Digital Foundry's Best Games of 2023: The John Linneman Collection

[@Somewhere_sometime_somehow]

John is my favourite voice in all of the gaming press. This list was awesome, you can just feel the genuine effort and love for the medium in it.

[@digclo]

I really appreciate that DF keeps it's official year-end ranking strictly objective about technology, while each team member gets to share their own personal list evaluating games as a whole. Having a branded collective giving an official ranking to something that is highly subjective never sat well with me. This is another bullet point in why I appreciate the content you all create. Congrats on another year of quality content wrapped! And looking forward to 2024!

[@marciamakesmusic]

If it was objective there would be no need for a ranking lol

[@420247paul]

no lol the ranking is just a a lazy attempt to give credence to the list. @@marciamakesmusic

[@Volker_A4]

DF appreciates that science is art.

[@cantgameright]

Big D energy from DF

[@anteshell]

@@marciamakesmusic What? Are you serious? How in the ninth level of hell would objectiveness make ranking irrelevant? That statement doesn't make any sense. Every ranking system is a set of parameters that which measured items should adhere to at some level. Yes, even subjective ranking lists too. The only difference between subjective and objective lists are that those parameters are malleable on subjective lists and the items on the same list may not even be even measured by the same parameters. Also, objective does not mean universal. It is absolutely useful to measure for example which game make objectively the best use of newest graphics technology. That would probably be CP77 and Alan Wake 2 for the close second. However, that in no way would mean that Cyberpunk would be objectively the best looking game. No, objective ranking of things is not useless.

[@hsvfanjan17]

John it's always a proof of how well your storytelling within your videos is that keeps me watching every single of your videos right up until the end. I didn't play any of the games you put into your top 11 (+2) list and yet I never thought about skipping any part. Love how you do your videos and I wish you a wonderful 2024!

[@mospii]

This is usually the only year-end list that makes me wanna try new games out

[@samson7294]

he got me to buy cyberfunk and system shock. These games were on my mental wishlist but i totally forgot about them. Guess that happens when 2023 had so many bangers

[@Scytherman]

I always love John's lists. He throws some neat curveballs, like Ys X: Nordics in this one.

[@kevinsteelflex7371]

That was a pleasant surprise

[@Crashed131963]

I was disappointed this YT video was only in 1080p not 4k? So these games look better in real world play .

[@saelesbonsazse9919]

Ranking high a game because it's fun is the reason I trust John more than most gaming reviewers these days!

[@N7-ElusiveOne]

I was let down to find out the game isn't on PC yet. Oh well, I'll have to keep a look out.

[@VenomSnakeMGS]

Agreed. I always like how he has some of his own unique tastes, and doesn’t just list the same games as everyone else.

[@jonathanneel4266]

John's so good at sincerely articulating why he likes something. I always look forward to seeing what he has to say about a game.

[@fellahuman]

One thing I can relate to so strongly is John’s apparent affinity for kinetic games. Bomb Rush, Hi-Fi, Armored Core, Mario, all emphasize movement and quick traversal. When a game simply brings joy in its basic movement there is a visceral, almost primal feeling I get from it.

[@Medsas]

why no spider-man 2 then?

[@bigbadslimee]

​@@Medsasbecause it's too popular

[@kyledodson2992]

I’ve been saying this for years. Movement and control are so important. If a meh game simply feels good to move about and play, with little to no friction, it’s already a better game because of it. Well stated

[@GlazeonthewickeR]

@@bigbadslimeenah because it’s mid

[@schumachersbatman5094]

@@Medsas it probably lost some points due to Johns' open-world aversion, which I also come down with from time to time

[@SoFishtry]

AC6 is the peak of the genre, and it is exceptionally rare we get new genre-defining games in niche genres like Mech Action. Deserved placement.

[@samson7294]

Came out at the right time too. FromSoft was riding on that post Elden Ring hype and I'm sure it increased AC6 sales. I know its the first mech game i ever bought

[@M.W.H.]

I like your passion man. Emotions like this keeps the fire kindled in the hearts of elder gamers.

[@kwedl]

Always nice to see someone mention Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. It's just pure fun and has one of the best OSTs of the year.

[@piranhaplant7539]

Always love John's goty list. His picks always surprise me and put new games on my radar.

[@simplymincy]

John is my favorite gaming content creator right now. I really appreciate his take on games

[@patrickjustdelapaisieres4521]

My God, DF is unstoppable! I am desperately trying to keep up with the avalanche of new videos but it is hard these days, even with the holidays 😂

[@rd-um4sp]

awesome and unique. It is always nice to see a different perspective of what consists "best of" instead of a reshuffling of whatever any major publication puts out.

[@corey2232]

Hi-Fi Rush is amazing. Makes me happy anytime the DF crew gives it love!

[@russellcarey3568]

Bet you didn't even finish it lol. Crank.

[@Matt80407]

I see John Linneman continues to be a man of exceptional taste.

[@EBCHILL2]

Hi Fi Rush and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk seem like games from a modern Sega console if they hadn't dropped out of the hardware market

[@SimonDickerman]

This is an excellent John video. Videos like this are part of what make digital foundry so unique: an unabashed appreciation for gameplay, visual craftsmanship, and bespoke experiences. I imagine it can be intimidating to exclude "celebrated" fanboy games like Spiderman 2 and Starfield, but that's why this video feels so genuine. We appreciate you John and DF team! Hope you had a merry Christmas and have a great 2024.

[@mandarinamala6513]

Man this really is a personal list! I was getting kind of tired to see the same copy/paste list all across KZbin. You have a gourmet taste on video games and for placing bomb rush cyberfunk and Armored Core that high on your decision, I take off my hat to you sir!

[@Amanojaku8]

I know right? I literally bought BG3 today - but I'm gonna go play first HI-FI Rush as it's on Jon's list lol!

[@Michael-jr3gz]

​@@Amanojaku8 Don't bother. It's complete garbage

[@TheCaliforniaHP]

it's a good time to a point@@Amanojaku8

[@TheCaliforniaHP]

Made me reboot up and play NG+ of Armored Core

[@AB-xx4hu]

Can't wait for everyone to complain about how their prefered game this year didn't make Johns personal list of HIS FAVORITES that came out this year. Shame on DF for highlighting their own taste in games! How dare that my favorite *insert random AAA game* isn't on this list?

[@GerritTV187]

Deep breaths ^^

[@Integrated]

Yeah, Starfield players were butthurt on the best graphics video and their game not making the list. 🙄

[@AB-xx4hu]

@Integrated And the Spider-Man players and the TOTK players, BG3 players, Dead Space Remake players, Jedi Survivor players, Street Fighter 6 players, Diablo 4 players, Remnant 2 players, Mortal Kombat 1 players and all the other games that launched this year that were enjoyed by others. Hell, my favorite new game of 2023 was Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon and trust me: that might not be on any 2023 GOTY list on the internet. But I'm not gonna cry because someone didn't list my personal favorite game this year. Bunch of crybabies I swear lmao

[@Nayson]

I think it really blow that my preferred game this year didn’t make John’s list. Has the man no taste?

[@Ray-dl5mp]

That’s one way to go about the internet. Complain about negativity with super negativity before you see it. Or we can all just enjoy videos and look at positive comments and move on from the rest. Here’s to easy living.

[@michael.almond]

“Some mild successes” with Robocop?! Ocean’s ZXSpectrum game wants a word with you John.

[@kram4130]

Great to see you putting out so many videos over the holidays

[@MAO7891]

Always appreciate the variety of games in John's end of year vids. Came away with a bunch of other games to check out

[@DaCashRap]

I can't believe you kept calling Murphy Murray

[@peteparker22]

Robocop was so good and such a surprise. I definitely hope they do some kind of sequel with a bigger budget

[@mrluvvaluvva2671]

Cant believe John, of all people, got Robocop’s name wrong constantly! It’s Murphy not Murray!

[@sean8102]

Yeah I loved it. I'll admit Robocop is genuinely my fav movie, but I think it was quite a good game in general as well. But yeah for fans of the IP it's a huge treat.

[@chrissyboy7047]

​@@mrluvvaluvva2671I thought I had misheard him saying Murray but then he said it again. Lol

[@sunyavadin]

You know, Robocop, Alan Murray! My favourite bit was when Murray fought Jeff-209.

[@ricepony33]

While I’d love a sequel they wrapped it up so well I almost don’t. Predator 1/2 is my hope they tackle next.

[@Remix916]

Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you for mentioning BRC!! Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is definitely my game of the year. Hell, it's my game of the decade so far. Everything about the game is perfection

[@etienneunai]

same here, it's so fun! I've never even played JSR but I'm planning to next year. Hopefully the remake is great as well.

[@FearItself187]

"Nice shootin', son. What's your name?" "Murray"

[@jcdenton868]

Armored core 6 is so good. Everyone should try it. Getting platinum trophy for the game was one of the most rewarding feeling in gaming this year.

[@Ruko]

Excellent list John, i knew i could expect something different from much other GOTY lists ive been seeing and wasnt disappointed.

[@Choom89]

Great to see Gravity Circuit and System Shock getting some love, I didn't even know about Bomb Rush Cyberpunk--what a list!

[@AndreThompson925]

These are truly some of my favorite videos of the year. John always includes games I would normally never pick on my own, but thanks to him I discover amazing games I would otherwise miss. I feel like John and the others would be great gaming buddies, so watching these videos is like watching a close friend, except this friend is incredibly knowledgeable about games, and weirdly nerdy about pixel counts :) Thanks for another great year of content! 💙💜

[@dark1x]

Despite writing Murphy in the script, I said Murray somehow. Whelp, I guess all I can do is hand in my official RoboCop Fan Club membership and repent by being forced to watch RoboCop 3 exclusively. For shame.

[@SENATORPAIN1]

Axel Murray.For shame!

[@sean8102]

"repent by being forced to watch RoboCop 3 exclusively." Hey know don't get crazy man.

[@flojd574]

I always find these helpful because I feel like John has good taste in games.

[@davetb]

John's videos are so great. Always sincere, earnest, and real. I feel like he makes an effort to make sure the video and audio clips are top quality. Not to mention his excellent editing. Plus I love his eccentric taste in games. At a time where it seems that youtube pressures creators to go algorithm chasing, it is a breath of fresh air.

[@ogto]

awesome list by john once again. happy new year DF

[@DarkReturns1]

Bomb Rush, Gravity Circuit, Hi-Fi Rush and System Shock....4 games I've never played but are now instantly on my wish list.

[@Michael-jr3gz]

Mid-Fi Rush is terrible. Don't bother with it

[@MellowGaming]

Good old Robocop. Our pal Murray.

[@zerocal76]

The man, the myth, the legend John Linnenman aka the GOAT Game Reviewer 😁haha I'm really picky about my game collection and I've found some gems bc of you, so thank you sir 🙏

[@nicl4388]

Love all your videos, John. Thanks for an amazing year!

[@pensologohesito]

Even though Hi-fi Rush is only number 11, it’s one of the rare games I ever played that I can’t think of having any flaws. Good story, amazing gameplay, fun and colorful, and runs perfectly with a great image quality. I might be biased as I love rhythm games, but man, that game is something else. Best rhythm game ever made.

[@ThePreciseClimber]

Maybe the lack of a Zanzo boss fight? The devs apparently legit ran out of budget. It takes quite a while to get from Rekka to Mimosa, which is the next proper boss fight.

[@pensologohesito]

@@ThePreciseClimber I’m sure a proper sequel, which I hope there will be one, will have even bigger scope. It’s just a shame this game comes under the radar of so many people. The inclusion on gamepass with no proper sales might be a disservice to it, but it’s an absolute delight having it there and a gamepass seller imo.

[@Michael-jr3gz]

Obvious xbot. The game is trash

[@w0rml0rd13]

I love John’s eclectic taste in games, far more interesting to watch than most generic game of the year lists.

[@mondo2548]

respect John's taste in games.

[@marcelosenna3943]

Your list is a joy as always! You should do more videos about games that often fall under the radar, would be a pleasure to watch!

[@balaam_7087]

Am I mishearing, or did John refer to Robocop (Officer Murphy) as “Murray” multiple times? I have yet to play the game, so if they changed his name for some reason i was not aware.

[@abombfletcher]

I heard it also... He was just plain wrong.... Not a true Robo Fan...lol

[@mmo5366]

A WAD?! At No.9??!! Burp- That can’t be right. But oh- that’s that’s that’s… that’s no wad. Well played John. Champion of Gamers.

[@amnril]

Some great games in there, the Doom .wad was a nice surprise. I hope System Shock makes it to console and I’m glad a hard core game made the number one spot.

[@etbadaboum]

John's reviewed games should be added to the description!

[@Donald_Allan]

My favorite games this year have been the Dead Space Remake, Forza Motorsport, The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, Horizon Zero Dawn, RE 4 VR, RE Village VR and Jurrasic World Aftermath.

[@Thebossstage1]

No Saints and Sinners Chapter 2?

[@Donald_Allan]

@@Thebossstage1 I haven't played that game so I can't comment on it.

[@Crashed131963]

Horizon Zero Dawn is a old game. It had a Res/fps patch but was is not remade like RE4 was.

[@Thebossstage1]

@@Crashed131963 He's talking about the VR Horizon game

[@Crashed131963]

@@Thebossstage1 Oops sorry . I can't wear headphones for hours let alone those things .

[@v1kt0u5]

Grrreeaaat!! From the start I knew AC6:FoR would be in your Top3, and at the middle of the video I knew it had to be #1 🖖🤖

[@Areinu]

Kudos for making your list yours. I haven't played most of those games, but I've picked up couple to try.

[@Houldey]

Nice to see the Sys Shock remake on here, easily in my top3 of the year.

[@environm3ntalist549]

Plays superbly on the Steam Deck too

[@Puppet_masterUK]

Robocop is called "Murphy" not "Murray". Excellent content otherwise... As usual 😁👍

[@sean8102]

Yeah he left a comment about it. He wrote Murphy in the script but for whatever reason said Murray. He said he will repent by watching only Robocop 3. Poor guy.

[@PalmDesertRock]

Aw, man. You called RoboCop "Murray". His name is Murphy 🙁

[@sean8102]

He knows. He left a comment saying he wrote Murphy in the script. Was just a mess up he didn't catch.

[@mateusbarao1761]

Seeing System Shock being so high up makes me happy :D

[@naderzein2435]

Drove me nuts he kept calling Robocop "Murray". His name is MURPHY!

[@cronodoug]

I think it's amazing to see how Jhon brings games of all types and isn't tied to the TGA list. The desire he has to explain the atmosphere of each experience he played this year. Mainly showing games with Ys, Bomb Rush, Gravity Circuit which are incredible and ignored titles. 🤓

[@speedracer2please]

I love the picks that validate some of my less popular opinions, and then games I hadn't even heard of before. The best possible type of game awards list!

[@LukasRocks001]

Absolutely amazing list clearly made by someone with love and knowledge of videogames beneath the AAA surface. Good stuff, John!

[@sandrosfc]

Robocop Rogue City is the most underrated game of 2023

[@tlunknowntheme]

Jon dropping GRRL - Trinitron at 30:36 is just incredible

[@MrCaptDomingo]

I’m glad your number 1 pick got the spot!! One of my favorite games of the year, and one of my biggest surprises!

[@hadenplouffe3976]

I did play more BG3 and TotK, but no game this year was as much unadulterated fun as AC6

[@dookieshoes3585]

I keep forgetting how much I liked Amoured Core. It totally engrossed me when it came out, it was all I played and never got bored. Definitely glad to see it high up on someone else’s list

[@etienneunai]

BRC soundtrack is really special. I love hearing it come on in the background of your other videos.

[@kooijbas]

Awesome list, definitely some curveballs in here, but I expected no less. Glad ghe channel is doing well, thoroughly deserved.

[@aryudsoh]

16:36 "Part of this stems from Murray himself." The name's Murphy. Literally the last word in the original movie!

[@MagnetonJjungle]

John is such a good KZbinr. I love his style of making videos - great storytelling, great sound, great visual styles.

[@Shirochri]

Nice shooting son, what's your name? Murray

[@nothingisawesome]

John, you really are a good writer. It makes your reviews really stand out. It also helps that its quite clear what your tastes are so that also separates you from the pack regardless if i agree with you.

[@cosmosofinfinity]

You have my favorite gaming tastes of anyone else out there, John. These are more prestigious than The Game Awards, in my eyes. I'm surprised at no mention of Star Ocean: The Second Story R!

[@sm4sh3d]

This list oozes variety and there are some unique gems that might surprise some people. All around it's peak John content

[@Cwomack07]

Thanks once again for great content! 100% love that John chose AC6:FoR as his #1 pic since it was one of only 2 games I bought this year and vastly enjoyed more than anything else.

[@WalrusFPGA]

great selection! wasn't expecting the retro pick but thats a welcome surprise on this list also! truly an addictive one once you get into the flow of things as you obviously did this year! nice one

[@baccyfromrc]

Any spoiler-sensitive folk out there you can skip the Alan Wake 2 part as it starts by spoiling a major cutscene and continues showing off video material that is further into the game, plus John's inuendos about the plotline I consider spoilers in themselves.

[@avocadopicture]

Can always count on John to serve up retro games and obscure oddities i've never heard of before and immediately want to play.

[@regfenster]

I don't often buy games these days, 52 years old and pretty much suffering with disillusionment with the industry with its continued remakes and re-imaginings of titles from days gone. But on the strength of John's passion and incredible reviews of his personal favourites from 2023 I just bought AC6....

[@tyo101]

The Linneman Collection - instant Like for this video! 👍🏻

[@grillmeisterkush6396]

Thanks for all the great content this year John!!

[@alexisalbaceterodriguez1723]

Even the VR game is something that nobody knows, that list always sorprise everyone! Good job man!

[@Simte]

I am so pleasantly surprised to see My House, so great!

[@crithon]

huh, Ys, that series has actually done some impressive work. Like even the PS2 games were solid, makes me think more of 90s Fantasy Anime. So that's a positive list

[@oviekpolugbo4227]

I was so glad to see this in my feed, I was worried you guys weren't doing these this year.

[@andreaisonline]

So happy for Armored Core VI. Definitely my 2023 game of the year.

[@generalarl]

Cool to hear your favorites John and how passionate you are while talking about them😁

[@philbln]

I really enjoyed watching this. You're a good guy and have the same passion for gaming as I do, seeing this medium as an art. The way you described every game sounds awesome and you finally made me buying Bomb Rush Cyberfunk.

[@MultiRacz]

My goty 2023 is the Quake 2 remaster. I have sunk about 55hrs into it, and I cannot stop. Nightdive studios has quickly became my fav developer in the past couple of years.

[@CptShunsui]

John....I’m glad The Lord made you! Thank you for all the content you have worked on this year. I thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@AmicusRyelei]

"Nice shoot'n, son. What's your name?" "..Murray." *ROBOCOP-THEME*

[@TylerHNothing]

thank you John for making this and taking some time to educate/shout out some lesser known titles that were deserving of praise

[@HoroJoga]

Surprised to see Ys X here, specially when he didn't receive a english release yet. Ys 8 was my last one in the series and I enjoyed it very much.

[@andrerevolution455]

AMAZING! no baldurs gate 3 on the list. MY MAN 💚

[@JanLe82]

YESS, the real GOTY awards are here. I'm waiting for John every year, there's some gems I missed every time.

[@SlipspaceGames]

Good old Murray… 😂 In all seriousness though, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of your work John! :D I just had to bust your chops a little. 😄 (RoboCop/Murphy)

[@morpheus9394]

What a great list. John is a old school gamer at heart, much like myself so any game that makes his lists automatically becomes a new must play. First up will be Super Mario Bros Wonder. Just a joyful looking game and perfect for this time of year. Thanks again John and the whole DF crew. Oh yeah, the production standards on this video was particularly high and I appreciate all your hard work.

[@SgtCrispy]

Glad to see Alien Syndrome get some love. Visiting my brother this year for Turkey Day, we played coop through AS on his MiSTer hooked up to a nice large Trinitron tv.

[@Krokodilius]

ohhhh baby we got an Ys game! never thought i'd see the day 🎅

[@acidpool-ap]

YES YES! My House! Honestly - this was one of most unique gaming experiences i’ve had in years. So glad to see it here!

[@kooijbas]

Awesome list, definitely some curveballs in here, but I expected no less. Glad the channel is doing well, thoroughly deserved.

[@TaintSmack]

Excellent list, John. Dare I say: Phenomenal.

[@stealfromwork]

Always interesting to see what you all are playing outside of the stuff for videos/work.

[@Dayemon]

I really don't know how I missed Gravity Circuit, glad I watched this.

[@TheNamesJER]

I was so happy to see Bomb Rush Cyberfunk on here!