2023 has been jam-packed with great games. Every time I'm on the verge of finishing a game, another fantastic one comes along, leaving me with a dilemma—should I wrap up what I’m playing or dive headfirst into an exciting new adventure?

Each member of TheGamer's staff has their own list here - Be sure to check back on December 18 for the full and official reveal.

10 Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

This game should've been called Avatar Cry because, let's be honest, it's basically a Far Cry game with an Avatar theme. But I'm not complaining—I love Far Cry.

Pandora is a visual marvel, and the game embraces the Avatar theme effectively. The gameplay mirrors Far Cry, offering the flexibility to craft your weapons, cook your meals, and infiltrate outposts in your preferred style, all while diving into the typical open-world activities of hunting down every last dot on the map.

9 Armored Core 6

When I first got my hands on Armored Core 6, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, the fact that FromSoftware was involved piqued my curiosity. Navigating through missions and facing bosses was no walk in the park, but being a devoted lover of souls games, I welcomed the challenge.

One of the most memorable moments was discovering a mech version of the iconic Moonlight sword. Armored Core 6 may not be one of my beloved Souls games, but it still manages to have that FromSoftware magic.

8 8. Immortals Of Aveum

Fast-paced magic combat? That’s all I need to hear. Immortals of Aveum was a breath of fresh air, giving me a break from spending countless hours to complete a game. It was a breeze, and I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into the role of a spellcaster. It’s how I play Souls games, but here, I didn't have to fuss over my build.

Many have compared it to a magic-infused Call of Duty campaign, and, initially, I wasn't quite sure what that meant. However, once I played it myself, I got it. It's a unique take on the first-person shooting genre with a refreshing, magic-centric twist.

7 The Last Faith

The Last Faith feels like a Blasphemous sibling with a dash of dark, gothic ambiance and a hint of Bloodborne vibes. Despite not receiving the recognition it truly deserves, possibly due to an untimely release that saw it overshadowed by Spider-Man, Mario, and Like a Dragon, it remains one of my favorites.

6 Blasphemous 2

A challenging 2D pixel art game is all I need for a fulfilling weekend, and Blasphemous 2 fits the bill perfectly. While the first game was solid, its sequel has elevated it with a variety of weapons and abilities, while retaining the original's beautiful art style.

5 Final Fantasy 16

Growing up, Final Fantasy held a special place in my heart. Each game brought unique characters and storylines that felt familiar, yet refreshingly different. Final Fantasy 16, though it took its time to release, proved to be well worth the wait.

The combat delivered the typical FF excellence, the graphics were stunning, and, of course, the soundtrack was nothing short of a chef's kiss.

4 Resident Evil 4 Remake

I practically grew up with Resident Evil games, and I absolutely dominated Resident Evil 4 back in the day – from the main story to the Mercenaries mode. When they announced the remake, my excitement was through the roof. Knowing they had successfully remade three previous Resident Evil games, I had faith that they wouldn't disappoint, and they did not.

The remake keeps everything feeling familiar, from the locations to the characters, while adding a few extra touches here and there to help elevate it. Reliving the horror of fighting my way through hordes of Las Plagas to save Ashley Graham all over again was a pleasure.

3 Lords Of The Fallen

The closest thing we got to a Dark Souls game this year is Lords of the Fallen. Being a dedicated Souls-like gamer, I just had to play it. This reboot improves upon the first game dramatically, giving it a fresh look and significantly improving gameplay with the introduction of the Umbral.

The Umbral, featuring two parallel worlds to explore, just hit the right note for me. Plus, the seamless co-op experience allowed me to enjoy the game with my friends without interruptions. I can't help but think more Souls-like games should include this feature; it's just a blast when you're playing with friends, right?

2 Remnant 2

Dark Souls with guns? Count me in! Remnant 2 takes the first game and cranks it up a notch – smoother gameplay, diverse weapons, and archetypes to experiment with, all while retaining the beloved, randomly generated levels that set the game apart.

The use of randomly generated elements in a Souls-like isn't common, but Remnant 2 nails it. Each time you play, even if you seek advice from a friend, your experience will differ – you’ll encounter different storylines, bosses, and events. This dynamic aspect keeps things fresh and engaging.

1 Lies Of P

“Geppetto's Puppet... we need your help.”

The echoes of this quote still resonate in my mind to this day.

Lies of P comes the closest of any game to capturing the essence of Bloodborne. It adopts the formula I adore, but spins it into its own unique creation. From the gameplay and characters, to the ingenious lie system, to the haunting beauty of Hotel Krat, to the unique portrayal of Pinocchio, to the challenging bosses, it's all crafted flawlessly.

The game's attention to detail is astounding, and it's the little nuances and references that draw me into these types of games. And, of course, let's not forget about the soothing music provided by the records you collect during your journey. Exploring the lore behind each character, delving into their backstories, and understanding the motives driving my character's actions as P - it all kept me hooked.