Three years into the PlayStation 5 lifecycle we're still seeing big games landing on the last-gen PS4 console, February saw the launch of PlayStation VR2, and a more svelte PS5 debuted this year. Between big-budget sequels, sharp remasters, and creatively daring original games, 2023 has been a terrific year for PlayStation gamers on the software side, with great games releasing almost weekly.
So which games were the best of the best, according to GameSpot's sister site Metacritic? Unsurprisingly, games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Baldur's Gate 3, and Street Fighter 6 all rose to the top of the charts once all of the numbers from various outlets had been crunched. There are some big-name exclusives near the top, while some of this year's other big winners include games that spent a long time in early access fine-tuning their design.
We've rounded up the best-scoring PS4 and PS5 games of the year according to Metacritic below, with the top spot going to the thirstiest game of the year. Be sure to also check out GameSpot's picks for the best PlayStation exclusives of 2023.
Baldur's Gate 3
At its core, Baldur's Gate 3 is about freedom, an unparalleled sense of personal liberty that other games can only dream of. Sure, the impressive co-op mode, robust combat system, and incredibly thirsty selection of characters to romance are also great arguments for GameSpot's Game of the Year, but it's that sense of freedom that leaves a lasting impression on players as they navigate an overwhelming number of choices and consequences to become the masters of their own fate in this fantasy masterpiece.
Metascore: 96 | Read our Baldurs Gate 3 review
Resident Evil 4
Remaking one of the best games of all time is no small task, but Capcom knew exactly what it needed to do to make Resident Evil 4 better than ever. With an even bigger emphasis on survival-action, stunning graphics, and no shortage of wry one-liners, Leon Kennedy's European slaycation is a genre-defining adventure that cements its legacy as one of the greatest games of all time.
Metascore: 93 | Read our Resident Evil 4 review
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect: Connected finally got a native PS5 release this year--as well as a PSVR 2 release--proving that good things do come to those who wait. Not only does this version of the sublimely synaesthetic game pack an even bigger audio-visual punch, but the haptic feedback enhancements alongside updated gameplay modes helped make a brilliant game even better.
Metascore: 93 | Read our Tetris Effect: Connected review
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 came out swinging, delivering a one-two punch of finely tuned gameplay mechanics and approachable controls. It's Street Fighter at its most approachable, and combined with a stacked roster, an energetic art direction, and a wonderfully social online space, the next chapter in the World Warriors saga is pure main-event fun.
Metascore: 92 | Read our Street Fighter 6 review
Cocoon
Cocoon makes a strong impression right from its opening minutes, as Geometric Interactive's debut game is an elegant mix of puzzles, nuanced sound design, and adorable insect critters. A game about self-evolution, Cocoon pushes you to keep moving forward as you solve strange riddles, evade lethal foes, and discover a story that subtly adds more meaning to the world around you in this imaginative experience.
Metascore: 92 | Read our Cocoon review
Rogue Legacy 2
The original Rogue Legacy was a genre-defining game many years ago, and after a lengthy period of early access fine-tuning, Rogue Legacy 2 lives up to the first game with a satisfying expansion on its roguelite design. Packed with content and things to do, Rogue Legacy 2 will eat up all of your spare time as you pursue that one perfect run.
Metascore: 90 | Read our Rogue Legacy 2 review
Moss: Book 2
It has been a tough year for PSVR 2, but if ever there were a case to invest in Sony's pricey virtual reality headset, Moss: Book 2 is the game to play on it. Building on the original game to create a bigger and bolder storybook adventure for the lovable rodent hero Quill, the second chapter of Moss hits that sweet spot for familiar fun and a varied selection of new ideas to keep the flow of combat and puzzles interesting.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Insomniac's third outing in New York City builds on the ideas of previous Spider-Man games, delivering an adventure of incredibly high and personal stakes. It's undeniably Insomniac's Spider-Man formula at its very best, a polished rollercoaster of emotions and blockbuster showdowns that pushes the PS5 hardware to new limits. And by the time the end credits roll, there won't be a dry eye in the house as both Spider-Men begin to explore a fascinating new status quo.
Metascore: 90 | Read our Marvel's Spider-Man 2 review
The Talos Principle 2
In the mood for a cerebral existential crisis? The Talos Principle 2 is just the game for you, as between its philosophical puzzles it asks some hard questions about the state of the world and our reckless inability to think of the future, all built on a foundation of better gameplay design.
Metascore: 90 | Read our The Talos Principle 2 review
Dead Space
One of the early hits of 2023, the remake of Dead Space is more than just a new coat of 4K paint on the bones of the original game. Developer EA Motive expanded on that sci-fi horror masterpiece with thoughtful changes, clever tweaks, and an omnipresent game director that'll constantly keep you on your toes in this gruesomely gorgeous return to the Ishimura.
Metascore: 89 | Read our Dead Space review
Red Matter 2
Another standout VR title in 2023, Red Matter 2's combination of Cold War-era puzzle-solving and mysterious environments shines in this niche gaming space. Red Matter 2 is breathtaking with its visuals and its digital riddles will leave you scratching your head until you hit upon that "Eureka!" moment of delight in this engaging VR journey.
Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways
DLC for one of the best games of the year is like adding sprinkles to a decadent ice cream cone, but in the case of Resident Evil 4, the Separate Ways expansion is a tasty addition that perfectly complements the main dish. A polished extension that adds some excellent remixes to the Resident Evil 4 formula, Separate Ways isn't just an excellent counterpart to the main game but an essential part of it.
Metascore: 88 | Read our Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways review
Diablo 4
Grim, oppressively dark, and more than happy to spill some blood, Diablo 4's long-awaited return felt like the embodiment of the best ideas of the franchise. At the same time, Blizzard is doing some forward-thinking with this new chapter, giving it a live-service endgame that is so far delivering a constant flow of new content that fans will be playing for years to come. It's a bleak action-RPG full of lethal adversaries, and we couldn't be happier to return to this version of Sanctuary.
Metascore: 88 | Read our Diablo 4 review
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Not just an essential expansion to an already superb game, Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak does the seemingly impossible: It provides plenty of incentive for veterans to dive back in while paving the way for newcomers to try out the game as well. The end result is a game of refinement and evolution, with new monsters lurking alongside familiar beasts from Monster Hunter's past that you can try new gameplay mechanics out on. Monster Hunter doesn't get better than this, as Sunbreak makes a terrific case for Capcom's award-winning franchise.
Metascore: 88 | Read our Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review
Final Fantasy 16
Every modern Final Fantasy game is a departure from the traditional turn-based roots of the series, but Final Fantasy 16 is the biggest one yet. Pure action that never forgets its origins, Clive Rosfield's tale is an action-packed journey across his life that is a blast to play and heartbreaking to watch unfold. It's an unforgettable entry in the series that bravely forges its own path forward, mixing retina-searing boss fights with intimate moments of introspection that makes for a fascinatingly different yet paradoxically familiar Final Fantasy.
Metascore: 87 | Read our Final Fantasy 16 review
Alan Wake 2
Ever since Alan Wake took a cold dip in the Dark Place, fans had patiently been waiting to see a true sequel from Remedy Entertainment. Alan Wake 2 doesn't just meet those lofty expectations, it exceeds them with survival-horror flair, rewarding exploration, and meta-textual narrative threads that you can't stop yourself from pulling. A no-holds-barred thriller, Alan Wake 2 is developer Remedy Entertainment at its very best and most imaginative.
Metascore: 87 | Read our Alan Wake 2 review
The Making of Karateka
The last few years have seen a massive shift in the idea of how games should be preserved. Making a beloved retro game work on modern systems is the bare minimum of what's possible, and for The Making of Karateka, developer Digital Eclipse has done more than revive this karate classic, it has created a celebration of gaming history. Part game, part interactive documentary, Digital Eclipse has raised the bar for how the legacy of video games should be preserved.
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars wears its inspiration on its leather vambrace, as this love letter is a 16-bit-inspired throwback to the SNES golden age of JRPGs with thoughtful modern touches added. It's classic swords and sorcery without any of the more annoying elements of that genre from its yesteryear era, all delivered in a thrilling package of adventure and fun combat.
Metascore: 87 | Read our Sea of Stars review
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Final Bar Line
If you consider yourself a fan of gaming's rich audio history, you owe it to yourself to check out the final performance of the Theatrhythm series. Final Fantasy's rich history of soundtracks has defined the sound of that genre for decades, and this interactive slice of musical fantasy combat encapsulates the best of the series. Packed so full of all-time great tunes that it's a small miracle that the game hasn't exploded in a cacophony of guitar riffs and booming brass instruments, Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line celebrates 35 years of Final Fantasy with style.
Metascore: 87 | Read our Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Final Bar Line review
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Cyberpunk 2077 at its very best, Phantom Liberty is an overhaul of the base game that makes it feel like a fine-tuned finale to a game that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. It's everything that you love about Cyberpunk 2077 but better as this spy-thriller holds nothing back. Explosive and intimate, Phantom Liberty is the culmination of a redemption arc for CD Projekt Red, making it one of the best games of the year.
Metascore: 87 | Read our Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty review
Monster Hunter Rise
The best Monster Hunter game finally made its way to PS5 with a bevy of new tweaks and enhancements to take advantage of that platform. Beyond those additions, Monster Hunter Rise has clever changes to its formula that streamline it, stripping some of its more annoying design choices out and keeping the action fast and furious.
Metascore: 87 | Read our Monster Hunter Rise review
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster: FF35th Anniversary Edition
Between a new numbered entry in the franchise, updates on the progress of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, and the delightful release of Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line, Final Fantasy's 35th-anniversary celebrations have been unforgettable. It's a series built on nostalgia, and the franchise anniversary release of Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster was another fine example of the enduring legacy of this brand. Six high-quality remasters celebrating the 2D roots of Final Fantasy, this package is one of the most convenient and fan-pleasing compilations of those classic games.
Rez Infinite
Tetsuya Mizuguchi's classic mind-bending rhythm-shooter got a new lease on life this year with a surprise release this year, making a strong case for PSVR 2 with its colorful action. There's the absolutely brilliant use of the PSVR 2 eye-tracking technology to make movement easier, and alongside all of the extra content added to this legacy game, Rez Infinite remains a VR highlight that'll make challenge-hungry gamers sweat buckets.
Metascore: 87 | Read our Rez Infinite review
Humanity
Another standout in the VR space--even though it's entirely playable without a PSVR 2 headset strapped to your noggin--Humanity is a wonderfully weird spiritual successor to games like Lemmings. Herding scores of humans through imaginative puzzles makes for a surprisingly potent combination of strategy and platforming, but with bite-sized levels to enjoy, this bizarre game remains incredibly captivating.
Metascore: 86 | Read our Humanity review
Persona 4 Golden
A re-release of 2008's excellent PlayStation 2 game, Persona 4 Golden kicked off 2023 with its classic chill vibes and updated visuals. While it retains some very problematic areas in this edition that still need to be addressed, for anyone looking for a Persona experience that doesn't revolve around the Phantom Thieves, Persona 4 Golden is a fascinating time capsule full of interesting stories and stylish fun.
Metascore: 86 | Read our Persona 4 Golden review
Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveler 2 is like having seconds of your favorite JRPG meal. You know exactly what you're getting but you don't mind at all, and for this sequel, that 2D-HD taste was better than ever. Octopath Traveler 2 introduces some gameplay tweaks and better ties together its myriad storylines, improving on the original game's highlights and doubling down on its deep combat system. More challenging and packed with even more stories to discover, Octopath Traveler 2 is one of 2023's most satisfying fantasy adventures.
Metascore: 86 | Read our Octopath Traveler 2 review
Moss
Moss always deserved a larger audience outside of PlayStation VR, and with PSVR 2 launching this year, that heroic little mouse had a brand-new stage to show off his potential. Yes, Moss on PSVR 2 is the original game with some updated visuals, but it's still an enchanting fantasy game in which you guide the young hero--named Quill--on a quest to save the day. It's a brisk game that doesn't overstay its welcome, and alongside its sequel, it's a VR must-play on PS5 thanks to its exquisite storybook design.
Metascore: 86 | Read our Moss review
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
After years of sword and sorcery, it was refreshing to see Elden Ring developer From Software return to the stomping grounds of all-out mechanized warfare. Armored Core 6 is satisfyingly brutal as high-tech collections of steel and circuits clash with each other, but it's the high degree of customization, big boss battles that showcase From Software's talent for making you earn every victory, and an apocalyptic art direction that makes this a standout game.
Metascore: 86 | Read our Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon review
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Star Ocean: The Second Story R gives one of the most underrated JRPGs not only a new lease on life but makes that classic gameplay better than ever with its thoughtful changes. Retooled and reinvigorated, this labor of love from developer Gemdrops does just enough to update the original game without ever losing sight of why it still has such a passionate fanbase today. It's captivatingly complex, the new visuals make it look like a million bucks, and that updated soundtrack is a foot-tapping collection of audio bliss.
Metascore: 86 | Read our Star Ocean: The Second Story R review
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Respawn Interactive hit the right combination of action, storytelling, and exploration with its debut Star Wars game in 2019, and for its first sequel, those ideas were expanded on in an ambitious sequel. Essentially a Star Wars-flavored metroidvania, Survivor doubles down on its format of high-stakes lightsaber combat and puzzling levels, but with a story that was loaded with surprises, cinematic style, and at least one Toad-themed alien that took the internet by storm, this sequel was one of the best Star Wars experiences of the year.
Metascore: 85 | Read our Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review
Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society
Not the most approachable game on this list, Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is still a fantastic RPG that doesn't drag its heels in introducing you to a number of gameplay systems, from crafting battle-ready human-sized puppets to unleashing them inside of dungeons filled with deadly monsters. One for fans of the genre, Labyrinth of Galleria is a deeply rewarding game once you master its intricate gameplay.
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew
The final game from developer Mimimi, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is an inventive swashbuckling journey full of memorable characters and inventive gameplay. A healthy mix of strategy and stealth, Shadow Gambit's emphasis on teamwork and staying several steps ahead of your enemies makes for an intoxicating gameplay loop. Each member of your scurvy crew brings something unique to the table, the writing is sharper than a cutlass fresh out of the blacksmith forge, and every mission is a satisfying application of creative thinking.
Metascore: 85 | Read our Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew review
Jusant
Rock climbing--not the stuff you'd typically find in an Assassin's Creed game--is an underrated art that deserves more love in the video game space. Jusant gets the idea and the thrill of this activity, giving you all the tools you need to enjoy a trek up a lonely mountain, one rock at a time. A charming showcase of storytelling told through an alien environment, it is both meditative and cathartic fun that encourages to climb higher and embrace the unknown.
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