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10 Video Games MORE People Should Be Excited About In 2023

10 Video Games MORE People Should Be Excited About In 2023
VOICE OVER: Aaron Brown WRITTEN BY: Aaron Brown
Welcome to MojoPlays and today we're firing up our sonar and bringing you 10 video games to keep on your radar in 2023. For this video, we'll be looking at video games that might not be the big AAA blockbusters but are still worthy of your attention. Our list includes “Blue Protocol”, “The Plucky Squire”, “Hades II”, “Replaced”, “Cocoon” and more!

10 Video Games to Keep On Your Radar in 2023


Welcome to MojoPlays and today we’re firing up our sonar and bringing you 10 video games to keep on your radar in 2023.

For this list, we’ll be looking at video games that might not be the big AAA blockbusters but are still worthy of your attention. As always, these games are currently slated for release in 2023, but anything could happen and some could inevitably slip into next year. While these were some of our favorites, there were also a few that didn’t make the list such as Lies of P, Planet of Lana, and Like A Dragon: Ishin that we felt were at least deserving of a shoutout.

What’s your most anticipated 2023 video game no one is talking about? Let us know down in the comments.

“Little Devil Inside” (TBD)


First revealed at the PS5 showcase stream back in 2020, we haven’t heard much about Little Devil Inside and its quirky world besides the odd trailer now and then. With its inventive and eye catching art style and steampunk style 19th century aesthetic, Little Devil Inside has been on our wishlist for quite some time now and after numerous delays, we’re hoping that 2023 will finally be the year we get to gear up and set out in search of all manner of mythological beasties and attempt to study and survive their harsh world.

“Blue Protocol” (2023)


Usually when you hear the words “post-apocalyptic” your mind will immediately conjure up images of desolate, ruined landscapes with little to no life in any direction. Blue Protocol is aiming to change that outlook with some of the most vibrant and gorgeous visuals ever seen in a post-apocalyptic landscape. An upcoming MMORPG from Bandai Namco and Amazon Games, Blue Protocol along with its stunning anime inspired visuals aims to mix both old school medieval combat with modern technology that had caused a centuries long war. With near limitless customization options, and a deep but simple combat system, Blue Protocol made a big impression at The Game Awards and could end up being one of the premiere MMORPGs when it launches.

“Crime Boss: Rockay City” (2023)


One of the biggest surprises to come out of The Game Awards was undoubtedly Crime Boss: Rockay City. Not purely for its 90s aesthetic and its heist centric gameplay but the absolutely insane cast list - which includes the likes of Michael Madsen, Michael Rooker, Kim Basinger, Danny Trejo, Danny Glover, Vanilla Ice, and Chuck freaking Norris! In a genre overcrowded with copycats, at the very least Crime Boss’ cast sheet will certainly help it stand out from the crowd. Clearly co-op focused a la Payday, Crime Boss will also feature a single player campaign, but co-op is clearly the focus as you build your crew, plan the heist and get away with the cash, increasing your reputation and making you the definitive crime boss of Rockay City.

“Ravenlok” (TBD)


Reimaginings of classic fairy tales are nothing new, but what Cococucumber, developers of the equally impressive Echo Generation, are creating with Ravenlok is absolutely visually stunning. Set in a world inside of a mirror, the titular Ravenlok finds herself in a fantasy world controlled by the Caterpillar Queen, a clear homage to the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. The team doesn’t shy away from these inspirations either. Ravenlok will explore wonderfully detailed environments, each beautifully detailed in the developer’s signature voxel style. Looking forward to traveling through a looking glass darkly.

“The Plucky Squire” (2023)


As gamers, we’re used to our favorite titles switching things up as we progress, whether that’s through its gameplay, mechanics, or story, but how mind boggling is it for the in-game character to experience these dramatic changes we take for granted? In The Plucky Squire, Jot and his friends discover a whole new dimension outside of their 2D storybook world, and it's in 3D! With the whole new world to explore, Jot can hop back and forth between his familiar 2D world and his new 3D one while tackling the numerous challenges and various gameplay styles both dimensions offer. The Plucky Squire’s charming art style is sure to endear Jot and his companions to his cause later in 2023.

“The Invincible” (2023)


Given how many literary works would translate perfectly to the video game space, it’s honestly surprising more developers don’t pull from this wealth of narrative inspirations. Such is the case with The Invincible. Based on the hard sci-fi novel of the same name by author Stanislaw Lem, it chronicles scientist Yasna as she uncovers what happened to the crew on the planet Regis III, using atom-punk gadgetry to uncover the many dangers and mysteries of the unexplored world. The Invincible’s approach to realistic science fiction coupled with retro-futuristic technology certainly has us intrigue, and with a narrative born of one of sci-fi’s greatest authors means this will be a journey into discovery we won’t soon forget.

“Sea of Stars” (2023)


Sometimes we all just need a bit of gaming nostalgia, and that’s exactly what Sea of Stars looks to deliver. Developed by Sabotage Studio, creators of The Messenger, Sea of Stars offers players an immersive 2D pixel art world to explore full of classic turn based combat with no grinding, no random encounters and a myriad of side activities to keep you constantly engaged, such as sailing, fishing, or even playing the title’s in-game tabletop game. Sea of Stars offers all of this while allowing the player to freely explore the expansive environments via a journey filled with classic old school tropes as well as unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes simple and familiar is the best comfort food.

“Hades II” (2023)


Given the breakout success of the original Hades, fans were eagerly anticipating any extra content Supergiant Games was willing to offer. A studio not known for making sequels to even their most beloved titles, Hades II was an unexpected but very welcome surprise. This time instead of following Prince Zagreus and his quest to escape Hades, players will now follow Melinoë, Zagreus’ sister and her quest to stop Chronos, the Titan of Time and Hades’ father from waging war on Olympus. Much like the first game, Melinoë is immortal and each run will provide slight benefits as she lives, dies, and lives again in her journey through all new locations in the underworld. Hades II will go into early access sometime in 2023 and hopefully a full release won’t be far behind.

“Replaced” (2023)


Ever since Blade Runner redefined our interpretations of cyberpunk neo-noir, there have been no shortage of video games inspired by Ridley Scott’s masterpiece. At first glance, anyone unfamiliar with Replaced would easily assume it to be an adaptation of Blade Runner, right down to the iconic trench coat, but Replaced mixes up the replicant formula with its story focused on an AI becoming trapped inside a fragile human body against its will. With a gorgeous pixel art style, Replaced mixes platforming and free flow combat as the player uncovers the mysteries of how the AI R.E.A.C.H. ended up in its human form set against the backdrop of a dystopian alternate 1980’s world, overrun by corruption where humans are nothing more than cattle to be used for their organs. We can’t wait.

“Cocoon” (2023)


Shortly after the release of Inside in 2016, numerous key members of Playdead split from the company. In late 2022 we saw the first IP release from one of the former members in Somerville. In 2023, we’ll see the first release from Inside and Limbo’s lead gameplay designer with Cocoon. Cocoon allows players to explore worlds within worlds all from the orbs carried on their backs. Using the orbs’ numerous abilities is key to exploring the many environments and solving their various puzzles. Solving each orbs’ puzzles results in its Guardian defending their tiny world, while defeating them will grant new gameplay mechanics to explore the world even further. Just how deep does the rabbit hole go? Hopefully to somewhere not as disturbing as Inside’s ending!
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