A bumper crop of games this year!　Akiba Research Institute's editorial department has selected 9 new games to look forward to in 2023!

At "The Game Awards 2022" held in December 2022, "Elden Ring" won the "Game of the Year" award for the best game of 2022. In addition, a new title in the "Armored Core" series was announced for the first time in about 10 years, and Hideo Kojima's latest work, "Death Stranding 2" (tentative title), was also announced.

In this article, we will introduce a selection of recommended titles to be released in 2023, including those announced at The Game Awards 2022.

Scheduled for release in January

FORSPOKEN

Compatibility: PS5/PC
Release date: 1/24/2023 *PC version scheduled for 1/25
Genre: Action RPG
Price: 9,680 yen (including tax)
Maker: Square Enix

A completely new title featuring an open world. The main character, Frey Holland, who has been transported from New York to a mysterious other world called "Arcia," searches for clues to return to his original world with the help of "Cuff," a magical bracelet that contains his will. In addition to battles using magic, this title incorporates a unique element called "magic parkour," which allows players to move across various terrains and bumps with smooth movements.

The PS5 version of this title is currently available as a demo version, so we recommend trying it out for yourself.

FORSPOKEN
: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

Scheduled for release in February

Hogwarts Legacy

HOGWARTS LEGACY software © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by Avalanche Software. WIZARDING WORLD and HARRY POTTER Publishing Rights © J . PORTKEY GAMES, HOGWARTS LEGACY, WIZARDING WORLD AND HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia © and ™ Warner Bros. GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Compatibility: PS5/PS4/Switch/Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One/PC
Release date: 2/10/2023* PS4 and Xbox One versions on 4/4, Switch version on 7/25
Genre: Open world action RPG
Price: PS5™ / Xbox Series X|S Normal Edition: 9,878 yen
PS5™ Deluxe Edition (packaged version): 10,978 yen
Deluxe Edition (digital version): 10,978 yen
PS4™ / Xbox One Normal Edition: 8,778 yen
PS4™ Deluxe Edition (packaged version): 9,878 yen
Nintendo Switch™ version: TBD
Manufacturer：WB Games

Set at Hogwarts in the 1800s, players become students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they try to become wizards and unlock ancient secrets that will determine the future of the wizarding world. The game features an open world, allowing players to freely roam around Hogwarts and the world of the original story. The game also features a system for learning spells and mixing magic potions.

Hogwarts Legacy
: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

WILD HEARTS

Compatibility: PS5/Xbox Series X|S/PC
Release date: 2023/2/17
Genre: Adventure
Price: 9,700 yen (including tax)
Publisher: Electronic Arts

An action game set in medieval Japan. ω-Force, the studio behind the "Shin-Sangoku Musou" series, and EA Originals, known for the 2021 Game of the Year award-winning "It Takes Two" and other titles, have joined forces to develop the game. In addition to the unique hunting experience that makes use of the ancient technology of "karakuri," powerful beasts that have merged with nature and evolved in their own unique way will stand in the way as enemies. In the latest trailer, new powerful enemies can be seen: the wolf-like "Rasetsu," the giant bird "Amaterasu," and the tiger "Aragane.

Scheduled for release in March

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Compatibility: PS5/PS4/Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One/PC
Release date: 3/3/2023
Genre: Dark Three Kingdoms Action RPG
Price: 8,580 yen (tax included)
Maker: Koei Tecmo Games

A dark Three Kingdoms death game based on the theme of the "History of the Three Kingdoms" by the development team behind the popular "Jin-O" series of death games. In addition to an original story that mixes the world of the Legend of the Three Kingdoms with dark fantasy, players can enjoy a combination of offensive and defensive action that makes full use of Chinese martial arts. A new trailer for the game was released on December 15, 2022, showing scenes of the action running across the battlefield and the appearance of giant demons.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

Resident Evil RE4

Compatibility: PS5/PS4/Xbox SeriesX|S/Steam
Release date: 2023/3/24
Genre: Survival Horror
Price:
Download Normal Edition 7,990 yen (tax included)
Package: Normal Edition 8,789 yen (including tax)
Manufacturer: Capcom

A remake of "Resident Evil 4" released in 2005. Leon heads to a deserted European village to rescue Ashley Graham, the daughter of the American president who has disappeared, but is attacked by insane villagers. The film is a modern reimagining of the original work, while retaining the "core" of the original story. The "intention" of the original story is further explored in the film, with frightening scenes being made more terrifying, exhilarating sequences being made more exhilarating, and the drama of the characters being deeply emotional. The "behind-the-scenes" combat is also alive and well. In addition to "aim and shoot" and powerful "body techniques," knife actions such as parry and stealth elements have been added, allowing players to enjoy a wider range of strategies.

Resident Evil RE4
: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

Scheduled for release in May

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

©Nintendo

Compatibility: Switch
Release date: 2023/5/12
Genre: Undecided
Price: Undecided
Manufacturer: Nintendo

A sequel to the Nintendo Switch classic "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," which was also named Game of the Year in 2017. Since its existence was revealed, much is still shrouded in mystery, with the exception of Link's appearance and the fact that it will be set in Hyrule.

The game will be released on May 12, 2023.

Scheduled for release in June

Diablo IV

Compatibility: PS5/PS4/Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One/PC
Release date: 6/6/2023
Genre: Action RPG
Price: 9,800 yen (tax included)
Maker: Blizzard Entertainment

The latest title in the "Diablo" series, which has tens of millions of fans worldwide. Players choose from one of five classes: the ever-changing Druid, the agile Rogue, the magical Sorceress, the formidable Barbarian, or the cunning Necromancer, and enter a world called "Sanctuary". This is the first game in the series to feature an open world, with a variety of fields awaiting the player, including snow-capped mountains and windswept plateaus.

FINAL FANTASY XVI

SQUARE ENIX and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.

Compatibility: PS5
Release date: 2023/6/22
Genre: Action RPG
Price: 9,900 yen (including tax)
Maker: Square Enix

The latest title in the nationally popular RPG "Final Fantasy" series. The setting is a land called Variszea. The people of the world use the ether supplied by crystals to create magic and make their daily lives possible, but a war breaks out between nations over the limited blessings they have. Clive Rothfield, the first prince of the Duchy of Rosalia, is caught up in the battle, but he eventually learns the truth about the world and destroys the Mother Crystal.

At The Game Awards 2022, a new trailer for the game was released, showing fast-paced action battles and a powerful attack and defense battle using the power of summoned beasts, and a release date of June 22, 2023 was announced.

2023.

ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON

Compatibility: PS5/PS4/Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One/Steam
Release date: 2023
Genre: Action
Price: undecided
Maker: From Software

The latest title in the "Armored Core" series, the first in about 10 years since "Armored Core Verdict Day" was released in 2013. In the trailer shown at The Game Awards 2022, several machines that appear to be "Armored Core" humanoid weapons appeared, giving us an idea of the world situation and the atmosphere of the battles. The trailer also shows a number of aircraft that appear to be "Armored Core," a humanoid weapon.