As 2023 draws to an end, it’s time to look back at my year of gaming. I’ve had an amazing time reviewing games for LadiesGamers. But which games have left an impression and made it into Lynne’s Best Games of 2023 list?
Blanc
I recall that in my opening for the Best of 2022 article, I said that a game needed to be more than just fun to be deemed ‘best’; it needed to evoke something. Whilst Sonority, A Tiny Sticker Tale and Mail Time all received our top rating, it was Blanc that delivered on that ‘something’ more.
For the 2 hours of gameplay, I was there, in that wintry scene, feeling the wind and snow on my face, the emotion of that journey, and I got to share it with my gaming buddy.
Kairosoft Simulations
If you’re a frequent reader of LadiesGamers, then it will be no surprise that a Kairosoft game would feature in Lynne’s Best Games of 2023 list. Jumbo Airport Story was the first Kairosoft game I’d ever played, and I found it truly addictive. I am so grateful that LadiesGamers and Kairosoft have given me the opportunity to review more of these wonderful simulations.
Three of the games from this year got a ‘two thumbs up’ rating, but my favourite is Dream Town Island. Developing my town, creating the landscape, and then watching my residents grow up, find employment, start their own families and finally move on to whatever lies beyond was so enjoyable and great fun.
Lynne’s Best Games of 2023
I also need to give a shout-out to High Sea Saga DX. Surprisingly, I have clocked up over two hundred hours playing this game. It is a slightly different format to the other Kairosoft games I’ve played, as so much of the action is automatic, and the amount of play in a single session is limited to the amount of stamina you have. But this meant I could have it running whilst doing other things, and that works really well for me.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
However, the highlight of 2023 for me was The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Wow, this game is just incredible. The scenery is stunning, and I love exploring it. The shrines are challenging but doable. I’m not so keen on battling the enemies, but slowly, I’m getting braver and taking on stronger bosses, and one day, I will go down into the depths and fight Ganondorf. But, at the moment, I’m happy to continue helping Addison, completing quests, and finding Koroks!
There is so much to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that I was inspired to write my Summer Article about its educational value. I’m not alone in this thinking, as the University of Maryland even uses the game in one of its engineering courses.
I hope you have played some great games in 2023, and thanks for reading LadiesGamers.