The Extreme HW Game List - 2023 Edition

[Sir Beregond]

I don't know, Blizzard these days...

 

I am not invested in Diablo either, but I do get it as well. Just saw the micro-transaction cancer that was the mobile Diablo, so I wondered what was going to happen with IV.

[Slaughtahouse]

11 minutes ago, Sir Beregond said:

I don't know, Blizzard these days...

 

I am not invested in Diablo either, but I do get it as well. Just saw the micro-transaction cancer that was the mobile Diablo, so I wondered what was going to happen with IV.

Cautiously optimistic here.

 

I bought Diablo III at launch, went through all the pains, but still had fun with it. Haven't played since... 2014 but I agree, I see the appeal and current Blizzard / Activision micro transactions store fronts are a large deterrent. 

 

I only see single player titles on my horizon for this year so far.

 

1. Resident Evil 4 (stop pretending you won't buy it for the 5th time)
2. The Last of Us
3. Dead Space (wow thats a lot of remakes already)...
4. Calisto Protocol
5. Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
6. Pikmin 4
7. Starfield  

Meanwhile I'm slowly grinding through Hogwarts Legacy, I need to finish Elden Ring, and that doesn't even account for my backlog(s)...

 

But you know... another sale... hard to resist dumping more into the log XD

Edited March 16, 2023 by Slaughtahouse

[Sir Beregond]

3 minutes ago, Slaughtahouse said:

Cautiously optimistic here.

 

I bought Diablo III at launch, went through all the pains, but still had fun with it. Haven't played since... 2014 but I agree, I see the appeal and current Blizzard / Activision micro transactions store fronts are a large deterrent. 

 

I only see single player titles on my horizon for this year so far.

 

1. Resident Evil 4 (stop pretending you won't buy it for the 5th time)
2. The Last of Us
3. Dead Space (wow thats a lot of remakes already)...
4. Calisto Protocol
5. Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
6. Pikmin 4
7. Starfield  

Meanwhile I'm slowly grinding through Hogwarts Legacy, I need to finish Elden Ring, and that doesn't even account for my backlog(s)...

 

But you know... another sale... hard to resist dumping more into the log XD

Tell me about it. So much still unplayed in my library. At this point, most of my purchases have been things I can play with the wife. So easy to buy up more in the Steam sale that will sit unplayed for a decade (in my case  ).

[Slaughtahouse]

6 hours ago, Sir Beregond said:

At this point, most of my purchases have been things I can play with the wife.

That’s how I justified Hogwarts XD

 

My wife surprised me when it was released. She’s not into games but mentioned she would watch/ play Hogwarts. Then I was surprised by how good the game is and it’s my current slow burner.

 

6 hours ago, Sir Beregond said:

So easy to buy up more in the Steam sale that will sit unplayed for a decade (in my case  ).

 

For what it’s worth, gaming is easily one of the cheapest hobbies. I find myself indulgent with game purchases knowing that:

a) Even if it results in only one or two nights of fun, it’s usually worth it.

b) I like to support the industry that brought me years of entertainment.

c) I’m a nerd.

 

Edited March 16, 2023 by Slaughtahouse

[Slaughtahouse]

 

For anyone interested, a pre-order on GMG saves you 15%.

[Slaughtahouse]

2023-03-22 Updates

• Added the following titles:
  • Counter-Strike 2
  • Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania (DLC)
  • Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
• Added dates for:
  • Aliens: Dark Descent 
  • Counter-Strike 2
  • Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania (DLC)
  • Exoprimal
  • Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
  • WWE 2K23
• Other misc. updates including new Systems for various titles (e.g., Octopath Traveler II)

 

Edited March 22, 2023 by Slaughtahouse
Added CS2

[Slaughtahouse]

Counter-Strike 2 formally announced with... feature video? I'll add it to the list shortly. Edit: Link below with full details of announcement and how to access the test.

 

Summer 2022. 

Introducing Counter-Strike 2 | Limited Test

COUNTER-STRIKE.NET

---

Counter-Strike 2 is the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history, ensuring new features and updates for years to come.

 

How do I gain access to the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test?

Players are selected based on a number of factors deemed important by the Counter-Strike 2 development team, including (but not limited to) recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.

 

How do I know if I've been selected for the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test?

If you are chosen to participate in the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test you will receive a notification on the main menu of CS:GO.

If you receive an invitation select "ENROLL" and begin your download. When the download is complete launch CS:GO and select the "Limited Test" option to play the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test.

 

How often are players added to the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test?

More players will be added to the Limited Test over time. Keep checking your CS:GO main menu to see if you have received an invite.

 

How long will the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test last?

Counter-Strike 2 is expected to ship Summer 2023.

Please visit the Counter-Strike blog for up-to-date information on the limited test and future announcements.

Edited March 22, 2023 by Slaughtahouse
Added visibility for users to access the test - As per "The Pook's" post.

[The Pook]

supposedly some people are getting invites to the beta. I loaded it up to check but no luck for me 

[Slaughtahouse]

43 minutes ago, The Pook said:

supposedly some people are getting invites to the beta. I loaded it up to check but no luck for me 

Ah! Thanks for flagging this. I went to the steam page where it shares more info. Post above updated with key info. 

[Slaughtahouse]

2023-04-04 Updates

• Metacritic scores for the following titles:
  • The Last of Us: Part 1 - N/A -> 54%
  • WWE23 - 77% -> 78%
• Dates:
  • Ark 2 delayed to late 2024
  • Final Fantasy XVI - June 22, 2023
  • Dune: Spice Wars - April 26, 2022 Early Access
  • Endless Dungeon - May 18, 2023
  • Goodbye Volcano High - June 15, 2023
  • Last Epoch - Early Access 
  • The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - May 25, 2023
  • System Shock (2023) - May 30, 2023

Edited April 4, 2023 by Slaughtahouse

[Sir Beregond]

37 minutes ago, Slaughtahouse said:

2023-04-04 Updates

• Metacritic scores for the following titles:
  • The Last of Us: Part 1 - N/A -> 54%
  • WWE23 - 77% -> 78%
• Dates:
  • Ark 2 delayed to late 2024
  • Final Fantasy XVI - June 22, 2023
  • Dune: Spice Wars - April 26, 2023
  • Endless Dungeon - May 18, 2023
  • Goodbye Volcano High - June 15, 2023
  • Last Epoch - Early Access 
  • The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - May 25, 2023
  • System Shock (2023) - May 30, 2023

Lord of the Rings is getting a new game? Interesting.

 

Hadn't heard of this Dune game either. Will have to see what both of these games are about.

[Slaughtahouse]

1 hour ago, Sir Beregond said:

Lord of the Rings is getting a new game? Interesting.

 

Hadn't heard of this Dune game either. Will have to see what both of these games are about.

 

Honestly, I have no idea what "Gollum" is about, either than the fact that you will play as Gollum. That can go 1 of 2 ways. Either its very innovative or... it's just a generic movie / lore tie in. 

 

This image doesn't give me a vote of confidence -> but hey, my assumptions have been wrong before. 

 

 

Dune: Spice Wars is currently in Early Access. Let me fix the sheet... Reviews are good but full release is soon. Looks like an RTS. Haven't played or studied it all that much

Edited April 4, 2023 by Slaughtahouse

[VoidTheWarranty]

Pretty sure the best games I've played in the last 3 years have been indies. Dredge I think just came out. 

[Slaughtahouse]

21 minutes ago, VoidTheWarranty said:

Pretty sure the best games I've played in the last 3 years have been indies. Dredge I think just came out. 

Any games you think are worth mentioning or adding to the list, just post them here or leave a comment on the sheet.

 

I’ll add Dredge tomorrow. First time hearing about it  

[Slaughtahouse]

2023-04-06 Updates

• Added new column in the Data - 2023 sheet called "Metacritic Score (Console)"
  • All titles in the PC - Pivot Table sheet will only show their average review score by "Metacritic Score (PC)" 
  • All titles in the Console - Pivot Table will only show their average review score by "Metacritic Score (Console)"
    • In the event a game is on both PC and Console, please use the Pivot Table sheets to filter average review scores.
    • In the event a game is on multiple consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch etc.), the PlayStation 5 score will take first priority. Reason: Most popular current generation console in 2023. 
    • In the event a game is exclusively on a single platform (E.g., The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch) than the Console Metacritic score for that platform will be included. 
• Added the following title(s):
  • Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
  • Crime Boss: Rockay City
  • Hi-Fi Rush
  • Live A Live
  • Meet Your Maker
• PC Metacritic scores for the following titles:
  • Crime Boss: Rockay City - N/A -> 51%
  • Everspace 2 - N/A -> 83%
  • Hi-Fi Rush - N/A -> 87%
  • Meet Your Maker - N/A -> 78%
  • Console Metacritic scores for the following titles:
  • Hi-Fi Rush - N/A -> 87%
  • Metroid Prime: Remastered -> 94%
• Dates:
  • Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp - April 21, 2023
  • Crime Boss: Rockay City - March 28, 2023
  • Everspace 2 - Early Access -> April 6, 2023
  • Hi-Fi Rush - January 25, 2023
  • Live A Live - April 27, 2023
  • Meet Your Maker - April 4, 2023

Notes:

If a game has been on console for sometime and is released in 2023 on PC, it will be added to the list as a new title. E.g., Live A Live. Reason: This is a PC enthusiast website... 

I need time to continue updating the Metacritic scores for consoles. Please standby. It will take some time until I can implement some type of automation.

Edited May 9, 2023 by Slaughtahouse

[schuck6566]

An older game, free on Epic this week is Dying Light. They're giving away Dying Light: The Following Enhanced Edition which has all the dlc from the first year and the season pass content. So if anyone hasn't played it yet and want's it before playing Dying Light 2, it's a good way to get it.

[Slaughtahouse]

Thanks for sharing

 

Just one other small note, I've identified my post with the google sheet as the "solution". I wanted to test out that feature and it works as I would like. Now everyone has a link at the top, no matter what page they're on, to the post with the google sheet. Of course, it's not "the solution" but treat it as a short cut. 

[Slaughtahouse]

2023-05-09 Updates

• Added the following title(s):
  • Endless Dungeon (PC, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch)
• Metacritic scores (PC) for the following titles:
  • Company of Heroes 3 - 81% -> 80%
  • Crime Boss: Rockay City - 51%-> 52%
  • Dead Island 2 - N/A -> 75%
  • Dredge - 81% -> 80%
  • EA Sports PGA Tour - N/A -> 71%
  • Minecraft Legends - N/A -> 67%
  • Redfall - N/A -> 55%
  • Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - N/A 79%
• Metacritic scores (Consoles) for the following titles:
  • Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp - N/A-> 82%
  • Blood Bowl 3 - N/A-> 59%
  • Dead Island 2 - N/A -> 74%
  • Dead Space (2023) - N/A -> 89%
  • Dredge - N/A -> 80%
  • EA Sports PGA Tour - N/A -> 76%
  • Meet your Maker - N/A -> 73%
  • Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection - N/A -> 78%
  • Minecraft Legends - N/A -> 71% (XB|X)
  • Redfall - N/A -> 57% (XB|X)
  • Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - N/A -> 86%
• Dates:
  • Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon - August 24, 2023
  • Endless Dungeon - October 19, 2023
• Misc:
  • Updated "systems" by including consoles for various titles including Final Fantasy XVI, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hogwarts Legacy and other titles. 

 

I'm sure I am missing more updates but been busy these past few weeks. I'll try to revisit this every month to do a QC pass (where possible). The Metacritic updates are br00tal... xD

[Lord Bernd]

Are there no lovers of the Heroes Franchise?? In specific Heroes of might and magic 3. Now called Era 3 totally rewritten and full of customizable mods.

[Slaughtahouse]

1 hour ago, Lord Bernd said:

Are there no lovers of the Heroes Franchise?? In specific Heroes of might and magic 3. Now called Era 3 totally rewritten and full of customizable mods.

Is there a title that has been or will be released this year? If so, I can add it to the list.

[Slaughtahouse]

2023-05-16- Updates

• Added the following title(s):
  • Humanity (PC, Playstation)
  • Layers of Fear (PC, Xbox, Playstation)
• Metacritic scores (PC) for the following titles:
  • Darkest Dungeon II - N/A -> 81%
  • Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection - N/A -> 80%
  • The Last of Us: Part I - 54% -> 57%
• Metacritic scores (Consoles) for the following titles:
  • Humanity -> 85%
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - N/A -> 96%
• Dates:
  • Humanity - May 15, 2023
  • Layers of Fear - June 15, 2023
• Misc:
  • Layers of Fears was renamed to Layers of Fear. 
    • The original title Layers of Fear from 2016 is now referred to as Layers of Fear (2016). Hella confusing... xD
    • A demo is also now available too. 
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes the number one spot for a new game in 2023 with the highest rated Metacritic score (96%).  

 

Edited May 16, 2023 by Slaughtahouse
Added Humanity

[Slaughtahouse]

I was doing an update (see above) and I discovered a game I've never heard of called "Humanity". Reminds me of Lemmings. Check it out here -> 

HUMANITY

HUMANITY.GAME

---

The fate of all humanity is in your hands. Er, paws. AVAILABLE NOW.

 

[REPUBLICOFGAMER]

Nothing that strikes my fancy Have not gamed in years (no time) Finally get some time and now nothing strikes my fancy!

Edited May 17, 2023 by REPUBLICOFGAMER

[Slaughtahouse]

12 hours ago, REPUBLICOFGAMER said:

Nothing that strikes my fancy Have not gamed in years (no time) Finally get some time and now nothing strikes my fancy!

Honestly, these past few months, and even last couple years have been really good for gaming. Sure, not every PC port is in good condition. Refer to Digital Foundry recent reviews for, Callisto Protocol, Dead Space, that Square Enix RPG, The Last of Us, RedFall. But still, there are a lot of GOOD quality games. Whether triple A or indie. 

 

I've probably never played as much games in my adult life (6-8hrs a week) as I do now. 

 

Since the pandemic started, I've been playing....

• Hades (PC + Switch)
• Resident Evil Series (Remakes 2, 3, + new entries 7, and 8.)
• Catching up on Dark Souls 3, Sekiro, Elden Ring (PC)
• Inscryption (PC)
• Doom Eternal (PC)
• Hitman 3 (PC)
• Pentiment (PC)
• Streets of Rage 4 (PC + Switch)
• TMNT: Shredders Revenge (PC + Switch)
• God of War 2018 (PC)

All of those titles are past couple years. This year with titles like Dredge, RE4 remake, Tears of the Kingdom...

 

Hell, the next month has 3 absolute bangers: FF XVI, Diablo IV, SF VI.

[Slaughtahouse]

Just announced... and the gore is off the charts!

 

Sept 19, 2023

PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch