January 2023
Want Electronic Gamers Updates delivered direct to your inbox Each Month?
Welcome to 2023!
Congratulations, we made it!
Thanks for checking out our fourth issue of Electronic Gamers magazine.
Last year, we launched in October, with The Greatest Horror Games of all Time. It celebrated the best horror games by video game console generation, because it’s hardly fair to compare a game on the Atari 2600 to one on PlayStation 5.
We followed that up in November with our Holiday Gift Guide, an homage to video game holiday guides back in the 90s and early 00’s.
Finally we ended our first year with our first annual game awards issue: The Gammys.
God of War Ragnarok was an incredible new game in a classic series, that started with the first God of War on PS2, and while 2022 saw a ton of incredible retro and classic games (including the amazing TMNT Shredder’s Revenge) there was no denying God of War Ragnarok was the Game of the Year.
As we move into 2023, there are a ton of incredible game releases to look forward to, and we’re showcasing some of our favorites for you, in our 2023 Game Watch feature.
As always, we greatly appreciate you, our readers, and encourage you to leave us feedback, telling us what you liked or didn’t like, or requesting we cover something specific in a future issue.
Here’s to an incredible 2023! 🎉
– Gamatroid
CONTENTS
NEWS
Atari Announces Discontinuation of VCS Production
In Atari’s Half-Year 2022/2023 Results press release, it confirmed the reorganization of its hardware business line, which included “the suspension of direct hardware manufacturing relationships, notably with regards to the Atari VCS, for which a new commercial strategy has been implemented as of the end of calendar year 2022 and that will continue in calendar year 2023.”
The Atari VCS was released in Summer 2021, but was met with poor critical and user reception, and sales have suffered ever since. It sounds as if Atari may discontinue directly manufacturing the VCS, but the wording of their announcement seems to leave the door open to other partners potentially producing it, or other Atari-branded hardware (see next news story).
Atari and My Arcade releasing three new retro consoles
Atari and My Arcade recently revealed at CES that they have teamed up to produce three different retro consoles to support Atari’s 50th celebration.
(1) The 50th Anniversary Atari Micro Player is a mini arcade cabinet packed with “100 titles, including Asteroids, Centipede, and many more!” (Let’s just hope the “many more” include lots of Atari games and not just the generic retro-like games My Arcade has been known to produce.)
(2) A handheld Atari console that doesn’t have many details released, but expect it to be a lot like the mini arcade cabinet, but in handheld form. (It does look cool though.)
(3) The My Arcade Atari Gamestation Plus is a mini console, complete with two retro-styled Atari-like controllers, that includes “legendary games from Atari 2600, Atari 7800 and Atari Arcade”. It will be interesting to see exactly which titles are included.
While these new consoles look very interesting, My Arcade doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to great hardware, or even reliable high-quality software, so you may want to check out a few reviews before picking one up.
GoldenEye 007 released on Switch and Xbox
The Nintendo 64’s GoldenEye 007 was one of the most popular games back in the day, and it still holds fond memories for a lot of gamers, but playing it on original hardware isn’t an option for a lot of people in 2023 (and frankly isn’t a great experience even if you can). But fans of GoldenEye can rejoice that it was recently released on both Nintendo Switch and Xbox, however with different versions.
For the Nintendo Switch, GoldenEye was added to their Nintendo Online Expansion Pass service as part of the Nintendo 64 Online collection. For Xbox, GoldenEye was added as a free download to Rare Replay, a collection of past Rare games that has been available on Xbox for quite some time, and currently available for Game Pass subscribers.
The version on Switch is practically a straight port of the original (like other games in the Nintendo 64 Online collection) but it has online multiplayer…kind of. You can play online but you have to directly connect with your friends and there is no multiplayer lobby so you can quickly jump into matches with anyone.
The version for Xbox has no online multiplayer (still supports couch coop however), but has improved controls and upscaled 16:9 HD graphics. You can read our review of the Xbox version later in this issue.
REVIEWS
THIS ISSUE
We have a bunch of great games this month, from the new-retro pixel-art action game Vengeful Guardian Moonrider, to the very interesting reimagining of the classic text-only adventure game Colossal Cave, to the 1-bit styled comedic action adventure game Under Dungeon, to the release of GoldenEye 007 on Rare Replay. If the rest of 2023 has great game releases like January, it will be a very good year indeed.
Vengeful Guardian Moonrider
| MSRP: $16.99 | Category: 2D Action Sidescroller |
| Publisher: The Arcade Crew | Developer: JoyMasher |
| Reviewed on: PlayStation 4 | Also on: PS5, Switch, Steam |
Released Jan 12, 2023
| In the oppressed world of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, humanity finds an unlikely hero. After building an army of super soldiers as weapons of war, the authoritarians unwittingly seal their own fates by bringing online the ninja warrior known as Moonrider. Conceived as a tool to preserve the totalitarian state, the Moonrider instead rejects its intended purpose and wages a relentless battle for vengeance against its creators and fellow super soldiers. Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. (description from publisher) |
RATINGS
VISUALS
Moonrider’s pixel art graphics are great and could go toe-to-toe with any of the great 90’s Genesis or SNES games. Both the character models and the backgrounds are well detailed and animated, and give a distinct retro-vibe while honestly being a little better than most of the games you would have played back in the 90s.
AUDIO
Moonrider’s music is really great and one of the highlights of the game. It’s driving techno beat is a great backdrop to the pixel-powered action, and honestly it’s music sounds better than a lot of games you would have played back in the 90s.
GAMEPLAY
Moonrider has pretty tight controls with only a few noticeable flaws which result in cheap hits or cheap deaths where you swear you pressed the button at the right time. The wall jumping in particular can be very picky and result in you falling when you swear you pushed the right buttons. Not a deal breaker but if it were a little tighter it would have enhanced the experience.
FUN
Moonrider is a lot of fun, especially for fans of the SNES and Genesis era side-scrolling action games like Castlevania and Contra. While there are clearly some areas where the controls negatively impact the experience, overall its fun to play through.
FINAL VERDICT AND SCORE
Vengeful Guardian Moonrider is an excellent retro-inspired pixel-art 2D side scroller that seems to mix elements of Revenge of Shinobi with Contra Hard Corps, creating a new game that totally stands on its own in 2023.
For any retro fans or action game fans this game is a must buy.
8.0
Colossal Cave
| MSRP: $39.99 | Category: Retro Remake – 3D Adventure |
| Publisher: Cygnus Entertainment | Developer: JoyMasher |
| Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch | Also on: PS5, Steam, Meta Quest 2 |
Released Jan 19, 2023
| From the acclaimed creator of the King’s Quest series & Phantasmagoria, Colossal Cave, reimagined by Roberta Williams, is an exciting new action-adventure game that promises to bring you the adventure you’ve longed for. An homage to the original and esteemed classic computing text adventure, Colossal Cave Adventure by Will Crowther and Don Woods, Roberta Williams brings a beloved favorite game into the 21st century with meticulous handcrafted art, imaginative environmental creations based on actual caverns, rendering the vast and engaging cave in fully explorable three dimensional art. (description from publisher) |
RATINGS
VISUALS
Colossal Cave’s visuals are a mixed bag. On the one hand they look extremely dated for a game released in 2023, and even given the premise of the game’s concept, you could argue they should be a lot better, however… for anyone who played the text-only original, being able to finally see the environments you previously had to imagine from only the text descriptions is very cool.
AUDIO
Colossal Cave doesn’t have much audio to speak of, outside of the narrator, but one pretty amazing achievement is the narrator has a calming voice that isn’t annoying to listen to, given you’ll be listening to him A LOT, as this version of the game translates a lot of the original written text into spoken voiceovers as you traverse the cave.
GAMEPLAY
Colossal Cave’s gameplay is one of its weaker points. The world is rendered in full 3D, so you can move around and navigate generally like you would in any 3D first person game, however there is a point-and-click overlay on top of everything that feels strange with the generally free form movement.
FUN
The fun factor for Colossal Cave is probably the most mixed bag of all. To be clear, this version of Colossal Cave is difficult to play and enjoy in 2023, but…and it’s a BIG but…for anyone who has played the original it is very cool and enjoyable.
FINAL VERDICT AND SCORE
Frankly, Colossal Cave is made for a niche audience and it’s very difficult to recommend it broadly to gamers in 2023, even if you’re a retro inclined gamer. If you are simply looking for a new 3D adventure game, and you don’t really care about this game’s place in history, I recommend skipping it altogether or watching a Let’s Play on YouTube. However, if you played the original, or are interested enough (like me) to go back and play the original text-based adventure before diving into this, it can be a lot of fun. I’m still not sure it’s worth its $40 price tag, but it can be enjoyable nonetheless.
6.0
Underdungeon
| MSRP: $13.99 | Category: 1-Bit Action RPG |
| Publisher: RedDeerGames | Developer: Josyan |
| Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch | Also on: Steam |
Released Jan 13, 2023
| Embody Kimuto on the first day of his new job in this humor-packed dungeon crawler with surprising secrets to discover! UnderDungeon is a peculiar adventure based on the classic dungeon crawlers. Our protagonist, Kimuto, will have to face the harsh world of work on his first day on the job. With the enigmatic appearance of the monsters, the lives of the residents of Kutopia have radically changed. The famous “Heroes” have emerged who try to hunt down these creatures, some have created communities to try to resist them, and others try to survive as best they can. Be careful, doing your job will not be easy. (description from publisher) |
RATINGS
VISUALS
Of course it’s hard to directly compare the graphics of a game like this to a game going for a completely different look. Keeping that in mind, the “1-bit” pixel art graphics and animation of UnderDungeon are great and perfectly fit the tone of the game. The animations and detail put into the environments and characters is impressive, and feels like it pushes the boundaries of this particular art style.
AUDIO
UnderDungeon’s music and sound fx are one of its stand-out features. The music, especially, not only fits the nature of the game, making it feel like it belongs in line with the best from the 80s and 90s. The sound fx perfectly fit the tone and action in the game, and just expertly compliment the overall experience.
GAMEPLAY
Most of UnderDungeon’s gameplay will remind you of old school top-down Zelda, but its unique take on magic and sword fighting (your sword is actually magic that you conjure) improves the gameplay and differentiates it from a typical Zelda-like. Some of the enemy patterns can result in cheap-hits, which is one of the only truly frustrating parts of the game, but doesn’t take away too much from the experience.
FUN
Fun is UnderDungeon’s middle name. It has genuinely funny humor written into every aspect of the dialogue and that humor permeates every other aspect of the game, making what could seem sometimes like fairly mundane quests much more enjoyable than they would normally have any right to be. More games should incorporate this kind of levity into their design.
FINAL VERDICT AND SCORE
UnderDungeon is a very well made retro-inspired game that is a lot of fun to play and a great value for anyone who likes old school Zelda-like games injected with humor. The game looks and sounds great, and despite a few gameplay annoyances, is an overall very fun experience. If the game looks like something you might enjoy you should definitely pick it up.
8.0
GoldenEye 007 (Xbox)
(FREE Update to Rare Replay)
| MSRP: Free update to Rare Replay ($29.99) | Category: First Person Shooter (FPS) |
| Publisher: Rare Ltd | Developer: Code Mystics |
| Reviewed on: Game Pass (Xbox Series S) | Also on: Xbox One, PC |
Released Jan 26, 2023
| James Bond returns! More than 20 years after the classic that introduced a generation to stealth-based shooter gameplay first hit the shelves, GoldenEye is back to thrill players old and new. Beginning in the heavily guarded chemical weapons facility at the Byelomorye Dam, you’ll guide Bond on a global covert operation to stop the devastating power of the GoldenEye satellite from being unleashed upon the world. (description from Xbox.com) |
RATINGS
VISUALS
Bringing the N64 GoldenEye 007 to modern consoles was likely not an easy task. The N64 was rather unique hardware, even back in the day, with muddy textures and a kind of blur over everything.
Code Mystics attempted to upgrade the game’s visuals, so that the character models and environments are cleaner and the edges are crisper. While the textures aren’t exactly HD quality, it appears they have upscaled those to the best of their ability as well.
AUDIO
Now the audio is one place where this game still shines. The music in GoldenEye 007 was great back in the day, and although it’s hard to tell if the actual audio fidelity is any cleaner in this version, the tunes hit hard (in a good way) and put you right back in the groove.
The sound effects were never anything special themselves, but the one liners from the enemies were always cheesily endearing, and they sound fine in this version (although hard to tell if the sampling was improved).
GAMEPLAY
N64 games actually controlled a lot worse than you probably remember, and FPS controls especially have improved A TON since GoldenEye was originally released.
This version of GoldenEye does have improved controls over the N64 original, and offers dual stick movement and shooting, but it’s still not on par with modern shooters.
FUN
Fun is actually GoldenEye’s biggest problem, but don’t get me wrong, it is still fun to play (to a certain extent).
What this rerelease actually did for me is convince me that GoldenEye just isn’t as great as I remember. It’s tough because this is a beloved, classic game people want to revisit because of the nostalgia and fond memories they have of it, but it’s clear games have come a long way since GoldenEye.
FINAL VERDICT AND SCORE
Honestly Microsoft did a great job rereleasing GoldenEye. It comes as a free update to Rare Replay, which in itself is a great collection of past Rare games that are well worth the money, AND it is available on Game Pass. While playing GoldenEye in 2023 might sully some of the fond memories you have of the game, this remaster did an admirable job of bringing it into 2023, with as much heart and soul of the original as possible. If you were a fan of the N64 GoldenEye you should definitely give it a try. Just be warned that it may not be as fun as you remember it being.
6.8
GAME WATCH
Ranking Our Most Anticipated
Games of 2023
2023 is shaping up to be one heck of a year for gamers. With epic modern releases, like Starfield and Forespoken, on the horizon, plus a ton of remakes and new entries in long running series, 2023 seems like it will have something for everyone.
While we are excited about all the new releases scheduled for this year, we are especially excited for the following 27 games, set to be released sometime in 2023.
All of these games have a retro-inspired connection of some sort, from new games using classic movie licenses to new games in classic game series to brand new games created in a retro-style.
Rather than just list the games, we thought it would be fun to literally rank them from least to greatest, according to our hype level. This way you can get a sense of how epic we think each game is going to be (and how likely we think it is to be released this year).
Without further ado, let’s get to the games!
#27 Perfect Dark (reboot)
Coming (MAYBE – We Hope) IN 2023
A brand new game set in the Perfect Dark universe is very exciting, until you remember how the last effort to revamp the series turned out back in 2005 for the Xbox 360: Perfect Dark Zero. In case you don’t remember it was ok, but it wasn’t great.
AND this newest reboot has already been announced and delayed a few times before, which is usually a bad sign.
We’re still excited for the possibilities of a current gen Perfect Dark, but we’re cautiously optimistic regarding how it will turn out, and honestly whether it will even be released at this point.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Xbox Series X/S Exclusive |
#26 RoboCop: Rogue City
Coming June 2023
A brand new game starting RoboCop COULD be an 80s kid’s dream come true, and so far the trailers look impressive, but licensed games have such a bad track record we’re cautiously optimistic until we learn more.
On a positive note, Peter Weller (who starred in the 1980s’ RoboCop) will reprise his role in the game, lending some credibility from a nostalgic point of view.
On the negative side, the game developer, Teyon, was responsible for 2020’s Terminator: Resistance, which was not well received.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam |
#25 Flashback2
Coming SOMETIME IN 2023
In 2021, game developer Microids announced a new 2.5D sequel was in development to Flashback, the original cult-classic released more than 30 years ago. Even more, the original game’s developer, Paul Cuisset, is supposed to be involved in the development of this sequel (which alone is pretty damn exciting).
The sequel’s story picks up right after the original game:
After his victory over the “Master Brain” in the first episode, Conrad and his allies are once again confronted with the Morphs, who threaten all civilizations.
Moreover, his friend Ian, who has answers to many of Conrad’s questions, has just been kidnapped in front of him… A trick of the Morphs? For what purpose? It’s up to you to find out…
Help him and his allies to solve this delicate and dangerous investigation through 5 levels full of action and shoot-outs and to fight the Morphs who are preparing a machiavellian plan for total control of the solar system…
The original release date was supposed to be Winter 2022, but then Microids released a statement that the game was delayed into 2023. A sequel to Flashback sounds great and the teaser trailer is looking really good, so that has us hopeful that the game will turn out to be a worthy sequel to an epic game. However, sometimes one delay simply leads to another, so we’ll be watching for more information to see if we get a firm 2023 release date in the next few months.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Steam |
#24 Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission
Coming SOMETIME IN 2023
Game publisher Microids announced a remake of the original 1987 Operation Wolf arcade game, officially licensed by Taito. Originally it was scheduled to release in Fall of 2022, but now it appears to be releasing sometime this year.
While we’re not completely sold on the new art style on display in the still screenshots, we can’t wait to see the game in action and see if its everything we’re hoping it will be.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Steam |
#23 Afterimage
Coming APRIL 25, 2023
Afterimage is a brand new 2-D hand-drawn Metroidvania, and those words alone are enough to pique our interests. Watching the reveal trailer and seeing it in action has us even more excited. Even though it’s a brand new IP, the developer is already known for the Gujian series of games, which have been well received.
This is one we’ll be watching closely as its release date approaches.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam |
#22 Pepper Grinder
Coming SOMETIME IN 2023
Pepper Grinder is a new pixel-art style 2D game coming in 2023 from Devolver Digital that combines traditional platforming with “drill swimming” (at least that’s our name for it). We’re suckers for side scrolling pixel art games, especially from well known publishers with a killer track record like Devolver.
You’ve likely already heard about or played many of Devolver’s excellent games, like Cult of the Lamb, Return to Monkey Island, Trek to Yomi, Weird West, Shadow Warrior 3 and the Serious Sam series (among many many others).
Between its great looking graphics, interesting new game mechanics and Devolver’s track record, we’re interested to see how this one turns out.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam |
#21 Gunbrella
Coming SOMETIME IN 2023
Gunbrella is another new pixel-art style 2D game coming in 2023 from Devolver Digital, and this one sports a gun that’s also an umbrella. How damn Metal is that?
The game’s description on the Devolver website describes it as:
…a noir-punk action-adventure set in a world dependent on a rapidly diminishing natural resource. Players take the role of a gruff woodsman on a quest for revenge, armed with the mysterious Gunbrella: a firearm that doubles as an umbrella. His investigation becomes entangled with the inner workings of ghouls and gangsters, cops and cutlists, and the fallout of corporate exploitation.
As we said with Pepper Grinder, between its great looking graphics, interesting game mechanics (did we mention it’s a gun AND an umbrella?!?) and Devolver’s track record, we’re very eager to play this one.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam |
#20 Advance Wars 1+2 Re-boot Camp
Coming (Maybe) SOMETIME IN 2023
Advance Wars was originally released on the GameBoy Advance (hence the name) and was a military-themed strategy game you could take on the go (remember we didn’t have cool hybrids like the Switch back in those days). Now Nintendo is rebooting the first two games in the series, and they first announced it back in 2021.
Originally this game was supposed to release at the end of 2021, then was delayed to April 2022. Then Nintendo delayed the launch again, seemingly due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, citing:
“In light of recent world events, we have made the decision to delay Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, which was originally scheduled to release on Nintendo Switch on 08/04 [April 8th]. Please stay tuned for updates on a new release date.”
It seems Nintendo may be releasing Advance Wars 1+2 sometime in 2023, but the release date is unknown at this time. Hopefully more information will be forthcoming from the big N.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Nintendo Switch |
#19 Front Mission 2 Remake
Coming SOMETIME IN 2023
Last year, Nintendo announced a remake of Front Mission 2 would be coming in 2023.
The remake is being developed by the same team that created the remake of the first Front Mission, which received mixed reviews. The general consensus was the first remake was a little too close to its source material, which had some flaws to begin with. Unless the developer listened to the feedback on the first game and decided to include more quality of life enhancements for the remake of the second game, we can probably expect more of the same.
Ultimately it’s a good thing that games like this will be accessible to gamers, even if they have a few flaws, but it would be great if the developer could correct some of the flaws seen in the first remake, so that more gamers could actually enjoy the remake of the second game.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Nintendo Switch |
#18 Planet of Lana
Coming Q2 2023
Planet of Lana is a “cinematic puzzler” coming to Xbox and PC in Q2 2023 (according to Steam).
The game is a 2D sidescroller, reportedly similar to games like Limbo and Inside, but with a decidedly brighter and more hopeful overall tone. The initial trailer and gameplay videos look gorgeous, and a game that plays like Inside but is less dark and foreboding sounds like it will be an absolute pleasure to play.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Xbox One & Series X/S, and PC/Steam |
#17 Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
Coming Sometime in 2023
Test Drive is one of the most classic racing franchises in gaming. I fondly remember my first experience with the Test Drive franchise with The Duel: Test Drive II back in 1989 when it featured a 1989 Ferrari F40 and a 1989 Porsche 959 as the only two playable vehicles.
Since those classic days the series has come a long way, with the latest entry, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, under development from KT Racing to be published by Nacon. It was originally planned that the game would release in September 2022, but then Nacon announced that game was being delayed to take advantage of the current generation hardware, and the planned versions of the game for PS4 and Xbox One were being cancelled.
Overall this sounds like good news for the game, and hopefully the developer will truly push the limits of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S when the game is finally released. While a Switch version appears to still be in dvelopment, I’m assuming this will be a cloud only or cloud enhanced title, which will require a strong internet connection to play. Considering Nacon cancelled the last gen versions of the game, and the Switch is even less powerful hardware, it seems cloud is the only reasonable route for them to take.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC/Steam & Switch |
#16 Alone in the Dark (remake)
Coming Sometime in 2023
Alone in the Dark is one of the original survival horror games, paving the way for later megahits Resident Evil and Silent Hill. While the original is very nostalgic and important to video game history, it’s super minimal polygon models make it difficult to play through in 2023. THQ Nordic is reimagining the original Alone in the Dark and creating a new version that will hopefully bring the essence of its story to gamers in 2023, while incorporating modern graphics and gameplay to create a whole new experience. While the game doesn’t have a firm release date yet, it is supposed to launch sometime in 2023.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC/Steam |
#15 Aliens Dark Descent
Coming Sometime in 2023
Alien is the seminal 1979 sci-fi horror movie directed by Ridley Scott, and the series has been going strong ever since, in movies, books and games. Aliens Dark Descent is the newest game coming to the Alien series, produced by Focus Entertainment, and features single player squad-based combat set in an all new story based in the Alien franchise. The game will include the traditional Xenomorph aliens the series is known for, along with rogue operatives from the insatiable Weyland-Yutani Corporation, plus all new alien species new to the franchise, seemingly including a new humanoid species that slightly looks like the Borg, from Star Trek. While a new game set in the Alien universe is not unique, its world is always exciting to dive into, and we’ll be awaiting more information on this new entry in the franchise, supposedly coming sometime this year.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S and PC/Steam |
#14 Tales of Symphonia Remastered
Coming February 17, 2023
Tales of Symphonia was originally released for Nintendo GameCube in 2004. It was the fifth game in the Tales series that started with Tales of Phantasia for the Super Famicom in 1995, but only released in Japan. Tales of Symphonia Remastered brings the GameCube classic to modern consoles with “enhanced graphics and improved gameplay” and expands beyond Nintendo consoles with versions on PlayStation and Xbox as well.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S, and Switch |
#13 Star Wars Jedi Survivor
Coming March 17, 2023
The Star Wars series has had so many new movies and games over the past few years, sometimes it’s easy to forget just how classic the entire series is, having first launched in 1977 with Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Jedi Survivor is the newest entry in the long running Star Wars game series, and is the direct sequel to Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order. Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor are both generally described as a Souls-like set in the Star Wars universe. Fallen Order was generally well received and there isn’t any reason to think that Jedi Survivor won’t be equally as polished. Fans of Fallen Order or Souls games should keep an eye on this one.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC/Steam |
#12 Hollow Knight Silksong
Coming Sometime in 2023
Hollow Knight Silksong is a 2D hand drawn Metroidvania coming sometime in 2023, hopefully by the end of June. Even better, it’s coming to Game Pass on Day 1. The first Hollow Knight game was very well received and beloved by many, and the sequel is looking very strong, with a similar art style but faster gameplay. Any fans of the first game, or fans of Metroidvania-style games, should keep an eye on this one.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Xbox One & Series X/S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Switch and PC/Steam |
#11 Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Coming April 14, 2023
The first entry in the Mega Man Battle Network series released for GameBoy Advance back in 2001. Unlike the mainline Mega Man games, the Battle Network series are tactical role playing games that take place in an alternate timeline continuity where computers and networking technology are the main focus on scientific advancement, rather than robotics. There are six mainline games in the series and a number of spin-offs. This collection includes all ten previously released games, which can be hard to find, expensive or both. It will be great to have all of these games together in one collection.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Switch and PC/Steam |
#10 Sea of Stars
Coming Sometime In 2023
From the creators of The Messenger ( a very well received pixed-based Ninja Gaiden-like) comes a new old school turn based RPG, with guest composer Yasunori Mitsuda of Chrono Trigger fame. The early impressions of Sea of Stars look very good, and there are hopes that this will be one of the biggest retro-styled releases of the year (which you know we’re all about).
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Switch and PC/Steam |
#9 Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Coming February 24, 2023
The Kirby series started way back in 1992, with Kirby’s Adventure on the original GameBoy, and Kirby’s been vacuuming up enemies and copying their abilities ever since. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe for Switch is a remaster of the original released for the Wii in 2011. Besides rendering the game in full HD, the remaster also adds a new Mecha copy ability (which looks badass), a slightly different more comic book-looking graphic style, and new sub-games. Kirby has always been an excellent series, and this remaster looks to continue the fun.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Nintendo Switch |
#8 Final Fantasy XVI
Coming June 22, 2023
Final Fantasy XVI is the latest entry in the long running Final Fantasy series which began back on the NES in 1990. It has had many direct sequels and side stories throughout the years across multiple consoles, and this latest entry is set to be exclusive to the PlayStation 5. One especially interesting thing about the Final Fantasy series is that almost none of the games are direct sequels to each other, and each exists as it’s own standalone story. This latest game tells the story of Clive Rosefield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix. Before long, Clive is caught up in a great tragedy and swears revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5 |
#7 Octopath Traveler II
February 24, 2023
Octopath Traveler II is actually the third game in the Octopath Traveler series, with the first Octopath Traveler and the Octopath Traveler Champions of the Continent mobile game. Octopath Traveler II follows eight new adventurers in a new setting, separate from the prior games in the series, but retains most of the gameplay mechanics and further enhances the HD-2D graphic style pioneered in the first game. The combination of pixel-based graphics and traditional turn-based RPG gameplay in the first game was a great continuation of the RPG games of the 90s, and we’re excited to see more of this kind of adventure with Octopath Traveler II.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Switch and PC/Steam |
#6 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Coming Winter 2023
When Square Enix decided to remake Final Fantasy VII they decided to stretch the story into three parts, effectively creating a new trilogy out of the one original game. The first game in the remake trilogy focused on they cyberpunk world of Midgar and Cloud’s fight against the evil mega-corporation Shinra’s plan to exploit the planet’s natural resources as an energy source. Now, the second game in the planned trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, takes Cloud and gang out into the world, beyond the walls of Midgar,
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5 |
#5 Tekken 8
Coming Sometime in 2023 (Hopefully)
Tekken 8 is the latest entry in the long running Tekken series which started all the way back in 1994 in arcades and was released in 1995 on the original PlayStation. Tekken 8 boasts the “longest running story in a video game franchise” which sees the father and son showdown between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama. Back in the day Tekken was clearly based on the success of Sega’s Virtua Fighter, but since then has certainly grown into its own megahit series, and the newest game looks beautiful and is certain to push the limits of current gen hardware. While no official release date has been given, there are rumors that it will release sometime in 2023, and that’s enough to get us on the hype train.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC/Steam |
#4 Diablo 4
Coming June 6, 2023
The Diablo series started in 1997 with the first Diablo on PC. The concept for the first Diablo came from David Brevik, who was inspired by the roguelike genre and its turn-based combat, however he imagined a more streamlined real-time combat system and an expansive loot system, which became two of the hallmarks Diablo is known for. Diablo IV takes the series back to hell, with Inarius, Archangel of The High Heavens, challenging Lilith, Daughter of Hatred, to the ultimate battle for the souls of mankind. Diablo has always been an extremely entertaining series, especially playing coop with a friend, and we’re excited to dive back into hell with Diablo 4.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S and PC/Steam |
#3 Resident Evil 4 Remake
Coming March 24, 2023
The Resident Evil series is one of the most popular series in gaming, starting back on the original PlayStation with the first Resident Evil, which was a ground breaking game at the time (and the reason I stupidly traded all my SNES and Genesis games for a PlayStation at EB back in the day), and almost singlehandedly started the modern horror game genre, still going strong today.
Resident Evil 4 itself started back on the GameCube in 2005, and is still one of the most beloved games in the entire Resident Evil series. Resident Evil 4 reinvented several parts of the franchise, including implementing a new third-person over the shoulder perspective (which is now common in many games) and improved the character movement over the original’s infamous “tank controls”.
Now, in 2023, Resident Evil 4 Remake is poised to reinvent the Resident Evil series once more, with modernized controls (4’s original controls were better but still janky), a reimagined story and significantly enhanced graphics which are sure to push the boundaries of modern consoles and set older consoles on fire (kidding…probably).
We’re very hyped to see how Resident Evil 4 Remake turns out, especially after seeing how Capcom transformed Resident Evil 2 and 3 with those remakes.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S* and PC/Steam |
* note: Resident Evil 4 Remake is not coming to Xbox One
#2 Street Fighter 6
Coming June 2, 2023
The Street Fighter series is one of the most popular fighting game series in the world, originally starting with the first Street Fighter in arcades back in 1987, but not finding true worldwide success until the release of Street Fighter II in arcades in 1991. While the original Street Fighter didn’t make much of an impression, Street Fighter II became a phenomenon, taking over arcades worldwide, being ported to every home console possible, having multiple enhanced editions released (Champion Edition, Turbo Edition, Super Edition, Super Turbo Edition), and many many enhanced ports released for modern consoles.
Street Fighter 6 is the newest entry in the long running series, promising “a new era of Street Fighter”. In addition to the core game that gamers have come to expect, featuring returning favorites Ryu, Ken, Chun Li, E.Honda, Dhalsim, Blanka, Dee Jay and Guile, Street Fighter 6 has a new World Tour mode which lets players create a character and take the battle to the streets, interacting with and challenging other real players along the way. It also has a new Battle Hub mode which lets you take your avatar into a virtual Street Fighter 6 tournament and challenge other players from around the world, using core game characters (not the custom ones). Some of the changes in Street Fighter 6 sound kind of radical, and it’s unknown how they will turn out, but its great to see Capcom try to expand the Street Fighter concept in bold new ways, while keeping the core fighting intact as well.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X/S* and PC/Steam |
* note: like Resident Evil 4 Remake, Street Fighter 6 is not coming to Xbox One
#1 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Coming May 12, 2023
The Legend of Zelda is one of the most classic and famous gaming series of all time, starting back on the original Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, and seeing new releases on every Nintendo console ever since. Zelda’s last big release was 2017’s Breath of the Wild, which saw the series transformed into an epic open world adventure that wowed gamers and took the world by storm.
Ever since Breath of the Wild released, gamers have been looking forward to the sequel, and now Tears of the Kingdom is set to release in the next few months, and be one of the biggest (if not the biggest) release of 2023 (which is a tall order given all the other amazing games set to release this year).
We’re super excited for this new chapter in The Legend of Zelda, and it’s our number one most anticipated game of 2023.
| PLATFORMS |
|---|
| Nintendo Switch |
TRICKS & TIPS
Hand Picked gaming tips, tricks and cheats to GIVE YOU THE BEST POSSIBLE advantage
GoldenEye 007
Unlock Aztec and Egyptian Levels
GoldenEye 007 has a lot of unlock and secrets, but for players focused on the single player experience, there are two additional levels you can unlock by beating the game on certain difficulty levels. This works in both the Xbox and Switch releases of the game.
For Aztec: Complete all main levels on Secret Agent difficulty or above
For Egyptian: Complete all main levels on 00 Agent difficulty or above
Now, if you’re playing the Switch version, you have an additional way you can unlock Aztec. If you don’t want to slog through the entire game on Secret Agent you can enter the following code on the mission select screen after unlocking the Cradle level:
Press L + R + Up, L + R + C Right, L + Down, R + Right, R + Up, L + Down
Just remember on the Switch, the N64 buttons are mapped so that the C-buttons are activated using the Right Analog stick and the direction buttons are activated used the D-pad and not the Left Analog stick.
Sonic Frontiers
Unlock the True Final Boss
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with playing a game on Easy mode if that helps to maximize your enjoyment, however you won’t be seeing the true final boss in Sonic Frontiers if you attempt to fight the final boss on either Easy or Normal difficulty (although you can go through the rest of the game on Easy or Normal).
To be able to fight the true final boss and see the secret ending of the game, either play through on Hard mode or switch the game to Hard mode before you begin the final boss fight.
Atari 50 Celebration
Unlock Race 500
(formerly known as “Indy 500”)
Atari 50 is an amazing retrogame collection, and as such its developers also integrated several unlockables to keep things even more interesting.
One of the games you can unlock is Race 500 for the Atari 2600 (the game was called “Indy 500” back in the day, but assuming licensing issues with “Indy” name caused the change for the Atari 50 version).
To unlock Race 500 you must interact with every element on all timelines. When an item has been visited, its icon background changes from black to white, marked by an radial explosion animation. Your percentage progress is shown on the menu screen. Note that you must click on and briefly view each game, picture, and other items to get “credit” for them.
Toe Jam & Earl Back in the Groove
Level 0
Normally you start the game at Level 1, but if you want to access the semi-secret funkiness of Level 0 you have to start a Normal Fixed World game, then find and use the innertube (or similar item) and swim south from the island you start on. Eventually you will find a new island with a hole and some presents. Fall in hole to enter Level 0.
THANK YOU
Thanks for reading our first issue of 2023 and counting down some of the most exciting new releases (hopefully) coming this year!
We always do our best to provide the most interesting and awesome gaming content each month, but we’d love to hear how we’re doing. Let us know what you’d like to see more of, or what you’d like to see less of.
Let us know if you have any questions, or if you have an awesome idea for a feature you’d like to see covered in a future issue.
Email us at: electronicgamers@gamatroid.com
DON’T FORGET YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE AND GET Electronic Gamers UPDATES AND MORE delivered direct to your inbox
(we won’t send you any nasty spam like some of those other gaming sites; just pure electronic gaming goodness)
Gamatroid 
[…] Learn More […]
LikeLike
[…] Learn More […]
LikeLike