As we bid farewell to 2023, a year that will go down in gaming history as one of the greatest, it's time to reflect on the standout releases that captured our hearts and thumbs. IGN, the renowned gaming authority, has compiled a comprehensive list of the best-reviewed games of the year, featuring a mix of perfect 10s and titles that just missed the mark.

Perfect 10s: The Pinnacle of Gaming Excellence
Unsurprisingly, the coveted perfect score was a rare achievement in 2023. Only five games out of the 34 included in IGN's roundup earned a flawless 10 – a testament to the exceptional quality demanded by the esteemed gaming publication. The cream of the crop includes:

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: Crowned as IGN's Best Game of 2023, this sequel to the acclaimed Breath of the Wild received praise for its quality-of-life improvements, compelling narrative, and innovative building mechanics.
• Baldur's Gate 3: Larian Studio's monumental RPG not only secured a perfect score but also garnered attention as a potential landmark moment in the CRPG genre. Its impact on the genre could rival that of Zelda on open-world adventures.
• Resident Evil 4 Remake: Capcom raised the bar for remakes with this reimagining, boasting numerous improvements, from quality of life changes to overhauled boss fight mechanics.
• Metroid Prime Remastered: Nintendo surprised fans with a revamped version of one of its all-time greats, Metroid Prime, delivering improved graphics and performance.
• Asgard's Wrath 2: The lone VR title to earn a perfect 10, this open-world RPG in virtual reality impressed with its unique characters, satisfying combat, intricate RPG systems, and a captivating story.

Nearly Perfect: The 9s That Define Excellence
While perfect scores were elusive, a significant number of games secured a commendable 9 from IGN's discerning critics. A staggering 87% of IGN's best-reviewed games list fell into this category, underscoring the exceptional quality of titles that almost reached perfection. Some notable 9s include:

• Diablo 4: Blizzard's long-awaited sequel garnered widespread acclaim despite facing challenges in maintaining its live-service model.
• Hogwarts Legacy: The dream of attending Hogwarts came to life in this open-world game, offering a magical experience for Harry Potter fans.
• Nintendo's Diverse Lineup: Nintendo continued to shine with exclusives like Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Fire Emblem Engage, and Pikmin 4, showcasing the versatility of the Switch.
• Sports and Racing Games: EA Sports UFC 5, Gran Turismo 7 VR, and MLB: The Show 23 demonstrated that the sports and racing genre had an exceptional year, pushing boundaries in gameplay and innovation.

Hidden Gems: Indie Titles and Mobile Marvels
Amidst the juggernauts, smaller studios and indie developers made significant contributions to the gaming landscape. Standout titles include:

• Ghostrunner 2: A cyberpunk sequel praised for building upon the success of its predecessor, demonstrating the prowess of Polish indie dev team One More Level.
• Pizza Tower and Laika: Aged Through Blood: Two indie platformers that caught the attention of gamers, offering unique experiences with creative gameplay and design.
• Honkai: Star Rail: MiHoYo, the mobile gaming giant, followed up Genshin Impact with a sci-fi title that impressed with its turn-based combat system.

DLC Delights: Expanding the Experience
Even downloadable content (DLC) earned a spot on the best-reviewed games list, showcasing the impact of post-launch additions:

• Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: CD Projekt Red's expansion delivered on the ambitious promises of the base game, earning near-perfect acclaim.
• Dead Cells' Return to Castlevania: A collaboration with Konami brought the iconic monsters of Castlevania to the roguelike world of Dead Cells, securing a perfect score from IGN.

As we look back on 2023, it's evident that the gaming industry continued to push boundaries, offering a diverse array of experiences that catered to all types of gamers. Whether it was exploring the vast landscapes of Tears of the Kingdom, engaging in epic battles in Baldur's Gate 3, or reliving the horror of Resident Evil 4 in a new light, 2023 truly delivered a gaming feast for enthusiasts worldwide. Let us know in the comments which games were your favorites and what you're looking forward to in the gaming landscape of 2024.