The 10 Best PS5 Games of 2023 (First half)

Here are the highest-rated PlayStation 5 games released between January to June of this year. Keep track of this ranking on our list of the best PS5 games of 2023.

10. Dead Island 2

Apr 21, 2023

Of the 620 PS5 games released in the first half of this year, Dead Island 2 bites the 10th spot. The undead has risen and they’ve taken over Hollywood. Dead Island 2 is a game that took almost a decade in the making. As a result of lengthy delays, we now have the full product and everyone is having the time of their lives playing with these brainless zombies. Like its original, there’s still satisfaction in decimating a horde of undead. Although its story is still barebones, the improved gore creates the most immersive zombie slaying physics in a videogame yet. It’s bloodier, flashier and most of all, it’s funnier.

9. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Mar 03, 2023

At first glance, you can tell that Wo Long has taken a lot of inspirations from FromSoftware’s Sekiro. The frenetic swordfighting, epic boss fights and satisfying parries are all too similar. Yet these don’t really matter in the mind of souls-fan, as long as it has enough challenges to overcome. Wo Long has succeeded with all that, all while mixing it with its impressive Chinese mythology story.

8. Diablo IV

Jun 06, 2023

Diablo IV finally arrived and it was met with critical acclaim. While everyone was out getting frustrated with the server issues, much of the game was praised. Notably in its endless buildcrafting, art direction, and story. What made everyone enjoy this version of Diablo was the challenging endgame content where players can grind and grind increasingly difficult dungeons until they get the best loot. With Seasonal Content planned, there’s more Diablo IV coming in the future.

7. Final Fantasy XVI

Jun 22, 2023

The next mainline Final Fantasy just came out recently. There’s a lot going on with this revolutionary new chapter of Square’s RPG baby. From the stylish hack and slash combat, crazy Eikon battles and mature story, Final Fantasy XVI is a step in the right direction for the series’ future. People over Twitter are still arguing what makes Final Fantasy “Final Fantasy” and to this day, everyone’s getting tired of the discourse. Even with all that drama, the game remains a strong entry to the long-running series.

6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Apr 28, 2023

Cal Kestis’ return is much anticipated by many. After Fallen Order’s success, Survivor did a great job expanding this Star Wars slash Souls-like adventure. Not only did it introduce new characters that fit the story pretty well, it also improved its combat with the addition of new stances. These major changes complement well with the selection of fresh planets to explore, each brimming with their own secrets and dangers. It’s still challenging for the uninitiated, but for Souls-like and Star Wars fans, this will be another cake walk as long as it continues the canon.

5. Hogwarts Legacy

Feb 10, 2023

The Harry Potter game everyone can’t stop talking about was a commercial success. After selling 15 million copies since launch, it’s obvious that Hogwarts Legacy did a great job taking players into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. It was fun casting Avada Kedavra on Dark Wizards, capturing fantastic beasts and just attending classes.

4. Street Fighter 6

Jun 02, 2023

CAPCOM’s fighting game giant just came out and the fighting game community is having the time of their lives. By that we mean they enjoy seeing goofy character creations in battle hubs. Kidding aside, Street Fighter 6 hits the sweet spot just right. The colorful roster of heroes are fresh, yet familiar. Not to mention its fighting mechanics are streamlined to cater both the sweatlords and the casuals. It’s a perfect balance, great for new and old players. So don’t be too harsh on someone using Modern Controls. At least they’re trying!

3. OCTOPATH TRAVELER II

Feb 24, 2023

Apart from Final Fantasy XVI, OCTOPATH TRAVELER II is also a strong contender for this year’s best RPG. The series’ turn-based combat and party system are greatly improved. This results in a less repetitive gameplay that once plagued the original. Not only is it smoother than ever, the story and the visuals also deserve praise. The world is more natural than ever and the party members talk like they’re not just sprites in a videogame.

2. Dead Space Remake

Jan 27, 2023

Dead Space Remake proves that there’s still a place for survival horror in the modern gaming market. Isaac Clarke makes his return in a refurbished USG Ishimura. Don’t worry, the Necromorphs are still around. With improved lighting, atmosphere, and gameplay, everything inside this derelict spaceship is a claustrophobic and lovecraftian nightmare. There’s always fear lurking in every corner, so it’s best you prepare your plasma cutter. With its success, let’s hope we’ll see a remake of the next two games of the series!

1. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Mar 24, 2023

We’re halfway across 2023 and we got two back to back survival horrors taking our top spot. Isaac Clarke is just a few points below Leon Kennedy. Resident Evil 4 Remake is the PlayStation 5’s best game so far. Not only does it retain the best moments in the videogame, it also expands on its action-horror roots that don’t feel constrained. The journey to saving Ashley Graham from the threat of these cultist freakshow may be terrifying, but with Leon’s suplexes and roundhouse kicks, you don’t have to worry about anything.