deeper, there are enough options to form the perfect party and the plot has more than enough twists and turns to keep you entertained. I’ve been taking my time with this because it’s so well made, yet so familiar…

Sword of the Vagrant (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox Series S/X, Switch)

Sure, the PC version came out in 2017, but I’d never heard of this game until earlier this year when a friend suggested I give it a shot. Yup, it hits almost every mark right from the start and even at a discount, comes highly recommended. Taking cues from Vanillaware’s classics as well as other side-scrolling RPG’s. there’s a pick up and play sensibility at work here along with pretty hand-crafted visuals you can pore over in the included digital artbook before you even start the game. It’s not 100 percent flawless, but it’s pretty much all enjoyable.

Alright, Let’s put a bow on this one and go post it. I’m going to go watch a movie and (of course) play a game after, but I’ll be back with another list shortly. It’s been a busy year and I may as well do this again (or more frequently).

-GW