Epic gameplay, virtual reality, and new stories: the most anticipated PlayStation 5 games in 2023

By: Vladyslav Nuzhnov | 28.01.2023, 00:00

"What should I play?" is a question that every gamer asks himself or herself, and can spend days (if not weeks) looking for an answer. We have already partially answered this question in this text by talking about the most anticipated games of 2023. However, it is simply unrealistic to put all the releases in one text, as the year promises to be a good one for new releases. We shouldn't forget about PlayStation 5, which will have something that players on Xbox or PC (at least for the next 2 years) won't be able to play. And I'm talking about console exclusives. There will be not so many of them this year, but it is impossible not to mention them. It is also worth remembering that in 2023, the next generation of virtual reality glasses, PlayStation VR2, will be released, which will have a solid library of games at the start. And finally, there are always games whose fate is not so clear, but their release can still happen. Therefore, the editors of gg  decided to divide this text into 3 blocks: games that will be released in 2023; games that will be released on PS VR2 and games that could potentially be released by 2024.

Games to look forward to in 2023

This block includes three types of games. The first are PlayStation 5 exclusives that only Sony console owners will be able to play. The second are those that we simply did not have time to mention in the previous text, but they are still worth your attention. And the final ones are games (or rather, a game) that will have unique content on PlayStation 5. And I want to start with the most interesting.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - Venom and Craven open the hunting season for the spider duo

Why you should wait: twice as much action and story as in the previous parts

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a 3-person open-world adventure game that is a direct sequel to the previous two Insomniac Games games: Spider-Man and Spider-Man Miles Morales. The story will tell how Peter Parker and Miles Morales became a full-fledged superhero duo and defend New York together. However, there are only more troubles. Venom and Kraven the Hunter, who will appear in a Spidey video game for the first time in years, are trying to destroy the heroes.

The project is still shrouded in secrecy, but we can definitely expect the same epic combat system that fans loved in the previous instalments, an open world with a lot to do besides story missions: from completing secondary tasks to collecting various collectibles, as well as an interesting story that will bring us new characters, more drama and cinematic moments in the Insomniac universe. The developers also promise that the game will be more eerie than the previous parts, and the release of is scheduled for in autumn 2023.

Developer: Insomniac Games

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 5

Release date: autumn 2023

Game website: insomniac

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores - Hollywood could not withstand the new realities and collapsed

Why you should wait: for the first time in the series, a great emphasis in the gameplay is placed on flying

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is an addition to Horizon Forbidden West, in which Aloy has to overcome a new huge challenge. Now the game takes place in the untamed ruins of Los Angeles. Over thousands of years of destroyed civilisation, the city has turned into a treacherous volcanic archipelago, where the developers promise to show new characters, cars and even more adventures.

A special feature of the expansion is that Aloy will spend a significant part of his time flying on the Sunwing, a machine that resembles a pterodactyl. In the previous instalment, 95% of the gameplay was available to us only on land, but here we will get a completely new gaming experience. In order to fully unleash the technical potential of Burning Shores, the developers even had to abandon the release of the expansion on PlayStation 4.

Developer: Guerrilla Games

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 5

Release date: 19 April 2023

Game website: guerrilla

SEASON: A letter to the future - a girl left the village for the big world, because soon everything will be washed away by the cataclysm

Why you should wait: unique system of collecting memories against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes

SEASON: A letter to the future is a 3-person adventure game that tells the story of a mysterious woman who has lived in a village all her life, but now has to explore the landscape world on her bike. The universe is about to be washed away by a secret cataclysm, and while there is still time, the heroine must collect as many memories as possible. To do this, the game will have several recording tools that can be used to save music, paintings, or architecture. All this will help to understand in more detail how the world's ecology, history, culture, and more work.

The developers also promise to show colourful characters along the mysterious path that will influence the story and the game's heroine. And, of course, the beautiful landscapes that we will see while cycling.

Developer: Scavengers Studio

Genre: Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC

Release date: 31 January 2023

Game website: scavengers

Tchia - The Last of Us for kids

Why you should wait: A colourful adventure that your younger brother or sister will love

Tchia is a 3-person open-world game. One day, a girl named Tchia sets out to save her father from the cruel tyrant Meavora, who rules a tropical island. The prototype island is New Caledonia, located in the Pacific Ocean. And it is here that all the events of the game will unfold. The world of Tchia is a sandbox, which means that you can do anything and go wherever you want. The heroine can climb rocks and trees, swim, drive a boat, and play the ukulele (aren't you just like Ellie from The Last of Us Part II?). A special feature of the game is the ability to transform into animals or objects. This will help you to travel around the island, discover new places and fight against Meavora's soldiers.

At the same time, you will be able to personalise Chiya and her boat with hundreds of decorative items, create tools that will help you in the passage and look at the story of the heroine's growing up.

Developer: Awaceb

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC

Release date: spring 2023

Game website: awaceb

Street Fighter 6 - a colourful fighting game for a party with friends

Why you should wait: the easiest game in the series to learn

The main innovation that appeared in Street Fighter 6 is three control methods: "classic", "modern" and "dynamic". The latter two are best suited for those who have not played fighting games or do not want to switch on the "e-sportsman" mode. For example, Dynamic mode is ideal for playing with friends. You won't even have to strain. Just press all the buttons and have fun. "Modern is suitable for beginners. All moves are performed with simple button combinations, which will allow you to adapt to the world of Street Fighter. And the "classic" mode is for those who are not the first to go to virtual street fights.

The game will also have a story mode - World Tour. In it, you will have to explore Metro City, learn new fighting techniques and meet different masters on your way. And all this in an open world. And for fans of online battles, Capcom has prepared Battle Hub, the main mode where players from all over the world will compete for the title of the best fighter.

Developer: Capcom

Genre: Fighting

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, XBOX Series X/S

Release date: 2 June 2023

Game website: streetfighter

Hogwarts Legacy - student life with potions, mages and normal dormitories

Why you should wait: exclusive content for PlayStation

Hogwarts Legacy is a 3-person open-world role-playing game set in the universe first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Players will find themselves in Hogwarts in the 1800s (200 years before the events of the first film). Our character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Throughout the game, we will have to brew potions, learn spells, take care of animals, clean up the house of our faculty, make loyal friends, and become the best wizard.

In addition to Hogwarts, players will also be able to explore Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and its surroundings. At the same time, players should expect to meet trolls, dark wizards, goblins and many other creatures that are as hostile as possible.

PlayStation players will also have exclusive content. The first is the Haunted Hogsmeade quest. In it, players will have to unravel the tangle of sinister secrets of Cassandra Mason and her shop. And those who pre-ordered the game will get access to the Felix Felicis potion recipe. It will show all the boxes on the map during one game day. It is also worth noting that the content will be exclusive for exactly one year and will be available on all platforms on 10 February 2024.

Developer: Avalanche Software

Genre: RPG/Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, XBOX Series X/S, XBOX One

Release date: 10 February 2023 (on PlayStation 4 and XBOX One on 4 April)

Game website: hogwartslegacy

Games for PlayStation VR 2

Virtual reality glasses will be released on 22 February PlayStation VR2. Sony promises a new gaming experience thanks to the headset's vibration, 3D sound technology, 110° viewing angle, adjustable lenses, precise eye tracking, tactile feedback, and adaptive triggers of the PS VR2 Sense controller. The headset will have more than 20 games at launch, so we'll tell you about the most interesting ones.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain - the main thing is not to accidentally smash the room

Why you should wait: unique mechanics of destroying machines now in virtual reality

For the first time in Horizon history, we will not play as Eloy, but as Ryas, a former Karja soldier who is looking for redemption. Ryas's main goal is to climb the mountain peaks of the lands of the House of the Sun (Carja Sundom) and uncover a new secret of the machines, saving his people.

As in the previous parts, we will hunt machines with a bow, craft items from improvised means, complete tasks and meet various characters and tribes. The atmosphere of Call of the Mountain will be enhanced by the picturesque nature with a 360° view and interaction with the environment.

Developer: Guerrilla Games, Firesprite

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 5 (VR 2)

Release date: 22 February 2023

Game website: guerrilla

Firewall Ultra - couch warriors take it to the next level

Why you should wait: a new experience for those who have played shooters exclusively on a gamepad

Firewall Ultra is a tactical shooter in which players will take on the role of an elite fighter who fulfils various contracts. They will have to penetrate dark warehouses, steal classified documents, and eliminate enemies by all possible means. The game has both PVP and PVE modes. So after completing the storyline quests, you can go into online battles and show everyone what a cool fighter you are. The main thing is not to get dizzy.

Developer: First Contact Entertainment Inc

Genre: FPS

Platforms: PlayStation 5 (VR 2)

Release date: 22 February 2023

Game website: firstcontactent

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge - Enhanced Edition - Mum, I'm a mechanic on a godforsaken planet

Why you should wait: re-release of the driving simulator of the Far Galaxy

This time we will play not as a Jedi, but as a droid repairman who had an accident on the planet Batuu after the Guavian Death Gang attack. Tales from the Galaxy's Edge is a shooter where we will complete tasks and collect resources. Along the way, we will meet the familiar R2-D2, C-3PO, and new characters. From a bartender to a treasure hunter. However, the game will still have a quest where we will be able to be a Jedi under the guidance of Master Yoda, albeit not for long.

In general, Tales from the Galaxy's Edge is not a new game. It was previously released in 2020 for Oculus Quest and is a prequel to the Star Wars attraction: Galaxy's Edge attraction at Disneyland. However, the re-release is a great opportunity to get acquainted with this project. Just remember that the game is very short and can be completed in 3 hours.

Developer: ILMxLAB

Genre: Action

Platforms: PlayStation 5 (VR 2)

Release date: 22 February 2023

Game website: ilmxlab

Resident Evil Village VR Mode - a second date with Lady Dimitrescu

Why it's worth waiting: an opportunity to arrange a horror marathon for 10+ hours

What is virtual reality without horror? This genre unleashes the potential of VR headsets to the fullest. This was the case when PS VR 1 was released, when Residen Evil 7 received a virtual reality mode. And in 2023, Capcom decided to repeat this path with Sony, but with the 8th part of the series. VR Mode for Village will be free for all owners of the standard version of the game. No new content will be added to the game, but it's still a good opportunity to get to know PS VR 2 and replay or get acquainted with the best horror of 2021.

The story of Village tells the story of Ethan Winters, who goes to a mysterious village to unravel another mystery and meet the main feature of the game - Lady Dimitrescu.

Developer: Capcom

Genre: Action/Horror

Platforms: PlayStation 5 (VR 2)

Release date: 22 February 2023

Game website: residentevil

Games that may be released in 2023

It is worth mentioning games whose fate is not completely clear. We have heard about them, seen trailers or gameplay demonstrations, but it is still difficult to form a clear picture of them. Some of these games will be a debut for the studios, and some were thought to never get a release date. Therefore, it will be great if they come out this year, and if not, we will wait for them to come out next year. There are, of course, many such projects, but we decided to take into account the five most interesting ones.

Alan Wake 2 - a writer has been overcoming a creative crisis for 10 years

Why you should wait: The first full-fledged survival-horror by Remedy Entertainment

Despite all the difficulties that Remedy has, they are actively working on a direct sequel to the Alan Wake series, which gamers first saw in 2010. But almost nothing is known about the 2nd part. Remedy's creative director Sam Lake assured us that the team is actively engaged in development and has a lot of material. But we still haven't received anything except a short teaser and a few concept art. But despite all the mystery of the project, Remedy made it clear that this will be their first full-fledged survival-horror, with a tense atmosphere and psychedelic moments.

The game is set to take place in the American town of Bright Falls, where all this bacchanal in Alan's life began. The game is scheduled for release in 2023, and the studio is actively hinting that it will be. However, we would like to see more evidence.

Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Genre: survival-horror

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Release date: 2023

Game website: remedygames

The Lords of the Fallen - let's pretend the first part never existed

Why it's worth waiting:

an opportunity to immerse yourself in a mythical world and defeat a demon god in co-op The original Lords of the Fallen was released back in 2014, but critics and players did not receive the project very well . The game was criticised and did not succeed. And so CI Games decided to reincarnate the series and is developing The Lords of the Fallen, a souls-like 3-person RPG. The story will tell about one of the legendary Dark Crusaders who went on an epic journey to defeat Adyr, the demon god. In the game, you will be able to travel through two large parallel worlds. The realm of the living, where cruel trials are gathered. And the realm of the dead, where unspeakable horrors lurk.

Given that this is an RPG, players will be able to fully customise their character's appearance using a wide range of visual options and choose one of nine classes. There will also be an opportunity to improve characteristics, weapons, armour, and spells. As for weapons, the developers of promise variations of hundreds of uniquely brutal weapons or magic with devastating secret attacks. And the game can be played in two modes: alone or in co-op with a friend.

Developer: CI Games

Genre: souls-like/ RPG

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Release date: 2023

Game website: thelordsofthefallen

Lies of P - Pinocchio lies and destroys enemies throughout the game

Why you should wait: deep character customisation in the style of the Belle Époque

Lies of P is another adventure souls-like game, but with a unique "lying" system. We will play as Pinocchio. The story will unfold depending on how the player lies. In the end, it will affect the end of the journey. Since Pinocchio is a puppet, players can change the character's body parts to gain new skills, unique features, and advantages in battle. 

The game also promises an elegant, cruel, and dark world of the Belle Époque. A diverse combat system and a fascinating story with dozens of different enemies: machine dolls, dogs, huge steam-punk robots and giant bosses. And despite the fact that the developers were clearly inspired by Bloodborne, the game still has a unique look and has attracted the attention of gamers.

Developer: Neowiz Games, Round 8 Studio

Genre: souls-like/ RPG

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Release date: 2023

Game website: neowiz

Assassin's Creed Mirage - the last chance for Ubisoft

Why you should wait: a return to the roots of the series with a focus on parkour and stealth

The latest news around Ubisoft shows that the situation in the studio is not the best. The company's capitalisation is falling, game releases are constantly postponed, and some projects are cancelled altogether. Over the past year, Ubisoft hasn't released a single full-fledged AAA game, so Mirage is their last hope.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is an open-world adventure RPG. The story tells the story of Basim, a thief who one day becomes a master assassin in order to find justice. The game will be set in the 9th century in the city of Baghdad. Here we will find four unique districts, from the industrial Karh to the lush gardens of the Round City, where we will uncover secrets. At the same time, the developers promise the largest assortment of weapons in the history of the series and a return to the origins of Assassin's Creed. 

Developer: Ubisoft

Genre: Action/RPG

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Release date: 2023

Game website: ubisoft

Layers of Fears is not Layers of Fear 3

Why you should wait: a story-driven horror game powered by Unreal Engine 5 that will unleash the full potential of the PlayStation 5

Layers of Fears is a psychedelic first-person horror game that focuses on environmental exploration. For the Polish studio Bloober Team, this is the 3rd game in the Layers of Fear series, but instead of the number 3, they decided to add the letter "s" to the title. The developers explain that they want to show a new and ambitious story.

The project combines elements of the first two parts of Layers of Fear with new gameplay mechanics and a bright storyline. Given the quality of previous Bloober Team games, we are in for a good horror reimagining. The only question is when will the game be released?

Developer: Bloober Team 

Genre: Horror

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Release date: 2023

Game website: blooberteam

In the end,

2023 cannot be called the best year for releases, but it will have enough interesting games that will find their audience and that we will actively discuss. There will be sequels to long-known franchises, new stories, and the release of VR2, which will definitely give a new gaming experience. And there will be enough genres for everyone: horror, shooters, RPGs, games for a large company, and even the youngest audience will have their own projects. The year is only gaining momentum, and in January, we are already looking forward to Dead Space Remake and Season: A Letter to the Future. It's only going to get bigger and better.

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