Developer: takes over
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Switch
release date: February 24, 2023

In 2018, fans of classic JRPG games are presented by Octopath Traveler. The charming visual style also called 2D-HD has earned a special place in our hearts. So we’re excited to see the return of this style in the sequel that will be released early next year. Not only the visual style, but also the typical narrative – as we follow the stories of eight different characters – makes another appearance.

Innovative elements, for example, are the setting which is no longer medieval, but this time closer to the 19th century. The separate stories of the eight main characters are also more connected. That’s nice to hear, because in the previous part the inconsistency sometimes led to some frustration. Of course the gameplay has not been left behind, and this time it has a day and night cycle that offers different gameplay options for each character, the so-called path actions. For example, a Hikari warrior can challenge people to a duel during the day to gain money and experience, and at night he has the ability to bribe people for information. Since these path actions are different for each of the main characters, there is a great deal of difference in the gameplay. With this mix of new and familiar elements, Octopath Traveler 2 has a good chance of rising above its already successful predecessor.

Developer: Running 10 studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
release date: Spring 2023

The latest addition to the popular Forza Motorsport series is already the eighth part, but this time it will not have a number in the title. Of course he builds on the technical features of his predecessors. If the first images are to be believed, progress in this area is not false. Graphically, the looks are exceptional and the eye for detail is unsurpassed. Damage and dirt can be seen in detail on cars, and the game uses real-time ray tracing, which was still in its infancy in previous Forza games.

Forza Motorsport is not only visually promising, but also leaves something to be desired in terms of gameplay. For example, the game dynamically tracks how the day goes, which entails differences in lighting and weather conditions. These changes, in turn, have their own effect on your car’s steering and determine, for example, how much grip you have on the road. In addition, anyone who loves to collect their car can indulge themselves: the game has many options when it comes to choosing fuel, type of tires and much more. So racing fans can look forward to spring, because Forza Motorsport should launch around that time.

Developer: entertainment remains
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
release date: February 23, 2023 (PC), 2023 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

War is chaos: the creaking tracks, impact of grenades and the tense shrieks of soldiers with adrenaline reverberating around you as you do your best to make the right tactical decisions on this chaotic battlefield. With this approach, the Company of Heroes series has been guaranteeing intense and realistic strategy games for years. That doesn’t seem to change with the long-awaited third installment. The game was supposed to be released this year (therefore it was also in the top 100 last year), but has been moved to the beginning of 2023 for more details.

In Company of Heroes 3 we can start with two great campaigns based on the lesser-known battlefields of World War II. The first mainly focuses on the conquest of Italy, where you as an allied commander have to drive the Germans out of the country with the help of the Italian partisans. This campaign combines turn-based gameplay on a strategic map with real-time tactical battles. In addition, there is a linear campaign on the North African front that feels more like a familiar RTS game. A nice new addition is the ability to pause the game during battles and pre-schedule multiple commands, so that overview is preserved in chaotic battle. As a result, Company of Heroes 3 will appeal to both seasoned strategists and casual audiences. Later in the year, console players will also be able to learn about the franchise for the first time.

Developer: Arkan Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
release date: First half 2023

Like the previous game on this list, the cooperative shooter RPG Redfall also takes a bit longer than expected, but that doesn’t mean we’re looking forward to it any less. Where we didn’t know much about the game previously, we now know where we stand thanks to the new visuals. And that can be said: Redfall certainly looks promising. Given the right mix of light humor, the combination of sci-fi and superpowers and of course a creepy moment here and there, the atmosphere of the game is good. Add to that the fast, elegant action and the fact that the game is being developed by Arkane Studios – known for games like Deathloop and Prey – and you’ve won our trust.

In Redfall, players must survive in the fictional city of the same name that has been completely taken over by a cult of vampires and their worshipers. This survival journey is naturally accompanied by a lot of blood and flying bullets, but also with the exploration of an atmospheric open world and the development of new skills. Unlike previous games from Arkane Studios, you can complete this adventure fully cooperatively, with up to four other players. While this cooperative gameplay is an obvious draw, players who prefer to plunge into this adventure on their own need not worry. The entire game can also be completed solo, even without computer-controlled allies at your side.

Developer: Round 8 Studios / Newiz Games
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
release date: 2023

Ever since we first heard about Lies of P, our attention has been drawn to this strange game. An action RPG clearly inspired by Bloodborne with Pinoccio: we couldn’t have imagined it ourselves! But as crazy as it sounds, everything we’ve seen about the game so far indicates that Lies of P is going to be a really great game. The beautiful visual style is full of personality and the action looks taut and stunning. Enemy designs, often inspired by the steampunk genre, are also very successful.

Like the FromSoftware games it takes inspiration from, Lies of P becomes a relentless game that won’t hold your hand. Repeat defeat will also be the daily ranking here. In addition, the game has a unique gameplay element that takes full advantage of the most unique aspect of its main character: telling lies. The course of the game is influenced by whether you tell the truth or lie, and even by what exact lies you tell. We don’t know exactly how this will play out in practice yet, but it looks like it will ensure a non-linear flow of the story. Anyway, it looks very promising!

Developer: Interception games
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
release date: February 24, 2023

Kerbal Space Program 2 is the sequel to the well-received first installment from 2011. Just like its predecessor, this space travel simulator is about successfully developing your own space program. Where previously this was mainly about launching rockets into the local space system around the planet Kerpen, in this sequel it’s much more extensive. Now we can also conduct interstellar exploration, which, both literally and figuratively, gives players more space to develop their colonization plans.

Launching missiles from colonized planets is no longer enough to get out of your galaxy, so in this sequel you can build space stations that act as an intermediate base. Of course you could also launch shuttles from these stations, but that would require a different calculation than launching from a planet. The first Kerbal Space Program was known for its realistic use of the laws of physics to simulate spaceflight — so the sequel takes it a step further. This time too, things could go horribly wrong again, so we better prepare ourselves to see our (very hastily fired) missiles crash more frequently. Perhaps the best addition to the game is the multiplayer mode that allows you to colonize space with friends. With that said, Kerbal Space Program 2 could become an even bigger success than its predecessor.

Developer: Dumpster Studios
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
release date: April 28, 2023

With each new year, there is another Top 100 where Dead Island 2 appears somewhere. While there are many games on this list that have been waiting a little longer, Dead Island 2 is an amazing anomaly. The first trailer (remember, with that running guy gradually turning into a zombie?) dates back to 2014! So, the development of the game has known its difficulties, but hopefully it will finally be there in 2023.

The long wait will be worth it if the end result can create the same atmosphere as the original photos. Total chaos, zombies everywhere, but everything with a big wink. Sunny Los Angeles doesn’t seem like the logical setting for a game about a zombie outbreak, but that’s what makes it so great. Zombies in the fun yachts, zombies in the luxury backyard swimming pool, zombies running along the palm trees, zombies around the Hollywood sign…the possibilities are endless. As long as we can remove those mindless mutants with a sufficient variety of weapons, Dead Island 2 will be fine.