Runners-up: Dave The Diver, Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate
Best switch icon 2023
Winner: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Look, there were quite a few icons to crack this year for the Switch, and despite our issues with Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, there’s no denying that it’s incredibly satisfying to have all three main MGS games neatly arranged on the Switch’s dashboard.
They’re all illustrated by Yoji Shinkawa, Kojima Production’s longtime concept artist, so any of them could have taken the crown here, but in the end we chose Snake Eater thanks to its use of color. Simply wonderful.
Runners-up: Venba, Quake II
Best ‘Year-End Arrival That Dropped Too Late to Make Our GOTY List’ 2023
Winner: Outdoor wilderness
It’s been a while, but Outdoor wilderness finally coming to Nintendo Switch. It was also more than worth the wait, earning a solid 9/10 in our review. Of course, though, we started thinking about our top games of the year long before they came out, so unfortunately most of us haven’t had time to get into it yet. One for the holidays!
Jim loves it though. Ask him.
Runner Up: Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation
Best retro remaster or reissue of 2023
Winner: The creation of karateka
Digital Eclipse continues to prove itself as one of the most important developers in gaming today, taking legendary antiques from years past and giving them the utmost care and attention. Similar to the Atari 50, The creation of karateka is the perfect way for veterans and newcomers to not only experience Karateka in its entirety, but also learn exactly what goes into making the game itself.
It’s a remarkable achievement and the perfect start to Digital Eclipse’s ‘Gold Master Series’, which will continue into 2024 with Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story.
Runners-up: Quake II, Super Mario RPG
Best Worst Best Worst Game 2023
Winner: Vampire Survivors
The award for a game that earns our grudging, resentful respect despite how much it has hurt us in some way might just go away this year Vampire Survivors.
Look, a lot of people love it, including a few members of the Nintendo Life team. However, it’s one of the most addictive time drains on the Switch, a game that sinks its teeth into and won’t let go, to the serious detriment of healthy sleep patterns. One bite and, before you know it, seven hours are gone.
Who is that damn light shining through our curtains?! Oh, it’s the sun. *hiss*
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