FROW's Favourite Video Games - Last Half of 2023🎮

We have been treated to some amazing games this year and after a slow few years with the pandemic causing the development of games to slow down, it is finally picking back up again with 2023 being the year of some of the best games in a long time. Some of these titles have been anticipated for years and sure didn’t let us down. 2024 is just around the corner - here are our top picks of the last half of the year, to see what we picked for the first half, click here. Now let's get into our faves!

Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC / PS5 / Xbox X/S) - £49.99

This list wouldn’t be credible if Baldur's Gate 3 wasn’t mentioned. Winning several GOTY awards, this game is not one to miss. Dive into a visually stunning critically acclaimed RPG adventure by Larian Studios. Play solo or with your friends and face strategic turn-based combat to shape your destiny in a captivating Dungeons & Dragons experience that is truly like no other where your choices allow your story to be unique to you.

Everspace 2 (PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X/S) - £44.99

This space combat is perfect for Sci-Fi fans who are looking for a new game to get into. Embark on an interstellar odyssey with this RPG sequel to the 2017 game. With mesmerizing space battles and an engaging storyline, you will be wanting to experience this adrenaline-pumping combat and great visuals that you wouldn’t have expected from this retro-feel Kickstarter project. After PC players got to play for a few months before everyone else and we know console users will have jumped to play this when it was released and if you haven’t, this is your sign from the universe.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (PC / PS4 / PS5 / Xbox One / Xbox X/S) - £33.50+

This asymmetrical survival will get you to immerse yourself in the nightmarish world of Leatherface and his relentless pursuit. Navigate through chilling maps, solve horrifying mysteries, and brace yourself for heart-stopping encounters. With cinematic visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack, this game resurrects the iconic horror franchise, offering players an interactive way to enjoy their favourite horror in a spine-tingling journey on a mission to escape.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk (PC / PS4 / PS5 / Xbox One / Xbox X/S / Switch) - £33.50+

This indie action-adventure platform will have you gliding through a neon-soaked future with thrilling fusion of high-energy skating, vibrant graffiti, and a soundtrack with great beats. Experience this visually stunning game as you master tricks, ride neon waves, and groove to the beat in this electrifying game that captures the essence of style and rebellion. Fans of Jet Set Radio will have a liking to this very similar title.

Starfield (PC / Xbox X/S) - £59.99+

From the director of the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series comes Starfield, another Sci-Fi title this year. Bethesda Game Studios brings us an celestial odyssey where you can escape reality and land yourself in breathtaking visuals, explore alien landscapes, and engage in many quests. This highly anticipated game promises an enjoyable journey with promises of many more DLCs and updates in the future. If it sounds like your kinda thing why not give it a go?

Mortal Kombat 1 (PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X/S / Switch) - £59.99+

Prepare for the a nostalgia hit with the rebirth of a classic franchise as Mortal Kombat made a stunning return in 2023. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 1 reboots the series, while retaining its iconic visceral combat experience. Engage in brutal battles, execute spine-chilling fatalities, and witness iconic characters new and old brought to life with cutting-edge visuals. Mortal Kombat 1 is not just a nostalgic trip but a fresh take on the legendary fighting game, inviting both newcomers and longtime fans to embrace a new era of brutality.

Pikmin 4 (Switch) - £49.99

Dive into the enchanting world of Pikmin 4, Nintendo's latest installment in the beloved franchise. Start your adventure singleplayer or with a friend in this real-time strategy game where you play as a customisable character commanding adorable Pikmin and solving puzzles in this charming low difficulty game. With Nintendo's trademark creativity, heartwarming visuals, and imaginative gameplay, Pikmin 4 promises a whimsical journey filled with discovery and camaraderie. Get ready to lead these cute companions on an unforgettable quest, as this eagerly anticipated addition to the Pikmin series graces the gaming landscape.

Remnant 2 (PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X/S) - £41.99+

This sequel is great for all shooter fans who like to customise the way they play as you can pick a class to suit your play style. With the archetype system, players can experience where biomes are randomised and will give one of two unique storylines in each as well as events, side quests and even mini bosses within them. Gunfire Games' sequel promises intense combat, dynamic worlds, and a gripping narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting. Unveil mysteries and face otherworldly threats where you adventure through the multiverse which is set after the final DLC released for its predecessor.

Faefarm (PC / Switch) - £29.99+

This is a game we have already covered here at FROW, but if you missed it lets break it down a bit. Any lover of cosy games will have heard of this title as one of the most anticipated of the genre. Bringing together a mix of all things Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley with a blend of magic creating a whimsical twist to the well known and love farming sims. It provides a chill gaming session jampacked with the most delightful scenery of Azoria and complex characters where you feel like part of a community.

Lies of P (PC / PS4 / PS5 / Xbox One / Xbox Series X/S) - £49.99

This Belle Époque third-person action RPG is inspired by Carlo Collodi’s novel ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ and tells the story of the robot puppet Pinocchio who has to fight his way through the fictional city of Krat to stop the puppet revolt and a mysterious illness mutating the citizens of Krat. Its ‘lying system’ changes the course of the game based on decisions made with 3 different endings. A tale of deceit and intrigue with gripping storytelling and atmospheric visuals where you're taken on an immersive journey into the shadows where you tell lies to find the truth.

Party Animals ( PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series) - £15.49

As the name suggests, this riotous experience is definitely best with lots of friends. Adding another physics-based competitive brawler game into the mix but with a cute and appealing charm. Dark humour contrasts the cutesy graphics and characters but what can you expect from a game where you have kittens and bunnies headbutting and even hitting each other with frying pans and nunchucks? This game is definitely a good addition to have for the holiday season when spending time with family.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5) - £69.99

Swing into action with the beloved Spider-Man 2 game, developed by Insomniac Games. This sequel did not disappoint giving us an exhilarating free roam open-world experience as you step back into the shoes of the iconic web-slinger. Navigate a sprawling city, battle enemies both new and old, and unravel a gripping narrative that weaves together the two characters of Peter Parker from the live action and Miles Morales from the animation films. With Insomniac's proven mastery, expect stunning visuals, dynamic gameplay, and a great addition to the Spider-Man saga.

Super Marios Bros. Wonder (Switch) - £49.99

Embark on an enchanting journey with the newest and most courageous addition to the Super Mario Bros. franchise. This visually fun adventure seamlessly blends beloved and classic charm being the first traditional side-scrolling Super Mario game since 2012 with modern excitement. Join Mario in a delightful quest through captivating levels, ingenious new power-ups, and iconic antagonists, which promises joy for players of all ages. This is one we cannot put down.

We can't wait to see what 2024 has in store for us! Don't forget to let us know on our *drum roll🥁*  brand new FROW Gaming twitter/X what you think about this years' releases and what other titles you're looking forward to in the future. Make sure to go show some love! We will be back in the new year for even more great gaming news, but in the mean time - Happy New Year!🍾🎉