2023 Game Directory: T – Teen
AEW Fight Forever
PUBLISHER: THQ Nordic
GENRE: Sports
RELEASE: 06.29.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME Developer by longtime wrestling-game studio Yuke’s, AEW Fight Forever is the first officially licensed project for All Elite Wrestling. Pick from over 50 legends of the wrestling world, or create your own custom fighter, and hit the ring for some no-holds-barred action. Square off in 4-Way, Ladder, Falls Count Anywhere, and more match types in a game that’s easy to learn but hard to master. Once you’re ready, take on the “Road to Elite” to see if you can secure a spot among wrestling’s elite.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
PUBLISHER: Bandai Namco
GENRE: Action
RELEASE: 08.25.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Before Dark Souls, developer FromSoftware was best known for Armored Core, a tactical action series about completing missions by using highly customizable giant robots. In Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, that classic mecha action returns, with more modern controls, impressive new visuals, and a much deeper level of customization. Head down to the wastes of Rubicon 3 and take on a wide variety of challenging stages and bosses while deciding where your loyalty lies: with the well-funded corporations, or the liberation front trying to protect what’s left of its home.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Drug Reference, Language, Violence
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
PUBLISHER: Koei Tecmo
GENRE: RPG
RELEASE: 03.24.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME In this latest chapter of Koei Tecmo’s long-running Atelier series, returning heroine Ryza searches for answers surrounding a group of mysterious islands and strange keys that have both suddenly appeared. Much like previous games, Atelier Ryza 3 is an RPG that blends together alchemy and exploration. Trek out into a vast open world to defeat enemies and forage for materials. Then, head back to your atelier to craft new items that you can use in combat, sell for profit, or give to others to complete quests.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
Atlas Fallen
PUBLISHER: Focus Entertainment
GENRE: Action, Adventure
RELEASE: 08.10.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Atlas Fallen tells the tale of a world ravaged by greed and over-consumption, leaving Atlas little more than a desert where the remnants of humanity struggle to survive. After your character finds a magical gauntlet, they use it to traverse the open world and form weapons out of sand to fight back against the malevolent god Thelos. Atlas Fallen offers deep player and combat customization, challenging real-time battles, and a wide variety of main and side missions to complete along the path to learning the truth about Atlas’ fall—and potential revival.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Language, Violence
Clash: Artifacts of Chaos
PUBLISHER: Nacon
GENRE: Action
RELEASE: 03.09.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Artifacts of Chaos is the the third game in the cult-hit Zeno Clash series. Though the surreal, otherworldly setting of Zenozoik and emphasis on hand-to-hand martial arts combat return, this new game follows a new set of characters and makes some significant changes to the gameplay, shifting from a first- to third-person camera and ditching separate levels for an interconnected, branching world inspired by games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Playing as a mutant named Pseudo, you must fight to protect the Boy, a small, birdlike creature with healing powers.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Violence
The Crew Motorfest
PUBLISHER: Ubisoft
GENRE: Racing
RELEASE: 09.14.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME The Crew Motorfest is the third entry in Ubisoft’s racing series, but it’s also a reinvention. While the first two games took place on an enormous map that spanned the entire United States, Motorfest uses a smaller open world based on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Players explore this tropical paradise, competing in races themed after different aspects of motorsports like drifting, offroading, and even plane and boat racing. With 600 vehicles and an RPG-style loot and leveling system, it’s less of a serious car racing simulation than a fun-first romp.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Lyrics, Mild Violence
Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless
PUBLISHER: NIS America
GENRE: RPG, Strategy
RELEASE: 10.03.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless sees two unlikely heroes team up as they fight against a tyrannical regime while searching for the meaning of honor and redemption. Switching between story scenes and strategic battles, interact with a cast of colorful characters between fighting with—or against—them on the battlefield. New abilities like Jumbification make fights bigger than they’ve ever been before, while improvement and upgrades are numerous compared to previous Disgaea games.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Language
Everspace 2
PUBLISHER: Rockfish Games
GENRE: RPG, Shooter
RELEASE: 08.15.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Everspace 2 is a space RPG that places the emphasis firmly on in-ship action. As Adam, a military clone pilot on the run, you’ll explore the Demilitarized Zone of Cluster 34, a stretch of colonized space that makes up the game’s handcrafted open world. Across the 30-hour campaign, Adam will need to make good use of his pilot skills in dogfights in orbit, deep space, and above the surface of planets, all the while collecting the loot he needs to upgrade his ships and expand his personal armada.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Language, Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord
PUBLISHER: Idea Factory International
GENRE: RPG, Strategy
RELEASE: 04.25.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Set in a world of magic and fantasy, Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord follows a young Fencer named Fang who wields a special weapon imbued with a Fairy known as a Fury. Along with a group of mysterious Muses, Fang’s adventures take him through a world filled with turn-based, strategic battles. To win, use traditional weapons and spells, or the game’s more unique techniques, such as transformations that boost your character’s power, or calling upon the Muses to enact special effects through their song.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
Fire Emblem Engage
PUBLISHER: Nintendo
GENRE: RPG, Strategy
RELEASE: 01.20.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Fire Emblem games mix turn-based tactical battles on a grid with RPG elements, like leveling up characters and building social relationships between fights. In Engage, players take on the role of Alear, an ancient dragon who awakens in human form on the continent of Elyos. Alear allies with humans to collect 12 magic “Emblem Rings” and defeat an old nemesis, the Fell Dragon Sombron. The rings can be used to summon characters from previous Fire Emblem games to fight alongside your party.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
Gal Guardians: Demon Purge
PUBLISHER: PQube
GENRE: Action, Platformer
RELEASE: 06.15.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local
ABOUT THE GAME In this new take on classic 2D side-scrolling action games, two demon-hunting sisters are on a quest to break a curse that has transformed their school into a gothic castle. Gal Guardians: Demon Purge mixes a heaping helping of homages to the legendary Castlevania series with its own modern gameplay twists and unique sense of humor. Switch between the sisters to make full use of each girl’s unique skill sets, or play together with a friend to bring down the baddies together.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Violence, Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Mild Language
Gangs of Sherwood
PUBLISHER: Nacon
GENRE: Action
RELEASE: 10.19.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Inspired by the legend of Robin Hood, Gangs of Sherwood is an action game with optional co-op for up to four players. But this isn’t quite the legend you know. Here, the Sheriff of Nottingham acquires the Philosopher’s Stone, using it to build a flying castle and steampunk-style war machines. It’s up to Robin Hood (an archer, naturally), Maid Marian (now a sword-wielding assassin), Little John (with a not-so-little robot arm), and Friar Tuck (with a club, magnetic shield, and healing mead) to lead the rebellion against him.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Language, Violence
GrimGrimoire OnceMore
PUBLISHER: NIS America
GENRE: RPG, Strategy
RELEASE: 04.04.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Originally released back on the PS2, GrimGrimoire was a stand-out title due to its beautiful artwork, fantastical characters, and distinct style of real-time tactical battles. Now, the game returns in GrimGrimoire OnceMore, an updated version that brings widescreen support and high-resolution visuals, all new Grand Magic spells, the addition of a Skill Tree for deeper character customization, and more. Do you have what it takes to help young Lillet Blan become the master magician she’s always wanted to be, while also stopping a tragedy from befalling the Magic Academy?
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity
Gunfire Reborn
PUBLISHER: 505 Games
GENRE: Shooter
RELEASE: 06.08.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Gunfire Reborn is a first-person shooter with roguelike elements, meaning players get just one chance to beat each level before they’re sent back to the beginning, with the layouts, enemies, weapons, and loot randomly changing each time. As they progress, players can unlock six different playable animal characters and earn permanent upgrades through a skill tree, which makes reaching the end of each level and defeating the boss a bit easier on subsequent attempts—though luck and skill are always a major factor. To tackle the challenge with friends, there’s also four-player co-op.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence
Hogwarts Legacy
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Games
GENRE: Action, RPG
RELEASE: 02.10.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Set about a hundred years before the events of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy lets players create their own student at the school of witchcraft and wizardry. As is wont to happen, the young witch or wizard will soon find themselves embroiled in an adventure involving dark wizards and mysterious ancient magic—all while still needing to get to class on time. This is a big open-world RPG, so you can freely explore the castle and its environs, take on sidequests, engage in spellcasting combat, and level up your skills.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
PUBLISHER: NIS America
GENRE: RPG
RELEASE: 07.07.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Part of the long-running Trails series of RPGs, The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie plays out across story arcs focused on three different characters, with you in control of who you play when. Recruit a wide array of allies, delve deep into randomly generated dungeons, and engage in turn-based battles while making the most of each team member’s strengths. Or, when you need a break, try your hand at a variety of minigames, and get to know your squadmates better through unlockable side episodes.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
PUBLISHER: Sony Interactive Entertainment
GENRE: Action
RELEASE: 10.20.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Following on from Marvel’s Spider-Man and spin-off Miles Morales, this sequel sees both Spider-Men—veteran Peter Parker and newbie Miles—teaming up to take down a new batch of supervillains threatening New York, such as Kraven, the Lizard, and Venom. With a larger map including parts of Queens and Brooklyn, new combat abilities, and added traversal options like Web Wings for gliding, Spider-Man 2 aims to deliver an even richer superhero playground built atop the foundation of an already great game.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
Metroid Prime Remastered
PUBLISHER: Nintendo
GENRE: Action, Adventure
RELEASE: 02.08.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Originally released in 2002, Metroid Prime was the first chapter of the Metroid series to switch to a first-person, fully 3D experience, offering a more atmospheric and immersive adventure than ever before. In Metroid Prime Remastered, return to the planet Tallon IV with bounty hunter Samus Aran, as she uncovers new threats and investigates deeper secrets about the Metroid. Fully remastered for the Switch, the game now boasts improved visuals and audio, modern dual-analog controls, new difficulty options, and bonus content sure to please both longtime and new fans alike.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Animated Blood, Violence
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
PUBLISHER: Bandai Namco
GENRE: Fighting
RELEASE: 11.17.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME This is the latest chapter of the beloved cinematic fighting game franchise based on the world renowned anime and manga series. With moves and visuals that look straight out of the show, pick from over 130 characters and face off in up to 3-vs-3 team-based combat. Explore either memorable moments from the series or the completely original Special Story Mode, fight rivals locally and online, unlock customization options, and invite even first-time players to join in thanks to the new Simple Control Mode.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Octopath Traveler II
PUBLISHER: Square Enix
GENRE: RPG
RELEASE: 02.24.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Similar to its predecessor, Octopath Traveler II is an RPG that blends beautiful retro-inspired visuals together with an engrossing story about a group of travelers who must save the world. Jump between the lives of the eight heroes, each of whom walk their own distinct paths through the story’s events. In addition to returning elements like turn-based battles, a new day and night cycle can drastically change what you experience when, and Latent Powers offer each traveler unique special abilities during combat.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
One Piece Odyssey
PUBLISHER: Bandai Namco
GENRE: RPG
RELEASE: 01.13.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Based on the long-running anime and manga series, One Piece Odyssey finds Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates stripped of their powers and stranded on an island surrounded by perpetual storms. To get back on the high seas, the crew must explore the island—and also relive memories of their greatest adventures. In combat, players control the entire party in turn-based battles, while exploration requires using different characters’ unique abilities to solve puzzles and get past obstacles.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco, Violence
Persona 5 Tactica
PUBLISHER: Atlus
GENRE: RPG, Strategy
RELEASE: 11.17.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Persona 5’s teenage heroes are back, but now find themselves trapped in a mysterious alternate world under the control of a ruthless group. Joined by a freedom fighter named Erina, help the Phantom Thieves claim victory in a series of grid-based tactical battles. Pick your party, plan out strategies, then unleash each member’s trademark attacks, or call out their Personas for even more fantastical abilities. Between fights, upgrade your characters’ skill trees, and engage in trademark Persona story segments.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Violence, Blood, Suggestive Themes, Partial Nudity, Language, Use of Alcohol
Scars Above
PUBLISHER: Prime Matter
GENRE: Adventure, Shooter
RELEASE: 02.27.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Scars Above is a third-person sci-fi adventure shooter that kicks off as Dr. Kate Ward somehow wakes up on a strange alien planet. Alone and unfamiliar with her surroundings, Kate must try to survive the hostile wildlife and other threats that await as she searches for both her team members and answers to what’s happened. Craft futuristic weapons and make use of their elemental functions to exploit enemy weaknesses, then scan the flora and fauna of the planet in the quieter moments to gain more knowledge on how to survive.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood and Gore, Violence
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
PUBLISHER: Square Enix
GENRE: RPG
RELEASE: 11.02.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME In this remake of the classic science fantasy RPG, a federation officer named Claude gets stranded on an undeveloped planet. After meeting Rena, a young woman with mystical powers, the two go on a quest to get Claude home. Star Ocean: The Second Story R features an artistic mix of 2D characters and 3D backgrounds, the ability to experience the story from each hero’s perspective, and a number of new upgrades, including chain attacks during the game’s real-time battles.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
PUBLISHER: EA
GENRE: Action, Adventure
RELEASE: 04.28.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Set between Episode III and Episode IV, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues the story of Cal Kestis, who was still early in his training when Emperor Palpatine seized control of the galaxy and nearly wiped out the Jedi. Now out of hiding and confident in his abilities, Cal uncovers a new mystery that may be the key to escaping the Empire forever. With combat that mixes lightsaber attacks with Force abilities, several planets to explore, and a character-driven story, Survivor is an ambitious addition to the Star Wars saga.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Mild Language, Violence
Street Fighter 6
PUBLISHER: Capcom
GENRE: Fighting
RELEASE: 06.02.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME Capcom gives its genre-defining fighting game franchise a fresh new start in Street Fighter 6. In a package that leans heavily into street culture, players can once again face off in traditional one-on-one fights with a diverse roster of new and old world warriors. Play locally, hop online to compete against others in the Battle Hub, or, when you want something different, head to World Tour, a sprawling new single player campaign where you help your own custom character learn from the fighters themselves.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection
PUBLISHER: Bandai Namco
GENRE: Action, RPG
RELEASE: 10.04.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME The culmination of a game series that first kicked off in 2013, Sword Art Online: Last Recollection is an action RPG that tells the story of a group of heroes trying to save a virtual world from those that would do it harm. Series protagonist Kirito joins the largest cast of characters yet, who come thanks to the increased amount of story scenarios included this time around. Play solo or together with friends to mimic that MMORPG feel, and take on a host of enemies and bosses in fast, stylish battles.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
Tchia
PUBLISHER: Kepler Interactive
GENRE: Action, Adventure
RELEASE: 03.21.2023
SYSTEMS: PS5, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME This indie open-world adventure is closely inspired by the creators’ homeland, the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. You take on the role of the titular Tchia, a young local girl, as she tries to rescue her father from the archipelago’s oppressive leader. Tchia can swim, sail, hang glide, climb, and leap from palm trees to get around, but the real magic comes from her soul jumping ability, which allows her to leap into and control animals and objects. The icing on the cake? A fully playable ukulele.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Language, Violence
Theatrythm Final Bar Line
PUBLISHER: Square Enix
GENRE: Rhythm
RELEASE: 02.16.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Rhythm games and RPGs may seem like a strange pairing, but it’s quite a fitting combination for Final Fantasy, a series known for producing a long line of amazing soundtracks across its 35-plus years of existence. Pick from hundreds of classic songs, and hit the targets to the rhythm in scenes that recreate trademark battles and story moments from the franchise. Build your party from over 100 beloved characters, then set off on an aural journey either alone or online with up to eight players.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Language, Fantasy Violence
WWE 2K23
PUBLISHER: 2K
GENRE: Sports
RELEASE: 03.14.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME In this latest installment of 2K’s video game series based on the larger-than-life world of sports entertainment, pick from over 200 WWE superstars or create your own wrestler, then compete across a host of different modes and match types. New this year is War Games, which places two rings side-by-side, then surrounds them with a giant steel cage. Also, in a twist, this year’s 2K Showcase focuses not on John Cena’s biggest wins, but some of his most devastating losses—and how he used those defeats to learn how to never give up.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
