The Most Anticipated Games of 2023 (According to the Xbox Wire Team)

Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass available day one 

Ishin, like a Dragon – February 21st, 2023 – S, Xbox One|S, Xbox One 

In 2020, I was introduced to Xbox Game Pass. Since then, I have been on a sweeping trip through Japan. From snowy Sapporo, to the tropical Okinawa. Ishin, like a Dragon, RGG Studio’s remake of a 2014 only-in-Japan spinoff, isn’t merely content to shift locations; it transports players back in time to 1860s Kyoto, where things couldn’t be more different. But are they really? While Ishin’s story follows real life samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, your adventure is populated by familiar faces and voices from across the Yakuza universe. Ryoma may not realize he’s a dead ringer for Kazuma Kiryu, but recurring feelings of déjà vu ensure players will feel at home, even if they’ve never been further from it. And fear not, even if you don’t have experience with this game, or even the series as a whole, Ishin, like a Dragon has been designed to be self-contained – even if you don’t get the references, you’re still getting a brand-new samurai tale to play through. To learn more about this upcoming game, check out the first preview on Xbox Wire. Ishin, like a Dragon – Jeff Rubenstein – Xbox Podcast 

After work, my back pain makes it hard for me to stay at my computer more than an hour. Me and my back pain don’t have to worry about that, now that Age of Empires IVThis year, consoles are on the horizon! Age of Empires IV feels like a truly modernised, slick rediscovery of the classic RTS, whether you’re storming through the single campaign or jousting with friends online. Follow in the steps of Age of Empires II: The definitive edition, which has seamlessly made its transition to Xbox consoles, I can’t wait to conquer from the comfort of my couch, and with the support of Xbox Play Anywhere, I can switch back over to the PC (or even my mobile through Xbox Cloud Gaming) if things get too serious… which they often do. – Danielle Partis, Xbox Wire Editor 

Game Pass available day one 

Street Fighter 6 – June 2, 2023 – Xbox Series X|S 

It’s been a minute since a new, mainline Street Fighter entry debuted on Xbox, when the seminal Street Fighter IVIn 2009, the series was relaunched. If you’ve lost track of the series, Street Fighter 6When it arrives, June is going to be a surprise. SF6It has proven its technical skills in closed beta with older, wiser versions Ryu, Chun Li and Guile. This inspired new characters such as Luke, soon to be fan favorite Kimberly. The presentation is a stunning visual treat, including the veritable monster factory that is the game’s avatar creator. But it’s my anticipation of the single-player story mode World Tour that already has me prepping combos in excitement. – Jeff Rubenstein – Xbox Podcast 

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – March 3, 2023 – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (Game Pass) 

BloodborneAnd Ninja Gaiden are some of my favorite games, even though I’m not that great at playing them. They are wonderful visuals with slick combat, which is what I cherish most. Not the brutal defeats that they caused. That’s what I was excited to hear that these games had been created by creative talents. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, I was immediately intrigued and was fortunate enough to chat with Team Ninja’s Fumihiko Yasuda and Masaaki Yamagiwa to learn more. Do I risk being crushed into pulp when I play? Likely. This combination of Chinese martial art swordplay, dark fantasy and gaming creativity has me excited to watch how the story unfolds beginning March 3. – Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor 

Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass available day one 

Killing the Justice League: Suicide Squad – May 26, 2023 – Xbox Series X|S 

Task Force X, also known as the Suicide Squad, contains some of DC Comics’ most iconic and complex anti-heroes. Killing the Justice League: Suicide Squad lets you play as four of the most notorious of them – Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark. The Squad must take on an impossible mission to save Earth and kill the world’s greatest DC Super Heroes – the Justice League. Rocksteady is the game studio that created the incredible videogame Rocksteady. Batman: Arkham games, and this has all the ingredients to be something truly special — even though we don’t know that much about it (yet). For now, we’re left largely to our imaginations and a few awesome trailers, which is why it’s one of my Most Anticipated Games of 2023 because… well… I want to know more about it! Hopefully all will be revealed soon and we can dive into another one of Rocksteady’s masterpieces later this year. – Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor 

Diablo IV – June 6, 2023 –S, Xbox One|S, Xbox One 

Sometimes, looking back is just as important as looking forward – a lesson Diablo IVwas demonstrating for months prior to release. Blizzard’s latest action-RPG returns to some of the series’ most fundamental ideas – a laser focus on full-bore, high-gore action-RPG combat, perilously deep customization, and a grimdark fantasy tale. What I love most about this game is that it embraces those older ideas. Diablo 4 so far (not least when I played hours of the game ahead of launch), is in how it’s allowing itself to try new, complementary ideas. An open world will allow for greater loot and combat as well as more co-op. Cinematic storytelling allows the pitch-black story to shine through. The sharpened and high-gloss appearance of the spells allows them to be clearly read even when they are in action. Diablo IVIt is also old And new, and I’m delighted by both of those aspects. – Joe Skrebels is the Xbox Wire Editor in Chief 

Dead Island 2. – April 28, 2023 –S, Xbox One|S, Xbox One 

When I think about all the zombie games I’ve played over the years, the ones that stand out have a few elements in common: great characters, exciting locations, and entertaining gameplay. The original Dead IslandThis formula was used over a decade ago and it is now being applied to the much-awaited sequel. Dead Island 2.A cast of unassuming heroes is available The story takes place in Los Angeles that is infested with zombies (called HELL-A). Who could ask for more from a dark comedy and some zombie-slaying? Looks like I’m moving to Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars. Surviving against all odds – Rich Dickinson, Xbox Wire Editor 

Silksong: Hollow Knight – 2023 – Xbox Series X|S,Game Pass (PC) 

To me, a sequel to Hollow Knight almost feels like an unnecessary pleasure – in 2017, developer Team Cherry managed to come out of the gates with a debut that felt unnaturally complete, from its art, to its moment-to-moment interactions, to its cloaked depths of story. Silksong is already vital. By switching focus to bit-part character Hornet, we’re promised an entire new skillset and perspective, but built on the near-peerless foundations of the first game. My excitement is that we’re getting is less of a sequel and more of a companion piece. That is what I can’t wait to experience. – Joe Skrebels is the Xbox Wire Editor in Chief 

Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass available day one 

Loises of P – 2023 –Xbox Series S, Xbox One (Game Pass), Xbox Series S, Xbox One (Game Pass)|S, Xbox One, PC (Game Pass) 

You would believe me if I said that The lies of P a Souls-like action RPG starring fairy tale Pinocchio wasn’t the biggest surprise of Gamescom 2022, my nose might start growing. It’s not just the shock factor; Just typing “Pinocchio” and “Soulslike” in the same sentence is enough to furrow the brow of anyone hearing about The lies of P for the first time, it’s how well Korean developer Neowiz is turning this concept into an awesome looking game. You can choose whether Pinocchio is telling the truth or not. This will impact the story. However, the Pinocchio I’m familiar with wasn’t equipped with a ‘Legion Arm’, allowing players to journey through The lies of PIn the manner they choose, as they look for Geppetto. It is a significant improvement. – Jeff Rubenstein – Xbox Podcast  

Game Pass available day one 

I’ve been on an Assassin’s Creed cooldown for about five years now, and I’m just about ready for my next historical roof-hopping adventure. Mirage It promises to get us back to the basics with a narrower scope and a simpler story. It’s also set in ancient Baghdad, a culture and world I’m looking forward to exploring, and a lovely throwback to the environments I grew to love in the very first game in the series. I’m super excited about this reprisal of a more manageable Assassin’s Creed game, and am looking forward to a gorgeous new world that feels like an old favourite. – Danielle Partis, Xbox Wire Editor 

Original Space MarineFor me, it was an entry point into the vast Warhammer universe. The world was rich in detail and it hadn’t been awhile since anything had provided such an incredible premise. It helped, too, that the game had a great kick and some really amazing voice acting performances. Since then, I’ve explored a myriad of other Warhammer games, from VermintideYou can find more information here Dawn of WarYou can find more information here Total War: Warhammer. These are the trailers for Space Marine 2 When the Game Awards 2021 were announced, my jaw hit a record breaking level. It has been over a decade since the original game and from everything we’ve seen so far, it’s shaping up to be well worth the wait. I’m ready to heed the call of battle once again! – Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor 

Replacing – 2023 –Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One (Game Pass) 

Transparency in every detail Replacing wasn’t a game on my radar until fairly recently. But after watching the trailers and doing a little reading, it’s definitely a title I’m now hugely looking forward to playing this year, especially since it’s launching into Game Pass as an Xbox console exclusive. This action-platformer was a huge success. Shadow ComplexAnd DeadlightBoth games were enjoyable and I really enjoyed them both. However, the game takes place in an alternate 1980s dystopian future. The art style is beautifully crafted with a blend of pixel art and realistic looking backdrops, and the atmosphere conveys the dark and foreboding setting you’d expect from a world on the verge of collapse. Plus, there’s a dog, and it looks like you may be able to pet it. – Rich Dickinson, Xbox Wire Editor 

Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass available day one 

It’s difficult to look forward to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2While it is difficult to acknowledge the difficulties its Ukrainian developers faced over the last year, they continue to work on the game. Fans like myself are eager to grab the game and celebrate the creations made in such an environment. Gaming terms aside, I find the Chornobyl Exclusion Area to be a captivating location in which to place your game. With a gripping story and immersive sim elements as well as beautiful technical executions, it is truly captivating. – Rich Dickinson, Xbox Wire Editor 

Game Pass available day one 

You are looking for an RTS series that will keep the genre alive? Company of Heroes 1 & 2I would place it near the top, along with StarCraft II. They have done an amazing job of combining a dramatic World War II story and brilliant strategy gameplay in real time. The incredible destruction engine made these battles truly live-in. Now with this series returning for the first time in 10 years, on both PC and console, I’m incredibly excited to see how Company of Heroes 3 S power.|S. Be sure to check out this recent preview on Xbox Wire to get a sense of the hard work being put into this version of the game. – Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor 

Alan Wake 2. – 2023 – Xbox Series X|S 

After having spent a whole decade on my shame pile, I finally took advantage Xbox backward compatibility so that I could enjoy the original. Alan WakeSummer 2020. I was immediately drawn into Remedy’s intentionally disorienting storytelling – something they’ve since taken even further with the truly excellent Control. Even though we are two generations behind in technology, Alan Wake’s light-wary enemies freaked me out enough that I exclusively played during daylight hours. Long-awaited Alan Wake 2., Remedy says they’re crafting a survival horror game – the original AW was merely a “psychological thriller” (which you can catch up on too, with the even more accomplished Alan Wake Remastered) I can’t wait… to sleep with the lights on. – Jeff Rubenstein – Xbox Podcast 

Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon – 2023 – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One 

It was only after Elden Ring for me to fully get to grips with FromSoftware’s action-RPG Souls masterworks, but I’ve been an Armored Core player since day one. The grand, old series of mech-fighting has been in my memories since childhood. I remember its stoic tactical actions and brilliantly detailed machine tinkering. It’s that simple. Armored Core VIIt seems to be a return of that formula rather than futuristic Souls, which is what I wanted. There’s no doubt we’ll see more Souls games come along, so this is a more-than welcome diversion. I’ll be knee-deep in leg units and shoulder-mounted missile launchers come launch day. – Joe Skrebels is the Xbox Wire Editor in Chief