The PlayStation 5 has practically defined the latest generation of console, despite strong competition from Microsoft’s expansionary buyouts of major publishers and game developers over the past few years. The PS5, while hard to get a hold of until relatively recently, is one of the most powerful consoles out there – and only now is starting to see the major releases that gamers have been looking forward to since its launch. What are some of the bigger games slated to come out in 2023?
Hogwarts Legacy
The start of 2024 saw gaming conversation dominated by the release of Hogwarts Legacy, an open-world adventure game set in the vibrant world of Harry Potter. The story takes place in the late 19th century, before the events of the spin-off film series Fantastic Beasts, and follows the player-character’s journey through the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.
The Hogwarts Legacy PS5 release was met with real anticipation by long-time followers of the series and world and continues even after release to spark active discussion between fans past and present. Its stature as the Harry Potter IP’s biggest PS5 video game release is unignorable, as is the reception it has received in the weeks following.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Meanwhile, another IP threatens to altogether upstage Hogwarts Legacy’s legacy, with its own third-person adventure: Star Wars. The upcoming title Jedi: Survivor continues the story of Cal Kestis, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed Jedi: Fallen Order. The game cribs mechanics from the cult “soulsborne” games, incorporating deft combat with challenging adversaries and a stunning semi-open world.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
The Assassin’s Creed series has been a gaming mainstay for 15 years at this point, with regular title releases that build on the precedent of the ground-breaking first game in the series. While the focus has shifted away from the IP’s core stealth mechanics in recent entries, Mirage is a return to form – being a shorter game focused on the backstory of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s supporting character Basim Ibn Ishaq. Indeed, Mirage is a direct celebration of that 15-year mark and a game that seeks to once again highlight the series’ unique appeal.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man was one of the defining games of the PS4 era, being a console-exclusive title that changed the game for licensed IPs forever. Despite the range of DLC, and the expansion follow-up Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales released in 2020, appetite for a sequel has been remarkably high – and will at last be appeased. Expect more thrilling web-swinging and web-slinging, as Morales and Peter Parker face a number of notable villains.
Final Fantasy XVI
Little needs to be said about the Final Fantasy series and its peculiar appeal. The RPG series has been present for generations upon generations of consoles and remains an extremely popular choice for gamers today. Final Fantasy’s sixteenth installment is due to recent PS5s in June, following the adventures of brothers Clive and Joshua Rosfield as they attempt to save the kingdom of Valisthea from internecine war and the spread of a mysterious ‘Blight’.
Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
Resident Evil 4 is set to be remade for the PS5. It’s set to be a reimagining of the original rather than a like-for-like remake. The graphics will be modernized, and the buttons updated to a modern standard. It is expected to be released next month in March.
Dead Island 2
Expected to be released in April. A sequel to the 2011 game will be set in sunny LA the humoured-filled action is coming, with lots of zombie slaying. Dead Island 2 is all about experimenting with different zombie-killing methods. It will include several of the features from its predecessors such as the rage and crafting systems.
