Jon’s Top 10 Games of 2023

Hearing Octopath 2 appreciation?
Marvelous!

I adore Octopath 1. The birth of HD-2D in combination with argueably one of the best OSTs ever, was enough for me to make it outstanding.
It never bothered me that the Travelers didn't interact besides travel banter and battle quotes, because I was always under the impression that this game was meant to have 8 seperate paths to follow, hence the name.

Nowadays it makes sense for HD-2D to just be overlooked when it comes to talking about Octopath because it's being pretty much standardized by Square.
Although VGM appreciation has risen over the years, for many people gameplay is everything (which is fine).
Which leaves us with what?
People getting destroyed by Galdera and people expecting more from the story. Add a sprinkle of criticizing AAA being the trendy thing to do and we get in this situation where Octopath 1 gets trashed on a lot for comparedably little reason.

It's a shame that Octopath 2 just got swept away by that and the fact that Square was just kinda ignoring the marketing.
At least it seems like Octopath 2 gets a respectable hidden gem status kinda like Triangle Strategy which is good to see. It still deserves better but oh well…

I don't think it does everything right(a bit too easy to get busted and story is still just solid), but it's nonetheless absolutely a masterpiece of a JRPG and I hope the series still has a bright future^-^
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Also, Hikari is the best Fire Emblem character of 2023 :3

Your review of Octopath Traveler 2 inspired me to check the game (series) out! Specifically it was when you mentioned that it was as great as Final Fantasy 6, before you mentioned 7. Final Fantasy 6 is hands down my top favorite rpg of all time – so I'm very much looking forward to playing Octopath Traveler II once I get to it. 🙂

Is it necessary to play through the first, before I play the second? Is each game a whole different world/story, like Final Fantasy or instead are the games connected in one way or another? Would appreciate any feedback!

Thank you so much for the video! 🙂

Pizza sparking 🎉❤

I wish Jon had his own YouTube channel

I think with Armored Core VI, the word you were looking for was “bombastic”. “Bodacious” was a fun substitute though, lol

TotK is my favorite game of all time

Is that Hexadecimal in the background?

Jon! Somehow, you need to borrow Steve's PSVR2 to play RE4 Remake in VR. It is the "Wii" version of the game, if that makes sense and easily the best way to play.

I could listen to Jon all day on a loop.. love his dulcet tones ❤

Dear John, please indulge me in my minirant, which i’ll allow myself to adress to you as you are genuinely one of actors i value the most in the gaming world.
I can also acknowledge the rut 2d mario had fallen into, but i’m always disapointed that there are barely any word about mario maker, which while it in no way replaces a mainline entry is a really special beasts that is saddly too quickly forgotten.
Basically if you haven’t tried it go for it, they are wonderful journeys to experience in there; but also for people who have not revisited in a while, it is really worth it to fire it up again, not only are there always new levels, but depending on when you last played, entire updates to discover. I myself let the game iddle for a long time and was really glad to reignite the flame, it is now one of my go to again especially since the games lends itself so well to shorter sessions.

Cheers john, happy holydays everyone

in my totk replay i avoided the hover bike at all cost… hover bike is for helping in post-game completion

Star Ocean 2 R was like being back in the 90s again- loved it! Way more than Octopath traveler.

Thank you for putting up with American hours.

So, without going back, where can Zelda go next? Im a fantasy-adventure writer and video game fan with an incredible imagination, but i can't imagine where. One thing's certain, though: the devs will find a way. Even if it takes ten years.

No Kong Skull Island; Terrible list -2/10

Great list, I have to play that Pizza Tower game for sure. Have you played Hi-Fi Rush? It is in my top 3 of the year, a game 10/10.

Knew he was going to pick TOTK before I even clicked the video. Normally I wouldn't have an issue with that since Zelda is one of my favorite franchises, but this one was such a huge disappointment. Still looking forward to the day when the zealotry from the TOTK defenders dies down so we can actually have an honest discussion about the game.

I've focused on my backlog of games this year. The only new games of 2023 I've played are Warioware Move It!, Suika Game and F-Zero 99.

finished Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and definitely loved it!

It took Smash's 5th year anniversary before I fully appreciated Spirit mode. I'm also finishing Great Ace Attorney Chronicles.

I’ve mostly been playing through my backlog, so I only have a top 8.
1. The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
2. Sonic Dream Team
3. Super Mario Bros Wonder
4. The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
5. Super Mario RPG
6. Sonic Superstars
7. Kirby Return to Dreamland Deluxe
8. F Zero 99
I did pick up Metroid Prime Remastered, but am waiting a bit to see if 2 & 3 come.

F-Zero 99 at #4?

Sea of Stars is my GOTY. It left the biggest impact on me and I was completely hooked from release until I 100% completed it. I don't normally do new game + playthroughs but this game was like a ride I didnt want to end.