As the sand in the hourglass of 2023 continues to run out, the Gameflip blog is continuing our "Best of 2023" series with the Top 10 Xbox Games of 2023. If you missed out on any of these Xbox games over the course of this year, now is the time to go back and check them out!
Note: since there were only so many Xbox-exclusive games released this year, some of the games on this list will be cross-platform games. We have done our best to include games that run best on Xbox.
Minecraft Legends
We don't usually rock with frogs but... this one is alright. (Image Source: Minecraft.net)
Release Date: April 18th, 2023
Metacritic: 71
Minecraft expanded beyond the bounds of the massively popular sandbox creation game it has come to be known for with 2023's Minecraft Legends. Published by Xbox Game Studios, this action strategy game blends the inherent boxy charm of Minecraft with intense co-op RTS action, making it fun for kids and fans of strategy games.
Forza Motorsport
For when you have the Need for Speed...wait. (Image Source: Forza.net)
Release Date: October 10th, 2023
Metacritic: 85
The eighth installment of Turn 10 Studios' Forza Motorsport series dropped the number on its title in favor of a reboot of sorts for the series. Utilizing the power of Xbox Series X and S, this racing game is about as realistic in its visuals and simulations as you can get on the console today. And since it will always be on Xbox Game Pass, there's an easy way to try it out!
Age of Empires 4
Trade your Modern Warfare for some Medieval Warfare. (Image Source: AgeofEmpires.com)
Release Date: August 22nd, 2023
Metacritic: 81
The long-running strategy game Age of Empires got its 4th installment for PC in 2021, but it made its console debut on Xbox consoles in 2023. Packing eight civilizations and 5 single-player campaigns along with signature competitive online matches, it definitely makes a good showing on home consoles.
Dead Island 2
You don't have to be alive to get buff. It just helps. (Image Source: DeadIsland.com)
Release Date: April 21st, 2023
Metacritic: 76
Many said that a sequel to one of 2011's most interesting games would never happen. But, after over a decade of development hell, Dead Island 2 is finally here - and it's pretty awesome. A new setting, the delightfully gory Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids (F.L.E.S.H.), and taut action are just some of the things that make Dead Island 2 one of the best games of the year for Xbox.
Alan Wake 2
He's safe... as long as his batteries done die. (Image Source: AlanWake.com)
Release Date: October 27th, 2023
Metacritic: 94
Another long-awaited sequel blew us out of the water this year with its stunning graphical quality and bizarrely intriguing story - Alan Wake 2. Arriving 13 years after the first game, Alan Wake 2 effectively expands the Remedy Connected Universe, introduces a new character in FBI Agent Saga Anderson, and sets up the legendary studio for even weirder games in the future. Hold on to your hats for Control 2, ya'll.
Lies of P
You thought the Blood-Starved Beast was scary? Check this guy out. (Image Source: LiesofP.com)
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Metacritic: 84
The term Soulslike gets thrown around a lot, but Lies of P is probably the first Bloodborne-like to hit our radars. With its unique Pinocchio-based story and characters, it's certainly memorable. Also, if a game feels like Bloodborne - it's already a winner in our book.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Release Date: August 25th, 2023
Metacritic: 82
Speaking of Bloodborne, Fromsoftware made a glorious return to another one of their beloved franchises this year with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. The mecha action game was heavy on the spectacle, with some of the most epic setpieces we've seen in several years. Sure, we almost broke our controllers a few times, but Armored Core VI is one of the best Xbox Series X games 2023 has to offer.
Mortal Kombat 1
Release Date: September 14th, 2023
Metacritic: 85
We were lucky enough to be graced with another Mortal Kombat game this year, and it also happens to be the perfect entry point for new fans. The gripping story of Mortal Kombat 1 is both a sequel to MK11 and a reboot of the entire franchise! With even more stomach-turning fatalities and an exciting roster of bonus characters that include Omni Man from Invincible, it's safe to say that Mortal Kombat 1 will be around for a while.
Hi-Fi Rush
Release Date: January 25th, 2023
Metacritic: 87
One of the biggest surprises of 2023 was Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush. A far cry from their previous games, Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-action game with some interesting gameplay mechanics. Namely, every single thing in the game is synched to a beat. It's awesome, and for many, it was the best Xbox Series X game of the year. In January!
Starfield
Release Date: September 6th, 2023
Metacritic: 83
If you have an Xbox Series X and suddenly chose to become an Xbox Game Pass subscriber in September 2023, it was probably just for Starfield. Bethesda Game Studios' epic, open-world (open universe?) action RPG definitely had more hype behind it than other games this year, but only Xbox players got to enjoy this one thanks to console exclusivity. The sci-fi epic quickly became a defining game for Xbox, and a technical showcase for next-gen consoles.
Get the Best Games of the Year with Gameflip
While this blog was all about Xbox, Gameflip caters to gamers across all platforms and services. Whether you want to buy your games directly for awesome discounts, or if you want to collect a stack of Xbox gift cards, PlayStation Store gift cards, or Nintendo eShop gift cards to grab your games from those stores, we have your back.
Gameflip is your one-stop shop for all things gaming, and the Gameflip blog is the place to be for all of the latest happenings in our marketplace. For even more Gameflip goodness, you can follow us on X, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook.
Until next time, remember that you shouldn't have to pay full price for the awesome games you want, and you'll never have to with Gameflip.
