The Best Ten Games of 2023

[@JacobGeller]

Have someone in your life who might also enjoy Nebula? Gift them a lifetime membership! Imagine the joy on their face as they spend the holidays ignoring their family and watching even more Jacob Geller videos. go.nebula.tv/gift?ref=jacob-geller

[@ceno10101]

never having an Elden Ring video, even though you love the souls genre. Then, not playing Baldur's Gate 3 this year! You are full of surprises.

[@richardsaplenty8020]

How tf does KZbin say your comment was posted 2 days ago? This vid was uploaded 44 minutes ago. Lol

[@faizanquraishi4126]

Can we please have a top 10 mobile games version?

[@Trj113]

Better matt walsh

[@Mr.BlurryEyes]

​@@Trj113lol this is funny

[@IronPineapple]

100% agree on all of your Lies of P thoughts and that katana really is sick as hell with how satisfying the counter attack feels

[@elijahmandeville8475]

We love seeing Jacob and Pine in 1 section. A converging of gods 🤩

[@Lilly-qt4yy]

Honestly the katana is so sick that it like sucks the air out of the room almost and make it feel silly to use any other weapon

[@scrittle]

He didn't even review its sequel: Lies of Zenis!

[@jassykat]

NOT A KATANA! Its a Chinese sword or something Idk. Ok fine... it's a katana... who cares.

[@adammacfarlane3732]

Lies of p so underrated somehow

[@ShortyTwo]

Dear Jacob, I think you grew to one of my all time favourite creators over this year. I watched your content the year before too, but this year pushed me that little bit further. I just signed up to the lifetime subscription of nebula and I sure hope this will support you a bit. My favourite things this year? Jacob Geller! Thank you

[@JacobGeller]

Thank YOU!

[@mihird9]

00:28 Number 10 3:11 Number 9 4:33 Number 8 07:04 Number 7 09:25 Number 6 11:51 Number 5 13:50 Number 4 16:17 Number 3 19:14 Number 2 23:23 Number 1

[@dumbluckduckgoose9437]

Thank you!!!

[@seraph535]

Good on you to give timestamps without spoiling his choices

[@ladolan2257]

Oh nice, finally someone giving the timestamps without providing the name. Thanks bro

[@castigatejones3181]

The hero we needed.

[@DarthKain0]

Crazy how all ten games of the Number series came out in one year. What a prolific series.

[@brandondennis7527]

Hi-Fi Rush absolutely deserves its place on this list. It's one of the few games I've played that really brings back the wonder and sheer joy games had when I was a kid.

[@flayncele]

this is something me and my friend also felt a lot with hi-fi rush, specifically that it feels like were playing the ps2 games we played when we were kids. my sister came into my room while i was playing and offhandedly said the game reminded her of the ps2 ben 10 game (ben 10 protector of earth) and me and my friend simultaneously went "HOLY SHIT THAT'S IT!" so yeah playing hi-fi rush makes me feel like a 5-6 year old kid playing ben 10 on my ps2

[@skinnypiggames3036]

100% this. I played the whole thing in one sitting this summer and god, what a fantastic experience throughout.

[@jpteix]

the best moment in any game for me this year was when Alan Wake 2 just straight up played a short film in the middle of the game. A full 20 minute indie short beautifully shot, directed and acted

[@The_Sharktocrab]

Yötön Yö is a masterpiece

[@Zythryl]

While I agree it’s a great moment-I love how this statement can read “The best moment in a video game this year, for me, was when this game stopped being a video game for 20 minutes” I just think that’s very funny

[@jpteix]

@@Zythryl It sounds kinda weird but in the context of the mission you spend a few hours solving a mystery centered on the movie so seeing it afterwards feels like a reward. It also makes the things that happen in the game feel more real, at least for me

[@cregerbot8217]

@@jpteixI think it is also good to point out that it is 100% skippable by just walking away from it. The game doesn’t force you, but if you’re invested you will love to watch it anyways.

[@Thefuhhinfoo]

When I obsessively ramble about this game to friends that is always my cherry on top. I was genuinely laughing my ass off when it. Just. Kept. Going.

[@thirdiprodigy3579]

"In a world of derivative games with endless, useless loot, what the hell does *3% poison resist* even mean." -Jacob Geller 2023

[@Content_Deleted]

Agreed lol

[@wendelinspegel2842]

This Video is full of good quotes but this one takes all the problems of game development into context.

[@InvadeNormandy]

"Percent chance to percent your percents" is the death knell for anything cool or interesting in games. Nu-Dead Blizzard MMO style balancing of single player or PVE only co-op games has been a disaster for the gamer race.

[@daveyc02909]

This quote immediately reminded me of playing through the PS4 God of War in preparation for the sequel and just completely losing interest, in great part due to pointless stat BS like this that did nothing to add to the overall narrative of the game (I haven't bothered to play the sequel btw)

[@justamanofculture12]

In this regard Witcher-3 did Amazing as drinking more potion to resist poison or whatnot will eventually increase your toxicity. But yeah why does this 3% poison resistance matters when you can just chuck recovery Potions endlessly or your healing speed is already 200% lol.......

[@brynnopenshaw6377]

The fact that some indie games are made by one singular person and come out so complex and breathtaking, is just incredible! I just love humanity

[@velconx15]

The game Humanity?

[@rogueishcharm]

It really goes to show more than any other art form, video games exist on the shoulders of giants. The engines, plugins, renderers, everything that an individual has at their fingertips is staggering.

[@Exel3nce]

Lets stop using the word indie.

[@indeed260]

@@Exel3ncelet’s not stop using the word indie

[@Exel3nce]

@@indeed260 indie doesn't mean a thing anymore

[@jakethhy]

Alan Wake 2 is, i think, my favourite game of all time. I just adore the fact it exists. It wow’d me more times per hour than I think any game ever. i’m so glad it’s connected with so many people. fantastic video as always, Jacob.

[@Exel3nce]

Let it breathe for some weeks and months to see if it truly is. Ps. If you want constant wow factors, play outer wilds

[@DroneCorpse]

@@Exel3ncemeh

[@guitarsoupify]

Why do people always do this? The devs of outer wilds don't need or want you shilling for them like this. Makes you look sad and pathetic. The fact that someone likes a different game than your personal favorite is fine, it's not a competition. @@Exel3nce

[@Exel3nce]

@@guitarsoupify yep, makes me sad and pathetic to recommend a game that fills the same factor to a stranger. That's your typical twitter logic right there, jesus Christ. And where did I exactly write that he is not supposed to like aw2, or something different compared to me? Recency bias is a thing and that's about it

[@Exel3nce]

@@DroneCorpse meh what?

[@brianb.6356]

Recommendation for a late-releasing game from this year: Chants of Sennaar, a real neat puzzle game about translating languages.

[@glitter-fiasco]

I second this reccomendation!! It's such a gorgeous game, and the language translating mechanics really are facinating!

[@taphel7125]

Absolutely loved Chants of Shannar. I recommend checking out Heavens Vault as well if you haven’t already! Came out in 2019 and has similar language based puzzles but is more archeology based.

[@basicbirch]

*Sennaar

[@_aislingxyz]

Chants of Sennaar seems right up Jacob's alley, I was lowkey surprised it wasn't here. I hope he checks it out, its such a good experience

[@Dubstone]

I just 100% it! spent a good 12 hours completely lost in it💙

[@MovieTvDrama]

Alan Wake 2 is really fantastic, I'm so glad Remedy exists. They change and grow tremendously in their artistry in not only game tech but storytelling with every release. It's so fascinating hearing how they don't have as much budget as other AAA game companies, but they stand out with creativity and that they do!

[@gwen9939]

It's actually just one of the most interesting studios at producing narrative and worldbuilding. The whole Alan Wake/Control universe just sticks in your brain in a way that not a lot of other stories in games do.

[@spiraljumper74]

@@gwen9939Control was my first Remedy game and it was a pretty fantastic first impression. Can’t wait to get into the Alan Wake series, got the remake from PS plus, just gotta finish up my first BG3 play through and it’s next on the list.

[@SpungleGrundle]

The best part of Alan Wake 2 is after completing it when you've had a few days to let it all sink in and the pieces of the story start to come togehter in your head.

[@rampageblizzard]

too bad it's an Epic exclusive

[@OtherSideLLC]

@@rampageblizzard if Epic is going to go around and give teams like Remedy 50 Million and no oversight I think they are allowed to have their exclusive. This game literally wouldn't exist without their money, this isn't like Control where they bought the exclusivity after the game was mostly finished, they paid upfront.

[@Flemmonade]

The enemy variety in Lies of P is insane to me. The game is still introducing completely new enemies to you at the very end of the game, and sometimes you only encounter them ONCE. It's such a flex, and it's from a studio that's completely new to making soulslikes.

[@DizzyEyes94]

It makes me so relentlessly excited for the DLC/Sequel. The world they set up has so much potential and the gameplay is an absolute TREAT.

[@Exel3nce]

I hope they go their own route instead of being too much like souls. (And also tweak on their Options to defend cause they are all dog shit )

[@spiraljumper74]

It’s the only souls-like that I’ve played for more than twenty minutes. Every other souls-like that so directly adapts the feel and intentions of the souls games just falls completely flat for me, including the new LotF. But Lies of P just hits differently.

[@davismorgan99]

@@Exel3ncethey are all pretty bad but when all used together, they are incredibly satisfying. I love judging whether to parry, block, or dodge. It makes the game so much more interesting than if it just had one option.

[@davismorgan99]

@@spiraljumper74the new lords of the fallen was so aggressively terrible that I harassed Microsoft into giving me my money back after playing for like 10 hours

[@neonmushroom1]

The Talos Principle 2 was definitely a highlight for me this year. It was worth the 7 year long wait!

[@パット-w9h]

Really liked the first one. I can't wait to buy the sequel but I want to wait until I build a new computer because it looks like I should play it as it's meant to look instead of on a steam deck.

[@William-Sunderland]

Its so sad seeing how many great games, or straight up masterpieces, get so little attention for being part of a "niche" genre.

[@GreenskullAI]

The one man I trust with my entire soul to give me a compelling top 10 list. Write these down!

[@IvanAlexandrovi4]

​@@edupe6185it's a joke I think

[@JayDayKay]

@@imustbecrazy5626if this is a joke it’s funny. If not then it’s just annoying

[@likeasonntagmorgen]

If this isn’t a joke, then I’m becoming a Christian

[@janowhatever]

@@imustbecrazy5626 Nah jesus just picked just the obvious ten. This list has some more thoughtful ones ;)

[@likeasonntagmorgen]

Moses be like:

[@mattevanst4967]

Happy to see you enjoy Yakuza. I beat all mainline games from 0 till LAD + both Judgment games within 2 years and it's my favorite gaming journey ever! Such a unique experience! I know people burn out, but i love playing a series back to back :)

[@ehamii9227]

Thank you Jacob, your art does absolutely matter. I have spent the last few years struggling through college, grappling with depression and adhd and even in the worst of it, I have always found comfort in your videos. I have laughed and cried with you and have been grateful for every moment. I can't thank you enough and I hope you continue creating for as long as it still brings you joy. You are truly a wonderful mind

[@any_austin]

You know, I like seeing regular ass slimy KZbinr videos from my genius philosophy channels every once in a while, because then I get actually good versions of those kinds of videos. Knowing you this could take an unconventional turn in a few minutes but for NOW I stand by it. Hope you’re well.

[@t.h.mcelroy6597]

Definitely worth playing Baldur's Gate 3! It has its fair share if issues and weaknesses, but the scope, writing, characters, and gameplay are all next level. Probably the best RPG I've played to date. I would love to hear your thoughts on it if/when you get around to playing it!

[@PossumPunx]

I’m someone who usually hates turn based RPGs, but damn it I’m obsessed with BG3

[@LeoLuttinen]

What would you say those weaknesses/issues are?

[@WynneL]

@@PossumPunx You should try Vampire: Bloodlines if you someday put down BG3. It's not BG3, of course, but nothing else is; it's just a really cool setting which also pays a lot of attention to detail between playthroughs (Malkavian (the mad but insightful) and Nosferatu (too hideous to walk in public unmasked) clans play very differently from a normal run, and all seven clans have different powers so the gameplay also varies a fair bit. It's genuinely my favorite RPG besides BG3.

[@GypsumGeneration]

Jacob is too much of a coward to admit that something 'mainstream' is any good.

[@username1660]

@@LeoLuttinen Can't speak for OP, but the game gets a *_bit_* rougher during the third act. There's a handful of quests that have obvious solutions that aren't implemented, interactions that don't seem to work the way they should, that sort of thing. That said, everything that on paper you should be able to do in the third act is able to be done, despite the aforementioned obvious solutions, there are still myriad others for the quests in question. Act 3 as a whole is still damn solid and a fine [50 hour] bookend to the journey up to that point. Besides that there's the occasional bug or bit of jank here and there, but I should stress just how occasional those are. Still an absolutely fantastic experience and one of the top of all time for me. This is Larian firing on all cylinders and it's great

[@iloveyoual32]

In a year filled with fantastic games, Alan Wake 2 is also my game of the year. I find it can be hard to put into words exactly why AW2 has stood out so high above so many giants this year, but I think you put, for the most part, my thoughts in order.

[@odie7022]

If you liked slay the princess. The developers also made Scarlet Hollow. Which is an interesting choose your own adventure horror game. Kinda surrealist with lovecraftian elements

[@beep8131]

i still cant believe slay the princess didnt make it onto the list. i know its not a breakthrough in terms of game design, but in every other way it succeeds so much. the story, the themes, the ART OH GOD THE ART. and all of it is hand drawn!

[@GladtondArt]

always glad to see a fun spread between big AAA names and smaller forgotten stuff! congrats on a wonderful year!

[@osYukari]

Hi Jacob, after watching this vid I went and watched your 6hrs AC6 deepest dive in one sitting, and I wanna say all 3 of you are amazing. The discussions you guys have mirror my own reflection and discussion with my friends. Since AC6 launch my mind was kinda trapped by this game, I was trying to make sense of my experience and the ending of the game, but I just couldn't. So I'm especially grateful to Renata when she talks about NG++ and about fighting being the expression of self and will... I spent a whole day meditating with that in mind, and I think I can finally make sense of my AC experiences.

[@worstcyberpunkdystopia2188]

"I won't miss" - absolute chills everytime I play that level

[@StrikeWarlock]

AC 6 nails that feel of being badass in a mech anime that's already full of badasses.

[@sammysweetroll]

This year I discovered Jacob Geller, and I am absolutely in love! Thank you for creating content, and I have high hopes for the future!

[@spacesomeone]

cheers! my fav youtuber fr, no one quite built like him

[@TheDutchCreeperTDC]

​@@spacesomeone either one is unique of course, but I really love how both Jacob and The Cursed Judge relate deep and complicated philosophical ideas to video games. I have always loved art in almost every way shape or form but their videos have added a self-reflective and introspective quality to most works of art for me that I am eternally grateful for.

[@mrmaniac3]

24:10 is probably the most beautifully realistic representation of human likeness and subtle expression I've ever seen in a 3D rendered piece of art. Like wtf? That janitor looks like a guy! No uncanny valley, just looks like a dude

[@JacobGeller]

and it's not even in a cutscene! that's just a random gameplay animation!

[@lizabee484]

I actively pumped my fist in the air when you said your number one game. I’m so so excited to hear you talk about it for, however long you want, about whatever pieces of it you want. I’m glad you’re here Jacob. Thank you for doing this year after year.

[@eyebrowowl9292]

I always look forward to your year-end reviews and this installment feels especially eloquant and joyous. A smile is perpetually on your face and your body language is almost giddy with excitement - it's like you cannot hold back just how happy games make you feel when you talk about them. Please, don't ever change.

[@jayforoughi2447]

as far as the importance of your work goes, your essay on kittyhorroshow's anatomy emains one of my all time favorites. it articulates the love of structures as horror so clearly to me, and has made me return again and again to a story i'm slowly writing. the work you and blake did covering silent hill 2 on something rotten has also really stuck with me; sh2 was so foundational to my entry into horror, but as such i hadn't considered going back and re-examining it with older, more media-literate eyes. your description of the "good" ending's dissonance really struck me, and thoroughly re-contextualized what the "in water" ending actually means for a character like james. really fun to go back and re-examine all these details with fresh perspective.

[@zviyeri9117]

im so happy armored core 6 made it here :] im absolutely obsessed with that game

[@ronancoster8910]

I've never seen your channel before, never heard of you but the passion with which you approach every topic has me completely sold. I may not agree with all of your selections but it is so clear that you really care about the media which shines a candid new perspective that I am eager to hear and consider. Great video keep it up!

[@JacobGeller]

Wow, welcome on board!

[@Dreamfillah]

Once Jacob plays Pizza Tower and BG3, it'll be even more clear this was an insanely, historically stacked year

[@Exel3nce]

I just don't get how one can not play bg3 if its easily the king of the year

[@FuriosoDrummer]

I mean I get it, there are just so many games and only so many hours.

[@Exel3nce]

@@FuriosoDrummer spiderman 2 can be easily avoided

[@spacesomeone]

​@@Exel3ncesimple, jacob isn't most people, I'm sure he'll love it tho

[@rikkirikki4892]

⁠​​⁠​⁠BG3 (and making myself play Divinity OS2 in an attempt to not buy BG3) single handedly got me out of my video game slump. I dumped like 500 hours into it and it warmed my heart and consumed my soul for a solid 6 weeks and is easily one of the best times I’ve had playing a video game ever. That said. I’m so hesitant to give it a GOTY title because my god, that ending was so disappointing it hurt. And at least 50 of my hours were dedicated to me experimenting with workarounds for quest-breaking bugs. Whole characters completely disappeared, main questlines would have characters reacting completely inappropriately if I didn’t find a way to hide from them for a few minutes before initiating conversation, side quests I went hours out of my way to complete correctly would complete and then get totally ignored later on, the list goes on. Like I said, easily a personal top of all time game. That’s how great the rest of it was, that all the glaring issues paled in comparison to the enormity of the rest of the game. But… the issues were absolutely glaring, particularly in Act 2 and extra particularly in Act 3. The ending left me feeling completely scraped out and hollow for a couple of weeks afterwards because it was like someone read me the most heart-wrenching, beautiful, entertaining story of all time and then instead of just telling me the ending, they farted and ran away. 😢

[@waldeniv]

@jacobgeller, I don't know if you'll read this, but I'm really glad that I discovered your channel this year. I enjoy your thoughtful commentary and appreciate the time it must take to prepare your videos essays. Thank you.

[@Triptides77]

There are moments in Armored Core that gave me chills. Boss fights that had me close to tears. The cool factor, the themes, the just general joy it is to control your AC. And the voicework, my god this cast was absolutely phenomenal. I feel more emotional connection to those voices and their emblems than i do for some fully animated characters in other games. The folks at Fromsoft absolutel killed it here

[@parmenides2576]

AC actually sucks, the bandwagon ride is over bro you don’t need to pretend to like it anymore

[@botarc]

AC6 is still my personal GOTY, even after finishing BG3, Lies of P, Spiderman 2 and few others big AAA game.

[@sunsetsamosa]

crying over armored core? LMAO get a grip dude

[@Triptides77]

@@sunsetsamosa imagine being a human being with emotions. How stunted do you have to be to make fun of someone for having them? Why don't you get a grip and stop being such a rude and judgmental person?

[@neru_d]

Same goes for me. The characters do feel very much alive even if those are just voices over the comms. For me AC 6 was the first game in years that gave me actual joy and so damn much of excitement. Also holy hell, also the first time I prefer En voice-acting over Jp (even if Jp is also absolutely amazing). Imo the voice actors chosen are just perfect, especially Michigan and Walter.

[@perplexedon9834]

Definitely think Slay the Princess should have made the list. Its so well written, amazingly voice acted, fun, creative. The art is gorgeous, the choice structure never really feels like all roads lead to the same place, and it seems like the designers really GET what a player wants out a choose your own adventure experience. That or they did extensive playtesting and really listened when people said what choices they wish they could make.

[@gwen9939]

I freaking love that they got Jonathan Sims to voice act in it. Because of Magnus Archives I'm absolutely in love with this style of narration and voice acting, especially for horror. He just has a way of delivering descriptions of horror that make them bonechillingly effective.

[@metalslug3fan]

My thoughts exactly

[@atinycrow]

I personally prefer Scarlet Hollow as a game, but holy hell Slay the Princess was one of the most truly philosophical games I've ever played. Writing was seriously heady stuff. But I might have gotten a bit burned out on it during the Beta testing 🤷🏻

[@ReaperShackal]

The game definitely cracked my top 10 2023 games and arguably my top 60 games of all time as well.

[@CurseTheCosmos]

I remember completing “Jusant” after downloading it from Game Pass, and thinking, “I can’t wait for Jacob Geller to talk about this”. Nice to see my thoughts weren’t unfounded.

[@ike804]

SOOOOO happy you managed to get Hi-Fi Rush in your top 10 for this year. Its easily my GOTY. A game that really feels like its made by people who care about making some sincere and fun

[@Unpar_Guki]

With recent events it gives me more appreciation for the work jacob puts in to his videos. He writes the scripts and has his own opinions. One of favorite channels! Never stop!

[@OtherSideLLC]

Especially considering he talked about the cave and cited that article but did not steal any of the language, but found an equally compelling way to tell the story.

[@BiggestCorvid]

I am so happy he does his own homework

[@theviniso]

You know that video came from his heart cause hbomber has made some stellar video essays and knows exactly how much work goes into researching, writing, shooting and editing them. I'm glad he made that video and even more glad to not see Jacob mentioned there.

[@tilt9808]

y'all I gotta recommend Pseudoregalia, it's the kind of retro indie game that feels so fresh that if it actually released back in 97 there would be an entire subgenre of platforming problem solving named after it

[@Raxyz_0]

For me I really liked Path of the Midnight Sun. I played this game back in January and it _still_ lives in my head rent free. The narrative in that game is just way too good.

[@Chellzie]

Armored core 6 was my personal game of the year, and I think nothing says why that is as well as the fact that the moment I heard "We're close to Rubicon. Wake the dog up" in this video I genuinely cheered. You said it perfect, it feels good, the music, voice acting, dodges, melee hits, charge shots, shield blocks, flying, building, the maps. All of it is amazing

[@congruentcrib]

Me watching to see BG3, was a rollercoaster of emotions I read the games you played and didn’t see BG3 and was thinking it might’ve been an error, but soon came to the conclusion you really didn’t play it… and then you mentioned how you regret not playing it and I got excited again. Also, when you do play BG3, it might be worth doing several play throughs. I have hundreds of hours and I’m still learning about new things. And I haven’t even done an evil run or a Durge

[@blarghblargh]

as someone who works on games at a small studio, it is damn scary seeing dozens or hundreds of layoffs happening every few weeks. it use to be a big deal when a single one of these happened in a year. it makes me worry about how many jobs are going to be available if our games don't sell well enough to keep us all employed at the studio, or if we screw up and don't have funding properly lined up when a previous game trails off due to contracts taking way longer to nail down than anyone expects.

[@BelelEscabel]

Unfortunately, I also am starting to see the signs of a big bubble about to burst in our field, at least from the side of QA. More and more studios keep chasing after profits, replacing human skill with artificial mimicry. They don't care about releasing quality products, all they care about is releasing fast-selling products to bait-and-switch their customers. So what if their pet studio closes? They'll just buy some other starving indie and repeat the process!

[@clericoflight476]

All the big releases and somehow for me Dave the Diver still wins out for my GOTY. There's just something about it. The sea exploration having the perfect blend of relaxation and tension. The restaurant segment scratching my itch for the "Diner Dash" kind of gameplay that no other game has fully captured. Dave reminding me of my dad. It's just the whole package and I played for a while even after the credits just maxing out my staff levels and upgrading all the weapons.

[@jacobnorris8256]

My issue with Dave the Diver is just how fucking slow you feel in the water by the end, even with the dolphin necklace and permanent dashing. I feel like i've spent like 40% of my time playing that game literally just moving from point A to point B.

[@Future_Doggo]

It's nice to see that the video essay beard man finally got into Yakuza. Welcome to the club Jacob.

[@BelelEscabel]

Another aniki joins the fold.

[@LoveSickWorld]

I was thoroughly surprised by the kinds of things High Fi Rush made me feel. Beyond everything I’ll always remember my first time with it where I kept thinking “okay this is it they can’t possibly add more to this” and then they DID it was perfectly paced

[@Nassifeh]

The thing about not having played Baldur's Gate 3 in 2023 is that now you have so many years ahead of you in which you could possibly play Baldur's Gate 3 for the first time, and that's very exciting.

[@JMarchel]

Love love love this comment

[@thepancakemann]

This is me. I am a happy gamer. Just 100%'d Divinity 2 and the entire Dark Souls series, so my plan is Elden Ring and then BG3. Elden Ring is exhausting though as someone who has played From games since Demon's Souls.

[@lecho0175]

So many games, so little time.

[@INSOMNIAREX]

Mr Geller, you have such a mastery of keeping the viewer captivated and enthralled with your uploads. My father died this Sunday 😢yet after watching this video, I'm now feeling uplifted and a little less depressed than before watching. Thank you for being you, a most interesting and clever gentleman 👏👏👏👏

[@justinscherzer6047]

I played the first Alan Wake freshman year of high school shortly after it came out and absolutely loved it, it got me obsessed with horror. Alan Wake 2 is so good and delievers more than my younger self could ever dream of.

[@jackbennett2269]

I couldn’t get through the first two hours of the Alan wake 1 and all this praise is making me freak out lol. I’m going to try and be willing to try the games out in the future. But I am baffled right now in this moment. Lots of praise for it in the video and in the comments. Makes it seem solid, and interesting. (Truth time: I hated flashing the light at those shadow ghosts so much, I don’t really even remember the game I just remember my pain and bitter disappointment) dropping a like on your comment 👍

[@tehbige73]

@@jackbennett2269 Alan Wake 1 was kinda janky tbh, and Alan Wake 2 shares some of that, but it is the greatest elevation of games as an art form I have ever seen.

[@Mishakeet]

@@jackbennett2269I’m someone who straight up hated AW1 and I love AW2. Trust me, it’s 1000x better.

[@jewthulhu]

I can’t speak for anyone else, but your work means something to me; you’ve written some of the most moving video essays I’ve had the privilege to experience

[@night1952]

Perfectly captured the Armored Core VI experience, those mechs feel just right.

[@placefantasy1821]

Why did this make me cry LMAO something about the diversity in genres and themes and the way you talked about each title’s strengths just made me emotional over how much I love video games

[@TheOneBearded]

Seeing Gaiden here was awesome. If someone who just got into the series liked it so much, you can't imagine how hard it hit for someone who has caught up with all of them.

[@BelelEscabel]

Oh, I can tell you that *that ending scene* of LAD Gaiden does hit like a whole fleet of firetrucks to those that know the full story. No other franchise has ever managed to capture the feel of growing with the characters, not only game after game, but as human beings. It feels so... refreshing and honest to see Kiryu's journey from being a young adult punk, barely of age, all the way to his 50s, in which he's already jaded and tired. The orphanage kids, the Tojo Clan comrades, the friends made and lost along the way... Yakuza 6 definitely captured the whole vibe of the franchise in its subtitle: it really is a Song of Life, one beautiful, long, twisting and as rewarding as it is bitter. Unironically one of the most mature stories I have ever experienced, and in my opinion way more fundamental to understanding human experience than most canon works of literature.

[@TheOneBearded]

@@BelelEscabel The first half of the ending (the video) was something I was really hoping to see in 8. So to see it in Gaiden was already a pleasant surprise. But then they hit you with the second half (the picture) and that part broke me more than the first half did. It was the way Kiryu reacted to it that made it hit so much more. What I really liked about 6 is that it had this melancholic sense of finality. It ultimately wound up going in a different direction for the later sequels. But we'll have to see how things go in 8. They could take Kiryu's story in literally any direction. I'm both as excited as I am nervous to see how it goes.

[@ContrastCopy]

It warms my heart to see that, even though Alan Wake 2 is seemingly not as popular as I think it should be, everyone who plays it is entranced in the same love for the it. If it wins GOTY, I think I’ll shed a tear of joy, although I feel like Baldur’s Gate 3 will probably take the crown.

[@kiriancrabtree9605]

I'm a bit sad slay the princess didn't make the cut for your top ten games. I think it's writing is phenomenal and I've been replaying it even after 100%ing the game. I love visual novels and it's been so exciting to see one written so well with such incredible voice acting and art.

[@Sindrella.]

Fantastic game! Reminds me heavily of those “choose your own adventure” books I liked when growing up. Played through it just over a week ago and was blown away by the voice acting and writing.

[@sirusshard2971]

Slay the princess was fucking amazing, I got it on a whim and then played through the whole thing, like 4 times, in one day. I've not seen such a good example of cosmic horror (not just copy/pasting tentacles and garbled words) in years, not to mention the incredibly compelling love story.

[@thomashooper2451]

Slay the Princess is on track to be my game of the year. The only thing that could dethrone it is one of the two games I haven't finished yet, and I don't think they are going to do it. Slay the Princess is going to wind up in my top ten of all time, right up there with stuff like Chrono Trigger and Bloodborne.

[@mir1999]

true! I was crossing my fingers it would be there 'til the end!

[@StrikeWarlock]

In any other year, it would've probably made it, unfortunately 2023 as a year is just that strong in terms of contenders.

[@theenderstar]

My game of the year would be "in stars and time", this game legitimately became one of my favorite games ever, i've never cried this much to any piece of media before, I rly recommend it

[@aleksander3647]

Jacob has the most straight-lined beard I have ever seen

[@Caffeinated-DaVinci]

Your work matters. Even if all of Human existence is meaningless, your videos matter to me and made an impact on me. And I'm confident there are thousands of others like me that your videos have impacted in a such a substantial and completely character changing way. Your art has touched me in a way that nothing else ever has. Keep making it, I'm here for it.

[@cookierayyt3406]

alan wake 2 makes me incredibly hopeful for control 2, not that i really had any doubts to begin with.

[@cregerbot8217]

Remedy rarely misses. I think AW2 was a small step back on their ballistic gameplay, but everything was firing so hard with the story, visuals, puzzles, and ohhh the music. Makes me super excited with what they’ll do in the future:D

[@Exel3nce]

​@@cregerbot8217its kinda weird that their newest game has the worst gameplay, even tho all of the other titles felt incredible

[@mduckernz]

@@Exel3nceI suspect they intentionally made it worse, because you’re not supposed to be some superhero, just some people stuck in terrible situations, but they went too far

[@b.u.l.1734]

There's not a lot of combat in the game, so it probably wasn't the devs priority to make it "great/incredible".

[@ameliabrittain3689]

This is my comment roasting you for not playing baldurs gate 3. It’s a big time commitment, but every minute is worth it. Can’t wait for you to get around to it.

[@milordelot4684]

I would Love to hear your thoughts on Slay The Princess, easily one of my favourite games of this year.

[@Clarinet_cowboy2000]

Oh he hasn’t played Baldur’s Gate 3… I can’t wait for him to play it for the first time, what a breathtakingly complex, beautifully crafted, and massively genre defining (for RPGs) game

[@joet7458]

I am not ashamed to admit that the ending of LAD: Gaiden made me cry more than any other piece of media. I think your love of gaiden will only compound the more you play the series.

[@UndeadAaronGames]

First video of yours I've ever watched. Holy crap you're word choices and narrative structure are so next level. Don't know how it took me this many years to even find your channel. Really amazing stuff thank you

[@Dylan_Platt]

Oooooh, I'm really jealous of the first time Jacob Geller backlog deep-dive you're about to get to go on

[@ameliabrittain3689]

He is as much philosopher as he is video game critic. He pulls truly profound and beautiful things from every game he plays. You’ll love it.

[@pb1092]

Jusant is one of two major "climbing" games that came out this year! My favorite game of thee year was "Peaks of Yore" which I could not recommend enough. Similar mechanical function, yet one could argue much more dire. As always, a pleasure for another year of videos from you. Thank you, Jacob.

[@Solo_Sessums]

Also 'Only Up'.

[@mashymyre]

A Highland Song is another climbing game that just came out, and it's actually better than Jusant. It's almost like a 2D Breath of the Wild with it's mechanics and environment friction

[@bensaylor9093]

I cannot believe how good Lies is. It's my favorite game of this year, and I'll be playing it for YEARS experimenting with weapon and build combos. I think its biggest accomplishment is the originality of its presentation, and the kind of indescribable feeling that it just loves that you're playing it.

[@Exel3nce]

Huh? Really? I hated the absolute guts of this game. It looked great and didn't feel bad but that's pretty much all I can give

[@GillfigGarstang]

@@Exel3nce I haven’t played the game but I remember watching someone play through a demo before the final release and I was kind of put off by how most of the creative choices just seemed to boil down to ‘we did it this way because it was like that in Bloodborne’. Even the central pillar of ‘what if Pinocchio but edgy’ doesn’t seem like it was chosen because the developers were particularly interested in telling that story, but just grabbed the first public domain work that they could think of that they might be able to torture into working alongside a vaguely Bloodborne-ish aesthetic.

[@Exel3nce]

yep, thats basically it. it feels like there is missing vision, a soul etc. it grabs everything, makes it either solid or just half assed and thats it. @@GillfigGarstang

[@christopherlyndsay8611]

Completely agree with your points about Lies of P, it’s incredible, and it’s such a shame that some people with brush it off as a simple ripoff

[@NickHunter]

I really don't think that's the narrative surrounding the game at all. Gaming community has really rallied around it praising it for how well it innovates on the formula rather than simply mimicking it

[@christopherlyndsay8611]

@@NickHunter there’s still plenty of people I’ve seen passing it off as such, which is why I said some.

[@Exel3nce]

Lies went through the roof, wdym. Yes it has more flaws than good but it still made big bucks

[@nifftbatuff676]

People are sick of soulikes.

[@dopaminecloud]

@@christopherlyndsay8611 It is the first thing there is to say about the game. "Oh hey this is templated off of one of the best games I've played." You can't not notice it, but I'm not sure that's "passing off" anymore than calling a voxel crafting game minecraft-like.

[@theriddlerusurper275]

Haha love that you used the yakuza title sound effect for each entry😂

[@MeroPlata]

Jacob is a type of guy to have charcuterie board and fine wine by his side when he is playing video games

[@GentleIceZ]

Whether you're talking about weird indie stuff or high profile games that I'm sick to death of, you always find a way to breathe new life into them. And I think that's because what you focus on makes me remember games are more than product. They are art

[@NoobPTFO]

Hearing "Contact With You" play as you describe how Armored Core 6 FEELS makes me wanna fight Balty again!

[@jordancarter4426]

Dude, you are so good at conveying emotions in your writing. Not only your word use, but the way you speak keeps me hanging on every word.

[@lysergicserpent7676]

Seems a lot of people are coming late to the Yakuza party, myself included. I played Judgment last year and loved it. Kept putting off playing Yakuza proper until earlier this year, then just luxuriated in 0-6, plus Lost Judgment, over a period of about 6 months. It's like finding a new favorite band who's been quietly great for 20 years, oh and also they're crazy prolific so you have this generous discography you get to obsessively devour. Anyways, I hope you get a chance to explore the rest of the series. It's a lot to bite off, but it's worth it. Don't sleep on the remastered collection, 3 and 4 are two of my favorites!

[@Sky-pg8jm]

This, 3 is spectacular for character work, especially with all the morning glory orphanage stuff

[@RoryStarr]

FINALLY SOMEONE ACKNOWLEDGES TCHIA! thank you. I could not understand why this just slipped away.

[@matthewoliver6049]

I think amnesia: the bunker is definitely my number 1 for 2023, not only did they finally seem to get that amnesia horror feel back, but they expanded on what made the original games scary with the beast being more than just a set piece in most areas. The setting being WW1 France also just carries such a destitute feeling with it even without that big rat motherfucker hunting you.

[@fearstreak7462]

i was doing school work when this video pulled up on my watch later que. I'm always ecstatic to hear your voice and enthusiasm. but at 4:10 i have to say all that just drifted away, to that sound. omg what a score, it genuinely makes me cry how so nostalgic it makes me for such a whimsical game i have no memory of, but i know 13 year old me would've identified with so much. just for putting that track in my life, i have to say thank you.

[@2Siders]

Jacob Geller be like 👁👃🏽👁 🦔👄🦔

[@StanLongQua]

Jacob I look forward to this video every winter. Never would have played Before your Eyes if it wasn't for you. So, a big Thank Your!

[@ebandflow3454]

A contender for game of the year for me is Octopath Traveler 2. Beyond how genius the mechanics are, the connections between characters and music is so beautiful.

[@strwrbttlfrnt]

Yes I got it As a Christmas present and it is probably my contender for this year. It fixes every complaint about the first one to a point where I would tell people to skip the first one.

[@thebookofive]

26:21 for what it's worth, your work was a huge inspiration for me to start making video essays. Really excited to see what you have in store for the next year!

[@code8825]

Just want to say thanks for uploading great content all the time, you’ve been a big inspiration for me creatively and also just providing good and thoughtful entertainment. Thought about trying to take a crack at the old talk into the camera trick myself, whether or not I follow through with the project is yet to be seen, but if I ever do you were certainly a major inspiration to try

[@CH-wd6qs]

I played more than one of the games you talked about in videos this year (largely because I trust your taste in video games) and have to admit that Umurangi Generation ended up maybe being my favourite game I played this year. It was somehow such an experience that I've struggled to articulate to those around me because it's just something you need to witness

[@TheOneCleanHippy]

I cannot believe you didn't play Baldur's Gate III. You would love it.

[@ianeons9278]

2023 has definitely been one of the best years in gaming history so far. On par with years like 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2017. 2024 is looking to be just as jam-packed if not even better, especially with the Switch 2 probably coming out.

[@Warmbodie]

As I’m getting older I have less and less time for games so I really value memorable fairly short, surprising games. The one that really surprised me the most this year was Slay the Princess. It might be because it’s still recent but the game has really stuck with me. I expected it to be a visual novel with a twist but its various scenarios really captured my imagination and I really like the ending I got. It was in many ways a mystery story that ended on a touching note. I don’t know where it compares to other games because this might be the first time I’ve watched one of these videos from you where I’ve played none of the games, just shows how few games I played this year. But Slay the princess was worth the price of admission, I’m glad it seems to be doing well.

[@somethinguncreative2634]

While a lot of my favourite 2023 games already were on here, my favourite game of this year was "Laika: Aged Through Blood". It's a sad little game about motherhood, generational trauma and imperialism. It's also a 2D open world shooter that plays like a Trials game and is an absolute blast

[@alejotinganell5653]

Such a comprehensive and well-tought top 10, pervaded by Jacob's own idiosyncracy. That's what I love about this channel, the uniqueness (and quality) of the content. ❤️

[@z-beeblebrox]

When you're playing a game and you walk into a firehall looking for the save point, and instead stumble into a Janitor giving a somber musical performance that is actually an entire-ass song...that's, that's uh...video games.

[@paullooney3650]

Had a very rough day and this has made it so much better ❤

[@Coffeepanda294]

Thank you so much fo recommending Tschia. Picked it up a few days ago (wanted to treat myself after a gruelling take-home exam) and gods, do I love it❤. Such a chill, relaxing game, and such a labour of love, all while teaching us about a real-like location. I love it so much.

[@purplehaze2358]

The name "P organ" sent me _reeling._

[@Gabriel_Blair]

i swear jacob is a warlock who summons games from the underworld to make sure he can talk about things ive never heard of

[@russianhacker258]

hey I got into Yakuza this year too, but i did the opposite and im starting chronologically. Finished Yakuza 0 the other day, im totally in love with the franchise already

[@noct___]

games dev: lets make a gamou about flying mechas jacob: thIS IS A GAME TO MAKE YOU FEEL AND THINK ABOUT YOUR SINS AS A SILLY LITTLE MORTAL WHO'S STUCK UNDER THE CHAINS OF CAPITALISM

[@JacobGeller]

Damn this is literally the "wow cool robot" meme

[@noct___]

@@JacobGeller you're so valid

[@caitlinfitzgibbon9410]

Someone has probably said, but just in case, the "P" in Lies of P is a pun for Korean speakers. We just don't get it because it doesn't translate. Not to say your critique is without merit, I also think the name is stupid. But there is a method to the madness. Whatever that's worth.

[@OneReallyGrumpyJill]

Jacob: "It felt wrong, so I even game each of my builds different names" Me: "Mhmmghugh...Hambster Ball, mhhm, yes yes"

[@Jumungous]

Playing games on at least a one year delay has served me so well, esp this year. I truly miss the days where I had all the free time in the world to play what I wanted, as much as I wanted. That time has passed, but seeing surprise games become Important makes me feel like I have a treasure box in front of me. Much love to the poor devs abused and discarded this year.

[@march1752]

Alan Wake 2 is not my goty only because BG3 exists but I think blasphemous 2 deserves a mention, it's an incredible crafted gem that fixed everything was wrong with the first title, amazing...

[@NutrigrainHulk]

Every year I end up playing 2-3 really superb games solely because of these lists. 2023 was Norco, Vampire Survivors and Hypnospace Outlaw (shout out PC gamepass), keep up the great work Jacob!!

[@NickHunter]

Jusant and Lies of P are on gamepass rn :) Also Remnant 2 if that's your jam

[@NutrigrainHulk]

@@NickHunter oooo I didn’t realize Lies of P was on there!!! Good looking out, that’s my next game now👌👌

[@memereview305]

Hearing that he's into Yakuza is actually the funniest thing I can imagine him starting the video out with, glad to see another convert