It’s 2023 and my miles-long PlayStation 2 backlog continues to be eyeballing me, however there certain have been a number of good video games on PS5 this 12 months price leaping on — with just a few of these obtainable on PS4, too.

Over the previous few weeks, the Destructoid crew has been juggling round nominees and winners for our GOTY 2023 picks, and this 12 months’s line-up didn’t make these conversations very cut-and-dry. On the PlayStation entrance, our greatest PS4/PS5 sport nominees record might simply go for one thing over a decade previous; it’s very Destructoid.

Closing Fantasy pops up twice, as soon as with a correct mainline entry, FFXVI, and once more as an cute rhythm sport spin-off in Theathrythm. We additionally noticed gems like Armored Core 6 and Alan Wake 2, video games I wouldn’t have put cash on as getting sequels however was fortunately confirmed incorrect. Octopath Traveler 2 debuted earlier this 12 months, too, with a refined, good formulation. Then Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Road Fighter 6 spherical issues out with additions to each namesakes we’re all nonetheless rambling about.

No matter your favourite, we might solely decide one, and it’s going to the Sq. Enix RPG. Okay, I reckon that’s not particular sufficient — Destructoid’s winner for Greatest PS4/PS5 Sport of 2023 is Closing Fantasy XVI.

Closing Fantasy XVI is stuffed with departures from sequence norms and nonetheless trustworthy to weaving its namesake in by way of and thru. As an motion sport, fight is extra Satan Could Cry than anything, and the large leap from turn-based techniques stays one in every of its most divisive instructions.

This one marries a number of Closing Fantasy XIV with the sequence’ normal single-player strategy, too. FFXVI telegraphs its battles in methods XIV gamers ought to discover acquainted, placing heavy emphasis on timing. A profitable encounter feels a bit of extra like nailing a dance quantity, whereas older entries favor Chess. And for these of us unhealthy at each, it’s at the very least price taking part in for one more Cid.

As one of many business’s most formative RPG sequence, escaping the shadow solid by beloved creators and older Closing Fantasy video games stays a continuing impediment for newer entries. No matter emotions on a few of its execution, it does that and delivers one thing worthy of its spot amongst sequence greats.

So right here’s to you, Closing Fantasy XVI. Congratulations to our different nominees as nicely. This 12 months was reasonably hellish, however simply the method of spinning up our favourite picks was a superb reminder of how a lot creativity and expertise we noticed this 12 months. As a reminder, our nominees included: