Top 10 Upcoming Games Scheduled For Release In Q1 2023

With developers continuing to push through their limiters in hopes of providing even better experiences, there is no doubt that 2023 will be one of the most exciting years in gaming to date.

2023 should be a big year for gaming gamers and PC and mobile enthusiasts alike. 

The bar for excellence has never been higher, and these ten games are ones you should check out when they release.

10. One Piece Odyssey 

Monkey D. Luffy is often considered to be the Mario of the anime gaming world. No matter the genre, be it fighting games, RPGs, or sidescrollers, the Straw Hat Pirates will never back away from a challenge. 

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Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the series, One Piece Odyssey is an open-world RPG borrowing elements from other titles such as Final Fantasy XV.

Players will embark on a unique adventure exclusive to the game itself. Take control of each Straw Hat member and use their abilities to topple any foe standing in your way.

9. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Kirby's Return to Dream Land, originally released for the Nintendo Wii in 2011, was the first mainline Kirby game on home consoles since the Nintendo 64 era.

The game was such a smash hit that Nintendo decided to bring it back to its Nintendo Switch audience.

Hot off the success of Kirby and the Forgotten Lands, Nintendo is going all-in with their pink puffball of a mascot.

Players can enjoy more traditional copy abilities in this fantasy adventure title. There will be no traffic cones or refrigerators here, only good old-fashioned swords, whips, and the new Mecha Copy Ability.

8. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 is one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time. It revolutionized the third-person horror action shooter genre and influenced all subsequent Resident Evil games that came after it.

The original trilogy of Resident Evil games has already all been remade or remastered with great success.

It was only a matter of time before the poster child of the entire franchise received its long-awaited re-debut.  

7. Dead Space Remake

The award-winning survival horror game is back on our screens, slated for release in late January 2023.

Prepare yourself as the horde of Necromorphs return to show us their grizzly torture methods - this time in 4K.

It's been quite a long time since the final Dead Space came out. Lots of players likely thought they could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the terror was over.

Now, it seems fans will need to repurchase their nightlights and waterproof bed sheets for what's in store. 

6. Shinobi Rising

Shinobi Rising is a… *ahem*... Japanese-inspired cyberpunk stealth side-scrolling action RPG.

Planned to release in early 2023, not much is known about Shinobi Rising at present aside from its cyberpunk setting and general story outline. 

That being said, if the in-game artwork and OST snippets are anything to go by, players are in for a wild ride when this game finally lands. 

5. Honkai Star Rail

Yet to receive an official confirmation, the Honkai Star Rail release date is estimated to be March 2023. 

Fans have speculated this to be the case considering the flagship mascot is a character named March 7th, but only time will tell.

As the next Mihoyoverse project succeeding Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail is looking to make waves as a turn-based strategy RPG (as opposed to Genshin Impact's open-world real-time action combat). 

With pristine graphics, a huge overarching storyline, and enough content to keep players busy for years to come, it's nice to see Mihoyo putting their Genshin millions to good use.

4. Octopath Traveler 2

The original Octopath Traveler wowed audiences with its breathtaking visuals, gorgeous soundtrack, and dedication to its inspiratory material.

This game tried to recapture the magic of traditional JRPGs, and boy, did it succeed and then some.  

Expertly intertwining genuinely compelling stories with tactical turn-based gameplay is what Octopath Traveler is known for. If the sequel is even half as good as the original, fans are in for a treat.

3. Like a Dragon: Ishin!

The Yakuza franchise has seen a soft reboot with its Like A Dragon title. New characters, new areas to explore, and new storylines were a breath of fresh air for this series more than six games deep. 

Yakuza: Like A Dragon relied on its predecessor to gain traction, even adopting the "Yakuza" moniker.

However, thanks to the reboot's success, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is stepping out on its own two feet, and fans couldn't be prouder.

2. Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive open-world action RPG set in the heart of the Harry Potter universe. 

No longer will players take control of mainstay cast members from the books or movies. Instead, you will be at the center of the conflict and embark on an adventure through the wizarding world.

Much of what makes Harry Potter games great is confirmed to be returning in Hogwarts Legacy. There is plenty of broomstick riding, spell-slinging, and monster battling to be had here.

Hogwarts Legacy news is sweeping the gaming world, so make sure you don't get left at platform 9¾. 

1. Fire Emblem Engage

For a franchise that nearly never made it overseas from Japan, and even when it made the leap, nearly flopped, Fire Emblem continues to be one of Nintendo's flagship franchises.

Ever since Fire Emblem: Awakening gave the series a fresh coat of anime-style paint, Marth and co. have been stronger than ever.

Fire Emblem Engage seems to be taking the series back to its roots. Players will no longer be stuck behind a desk but will be on the battlefield utilizing the powers of protagonists from previous games.

From the visually stunning graphics to the interesting new game mechanics, Fire Emblem Engage is shaping up to be the best game yet.

And there you have it, ten of the most anticipated games for Q1 2023. 

With even more games coming out in the back half of the following year, these games should provide enough of a distraction while we wait for even more new releases.

For more video game news, guides, tips, and leaks check out our dedicated section.

Featured image courtesy of Warner Bros.