Game Awards 2023: The Seven Most Exciting Reveals
The Game Awards 2023 was a spectacle of nearly 50 game trailers, but the highlights of the event were distilled into seven standout reveals that have the gaming community buzzing. From ambitious open-world adventures to innovative action RPGs, these titles showcased the potential for groundbreaking experiences in the gaming landscape. The excitement was palpable as each reveal brought something unique to the table, promising new worlds to explore, stories to unravel, and gameplay mechanics to master.
Light No Fire
Tyler Wilde, Executive Editor at PC Gamer, expresses a mix of skepticism and excitement for Hello Games’ new project, Light No Fire. Despite the risk of the game not living up to its grand promises, similar to the initial reception of No Man’s Sky, Wilde is intrigued by the game’s ambition. He notes that Hello Games has learned much from their previous title, which eventually found redemption and success.
Chris Livingston, Senior Editor, shares his initial impression that Light No Fire seemed reminiscent of No Man’s Sky, but upon a second look, he appreciates the unique details like the rabbit men, bird mounts, and the animation quality. Livingston is particularly interested in the game’s fantasy elements and the concept of a shared planet the size of Earth, which adds to the game’s allure.
No Rest For The Wicked
Lauren Morton, Associate Editor, is intrigued by the bold claim from the developers of Ori and the Blind Forest that they aim to “revolutionize the ARPG genre” with their new title, No Rest For The Wicked. While acknowledging the high standards set by their previous work, Morton is cautiously optimistic about the studio’s ability to innovate within a different genre.
The game promises to bring a fresh visual identity to isometric ARPGs, which often suffer from dark or indistinct fantasy themes. Morton highlights Moon Studios’ proficiency in storytelling and visual design, evident in the reveal trailer’s showcase of verticality. The studio’s ambition to create combat that emphasizes skill and timing over button-mashing is also noted as a potentially genre-shifting approach.
Blade
Ted Litchfield, Associate Editor, shares his anticipation for the new Blade game despite not being a self-proclaimed “Marvel Guy.” The teaser, which carries the distinctive Arkane Studios flair, has piqued his interest. Litchfield is eager to see how Arkane Lyon, fresh off the success of Deathloop, will handle a third-person action game featuring the iconic daywalker.
The connection to Arkane’s previous vampire-themed title, Redfall, developed by their Austin studio, is noted with a hint of humor. Litchfield looks forward to the potential mix of slashing, shooting, and stealth gameplay in the streets of Paris.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Morgan Park, Staff Writer, expresses his excitement for Monster Hunter Wilds, highlighting the game’s promising features that build upon the success of previous entries like Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise. Park notes the game’s scale, density, and the return of mounts, which were a hit in Rise. The teaser’s showcase of a dynamic environment, including a desert transforming into lush grassland, has particularly captivated fans, setting high expectations for the game’s open-world exploration and monster-hunting thrills.
Big Walk
Tyler Colp, Associate Editor, is drawn to the absurd humor of House House’s next game, Big Walk, following the success of their hit Untitled Goose Game. The trailer introduces a first-person, co-op puzzle game set in the Australian bushland, featuring characters that resemble ants with elongated noses. The game promises a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and co-op mischief, with a Steam page that teases the ability to engage in hijinks like kicking friends into the ocean.
Chris Livingston, Senior Editor, compares the game favorably to the metaverse, suggesting that Big Walk offers a more appealing virtual space to hang out with friends. The game’s potential for both structured and unstructured activities, from completing objectives to simply exploring and goofing around, is highlighted as a key draw.
- First-person, co-op puzzle gameplay
- Set in the Australian bushland
- Exploration and puzzle-solving in a vibrant environment
- Opportunities for co-op mischief and humor
- Potential for both structured and unstructured activities
Kemuri
Lauren Morton, Associate Editor, is captivated by the stylish and enigmatic trailer for Kemuri. Although the exact gameplay mechanics remain a mystery, the trailer’s slick presentation has generated significant buzz. The game is set to feature a yokai hunter in a solo or co-op experience within an urban jungle.
The game marks the next venture for Ikumi Nakamura after her departure from Tango Gameworks and the establishment of her own studio, Unseen. Morton’s enthusiasm is evident, as she considers stepping out of her gaming comfort zone to engage with Kemuri’s unique aesthetic and concept.
Den of Wolves
Tyler Wilde, Executive Editor, shares his initial reservations about the trailer for Den of Wolves, which featured intense interactions in a cyberpunk setting. However, after speaking with the developers at 10 Chambers, his interest was piqued by the game’s concept. Described as a co-op heist game inspired by cinematic hits like Inception, Ghost in the Shell, and The Matrix, the game promises a blend of planning, stealth, and action.
Wilde is intrigued by the gameplay elements that allow players to strategize during a planning phase and the possibility of transitioning between stealth and combat modes within missions. This approach suggests that players can regain control after a stealth plan goes awry, rather than simply restarting.
| Game’s Features | Editor’s Insights |
|---|---|
| Co-op heist game | Concept inspired by popular sci-fi and action movies |
| Planning phase before missions | Encourages strategic thinking and teamwork |
| Stealth and combat gameplay | Dynamic approach to missions, allowing for adaptability |
