The best games (and other stuff) of 2023

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Here's the best gaming stuff I played, watched and experienced in 2023.
Video written and voiced by Ralph P, edited by Stuart K and Austin B.
#Review #GOTY #RTXOn
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Recent vids:
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[@SkillUp]

Win a custom built, all-white, high-end gaming PC thanks to Gigabyte Aorus and Nvidia. To enter, hit this link and follow the instructions: gleam.io/fOGQt/gigabyte-aorus-nvidia-geforce-pc-giveaway . Note: Competition only open to those in Australia and New Zealand.

[@CaptainRex105]

midwarts legacy@@assassineagle1

[@JerryCanTheThird]

okokokok... where is the Sekiro-review? hmm?

[@ashesfrombones]

i can't believe is only the 3rd day of 2024 and it's "the end of the year" for you

[@diamondhamster4320]

36:00 Did ShillUP never heard of GMOD sandbox game, it`s weld TOOL and the like??? How can he call himself a Reviewer if he does not posses even a sliver of required empyrical knowledge???

[@T-Bone_SSteak]

Baldur's gate 3's review is going to become like the Sekiro Shadows die twice review. There's nothing wrong with that but that's my guess. Don't think I'm saying it won't happen, I just think it will. I must say I'd rather Ralph not release a video he doesn't want to.

[@skyyra3456]

I don't know how he's fitting Outer Wilds as GOTY this time. But he might.

[@Silverhand48]

Didn’t the switch release come out this year?

[@Mike_Viola]

Aaaand he did.

[@jacobself1920]

Literally mentions it during his GOTY pick lol. Deserved though, it's comfortably the best game ever made

[@Insanemage2001]

Hey you, reading this comment, yes you the one who hasn't played Outer Wilds yet. Go play it. No we won't explain why. Trust us.

[@cesarxxp]

I wish Skill Up would review Celeste! I wanna see skill up get those strawberries and B-sides

[@Rami-rin]

1:29 - Steam Deck OLED 3:24 - Like a Dragon: Ishin! 5:42 - The Finals 8:00 - Diablo 4 10:58 - Dead Space Remake 12:59 - Meta Quest 3 16:28 - Remnant 2 18:01 - Lies of P 20:56 - Hi-Fi Rush 22:58 - Super Mario Brothers Wonder 25:43 - Cyberpunk 2077 28:20 - Alan Wake 2 31:03 - Resident Evil 4 Remake 34:45 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom 37:27 - Baldur's Gate 3

[@DanStrong]

The hero we need but don't deserve. Thanks for this!

[@DinnerBells]

“But I’m not going to mention Hogwartz Legacy because I don’t want to lose my access and piss off the alphabet community!” 😭😭😭

[@alexandremercier8851]

😂😂😂@@DinnerBells they will fill so offended.

[@speedforce8970]

​​@@DinnerBellsmaybe because it's a pretty mid game compared to everything else that released this year? Look at the list above and tell me if Hogwarts Legacy can beat even a single one.

[@DinnerBells]

@@speedforce8970 it’s not an issue of it being “better” than those games. It’s that it has been completely ignored by many game reviewers. It cracked $1B in sales for crying out loud. It would be one thing if it were nominated for things and lost. It’s another when ppl act like it doesn’t even exist. So it’s particularly lame for guys like ShillUp to come out with, “gamers! What a year for games!” and completely ignore the highest grossing game of the year…

[@Bluedemon52]

Never gonna get tired of the stock images of super buff men when Austin is introduced. 😂 keep it up editors!

[@st1vxtr1m]

Wait are you saying those photos weren't actually Austin's photos?!

[@Bluedemon52]

@st1vxtr1m no, I know he's much stronger, it's just the camera can't capture his godliness. So we have to use "example" stock images.

[@MaddDogg316]

Don't forget Stu. His pics have to get nerfed as well.

[@speedracer2please]

I'm so happy that Hi-Fi Rush is remembered in so many GOTY lists, it's everything I want to see in the industry! You guys did a fantastic job this year too, and I look forward to many more.

[@BIGNOIDS]

The majority of people didn't even finish the game, it's been laughably hyped up into something it's not.

[@Exel3nce]

​@@BIGNOIDSand yet its still brilliant

[@Brain-Wormed]

​@BIGNOIDS the majority of people didn't finish? Like pretty much every other game? Look at the achievements for any other popular game. There is almost always more people who didn't finish then those who did. Most people don't have the time to beat every game they buy, I know I dont

[@bandanna2388]

LETS GOOOOOO!!!!!!! Hi Fi Rush is goated tbh. Harkens back to the early 2000s GameCube, Ps2 and OG Xbox era!

[@BIGNOIDS]

@@bandanna2388 Back when your missus could still get wet?

[@SonOfThor69]

Ralph, you and your team did an amazing job this year. I made your videos a part of my weekly routines, and I enjoyed all the highs and lows of this years gaming news. Absolutely thrilled to see what you guys do this year! Keep it up.

[@user-yl4fr1yp6p]

such a good job at stealing charity money lol.

[@Ewbie]

@@user-yl4fr1yp6p his team doesn't include Jirard, Ralph and the gang behind this channel had nothing to do with that

[@poliniandrea88]

same here!!

[@user-yl4fr1yp6p]

@@Ewbie when you defend someones actions you condone them.

[@Ewbie]

@@user-yl4fr1yp6p Other than there being no such defence, you originally implied that it was Ralph and his team doing the stealing, now you're backpedalling.

[@naswinger]

remnant 2 is absolutely awesome. there is so much stuff to find, so much exploration to do, yet it's not a 100 hour open world game that just wastes your time everywhere. you do your playthroughs of a couple hours and there is plenty of things to discover every time.

[@user-ss1os6ek1x]

It truly deserves more recognition, but I'm glad the best game reviewer, Austin, gave it a shout out.

[@DV-ou1yu]

100% ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS DAMN GAME AND STILL DO

[@goose10091203]

I liked it till boss fights. I was playing pet class but they died too quickly and the cool down was too long. Meaning I was just a crappy shooter and had no more class identity during these fights. That's poor game design oh my opinion

[@iPwnYorFace]

​@@goose10091203 Think you can manually res it like you would a teammate. I think there is also a class mechanic in the higher levels that res or heal it when u use a relic

[@Exel3nce]

Dropped it due to horrendous boss design, even worse than the 1 one. One shots? Bah. maps kinda infuriating. Exploration a bit extreme

[@callumwatt8759]

When he said "You knew it was coming" I really expected him to reveal the outer wilds

[@AbductTheCow]

I couldn't believe it WASN'T Outer Wilds

[@ahabwolf7580]

Imagine if the Game Awards was a presentation like this followed by awards. What a difference it makes to have these games ACTUALLY showcased.

[@D25Bev]

I played Cyberpunk for the first time a couple months back & absolutely loved it. Can't wait to replay it.

[@Sinncere06]

I started it a few weeks ago for the first time with the DLC. After trying Starfield and seeing compared gameplay. CP2077 is leagues better than SF.

[@RumblesBettr]

Worlds better. 1000 empty sf worlds better

[@TheMetalGaia]

Yup, I played it working up to holiday break and all throughout, absolutely awesome now. Starting Phantom Liberty this week.

[@Drenaker]

I absolutely loved it even at release.. The level of immersion this game made me feel, the story, the characters, the side quests, how real and immersive the dialogues feel thanks to the amazing animations but also the fact there is never any camera cuts and you never lose control of your character, the amazing setting and its amsophere, the city and its art direction, its scope and level of details in the architecture, the soundtrack... Every single aspect in this game even the most minor like design of the cars, the npcs, the interiors, everything has so much identity and style. It's the first time in my life I love so much something so hated, it was depressing seeing the game get treated as the worst ever made when meanwhile it made me live such a memorable and immersive experience I'll always remember

[@ionseven]

Its important to remember NMS and CP2077 are the exceptions, not the rules. Im not trusting overhyped bs after so much "release now, fix/add content later" bullsh*t. NMS and Cyberpunk did win me over, but they are still not what was initially falsely advertised. Most poor-state released games dont get a fraction of this attention and we must be lucid on this. Dont reward this behavior. (Looking at Shartfield copers)

[@etownsend9116]

Ralph, I appreciate all the hard work and content you and your team have put out this year. It has been one hell of a year and I look forward to what is next. Keep on kicking ass thank you!

[@mattrodgers1663]

I'm glad Austin continues to point out the excellent Remnant 2. In a year as good as 2023 was, it would be easy to miss a game that is just THAT FUN. I hope Ralph gets a chance to circle back and play it too (especially after the DLC is out).

[@themightyant.]

What at amazing year. I want to thank both you, Austin and Stuart (editing always on point) for all your coverage, it’s a genuine joy to see another SkillUp video has posted. And the effortless way Austin has integrated into reviews and episodes like this one is impressive. Onwards and upwards

[@JudgementNutter]

I know modern FPS games can be hit or miss, but Boomer Shooters are thriving. Ultrakill just gets better and better, Amid Evil got a massive expansion with new weapons (my fav are the JoJo punches), Dusk got an HD update, Sprawl, Turbo Overkill, Boltgun, Cultic, Gloomwood, etc.

[@TheMetalGaia]

I need to play more of those. I always miss them on Steam sales but I love every one of them I play lol

[@CecilyRenns]

We need some Slayers X appreciation here

[@Exel3nce]

I wish I could get behind ultrakill... Or others but doom eternal with it's ost kinda ruined it for me

[@fnchannel111]

Turbo Overkill is my personal GOTY, im pretty disappointed it wasnt even nominated for more awards tbh

[@Brain-Wormed]

​@@Exel3nceI'm confused by what you mean, are you saying dooms soundtrack ruined it for you?

[@nateputerbaugh5709]

The Invaders Must Die sequence and Whirring level of Hi-Fi Rush are 2 of the most pure fun moments of gaming I had all year

[@HalensHaven]

I’ll take it further. The Whirring level is one of my favorite moments in a game ever. The way things built to that song hitting. Genuine joy.

[@GeorgeN-ATX]

Is the "Invader's Must Die" sequence using the "The Prodigy" song? If so I might have to play the game just for that.

[@nateputerbaugh5709]

@@GeorgeN-ATX it is indeed the Prodigy

[@nateputerbaugh5709]

@@HalensHaven yeah that really is an incredibly designed video game level

[@hirisen]

Also the moment The Perfect (Purrfect😉) Drug kicked in just blew me away. This game was really something special.

[@vexienroe]

This video is so good Ralph, jesus christ. I love your end of the year wrap ups, by far the best end of year wrap up youtuber out there.

[@RegencyYarl]

So close to 1 million, well deserved as you are generally the first channel I come to when it comes to in depth reviews of a game.

[@x_data_x]

No other game spoke to me like HiFi Rush this year. The music, the action, and the humor just did it for me. You wanna beat some robots to death and laugh your ass off, play this game.

[@RoyaltonDrummer922]

It was so touching too. I teared up a little bit at the end

[@cjpack]

it seems to different to anything i normally would play i am very tempted to try it, looks just like pure fun and spectacle

[@dankerbell]

honestly if the story was completely different i'd probably love it, i love the idea of melee fighting to music in a videogame but i couldn't stand the cast and especially the protagonist, felt like an early 2000s kids show

[@sparkyspinz9897]

​@@cjpack sometimes it's nice to get out of your usual zone. My motto is if it's good, I'll give it a fair shake

[@BucklingSwashes]

I've never played a game that put a smile on my face as quickly and consistently. It's wonderful.

[@Haiderali64]

Genuine heartbreak over not getting to see that BG3 review. It was probably my most anticipated video on KZbin. Please don't give up on it, I really would love to hear what you have to say.

[@odding3472]

i cant really put to woreds how amazing your channel have become. All the gaming news i need, amazing podcast with your friends, getting Austin, another great reviewer and a second person to comment on stuff, this is great. I also hope you and Austin will do more of something similar to what you did with prince of persia preview this year, as its really great. Thank you Ralph, Austin and Stuart, and i hope you all will have an amazing 2024. I cannot wait for your videos!

[@beneath8651]

Thank you Ralph, Austin, and the rest of the Skill Up Team for 2023. One of few channels I watched every upload. Looking forward to 2024.

[@tehbeernerd]

The Steam Deck OLED was an A+ purchase. I may never play another console ever again.

[@patriciasalmon4]

Been waiting for this, thank you for a great year of video game coverage Ralph and team! Hubby and I are always so excited to hear from you, love having Austin on the channel too 🙌🏼

[@justinpaglia616]

I was hesitant to start Lies of P because I knew going for all the achievements would probably mean 3 playthroughs. I wound up happily playing through the game 3 times, back to back… easily my GOTY. Such a masterpiece to me.

[@AverageJoe1006]

I started this game again this time on my pc and i still love it. The game feels just like when it got released . I didnt finish it on my xbox but now on pc i hope i will beat it.

[@xJesterx777]

Your video about Phantom Liberty was one of the reasons I bought Cyberpunk and now it's one of my favorite games ever. Thank you for all the work you and everyone involved with channel does. Good luck in the new year!

[@Exel3nce]

Maaan, pl was such a sad disappointment 😢

[@xJesterx777]

@@Exel3nce sorry you didn't enjoy it but I feel the exact opposite. the "true" ending that gives you the "Tower" trophy/achievement is sad/bittersweet but I loved it

[@Exel3nce]

the ending is the only really good thing about it, but the package overall was a lackluster piece@@xJesterx777

[@iamsurajsharma]

In 2030 - "Remember 2023? The best year of gaming in the last decade. We had such a great time."

[@weltallelite]

It shows how stacked this year was that Spider-Man 2, Street Fighter 5, MK1, and Armored Core 6 weren’t even mentioned.

[@wiper7000]

I know you've heard this before but I really genuinely think this youtube channel, it's members and values are something special. Ralph, Austin & Stuart, as well as the (current) FPS podcast members, you are all so great at what you do, and I thank you for making me feel a part of this :) Keep it up and look forward to another great year with you lot!

[@komali2]

I love that the channel calls out the insanity of current game industry CEO compensation, the bad treatment of the workers

[@MrPizzaFresse]

Something I really appreciate about Ralph is that he does not shy away from articulating his opinions, even they go against the dominant sentiment (see Diablo and Final Fantasy from last year). I may not agree with every take he has on a game, but I can be absolutely certain that his opinion is his own. With so many outlets these days it is very obviouis that they try to avoid any sort of controversial take on a game. They play it safe. And there is always something that gets lost with that I feel like. Besides that Ralph also is both down to earth and very well-spoken when it comes to games. But enough complimenting. Keep on the good work this year! Austin and Ralph both.

[@saccarius]

About bloody time! Thought we'd be in February before we got this video. Seriously thanks for your hard work Ralph. Been looking forward to this one 😎 ❤

[@bensmith3384]

Ralph, you and your team continue to put out my absolute favorite gaming-related content on the internet. Bless you guys and happy new year

[@Scizson]

Thank you, Austin, for the amazing content this year. Your reviews were enjoyable and insightful. This channel is really going places mark my words. And the other guy (Randy? Ron? Seems to have slipped my mind...) does pretty good work too. Here's to a bigger and better new year for y'all!

[@tmoney360]

My two favorite games of the year were RE4 Remake and Cyberpunk 2077. I held off playing Cyberpunk until this year and I'm glad i waited until it was patched up so I was able to enjoy it without the bad release state taste in my mouth. RE4 i replayed more times than i could remember. When i got my playstation year rewind I was surprised that it was my second most played game hours wise by only 3 hours from Cyberpunk whise campaign is significantly longer and i did 3 cyberpunk playthroughs. Overall i had a good year gaming.

[@Exel3nce]

What else did you play if those 2 were your favs

[@halo2bounceguy]

You need to try dead space remake then. You of all people would love it

[@chickenmonkey6526]

Congrats on a stellar 2023 skillup team. Looking forward to 2024!

[@BiggySn1p3r]

I started the Yakuza games a couple months ago and I'm loving it. The storytelling is AMAZING! It is interesting to going from gameplay of Yakuza 0 to Kiwami 2 then back down with Yakuza 3, 4, 5. I love it though and can't wait to play the Like a Dragon titles.

[@gladiatorscoops4907]

Quest 3 is an unbelievable system, it is such a jump up from Quest 2. So excited to see what's in store for it in the future. HL Alyx feels like an evolutionary step in gaming and its even better on Q3

[@joek292]

If you had a Reverb G2 prior what’s the difference like? Visual downgrade?

[@jacobduncan3810]

Remnant2 was one of the biggest surprises for me this year. I had so much fun with it, cant wait to get back to it

[@Exel3nce]

How did you get past the boss flights

[@andreasheinze9685]

@@Exel3nce Probably by beating them, just like most people.

[@Exel3nce]

i mean the terrible design of most bosses. ruin fun very easily@@andreasheinze9685

[@EnragedTofu]

What we’ve all been waiting for: Ralph’s thoughts on Baldur’s Gate 3.

[@dankerbell]

well we all knew it was gonna be here lol 💀 shame about the review, was looking forward to 2 hours of shill up

[@kanishknishar]

Yeah what happened to that, ​@@dankerbell He used to mention it and then it just stopped. Did the project get canned? Did he post about it on twitter?

[@EnragedTofu]

@@dankerbell 😪

[@dankerbell]

​​@@kanishknisharngl i haven't seen a skill up tweet in forever but i also follow over 1000 people so i don't really see posts from people i actually care about often

[@dankerbell]

okay phew it's because he hasn't tweeted since october

[@calebolds9609]

Final Fantasy 16 is not my game of the year but it did show me why big, expensive, AAA titles are important to gaming (even if the AAA space is being very poorly handled overall right now). The sheer spectacle was incredible! Beautiful renders, lighting, music, setpieces, and character moments were all delivered in such momentus ways!

[@ryankeith2712]

The background for the Bg3 section being House of Hope does not go unnoticed and it’s greatly appreciated

[@greed-1914]

Glad to see Dead Space on there. It ended up being so good, and unfortunately, got kind of overshadowed by RE4. It is sad to think that it might be a one-off thing.

[@Exel3nce]

Cause re4 was just so much more

[@TheNightWolf-WildCraft]

Well even though I loved Dead Space RE4 was the better game between them, but I highly doubt we won't get Dead Space 2 remake at some point after Motives next game most likely.

[@bandanna2388]

@@Exel3nceI don’t agree personally, after playing both, I think Dead Space was a better remake and better horror game in general than Re4 remake. It kept EVERYTHING from the original and expanded on itself while giving classic fans some new surprises. It streamlined every system from the original and added new mechanics as well to amplify the horror. Re4, as great of a remake as it was, removed some story content and even some boss fights too. But honestly, it’s really close, Re4 is a 8.5/10 for me, and Dead Space is a 9/10 personally.

[@user-ul2rl8yt6t]

They all better than aw 2

[@lightsydedean]

I refuse to believe that we won’t get a Dead Space 2 remake. That game is so bloody good and it would be a shame to never get it.

[@Foxintox]

There is no baldur’s gate review . It’s a myth . A legend . No one has ever seen it .

[@kbdc]

How was The Day Before not mentioned on this list?!?! Easily one of the best heist games that puts Payday 2 & GTA V to shame

[@lordsysop]

You made me remember the disappointment

[@user-hr6ub5cm5s]

Love your work, writing and most of all delivery! Thank you for your work this year. At the same time I also feel I should point out that it is slightly disappointing not having a review on Baldurs Gate. Hard work indeed, but should be a tribute and service to all your supporters and Larian from one of the most influential videogame reviewers on KZbin.

[@Morden97]

SD OLED is a massive improvement. Also that small weight reduction is very noticeable, surprisingly.

[@Paladinbaroque]

Thanks to you all at skillup for a fantastic year Much love to you all, excited to see your year ahead Extra chuffed to see remnant 2 get another look in here :3 Stay safe and take care folks, best of luck with the new year ahead x

[@Zordetto]

"I just couldn't find the right words to review Baldur's Gate 3." *immediately reviews Baldur's Gate 3 with words*

[@Thuckeyy]

Thank you Ralph! The way you talk and get excited about games makes me fall in love with the media all over again!

[@msaeedazizi]

Ah yes, the game of the year event that I've been waiting for! Cheers Ralph, and cheers for giving the obligatory Outer Wilds nod!

[@D4rkm00r]

No honourable mention for AC6? That game was incredible and deserves to be on a list.

[@TheMetalGaia]

I'm going back to it after I wrap up Cyberpunk. I loved the prologue.

[@nine9_abyss]

I don't think he got to play it much.

[@Exel3nce]

How is that possible, especially if totk is in there

[@pohja4552]

He didnt play it outside of a preview

[@hare75]

Well the channel said it's "bland and boring" and it's kinda stupid that's why it wasn't on their list. Maybe cuz it's not soulslike lol

[@makcraft]

The best gaming addition this year were Austins reviews! But to be completely serious - I like the list and can agree to 99% of it, but I would have loved to see more indie spotlight! After finding time to play Dave the Diver, and checking out Dredge - i feel that at least mentioning a couple of indies to put them ON THE RADAR (i don't expect them to compete against TOTK, AW2 and BG3).

[@yoshigottagun]

Just wanna say I really appreciate all the work you and everyone else at Skill Up have done this year. Found you by watching Lightfall reviews after I was pissed about its failure, and ended up sticking around because of how well put together your reviews are. Enjoy that break brother, you've earned it.

[@willlaw]

Best game of the year: Austin taking over this channel.

[@CaptainRex105]

Austin 🤤

[@SilverStrikeGamin]

So nice of Austin to let shill up say some things on this video. Good to see the little guy get some screen time.

[@Lethal_Venom]

Thanks for the great year Ralph and Austin, here's to 1M subs this year

[@westonnartey5129]

Not forgiving the lack of BD3 review. Love you tho and happy new year to you and yours.

[@nyyfandan]

I wish Valve, as a company, would sometimes aquire small struggling game development studios. They really seem like they'd actually help their studios instead of just ringing them dry. Good guy valve.

[@Bootlickerkicker]

wait what? They can start by not charging 30 percent to every small studio…. they’re the biggest digital distributor of games they definitely don’t do it out the good out their hearts. Corporations care about money first, including valve. I know the gabe look alikes like to fantasize about otherwise but that’s just the truth.

[@Jerrrrremy]

Wtf are you talking about

[@Bootlickerkicker]

@@Jerrrrremy they charge 30 percent to publish with them…. Google it

[@TheSpectator64]

I feel that a lot of people slept on the Dead Space Remake, specially since it was release on the early part of 2023 which the discourse around it just dies out.

[@marcusclark1339]

it wasn't good the character designed suffered especially Isaac and his gf, now grandma in the remake the character stories got worse and the only interesting thing it did was the ng+ of isaac trying to stop it but can't cause he's in a loop (or not one at all and is just delusional) but its just a worse version of the game with higher visuals

[@TitoLounge11]

Haven't had a lot of time this year to watch every Skillup review so I was looking forward to this list. Definitely checking out most of these games

[@Zzulu2]

Raphaels bossfight in BG3 was one of the highlights in all of my gaming experience (40 years of it). I was just laughing out loud while being completely into it at the same time

[@ausoleil8269]

Your pov on Diablo is a bit like mine on Starfield. I somehow know the game is not good enough but I sill loved it.

[@marcusclark1339]

one can like a bad game its just never one to recommend especially dark pattern mobile game design Diablo Starfield is just a game that functions so its "fine" but better games to its genre exist and mods won't fix it

[@Deminese2]

Its fine enjoying it but I really do think enjoying Diablo comes from a place of ignorance lol. The genre of isometric Arpgs is niche and the other games in it are just way better than D4 that calling it good is just...no. If people had played the other games like Last Epoch, Path of Exile, Grim dawn, etc you'd see why D4 is a failure in everything but graphics. His review falls into the same trap as other reviewers. Omg its amazing I played it for like 40 hours! Then when the casual players reach far past that they realize the game has a million problems that outweigh the good. He just never got to those.

[@ausoleil8269]

@@Deminese2 l agree, I've spent close to 10k hours on POE. D4 is not good in its genre. The game can still be loved.

[@Brigadune]

Diablo 4 and PoE are aiming at totally different audiences. As a casual I’ve enjoyed D4 way more than PoE which honestly is a number because PoE is free to play. PoE is just overly complex and isn’t a game I would recommend to anyone unless they are someone who’s willing to dedicate hundreds of hours to a single game.

[@Deminese2]

@@Brigadune id argue d4 does not target casuals. They are always trying to include new endgame and harder content because it has none which is not really anything casuals will reach or give a shit about. Its fine to enjoy d4 on a personal level but as a professional reviewer I really despise how lenient they are towards d4. The reviewers have 0 knowledge of the genre.

[@MorriganJade]

The orchestral background music transition from Diablo IV to Dead Space was immaculate! ❤

[@sakaaali]

This is the most positive thing that can be said about D4

[@kuzz1191]

crazy to think this is the 6th one of these videos ive been on your channel for, your awesome mate keep doing what you do.

[@TheShawnMower]

Discovered your channel in 2023. You got a sub and i look forward to your (mostly) great opinions and always interesting insights in 2024.

[@Dookiefists]

I loved Baldur's Gate 3 but Lies of P was my personal game of the year, it absolutely scratched the souls itch and was beautiful and compelling all throughout.

[@ODIOPOWER]

idk man, the first is uber complicated to play and the second is uber difficult to play. I know, people says "git gud" "noob" "filth casual", still, both game for a casual player are simply not approachable, and i play videogames on a daily basis (and yes, i tried both). But for sure i'm wrong.

[@Dookiefists]

@@ODIOPOWER Baldur's Gate 3 literally has a story mode difficulty and if you're on PC there's an easy mode mod for Lies of P

[@Ant-gu6vz]

​​@@ODIOPOWERbg3 isn't THAT complicated. It takes a while before you understand how everything works exactly but there are many difficulties to pick from and you can get by pretty easily by just braindead basic attacking enemies

[@Rhythmier]

​@ODIOPOWER there are video games for everyone, you don't have to follow the herd. What games are you enjoying at 2023?

[@Ocelot435]

It pains me that Lies of P didn’t win anything at the GOTY Awards. I can understand why, there was a ton of competition this year. But still, there were countless times that I forgot it wasn’t even a From project. Truly fantastic game.

[@RidingAShoppingCart]

Thanks for the year of work! would love a bg3 review whenever you finish it, even if its just you gushing over it

[@thehoginator1827]

Thanks for a great year of content Ralph and Austin. Enjoy the break and thanks for the competition in this video. Happy new year

[@sogybritches]

Man BG3 is something else. Whenever i see clips of it i get a physical response of tingles up my spine just remembered parts of my playthrough. I dont think ive ever had that from any other form of media. All the other games mentioned here are worthy of praise aswell but god damn is BG3 some dark fucking magic condensed into a video game experience.

[@FellipeBraghettoTicianeli]

Austin was a fantastic addition to this channel btw! Definitely part of the best (other stuff) of 2023

[@TheCloudhopper]

Yup Austin is a great addition to the channel and one of the highlights of my gaming year 2023. Thanks Austin for being with us!

[@zegonix]

just want to thank you once again for your videos. been following for a few years now and while i sometimes struggle to keep up with your tempo, its still the best game journalism i know/consume. also amazed to see austin, who is apparently younger than me, already live up to this channels standards. not going to unsubcribe anytime soon!

[@eli.alcaraz]

Ive watched all the videos you put out this year man. Amazing job. Thank you.

[@anasshahid224]

2023 was an unforgettable year for gaming, so many amazing games came out. Excited for what 2024 has in store. Happy New Year everyone 🎉🎉🎉🎉😊

[@Boss_Fight_Wiki_muki_twitch]

The impact of Mirror's Edge cannot be overstated, nearly every FPS since has copied its motion mechanics in part or full

[@braydenshannon7734]

Thank you for this video! I always love watching your reviews and finding new games to try. None of my favorite games this year made it on your list, which is honestly a good thing! This gave me a solid list of things I can try in 2024 as game releases slow down before the big 2025 releases. I’m partial to action adventure games that follow a franchise I already love. Jedi Survivor, Spider-Man 2, and Hogwarts Legacy had me smiling so much this year. It was amazing to experience the universes of IP’s I love. I’m so stoked to try games off your list like Hi-Fi rush. Maybe someday I’ll have enough time to start Baldurs Gate or one of the games people have raved over this year. It feels like a big barrier to entry but I can’t help but wish I could get into things that people praise so much. Cheers to 2023!

[@iRyanist]

Thank you for an amazing year of content. Can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for you! 🎉

[@GravLance95]

The real question is: where's the Starfield review 🙃

[@bandanna2388]

At this point…I’ve given up hope :( The year was pretty stacked, I bet money he hasn’t played it yet.

[@thomadan000]

Damn that tears of the kingdom riff still gives me chills

[@samf.s.7731]

The soundtrack is scarce... They have nothing to play but this 🫥

[@TheCaliforniaHP]

same!

[@EjayT06]

This was just a beast of a year for games, genuinely.. and severely underrated by so many.

[@maninthemirror9732]

Really enjoy your narration as always Skill Up & Justin, really great commentary, on a really great year in gaming! I'm going to hold out on a possible BG3 video in the future, cause the passion you have for videos games as shown through your lively narration of them, is more than convincing to me that your one a few creators on YT that can do BG3 full justice! Happy New Year 🎇🎆

[@theoccasional1984]

Right on time to distract me from the terror of having to go to work - SkillUp doing the lords work

[@mattjones9535]

I've just finished Yakuza 0 and started Kiwami. I can vouch for how fantastic they are! So chuffed I finally started the series. Also it's all on Game Pass!

[@chenoir]

I jumped down the Yakuza rabbit hole in september of last year (well, 2022). Let me tell you, I did not play anything else. I emerged in april a changed man, having played every RGG games available. Just a few weeks before the release of Ishin... I think that might be my favorite game series ever

[@mattjones9535]

@@chenoir I too can feel the change 😂

[@TheMetalGaia]

​@@mattjones9535For us RGG fans, the change comes differently for all of us. But the fact remains that, one day, we wake up and it is there. It's as if Kiryu himself tapped us on the shoulder and said "Come with me, kyodai". We cannot undo this, it is forever a part of us.

[@TheMetalGaia]

​@@chenoirit quickly became one of my all time favorite series after I played it, as well. I cannot wait for Infinite Wealth at the end of the month.

[@Luxius1509]

if people don't have time, just try Yakuza 0, then you will make time lol

[@BlackCat-tc2tv]

You know sometimes we want a review just so we could hear your unique take and voice about something that we already love (or hate). Good writers like you can take the general mood we all feel and crystallize it into reality. Like when you’re searching for that word you know but can’t remember and a friend says that word out loud, suddenly you go “YES! That’s what I meant to say!” In short, do the Baldurs Gate “review”. If it’s an hour of you gushing rest assured it will still be an hour I will enjoy immensely.

[@Leitefsj]

Best gaming channel on YT, by far. It's been a great year and I can't wait to watch your content in 2024

[@JayArrYT]

I think any discussion of Diablo nowadays has to make reference to Path of Exile - it’s a direct competitor that has essentially eaten Blizzard’s lunch in the genre on a substantially smaller budget. Diablo 4 was somewhat of a step forward at launch- albeit at enormous expense that Blizzard felt needed to be recouped- but at this point with PoE2 on the horizon, its hard to have a ton of enthusiasm about the state D4 is in.

[@Sevaria]

D4 just feels like Blizzard took the D3 team and locked them in a box for a decade to make a new game; and they ignored the years of evolution the ARPG genre has had since D3.

[@jonevansauthor]

@@Sevaria does it? Unless they fixed it, the Diablo IV areas are not randomly generated. So you know, not really Diablo, is it? It should be more random, not less. Just watch the replay value drop through the floor. Path of Exile 2 might be promising, but honestly the skill tree and systems of POE1 are pretty daunting, plus it's free to play and that's not an amazing strength for most games. I do think there's lots of good enough ARPGs out there to compete with your time though like Grim Dawn. They might not hit the heights of Diablo 1 or the long term play of 2 or 3, but several work really well and tell a discrete story you can enjoy. Blizzard let us down. But they've been doing that to me since Alterac Valley stopped being a pitched battle and just became running past each other.

[@alk3v]

Ralph just refuses to acknowledge GGG and Path of Exile exists, despite living so close to their HQ. I think Chris Wilson kicked his puppy or something. They did the live service ARPG for 10 years, the time it took for Blizzard to develop D4. Yet he praises D4 for that innovation?

[@MrKryton24]

​​​​​@@alk3vtbh it's only possible to give D4 any chance if you didn't know Poe existed or poe2 on the horizon. It's so easy to pass on D4 / leave it because it won't remotely hype like Poe 2 will EARN the hype. Honestly it's gross giving Blizzard any recognition as skillup wants as if they deserved anything when the only thing they effectively delivered on was more monetization permanently in the diablo franchise (diablo immortals was not a hiccup but the reality they want) and finding a way to implement battle passes on top of it while charging 70 dollars box price... With 70+ expansion costs we've seen they have planned???? They absolutely squandered moving the arpg formula forward in any meaningful way similarly to how Starfield didn't move Bethesda anywhere but just putting on notice to consumers that they either don't have the talent or aren't concerned about quality and innovation anymore. Diablo 4 getting any accolades... c'mon man 🤣. You cover the game industry and fail to recognize the problem here but could identify it with Starfield. You can enjoy something but still call it out... Guilty pleasures do exist for everyone.

[@hkr667]

POE is a decent game but goddamn does its cult oversell it beyond belief. The game has many, many flaws which the fandom get extremely toxic about if you dare mention them. POE has managed to find their own space in live service games and they do well in that space, but by no means are they that unique themselves. I do agree that D4 isn't that much better either but they do have their IP on their side.

[@Skywalkup]

I’m just starting right now. What are the odds that Outer Wilds Switch Edition is sitting as the GotY, do you reckon?

[@thtguyericcc1811]

Honestly that description by Austin about lies of p was spot on what a fantastic game I beat it a few weeks back and am looking forward to do a ng+ run with a completely different build

[@thenomadicwebb]

Brilliant. One of the top videos of each year. You never fail to perform

[@Walter-McIntyre]

I mean, I won't lie, I'm a little sad to hear no BG3 review, but only because I like hearing your in-depth thoughts about some of my favorite games. I know personally I wouldn't mind a 5hr video from you on it, but I also recognize that I mostly enjoy creative works when it's clear the creatives are proud of and had fun with their work and if you feel you can't do the game justice in a review format, I'm willing to respect it. That said, maybe consider a retrospective format or something? I'd still like your thoughts even if it's from a less inherently "objective" perspective.

[@CozyGamerReviews]

Ralph never disappoints.

[@harrygameprod]

I love to see how gaming technology is evolving (VR, handhelds, etc) and also how other media are trying to catch up with games, as we see more film and tv show adaptations from games. And they are getting substantially better! But it is quite obvious what the secret is: in The Last of Us show for example, having the game's creative director Neil Druckmann in the production certainly helped guarantee coherence and fidelity with the game. As a game dev and content creator myself, it's a good rule of thumb that when people create films and tv shows based on games, they should absolutely bring the minds behind the game to help with the show.

[@BrendanCS]

Wearing a headset and watching youtube on a floating screen while you do dishes feels dystopian, it makes me want to shower then go hiking.

[@one_bored_dude1798]

For me the best game this year was Remnant2, I just love it and it doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Second place would be Baldurs Gate 3 which was also awesome (so far, not finished yet), but I somehow enjoyed Divinity:Original Sin 2 a bit more even though BG3 is definitely the more ambitious game. Third place would be Alan Wake 2, absolutely mesmerizing experience even though I always need a few lore videos to fully grasp what was happening :D I also bought the Cyberpunk dlc but had no time to play it yet

[@one_bored_dude1798]

Oh right, I totally forgot about Diablo. I also had quite some fun with it but it didn't hook me enough to finish it. I will reinstall it eventually but there were just too many other good games and too little time to play. My favorite games to watch this year were Alan Wake 2, Dead Space, FNAF, and Lethal Company :)

[@MrHakis]

Listening to you talk about BG 3 for a couple of minutes made me think that the drafts you have tucked away are probably way better than you think. You captured the things that make this game special extremely well in just a couple of paragraphs. Don't be too much of a perfectionist :)

[@TurdF3rguson]

I'm only about 8-10 hours into Alan Wake 2 (and have been really taking my time exploring), and I'm absolutely blown away. There's nothing else like it out there. The way they merge the gameplay and story-telling concepts is brilliant.

[@user-ul2rl8yt6t]

AW1 more good

[@emich34]

thanks shillup and austen for a great 2023. looking forward to the channel in 2024

[@DanielSantos-ym8vd]

I think we all agree that Austin was one of the best things of 2023.

[@rewpertcone8243]

Starfield wins mid of the year, congrats!

[@bruhder5854]

Mid is an overstatement. That pile of trash deserves bottom of the year, alongside other pieces of shit like the day before.

[@jacob3761]

Starfield won Steams “Most Innovative Gameplay” Award somehow

[@ambrusin4889]

The " I love what I do" was the thing that got me to order your channel, it was so sincere, although I have watched your vids before also. Great vid and thank you for doing what u do !

[@MrKiki2907]

All the best in the new year! Keep doing what you do, you're all great.