The AAA Gaming Revolution: Definitive Ranking of 2023-2025's Best Releases

In the gaming industry, AAA projects always attract attention—they are grand, polished, and visually stunning. Behind them are major studios, enormous budgets, and years of development. Not many such games are released, and far from all meet expectations. We’ve gathered the very best AAA games of 2023-2025 years that truly deserve attention.

Dead Space

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The remake of the legendary horror game Dead Space thrilled gamers. While the trend of remaking old games often raises concerns about lack of originality, in this case, the developers did everything perfectly. Fans can once again dive into the story of Isaac Clarke, but now on a completely modern level.

The new graphics engine deepened and intensified the game's atmosphere. Dynamic lighting and volumetric particles were particularly appreciated. Additions included new soundtracks and even new mini-locations on the "Ishimura", unveiling new parts of the story.

Hogwarts Legacy

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Early 2023 delighted Harry Potter universe fans with the long-awaited release of Hogwarts Legacy. The game world will surely please fans, as it is made with love for the franchise. You'll play as a fifth-year student you create in the character editor. Then, you head to Hogwarts, where magic and all-too-familiar places seen in the movies await.

During your journey, you'll encounter many interesting creatures, visit various locations, solve puzzles, battle evil, and practice magic. The further plot depends on your actions, as every decision will influence the story.

Atomic Heart

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The anticipation for this game turned into a real drama. The internet was rife with rumors that the project didn't actually exist and was limited to a technical demo shown by the developers. However, all these myths were dispelled when Atomic Heart was released.

The game is a dynamic shooter set in the unusual setting of an alternate history. It somewhat resembles Fallout in a futuristic USSR style. However, it's not an RPG, and not many decisions influence the ending. But it does feature intense boss battles that will make you sweat.

Resident Evil 4 Remake

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A legendary horror game where you'll constantly hear "Leoooon!" The Resident Evil 4 Remake is significantly different from the original released in the early 2000s: it has updated graphics, an improved game engine, and an enhanced oppressive atmosphere. Players can immerse themselves in it and enjoy the dark gameplay.

The gameplay is almost identical to the original: the character needs to collect survival items and fight monsters, and also protect the president's daughter.

STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor

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Star Wars fans received a continuation of Cal Kestis’s story this year. STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor takes us to a time when Cal has become an adult and experienced Jedi. Accordingly, the problems and enemies encountered in the game have become more mature and challenging.

The gameplay also underwent some changes. New combat styles, skills, and weapons were introduced. However, the project faced significant difficulties at launch that took a long time to resolve.

Poor optimization marred the game's first impression. Even on top PCs, STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor lagged and crashed with errors. The FPS was sometimes so low that it was impossible to play. This issue has since been fixed.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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Another nominee for "Game of the Year". The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild became one of the most significant releases of the last decade. This project offered players a vast open world, captivating for hundreds of hours thanks to its diverse and, most importantly, engaging content.

This sequel continues Link's adventures. You will battle monsters, powerful bosses, gather resources, solve puzzles in dungeons, and cook. The dishes provide character-boosting bonuses.

Tears of the Kingdom slightly changed the familiar Hyrule, added aerial and underground worlds, and updated the character's abilities.

Street Fighter 6

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Not only Mortal Kombat 1 emerged as a new fighting game in 2023. The legendary Street Fighter franchise also received its continuation. Street Fighter 6 elevated to a new level, becoming not just a fighting game but a whole gaming platform.

In addition to regular fights, the project introduced a world tour, where players can compete for valuable prizes and high rankings. A separate shared location, the Battle Hub, was also added. Here, players can meet others, see the hall of fame, and even enjoy mini-games.

Diablo IV

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The title of one of the most prominent releases of 2023 goes to Diablo IV. Fans waited years for the continuation of their beloved franchise, and the release of this game was very successful. There were opinions that conceptually the project remained at the same level, but this didn’t deter anyone. New graphics, insanely beautiful locations, and the presence of world bosses attracted fans.

However, months later, players began to sense a feeling of redundancy and boredom from the long-awaited project. The content abruptly ended, and the game kindly suggested replaying it over and over to unlock new pieces of possibilities. Then a wave of complaints hit Blizzard.

A characteristic of the Diablo series was its endlessness, and these games did not become tiresome over time. Diablo IV lacks this quality. However, it should not be forgotten that Diablo III faced a similar situation, but over time, it became an amazing game.

Final Fantasy XVI

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Every release in the Final Fantasy series is a major event in the gaming community. Final Fantasy XVI was no exception and ended up being titled one of the best games in the franchise. This time, we learn the story of Clive and a team of rebels. The scriptwriters outdid themselves, creating a story that could bring players to tears. Fans note the depth and drama of the narrative.

In terms of gameplay, the game differs from its predecessors. Firstly, there are many cutscenes, creating the illusion of watching a movie. Secondly, the combat system has become dynamic and interesting. Ultimately, it resulted in an intriguing combination of observation and action.

Remnant II

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Remnant II earned its share of fame in 2023. The sequel turned out to be larger, more varied, and more beautiful than its predecessor. Gamers eagerly immersed themselves in this unique souls-like game and were thoroughly satisfied.

Remnant II significantly expanded on the aspects of the first game. Worlds became more diverse and extensive, with completely new creatures and bosses, while combat became more dynamic and bloodier. There were also new crafting options and rewards, and most importantly, expanded character progression.

Baldur’s Gate 3

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It’s the most famous project, which received several awards at The Game Awards 2023 ceremony, including the top award, "Game of the Year". This role-playing game sees the character grow from an unknown adventurer to a true hero capable of changing or destroying the world. It's all in the spirit of D&D.

BG3 is not lacking in an interesting plot, humor, charismatic characters, diverse classes and their abilities, and epic surprises that can evoke both tears of joy and sadness. It's so multifaceted that you can play it over and over again to discover something new.

The developers support the project. For instance, a new epilogue was recently released as players were dissatisfied with the ending of BG3. This is another plus for both the company and the project.

Starfield

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Starfield was the dream game not only for fans of Bethesda's games but also for Todd Howard himself. There were high ambitions, but were the hopes fulfilled? Not really. Some fans were already prepared for bugs and poor optimization, reminiscent of Fallout 4's instability at launch. However, the problem lies not in what developers or mod creators can fix.

Starfield received mixed reviews due to its gameplay. In this space game, there was too little space, and the hundreds of claimed planets were empty and monotonous. The story wasn't particularly remarkable. Ultimately, it was a project of gigantic proportions with interesting content spread too thinly.

Mortal Kombat 1

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Mortal Kombat fans have become accustomed to the universe's story being rewritten repeatedly. This year's new release, MK1, continued this tradition. It not only rewrote the story but also rebooted the series. A particularly notable change was the altered story of Scorpion and Sub-Zero — the universe's most iconic characters.

MK1 boasts not only a new storyline but also its presentation. The game has transformed in this aspect. It now resembles a high-quality cinematic game even more, an effect achieved by the developers through advanced graphics and live actors.

Otherwise, it's the same fighting game with an even more enjoyable combat system and more brutal fatalities.

Counter-Strike 2

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The release of Counter-Strike 2 was a landmark event in 2023. Firstly, gamers received a continuation of the legendary franchise on a new engine, and secondly, the fan-favorite CS:GO ceased to exist. The controversial decision to shut down the previous project did not go smoothly. The community's anger was so intense that it caused solar flares, and somewhere in a parallel universe, Gabe Newell promised to announce Half-Life 3.

Despite this, CS2 has over 7 million positive reviews on Steam and is doing quite well.

Assassin's Creed Mirage

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Following the release of Assassin's Creed Origin, the fan community was divided into two camps. Those who didn’t like the RPG elements were forced to watch the franchise drift away from its roots. However, in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage was released, bringing the series back to its origins.

Yes, leveling up is still there, but it's not as deep as in previous games. The focus is on stealth, and the storyline centers on the assassins' order, pleasing fans of the earlier series parts. Overall, the release was successful, but players had one complaint: the game is very short. This is attributed to the fact that Basim's story was initially conceived as a large DLC for Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

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In this game, you'll play as two characters — Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who are set to face new adventures, new enemies, and new battles. The project continues the story of the previous part, where Miles Morales appeared as the new Spider-Man. It also introduced Harry Osborn, infected with a symbiote.

The symbiote will play an important role in the sequel: it will give Peter and Miles new abilities and unleash the terrifying Venom.

Alan Wake 2

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In its time, Alan Wake became an iconic game, and fans had been asking the developers to release a sequel for many years. The wait of over ten years was worth it. Alan Wake 2 is a horror game that immerses players in the mysterious world of the famous writer Alan Wake, who disappeared in a creepy town under unknown conditions.

The plot keeps you on edge and won't let you relax until the very end (and at the end you'll go playing other games from Remedy). You'll discover many secrets in the writer's realm of nightmarish dreams. This adventure will certainly be memorable, as the game received numerous enthusiastic reviews from players and critics, as well as a nomination for "Game of the Year".

Horizon Forbidden West

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Aloy’s adventures continue—this time, she heads west to save a dying planet. The world has become noticeably larger and more diverse: lush jungles, arid deserts, underwater ruins, and snowy peaks impress with their detail and beauty. The locations are not only gorgeous but also filled with details, secrets, and opportunities for exploration.

The gameplay once again revolves around battles with robots, hunting, crafting, and world exploration. New tools, such as a glider and grappling hook, make traversing vertical terrain easier. Forbidden West carefully builds upon the ideas of the first game and improves everything—both visually and in terms of gameplay.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

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The sequel to Like a Dragon takes players to Japan and sunny Hawaii. This time, the protagonists are Ichiban Kasuga and the legendary Kazuma Kiryu—each with their own personality, story, and combat style. The narrative skillfully balances drama and humor, exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and the power of friendship.

Battles remain turn-based but have become noticeably more dynamic. Now, players can move around the battlefield, use the environment, and chain attacks together. The game offers more content than ever: sujimon hunting, resort building, relationship progression with companions, and dozens of mini-games. This is the most content-rich entry in the series, capable of captivating players for hundreds of hours.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

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The second part of the Final Fantasy VII remake opens the world beyond Midgar. The story is presented vividly and emotionally—with strong cinematic scenes and unexpected twists that expand the original narrative rather than simply retelling it. The ending remains open, as a third installment is still to come.

The combat system retains its dynamic nature, emphasizing team-based abilities, materia upgrades, and skill trees. Battles blend real-time action with tactical elements, and each character has unique builds and synergies for different playstyles. The classic foundation remains but has been deepened and modernized.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

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Dragon’s Dogma 2’s open world doesn’t hold the player’s hand: there are no traditional markers, and random encounters, events, and battles constantly occur on the way to objectives. The world feels alive—weather conditions, day-night cycles, and NPC reactions to the hero’s appearance add depth.

The combat system allows for experimentation: players can switch classes, combine skills, and adapt tactics to different situations. The pawn system deserves special mention—companions adapt to the player’s style and actively participate in battles. With a limited fast-travel system, every expedition becomes a true adventure.

Stellar Blade

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This action slasher’s story unfolds on a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by biomechanical monsters. The paratrooper EVE becomes humanity’s last hope. The gameplay revolves around a dynamic combat system inspired by Sekiro and Bayonetta—with flexible combat customization, progression, and challenging bosses.

Visually, Stellar Blade is stunning: cinematic presentation, detailed environments, and smooth next-gen animations. Despite its linear narrative, the game includes side quests, hidden areas, and exploration elements that add depth and variety.

Black Myth: Wukong

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Inspired by Chinese mythology, this game follows the adventures of the Great Sage Sun Wukong—the hero of Journey to the West. Players control the Chosen One, who seeks six relics to revive the Monkey King. The journey takes them through a wondrous world filled with ancient legends, magical creatures, and deadly trials.

Black Myth: Wukong focuses on dynamic, souls-like combat with challenging duels against a hundred unique bosses. The combat system offers different stances, magical abilities, and gear. A key mechanic is transforming into defeated enemies to harness their powers in new battles and discover unconventional paths.

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts breathtaking graphics and animations. Each location is meticulously crafted with attention to detail and distinct atmospheres. The story carefully weaves in references to Chinese cultural traditions, creating a beautiful and educational experience.

Astro Bot

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This vibrant platformer, awarded "Game of the Year" at The Game Awards 2024, fully deserves its accolades. It features colorful levels, each with unique mechanics that showcase the DualSense controller’s capabilities. Nearly every stage introduces a new ability and plenty of secrets.

The game is a love letter to PlayStation’s legacy—levels are packed with references to iconic titles. Astro Bot delights with expressive visuals, excellent optimization, and atmospheric sound design. It’s a short but dense adventure that never overstays its welcome.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

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One of the most spectacular shooters of recent years plunges players into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000, where a massive war against the Tyranids unfolds. Titus, a Space Marine of the Ultramarines, blends melee combat, gunplay, and brutal executions. The campaign is short but intense and well-balanced, with a progression system that allows for personalized combat styles.

The game emphasizes visual flair and environmental detail: gothic fortresses, cathedrals, spaceships, and alien wastelands. The result is a fast-paced, atmospheric shooter that captures the spirit of the franchise.

Frostpunk 2

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This grim city-building strategy takes a step forward: players now manage not a settlement but an entire metropolis, where cold is just one of many threats. The focus shifts to internal conflicts, ideological struggles, and faction interactions. Players must pass laws, balance group interests, and prevent societal collapse.

New features include managing multiple cities, launching expeditions, establishing trade, and making tough political decisions. The game remains tense—its oppressive atmosphere ensures every choice carries weight.

Silent Hill 2

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One of the most anticipated remakes of recent years faithfully recreates the classic’s atmosphere while modernizing visuals and gameplay. The third-person camera, revamped combat, and monster behavior make for a more dynamic experience without losing the original’s essence.

The oppressive atmosphere is stronger than ever—thick fog, sound design, and claustrophobic spaces heighten the sense of isolation. The town feels more alive, with explorable buildings, destructible objects, and hidden notes. The game appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

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The long-awaited Dragon Age sequel offers a refreshed take on the familiar formula. The story follows Inquisition: the protagonist assembles a team to stop Solas and correct past mistakes. The visual style is slightly more cartoonish, but the dark tone and diverse locales remain.

Combat is more dynamic, though the tactical pause remains. Players choose from three classes—warrior, mage, or rogue—and specialize via subclasses. Companion control is streamlined, but their skills and synergy still matter. Instead of an open world, the game features branching levels with Metroidvania elements.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

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The Exclusion Zone has suffered a second explosion, becoming a dangerous, unpredictable world where warring factions, anomalies, and mutants clash. Dynamic weather, realistic lighting, and sound design create deep immersion.

The game feels like a grand reimagining of the classic—with an open world, survival elements, and the series’ signature atmosphere. Players explore the Zone, gather resources, make tough choices, and fight for survival. Decisions impact the story, and every encounter could be their last.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

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The first full-fledged Indiana Jones game in years respects the spirit of the iconic films. Set in the 1930s, the story takes Professor Jones across the globe—from sunny Italy to the snowy Himalayas. Each country is crafted with attention to local flavor.

Gameplay focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving. Optional activities rival main quests in depth. The pacing is deliberate, emphasizing stealth and clue-finding. In combat, players use fists, whips, or firearms.

MachineGames delivers a thrilling story with lighthearted humor. The result is an exciting adventure with diverse activities that captivate until the end.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

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The sequel to one of the most realistic medieval games continues the Bohemian war story. Picking up after the first game, Henry and Hans Capon embark on a mission that spirals into intrigue, battles, and trials.

The sequel improves nearly every aspect: the map is twice as large, the world feels livelier, and combat is more beginner-friendly. Henry’s appearance and behavior influence NPCs and dialogue. Quests offer multiple solutions with lasting consequences.

The main story takes 40–50 hours, with side content extending playtime significantly. The game immerses players in beautifully rendered, historically accurate medieval life.

Avowed

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Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, players control a godlike emissary halting a magical plague while influencing local factions. Moral choices have delayed consequences. Companions have distinct personalities, and dialogue affects outcomes.

The world is divided into compact but dense zones with verticality. Combat blends magic and weapons, with finishers, dual attacks, crafting, and progression. Avowed feels modern yet retains Obsidian’s signature depth.

Monster Hunter Wilds

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Capcom reimagines the series with a seamless, living world featuring dynamic ecosystems, weather, and a full-fledged story. The approach paid off—8 million copies sold in days, making it the franchise’s most successful launch.

The core hunting experience remains, but gameplay is more beginner-friendly. The UI is streamlined, while combat is deeper, with tactical options and mounted battles. Customization is expanded, and new mechanics refresh the formula.

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

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Fans finally get a feudal Japan-set Assassin’s Creed. Players choose between stealth as shinobi Naoe or open combat as samurai Yasuke.

The dual-protagonist structure offers contrasting perspectives. Players decide the order of assassinations, adding nonlinearity. However, the narrative feels disjointed, and the ending is abrupt—DLC will continue the story.

Gameplay returns to the series’ roots, with improved stealth, parkour, and combat progression. Weather and seasons affect gameplay: snow muffles footsteps, and shadows aid hiding. Fans will appreciate the classic feel.

inZOI

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Krafton’s life simulator is a major The Sims competitor. It offers photorealistic graphics, robust editing tools, and deep customization. Players choose from 18 archetypes, including antisocial roles—rare for the genre.

Despite being in early access, the game has a solid foundation and regular updates. Mod support and creative freedom make inZOI a worthy alternative.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster

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After leaks and rumors, Oblivion’s remaster was officially announced and quickly released. The classic was ported to Unreal Engine 5, with upgraded visuals, lighting, and world detail. Cyrodiil looks brighter, and enhanced sound deepens immersion.

The spirit of the original remains: enemy auto-leveling, combat, and quirky quest humor are intact. Targeted improvements include a revamped UI, streamlined attribute leveling, and new animations.

Made for fans, but newcomers will enjoy this refreshed classic.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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This French RPG, inspired by Japanese classics, features turn-based combat, vibrant characters, and an emotional story—but with European aesthetics. The world blends Parisian architecture and surrealism for striking visuals. Initially linear, it opens into a full map with side content.

Combat mixes turn-based strategy with action—dodging, parrying, and weak-point targeting. Progression relies on unique mechanics and passive skills. Themes of friendship, loss, and creativity unfold through surprising twists.

Recent years have given us many strong AAA games—atmospheric, spectacular, and captivating. While not every major release met expectations, the industry keeps delivering exciting projects. Many ambitious games are still ahead. Which recent releases have you enjoyed the most?

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