The Best Games Of June 2023, According To Metacritic
May 2023 might have already seemed like the biggest month for games this year, what with "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" releasing and subsequently blowing fans away. And while that title will no doubt continue to rake in the well-deserved accolades throughout the rest of the year, it's got some stiff Game of the Year competition on the rise from fellow legacy franchises.
June saw the return of multiple beloved series, with each new entry standing out from the pack as a worthy continuation. From fighting games to sports titles and the latest sequel to another major fantasy franchise, June brought the goods. Halfway through the year, it's become abundantly clear that gamers are being spoiled in 2023. The Metacritic scores for the following games reflect that fact, so let's take a look back at the best of June.
Street Fighter 6
"Street Fighter 5" was roundly seen as a disappointment upon release in 2016. The game launched with just a handful of game mods, a bare bones roster, and a laggy online experience that bordered on pitiful. Capcom seems to have taken those criticisms to heart when developing "Street Fighter 6," a game that could be summed up with a simple but effective mission statement: "Add more of everything."
We've got several new and returning characters, a cinematic story campaign that takes its warriors around the world, and a new World Tour mode that lets players create a custom character and learn moves from the greatest Street Fighters in the virtual world. Plus, the game's new accessibility options – including an optional Modern control scheme for casual players – make this the perfect series entry point for newcomers.
This is one that'll keep players busy for a good long while. As SVG's review noted, "the inclusion of the Battle Hub's various lobbies, tournaments, and weekly challenges adds depth and variety to the online experience, ensuring there's always something new to explore."
Diablo 4
For the most part, "Diablo 4" has succeeded in washing the bad taste of "Diablo Immortal" out of superfans' mouths. The newest mainline installment in Blizzard's fantasy action series still has plenty of microtransactions to spare, but the game is still incredibly enjoyable without ever spending an extra penny. It also delivers on all of the hallmarks of the series: simple yet satisfying combat, well-balanced class types, and all the spooky lore you can shake a sword at.
The game also manages to be accessible to new players, thanks to its new system of level scaling. Players are free to explore the wide world of 'Diablo 4" in any order without worrying too much about getting utterly stomped. Hordes of the undead will still offer a decent challenge, regardless of your level, meaning you won't be punished for playing "incorrectly."
SVG's review noted, "'Diablo 4' is its own beast, and its crafted a delightfully hellish experience that's heavy on franchise lore, gruesome imagery, and surprisingly strategic combat."
Final Fantasy 16
If you love the world-building of "Final Fantasy" but have always wished they packed in more action and bloodshed, then "Final Fantasy 16" is for you. The latest entry in the long-running series borrows heavy inspiration from "Game of Thrones" and "Devil May Cry" to tell a deeply mature story filled to the brim with bombastic combat. In many ways, it feels like a fresh start to the series.
As noted by Push Square's Stephen Tailby, "'Final Fantasy 16' trims away much of the fluff inherent in RPGs to deliver a super streamlined action title." This game feels truly huge, from its gorgeous landscapes to its towering boss monsters. And despite some underwhelming side quests, the overall story feels gripping and gritty in a whole new way.
Fans of more traditional "Final Fantasy" games still have "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth" to look forward to next year. In the meantime, "Final Fantasy 16" will be keeping action hounds fed for dozens of hours.
- Release Date: June 22, 2023
- Platforms: PlayStation 5
- Genre: Action, RPG
- Game modes: Single-Player
- Metacritic Score: 88 (PS5)
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
2010's "Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective" has become something of a cult classic in the decade-plus since its original release. It's most high-profile release in North America was on the Nintendo DS, meaning it's been pretty hard to get ahold of this quirky mystery thriller from "Ace Attorney" creator Shu Takumi. This HD remaster changes all of that, bringing "Ghost Trick" to multiple new platforms with a shiny graphical facelift and new musical score.
In order to solve Sissel's murder, players will have to guide the frustrated ghost as he possesses corpses, solves puzzles, and manipulates the living to guide them to safety. Loaded with irreverent humor and a clever approach to puzzle design, "Ghost Trick" is well-worth picking up, whether you're revisiting the story or enjoying it for the first time.