The first half of 2023 is assessed by Metacritic as a benchmark for top video game releases
Metacritic, a long‑standing aggregator of critiques from gaming journalism, has published its midyear evaluation for 2023. The result is a list titled Ranking of the 20 best video games of the season, highlighting titles that stood out to critics across the United States and Canada.
Leading the list is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the Nintendo Switch, achieving a near-perfect score of 96 out of 100. Close behind, Metroid Prime Remastered, another Nintendo exclusive, earned a 94 out of 100 and asserts a strong position among the top three. The release cadence and platform exclusivity of these games helped shape a notable trend in critical reception for the period covered.
Other strong performers include Street Fighter 6 with 92 points, the Dead Space remake at 89, Final Fantasy XVI at 88, and Theatrhythm Final Bar on the Nintendo Switch also breaking into the top tier. Additional high scorers include Line with 87, the Xbox‑exclusive Hi‑Fi RUSH at 87, Diablo IV at 87, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor at 85. These scores reflect a blend of action, strategy, and narrative emphasis that appealed to diverse audiences across major markets.
Further entries feature Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo at 85, Humanity at 85, A Space For The Unbound at 85, Octopath Traveler II at 84, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog at 84, Hogwarts Legacy at 84, Tape Monsters at 84, Maze of Galleria: The Moon Society at 83, Age of Wonders 4 at 83, and Doomblade at 83. The spread demonstrates how varied genres—from RPGs to horror and puzzle adventures—captured critics’ attention during the first half of 2023. The rankings also illustrate how platform ecosystems and ongoing genre innovations influenced critical reception in North America.
Industry voices also noted that the period saw continued interest in narrative depth, refined combat mechanics, and accessible demos that helped players discover new titles alongside long‑standing franchises. The overarching sentiment among reviewers pointed to a year of strong definitions for not only gameplay quality but also creative ambition across consoles and PC. For readers seeking a concise read on what defined the season, this Metacritic tally provides a cohesive snapshot of critical consensus and market variety for gaming in the United States and Canada. midyear 2023 rankings.
In related industry commentary, the emphasis on cross‑platform accessibility and persistent content updates was repeatedly noted as a key factor in sustaining player interest through the first half of the year. The landscape continues to reward developers who balance technical polish with compelling storytelling, a combination that appears to have carried several titles into the upper echelons of the rankings. analysis reports from leading gaming press.
One notable public statement that has sparked conversation concerns the broader approach to console competition. Satya Nadella has remarked that the industry should move toward reducing direct console wars and focus on expanding shared gaming ecosystems. This perspective is often cited by analysts as aligning with a shift toward platform interoperability and wider accessibility for players across devices. from technology leadership discussions.