PC gamers, you didn't think we were going to leave you out in the cold, did you?
How could we?! PC gamers make up a large chunk of the Gameflip community, and we want to show our appreciation for you, just as we did for our console players.
You might even say — we saved the best for last!
So, to bring our “Best of 2023” series to a close, we have the top 10 PC games that captivated us this year.
Let's get started!
Dredge
Something in the water. (Image Source: Dredge.game)
Release Date: March 30th, 2023
Metacritic: 80
There aren't many developers out there willing to mix cosmic horror with cozy game mechanics, but Black Salt Games accomplished that very thing with Dredge.
With nothing but a tiny (upgradeable) fishing boat, Dredge has you navigating treacherous waters, collecting all manner of fish (both normal and supernatural), and peeling back the fabric of reality to see the true face of madness in a fishing/management game like no other.
Oh, it's Lovecraftian. Did we mention that?
Ready or Not
John Wick is probably here somewhere. (Image Source: VoidInteractive.net)
Release Date: December 13th, 2023
Metacritic: 81
After some time in Early Access, the quintessential hostage situation simulator is here in all its glory.
Ready or Not by VOID Interactive is the spiritual successor to SWAT, the high-stakes tactical combat and cop simulator from ages past.
Brave tense situations with a squad of friends where every bullet counts, and danger lies around every corner. You're often outnumbered and always at a disadvantage, so relying on your gear and tactics is the only way to survive and save hostages.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Who needs roads? (Image Source: Team-Reptile.com)
Release Date: August 18th, 2023
Metacritic: 75
Let's face it, Jet Set Radio has been dead longer than it was alive by this point.
Thankfully, the series still has shooters out here besides those of us at Gameflip, including the awesome devs over at Team Reptile. In 2023, they gave us a spiritual successor to Sega's slick, futuristic graffiti skater with the impeccably named Bomb Rush Cyberfunk.
BRC has a massive city to explore and tamper with, a roster of awesome characters, and several different modes of transportation to spice up that classic Jet Set Radio gameplay. It's awesome, and it's funky.
Cyber-funky.
Sons of the Forest
So. Many. Arms. (Image Source: Endnight Games Twitter)
Release Date: February 23rd, 2023
Metacritic: NA (Early Access)
Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive
In 2023, we were able to return to the universe of The Forest.
The horrifying, mutated cannibals of one of 2018's finest sandbox survival games are back, and they have some new tricks. Sons of the Forest packs new features like a companion, better enemy AI, and a more vibrant island with even more secrets than the first game.
If you're looking for a terrifying experience with plenty of depth, Sons of the Forest is one of the best PC games to play in 2023.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
You can't go wrong with arm blades. (Image Source: Cyberpunk.net)
Release Date: September 26th, 2023
Metacritic: 89
Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 did come out several years ago.
It was... pretty broken.
Now though, it has received an enormous overhaul and some meaty content thanks to the latest expansion DLC from the wizards at CD Projekt Red — creators of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt. If you passed on Cyberpunk back then, there has never been a better time to get in and see one of the best open-world games of this generation.
Returnal
Frickin' laser beams! (Image Source: Housemarque.com)
Release Date: April 30th, 2023
Metacritic: 86
Returnal was a PlayStation exclusive when it launched several years ago, but it has followed other notable PlayStation releases in making the trek over to the PC side of things.
And guess what? Just like the other PlayStation ports, Returnal is way better on PC. If you have a gaming PC that can turn on all the bells and whistles (ray tracing!) while maintaining a solid framerate, the Returnal PC version blows the PS5 out of the water.
Definitely worth the wait.
Atomic Heart
Is that a vein monster? Yes. Yes it is. (Image Source: Mundfish.com)
Release Date: February 21st, 2023
Metacritic: 75
Atomic Heart is a bit of an anomaly.
The System Shock/Bioshock-inspired game was announced a few years ago, and it absolutely impressed with its world-building and visuals.
With the game finally in our hands this year, we can confirm that its dystopian utopia is every bit as interesting and fleshed out as you could want it to be, and the mix of tight gunplay and intricate powers is addicting.
Counter-Strike 2
Time to get the gang back together. (Image Source: Store.SteamPowered.com)
Release Date: September 27th, 2023
Metacritic: 83
After just over a decade of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive being the definitive CS experience, Valve dropped Counter-Strike 2 on all of us out of nowhere.
It's still the fast and intense gameplay that made the series a PC gaming stable for so long, but it has received a graphical overhaul along with plenty of quality-of-life improvements. You probably don't need us to convince you that this is awesome if you're already a Counter-Strike fan. But if you aren't now is a pretty good time to give it a try.
Lethal Company
Well, that's not good. IYSIH1 (Image Source: Store.SteamPowered.com)
Release Date: October 23rd, 2023
Metacritic: NA (Early Access)
Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive
Talking about new PC games, this one made it just before the finish line!
This is Lethal Company, a co-op horror game that combines the joyous terror of Phasmophobia with a IYSIH1 roster of unsettling entities that gives SCP a run for its money. Fly to distant moons to collect scrap for an ominous “Company”, all while you avoid the things that live in the facilities you're ransacking.
This is some of the most fun you can have with your friends in a PC game at the moment. Just... bring an extra pair of underwear.
Fortnite
There's just so much to play. For free! (Image Source: Fortnite.com)
Release Date: July 21st, 2017
Metacritic: 81
Surprise!
Yes, Fortnite is definitely taking the top spot for 2023, just as it has for many people every year since it came out.
As an experience, it continues to evolve in interesting ways that keep it relevant, and the addition of Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival has left us stunned. Fortnite is more than a whole game. It's several.
That's All, Folks!
Thank you, from all of us at Gameflip. (Image Source: Gameflip.com)
Gameflip community, we all want to thank you for your support this year.
It's certainly been an intriguing one, and we can't wait to share our plans for 2024 with you. For now though, remember to keep an eye out for the secret codes you can use in our Christmas giveaway (there might be one in this very blog), stay tuned to the Gameflip blog for all the latest news, and follow us on X, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook for more awesome saving tips from us.
