What an amazing 2023 we had for video games. As we gear up to welcome the new year, we're expecting plenty of mind-blowing titles that cater to every gaming taste. From platformers to remakes and eagerly anticipated sequels, these are the games we think you'll need to save your SGD for.
Persona 3: Reload
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PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Series S|X
Release date: February 2
For most JRPG fans, the popularity of the Persona series began here. Persona 3 is getting a fresh makeover with a visual and functional upgrade that brings the game in line with the series' later titles, new voice cast, and fresh tunes added to its already stellar soundtrack.
If you're not humming "Mass Destruction" right now, are you even a real Persona fan?
Destiny 2: The Final Shape
[embed]https://youtu.be/gGa8K-yQr8k[/embed]
PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Series S|X
Release date: February 27
The Final Shape, the grand finale in Destiny 2's "Light and Darkness" saga, drops on February. Brace yourself to face off against The Witness, a cosmic villain hell-bent on using The Traveler's Light to obliterate the galaxy.
But fear not, Guardian, you'll be armed with brand-new Solar, Void, and Arc supers, not to mention some flashy Exotic weapons.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
[embed]https://youtu.be/lNVL-ygqw3w[/embed]
PlayStation 5
Release date: February 29
If the trailers are anything to go by, this second instalment in the remake trilogy promises to reinvent the 1997 classic in the best way possible.
Square Enix promises a 30-40-hour experience, so we're expecting plenty of brand-new content and for the story to have a completely left-field twist.
Princess Peach Showtime!
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Nintendo Switch
Release date: March 22
Move over, Super Mario, it's Princess Peach's time to shine! The beloved ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom takes centre stage at the Sparkle Theatre, with magical girl transformations that grant her new looks and abilities.
It's been over 18 years since Super Princess Peach, and we're more than ready for this royal comeback.
Dragon's Dogma 2
[embed]https://youtu.be/cT0rIgaiPWA[/embed]
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: March 22
The narrative-driven action RPG is back for a March release. This time around, you'll be able to fully-customise your trusty Pawn companion.
The game promises an advanced AI that will make it seem like the Pawn is controlled by an actual real-life player. It also promises creative solutions for facing threats and a plethora of ways to fine-tune your fighting style.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
[embed]https://youtu.be/waztPdM5Yfo[/embed]
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: Fall 2024
The team behind the Persona series will also be exploring a new IP in 2024, a full-scale fantasy RPG that combines real-time and turn-based combat with the familiar stylish anime art from Persona.
The art, battle UI, and gameplay looks extremely promising, so Metaphor: ReFantazio is definitely high on our must-own list.
Visions of Mana
[embed]https://youtu.be/9biJipMQ-9Y[/embed]
PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Series S|X
Release date: TBD
The Mana series is making a comeback with Visions of Mana. While the series has seen its fair share of ups and downs, this latest title is poised to recapture the magic that made the Mana series a fan favourite.
You play as Val, a soul guard assigned to protect his childhood friend, who has been chosen by the Faerie as the Alm of Fire to travel to the Tree of Mana and rejuvenate the mana flow.
Zenless Zone Zero
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PC, iOS, Android
Release date: TBD
The next gacha-RPG and the first roguelike from miHoYo promises flashy characters monsters in a post-apocalyptic futuristic metropolis known as New Eridu.
Like with the other HoYoverse titles, the characters are fully fleshed out with larger-than-life personalities and their own backstories to make you want to spend the $$$ to collect them all.
From the closed beta test, it seems like Zenless Zone Zero holds plenty of promise, as long as you're willing to stomach the grind.
ALSO READ: 2022 pwned: Our favourite video games of the year
This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.