Amidst the flood of impressive game titles released in 2023, one game stood out for its unnecessarily wordy and motivational title – Mon-Yu: Defeat Monsters And Gain Strong Weapons And Armor. You May Be Defeated, But Don’t Give Up. Become Stronger. I Believe There Will Be A Day When The Heroes Defeat The Devil King. Although the title may seem cumbersome at first glance, it manages to evoke the spirit of courage and perseverance that every aspiring hero can relate to. Compared to the SEO-chasing scam games that sometimes populate the Switch eShop, Mon-Yu’s title is a refreshing change. Honorable mentions in this category include Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist Of Salburg, Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai, and Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation.
Defying categorization, Dredge offers a unique gaming experience that combines fishing, horror, and RPG elements. Developed by Black Salt, Dredge presents a challenge in defining its genre, but that is precisely what made it so captivating. Its ability to resonate with players stems from its unconventional nature. We awarded Dredge a score of 8/10 in our review, acknowledging it as a wonderful first effort from Black Salt. If you haven’t tried Dredge yet, it is undoubtedly worth your time and attention. Other notable mentions in this category include Dave The Diver and Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater steals the spotlight with its stunning and captivating icon. Although the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 faced criticism, the arrangement of all three main MGS games on the Switch’s dashboard is undeniably satisfying. The artwork for these icons, created by Yoji Shinkawa, a concept artist at Kojima Productions, is nothing short of breathtaking. Snake Eater was selected as the winner due to its exceptional use of color. Runners-up in this category include Venba and Quake II.
Outer Wilds, a highly anticipated game, finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch. Despite its late release, it received a solid 9/10 in our review. Unfortunately, as most of us had already finalized our top games of the year, we did not have sufficient time to delve into its wonders. However, our anticipation for this game remains high, and it promises to be the perfect addition to our holiday gaming sessions. It’s worth noting that Jim from our team is a big fan of Outer Wilds. Runner-up in this category goes to Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation.
The Making of Karateka by Digital Eclipse takes the spotlight in this category. As one of the most important developers in gaming, Digital Eclipse has once again demonstrated their commitment to preserving gaming history. The Making of Karateka provides both veteran and novice players an opportunity not only to experience the game but also to gain insight into its creation. It is a remarkable achievement, marking the beginning of Digital Eclipse’s ‘Gold Master Series.’ Fans of Quake II and Super Mario RPG also found solace in their respective remasterings.
Vampire Survivors, a game that commands our begrudging respect despite its addictive nature, takes home this peculiar award. While many people, including several members of the Nintendo Life team, hold it in high regard, its ability to devour hours of sleep undoubtedly raises eyebrows. Considered a time sink, Vampire Survivors engrosses players to the point where seven hours may pass without notice. With its irresistible allure, it has captivated both players and sleep patterns alike. *hisses*
The Alternative Game Awards of 2023 showcased the diverse and unconventional games that captured our attention throughout the year. From the titles that inspired motivation to the ones that defied genre categorization, these games deserve recognition for their unique contributions to the gaming landscape. As we eagerly anticipate the releases of future games, let us not forget the innovative and extraordinary experiences that made 2023 a memorable year in gaming.
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