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Upcoming: 2023 in Gaming
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By Don Spencer
As 2022 draws to a close, we can sleep soundly in the knowledge that we have had a truly memorable year in gaming. The last twelve months gave us the opportunity to explore the monumental post-apocalyptic landscapes of Horizon: Forbidden West, to grind against the merciless bosses of Elden Ring, and to return to Task Force 141 in blockbuster style with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
By the same token, a couple of the years entries fell flat. The Saints Row reboot missed an opportunity at greatness with a story that never found its footing, whilst Gotham Knights brought us an ill conceived imitation of the epic Arkham titles.
As 2023 fast approaches, we take a glimpse at some of the most exciting prospects of the new year.
Dead Space (January)
One of 2023's first games is not new IP in itself, but a remake of the 2008 classic survival horror Dead Space. The original entry, which spawned two sequels, a rail shooter, a puzzle game and a mobile entry, is considered one of the most terrifying gaming experiences in history.
Dead Space will see the player take on the role of Isaac Clarke, a starship engineer who must face down not only the malignant scourge of mutated corpses aboard his ship, but also his own deteriorating mind in the form of vivid hallucinations. The original third person gameplay mechanics will return as well as physics based puzzles and narrative driven missions.
To be certain, this is a true remake, and the developers are expected to breathe fresh life into Dead Space in the form of visual upgrades, state of the art textures, character models and even new dialogue. As a next gen exclusive, expect a polished and ambitious presentation from EA. For those who can't wait for Dead Space, check out the latest project from the original Dead Space developer - The Callisto Protocol (2022)
Hogwarts: Legacy (February)
The Harry Potter movie tie in games may bring some nostalgic memories for 2000's kids, but on reflection, we're yet to play a fully fleshed out, immersive Harry Potter title. Portkey games hope to bring about the very first colossal Hogwarts title in 2023, where the player is bestowed with the opportunity to create a custom character and explore Hogwarts' mystical corridors and beyond.
Legacy is free from the shackles of the movie franchise timeline, and instead focuses on the Wizarding World of the late 1800's. Nonetheless, Hogwarts Legacy will still include ancient lore that will be recognisable to the astute Harry Potter fan. Choose your wand and place in the house system prior to release here.
Diablo IV (TBA)
Blizzard are anticipated to deliver nothing short of a blinder of RPG mastery after a wait of over ten years since the last main entry to the franchise, Diablo III.
The game is set years after the Diablo III Reaper of Souls expansion, where the world in ruins and millions have succumbed to mindless slaughter. In the aftermath, a legendary name resurfaces—Lilith, daughter of Mephisto, the whispered progenitor of humanity. The player will be cast this time into an even darker and gritter world in the fight against tyranny.
Diablo IV returns to the RPG dungeon crawler style journey, featuring a top down third person viewpoint . It will include a selection of combat classes including Sorceress, Druid, Barbarian and Necromancer, each of which will offer a different play style. New to this entry is a PVP option as well as open world elements. A non-linear progression aspect will be a welcome addition to the reliable Diablo formula.
With no official release date as of yet, we are hoping to hear a more concrete release date at The Game Awards this Friday.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (TBA)
The fourth game in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series is a tale as old as time in terms of development, and is expected to release 11 YEARS after it's 2009 predecessor, S.T.A.L.K.E.R Heart of Pripyat. The game was almost axed in 2012, but resurfaced in development in 2018. It has had multiple launch dates which have been pushed back due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The backstory to the series is a second nuclear disaster in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, this time leaving a radioactive wasteland of terrifying mutants. In this entry, the protagonist Skif must traverse the wasteland, using array of fashioned tools to deal with its inhabitants in a new open world setting with a flexible, choice dependent narrative.
As one of the few current games developed in Unreal Engine 5, S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 will offer a visual experience that could set a new standard for what is expected from gaming. We hope that the situation in Ukraine improves and that the game goes onto meet its much anticipated release date.
Dead Island 2 (April)
Between The Last of Us, Days Gone, WWZ , Back4Blood and Dying Light, the last few years have had no shortage of zombie shooters. Next year, Dead Island 2 looks to restore nature and claim its place as the king of zombie shooters.
Lockdown really did a number on the gaming world, and Dead island 2 found itself plagued by delays. It could well be that it is looking to distance itself from the release of the likes of Hogwarts Legacy and Dead Space for sales targets, or that the change in developers caused some fragmentation.
In any case, this new instalment features a new settings - Los Angeles - rather than the fictional island of Banoi explored in the original. L.A. will certainly make for engaging and no doubt over the top combat carnage. New features such as a ''rage'' system and an all new crafting system, as well as next gen graphics, should make for some of the most gruesome and hilarious gaming of the year. See the latest trailer here
Street Fighter 6 (TBA)
As the Street Fighter franchise reaches it's 35th year in existence, it is encouraging to see just as much love being pumped into the Capcom flagship franchise now as it did in the 80's and 90's.
7 years after its predecessor, SF6 will feature three main game modes: Fighting Ground contains local and online versus modes, World Tour is the single-player story mode, and Battle Hub acts as an online lobby mode, with other features set to be revealed in the future.
This edition will feature 'Drive Gauge' which acts as an incentive for player creativity, and the control system will have a 'classic mode' featuring a six button layout, as well as a 'modern mode' where individual attacks can be mapped to specific buttons. Put your best fist forward and nail those combos to get the win.
Starfield (Q1/Q2)
Starfield lives somewhat in the looming shadow of Bethesda's first love - The Elder Scrolls VI - which if we're honest, is what everybody is foaming at the mouth to see. We haven't had a glimpse of it since the reveal trailer in 2018, but we are confident Starfield will provide a more than meaningful experience in the meantime.
As Bethesda's first new IP in over 25 years, Starfield marks itself as one of the most ambitious projects not only of the year, but in potentially in gaming history. This action RPG promises to deliver an expansive and near never ending experience as you traverse 1,000 distinct and quest filled planets.
With an enormous character creation suite and the chance to customise your spaceship and crew, we see ourselves sinking years into this monolithic project. Bethesda promises that there won't be any filler content here, and we hope that it lives up to the hype.
Alan Wake 2 (TBA)
Remedy Entertainment have more than delivered the goods over the last 3 decades. They boast titles such as Max Payne 1 and 2 in the early 2000's as well as the surprise classic Control (2019). Amidst their catalogue we must not forget the action adventure classic, Alan Wake.
Alan Wake is described by Remedy as ''the mind of a psychological thriller'' and ''the body of a cinematic action game.'' The 2010 release followed thriller novelist Alan Wake in his search to explain the disappearance of his wife, whilst also dealing with the events of his latest novel, which he cannot remember writing, coming to life.
What made the game special was not only the hybrid gameplay style but also the examination of the power of imagination and the fallout of a damaged mind.
Alan Wake 2 will bring a next gen title that focuses much more this time on survival horror. The teaser trailer revealed only the return of Illka Villi and Matthew Porretta to portray Wake's voice and body, and an ominous shot of a few gritty landscapes. "This story is about a monster," Alan says. "And monsters wear many faces."
Alan Wake 2 will not rely on any knowledge of the first game to play, but for those who want to see a glimpse of greatness, check out Alan Wake.
Onwards to 2023
There are of course, many dozens more games that have the potential to make waves next year. As Unreal Engine 5 and other engines are finally starting to be harnessed, we expect to see a year that takes full advantage of the latest hardware and one that delivers amazing sequels and finally delivers on games that have experienced delays. Game on, 2023.
Words - Don S
Make sure your PC is ready for next year's top games https://www.fiercepc.co.uk/shop-by-game
