The 20 Best Video Games of 2023 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – June 29, 2023

Which videogames impressed critics during the first half of the year? In the gallery on this page we rank the highest-scoring games released between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023. Titles are ranked by their Metascores (prior to rounding) as of June 28, 2023 and must have a minimum of 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion.

Note that ...

If a game was released on multiple platforms, we included only the version receiving the largest total number of reviews (usually, but not always, the PS5 or PS4 version).

Multi-game compilations and newly released ports of games released in recent years on other platforms are excluded, unless they are substantially different from the prior release(s) (for example, an HD remaster that also adds some new content or is multiple hardware generations beyond the previous release). We have also excluded expansion packs and other DLC.

15 of 21 photo by Square Enix

(#6) Currently a PlayStation 5 exclusive (though a PC port could arrive next year), the first major Final Fantasy installment in seven years is also the highest-scoring FF game since 2006's Final Fantasy XII. Though it's not a true open-world game like its immediate predecessor, FF16 does feature some openly explorable areas throughout its action/RPG gameplay. Critics see a polished game with depth, a strong narrative, and fun real-time combat, though for every reviewer who deems FF16 a franchise best there's another who finds aspects of the game slightly short of greatness.

“Final Fantasy XVI is an action JRPG polished to an iridescent sheen. Its well-designed combat system and enemies, outstanding character writing and worldbuilding, and consistently stellar side content make it a standout entry in this legendary franchise. Even when accounting for the weak villains and a lukewarm conclusion, this was a journey that truly gripped me from beginning to end. This is a must-play game of the year and a Final Fantasy adventure you won't forget.” —Noisy Pixel

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