Are you a fan of action games and wondering what you should keep an eye out for this year? Fortunately, 2023 is going to be packed with action games to look forward to. In fact, there are so many promising titles releasing this year that it might be a little overwhelming. If there are a few titles I happen to miss here, that’s why. Anyways, without further ado, here are some of the most anticipated action games of 2023.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Considering how well Insomniac’s first attempt at making a Spider-Man game went, it’s no surprise that the sequel is one of the most anticipated games of 2023. While the first game did get a follow-up in the form of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, it was closer to a standalone expansion instead of being a full-blown sequel. Being a PlayStation 5 exclusive hopefully means that we can see the game take advantage of the hardware in ways we haven’t seen before.
The game will follow Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face Venom and presumably other iconic franchise villains. We may still have to wait for a proper gameplay reveal, but I’m sure whatever they plan to show off will be impressive. There’s still a ways away until Spider-Man 2 is in our hands, as it releases in the fall of 2023. However, it’s safe to say that this game will probably be one of the best action games of 2023.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Set five years after the events of Fallen Order, Survivor continues the story of Jedi Knight Cal Kestis. The first title in the Star Wars Jedi series was very well received, and the sequel appears to be providing more of what made the first great. Respawn Entertainment is one of EA’s best studios currently, so I’m confident that they will provide a solid experience with Survivor. Those who are looking for an exciting Star Wars journey will want to keep their eyes out for this one.
You won’t have to wait much longer for Survivor to get in your hands. The game will launch on March 16th, 2023 for current-gen platforms. Unfortunately, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One users may need to upgrade if they wish to experience the latest Star Wars adventure. It could be worth it if Survivor turns out to be one of the better action games of 2023.
Resident Evil 4
A remake of the original of the same name, Resident Evil 4 looks to be a gripping thrill ride. While it appears to incorporate a few more horror elements than before, there looks to be plenty of action. As per usual, the RE Engine continues to push out some stunning visuals that create an immersive atmosphere. The combat looks similar to the original game with some modernized additions. I’m very much looking forward to parrying chainsaws with a knife.
Unlike previous RE Engine titles in the series, Resident Evil 4 will not be seeing a release on Xbox One but will see a release on PlayStation 4. Despite this, you will still be able to pick up the game for Xbox Series X|S alongside PlayStation 5 and PC. While the original still holds up quite well, Resident Evil 4 is looking to be one of the more promising action games of 2023.
Black Myth: Wukong
Serving as a soulslike adaptation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong is shaping up to be a gorgeous action game. With gameplay initially being revealed in 2020, the game took many by surprise with its detailed visuals and overall production value. As the game is being developed by a relatively unknown studio called Game Science, it has yet to be seen if the game can live up to the trailers.
As of writing, no release date has been set, but the game is expected to release later this year. This could all change, but for now, I will consider it a 2023 game. Considering the developer’s lack of experience with developing AAA games, I wouldn’t be shocked if this game doesn’t manage to hit its 2023 target. If it does release this year, I hope it ends up being a great addition to the 2023 lineup of action games.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Here’s another soulslike if Black Myth: Wukong wasn’t enough for you. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is the latest action game from Team Ninja, the same studio that brought you the Nioh games and Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. As you may gather, it appears this studio has become quite comfortable with making soulslike games. As their efforts in this subgenre have generally been well-received, it’s reasonable to expect Wo Long to continue this trend.
Unlike Black Myth, Wo Long actually has a set release date. You won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on it too. You can expect to pick up the game on March 3, 2023. It’s releasing on pretty much everything except the Switch, so it should be easily accessible to those looking for their soulslike fix.
Hogwarts Legacy
If you are a fan of the Wizarding World universe, you may want to check out Hogwarts Legacy. Developed by Avalanche Studios, who you may know for the Just Cause series and the Mad Max game, Hogwarts Legacy promises to immerse players in an expansive action RPG. Players will be able to create a character and take classes at the titular school for wizards.
Hogwarts Legacy will launch on February 10, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. However, other platforms will see a delay. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will not see the game until April 4. The Switch will see an even longer delay, as that version launches on July 25. With Avalanche Studios’ experience, this is looking to be a solid action RPG for Harry Potter fans.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
After the huge success of Elden Ring, it appears that FromSoftware will be taking a break from the soulsbourne formula to revisit one of their old IPs. We don’t know much about Armored Core VI other than the fact that it will release this year, but given FromSoftware’s track record, many are confident that this will be a worthwhile experience. While the studio’s steady output of soulsbourne games is outstanding, it’s nice to see them go for something a bit different this time.
Players will presumably find themselves piloting mechs in fast-paced, intense battles. While gameplay has yet to be shown, I’m excited to see what a new Armored Core game will look like. I’m sure this will be one of the highlight action games of 2023. A specific release date is not yet known, but you will be able to pick this up on almost every platform except the Switch.
Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XV has been out for over six years now. It’s about time we got the next big installment in the franchise, right? Final Fantasy XVI appears to continue to take the series in an action-packed direction. With a real-time combat system that seemingly emphasizes spectacle, the game looks to be a stylish hack-and-slash RPG. Moreover, the game’s combat system is being directed by Ryota Suzuki, who has experience working on games such as Dragon’s Dogma and Devil May Cry 5, which is a promising sign.
Final Fantasy XVI looks to be a more gritty imagining of the franchise, being the first M-rated mainline entry in the franchise. With the story focusing on a dark revenge plot, the game is almost certainly going to feature some pretty intense subject matter. The game will launch on June 22, 2023, as a timed PlayStation 5 exclusive. No word is out on exactly when we can see the game on other platforms, but we do know that PS5 users will have exclusive access to it until the end of the year.
Dead Island 2
After spending what feels like an eternity in development hell, Dead Island 2 may finally find its way on store shelves this year. Players will be able to take on the undead in creative and darkly humorous ways, with a colorful post-apocalyptic backdrop. While the sequel doesn’t take place on an island as the title would imply, Los Angeles will be able to provide some of that vacation island feel that you would expect.
Dead Island 2 is perhaps one of the most infamous examples of a game experiencing development hell. Having been in development for around 10 years, the game has seen its fair share of studios trying to complete the project. While its development cycle may have been shorter than Duke Nukem Forever’s, hopefully, that means the end product turns out better. Dead Island 2 will be available on April 28, 2023, on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S as well as PC. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we will finally be able to see the game release.
Blue Protocol
If you’re in the mood for an MMO this year, look no further than Blue Protocol. Brought to you by Bandai Namco and Amazon Games (yes, that Amazon), the game looks to be an ambitious action RPG. Similar to most MMOs, the player will be able to create a unique avatar and assume an identity in a fantastical world. With a colorful and vibrant presentation, Blue Protocol looks like it will be an exciting time.
While no specific release date is set, the game will supposedly launch sometime in the second half of 2023. In addition, Blue Protocol will be free-to-play. So, if you’re looking for an action game to easily play with some friends, this is looking like a great option. I hope that the game is as fun to play as it is gorgeous to look at.
Wild Hearts
Taking some clear inspiration from the Monster Hunter franchise, Wild Hearts looks to be a beautiful spectacle. The game is set in the fantasy world of Azuma and tasks the player with fighting giant beasts known as the Kemono. Omega Force, the studio behind the Dynasty Warriors games, will be responsible for development. The game will feature co-op play for up to two friends if you’re feeling a little lonely in the world of Azuma.
Wild Hearts is on its way very soon. In fact, It’s only a little over a month away as of writing. Players will be able to enjoy hunting monsters in a colorful fantasy world on February 16, 2023. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC users will be able to enjoy this adventure. Sadly, those with older hardware will have to upgrade if they wish to play Wild Hearts
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
With Bayonetta 3 still fresh in everyone’s minds, what better opportunity is there to release a prequel spin-off? Bayonetta Origins looks to provide a stylized take on the Bayonetta franchise. With a new isometric perspective, the game seems to take a more exploration-focused approach compared to the mainline games. Of course, players can expect a fair share of action, considering that this is a Bayonetta game.
Even though Bayonetta 3 may be very recent, it may surprise you to know that Bayonetta Origins isn’t very far away. On March 17, 2023, Bayonetta fans will be able to enjoy this prequel adventure. As you may expect, Bayonetta Origins will be an exclusive Nintendo Switch release. While it may not be as big of a spectacle as Bayonetta 3, hopefully, this will be one of the more memorable action games of 2023.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
For many years, the Like a Dragon franchise has gone by the name Yakuza in English-speaking countries. As you may know, Yakuza was never the official title for the series in Japan. That all changes with the release of the Like a Dragon: Ishin! remake. This game is a remake of a PS3 title that never found its way out of Japan until now. For the first time, audiences outside of Japan will get to officially experience the game with the release of the remake.
Players will be able to get their hands on Like a Dragon: Ishin! on February 22, 2023. The remake provides many graphical improvements, but will still be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in addition to current-gen hardware. As someone who is a fan of the series, I’m looking forward to experiencing this spin-off for the first time.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for More Great Action Games in 2023
Did I miss anything? There sure are plenty of amazing action games to look forward to in 2023. If nothing here captures your interest somehow, there’s probably a lot to still look forward to. In general, 2023 looks to be a great year for game releases. If you have an interest in upcoming games from other genres, we will soon have other articles discussing that. I hope you can find some great new games to play this year!
