Picking out the perfect Christmas gift for your gaming loved ones is no easy feat, made near impossible with 2023’s fantastic launch calendar. In this Best Christmas Gifts For Gamers 2023 breakdown we cover the best PlayStation 5 games for the platform.
Our Best Christmas Gifts For Gamers 2023 for PlayStation 5 fans will make sure greatness awaits.*
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Peter Parker and Miles Morales are back in action with the release of Insomniac Games and PlayStation Studios’ Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Players will have to contend with both Kraven the Hunter and the Venom symbiote as they explore a New York City that is filled to the brim with action. This isn’t a simple 1:1 remake of the map found in Marvel’s Spider-Man; new areas include Brooklyn and Queens, alongside new abilities and Spider-Man suits.
Purchasing options for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 can be found on the official PlayStation website.
Final Fantasy XVI
With roots dating back to the original Nintendo Entertainment System back in the 90s, the world of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy has a timed exclusive new entry on the PlayStation 5 with the release of Final Fantasy XVI.
This adventure treads new ground with its action-based combat system, featuring summoned monsters called Eikons alongside both melee and magic attacks. The twin continents of Valisthea are yours to explore throughout its segmented open environments, along with a growing conflict that only the protagonist Clive Rosfield can solve.
Of course, for those looking for a dash of nostalgia, Chocobos, recurring enemies, and an absolutely suave version of Cid (voiced by Ralph Ineson) are all present and accounted for.
Purchasing options for the title can be found on the official Final Fantasy XVI website.
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
New characters and experiences await in Guerrilla Games’ and PlayStation Studios’ Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, an expansion of last year’s immersive game.
Players will traverse the ruins of Los Angeles, dubbed the “Burning Shores” as Aloy as they set out to pursue the awakening Metal Devil. New characters like Walter Londra and Gerrit keep things lively, while returning characters like Gildun ensure that players will come across some familiar faces.
Just note that this DLC is for veterans only; players can only enter the Burning Shores after completing the main quest, up to and including Singularity.
Purchasing options for Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores can be found on the official PlayStation website.
Forspoken
For those looking for something that is truly unique, be sure to check out Luminous Productions and Square Enix’s Forspoken.
Described as a “narrative-driven adventure by the publisher, the open world of Athia awaits. Players can travel any where at any time, utilizing Frey’s magical powers in a fantasy tale that is sure to engross players. While critic feedback has been mixed on the title, those looking for something fresh will find it in this new IP.
My time with Forspoken was a strange one. Elements of the game are fantastic, with an engrossing story and a gorgeous world. However, it all just feels segmented, like nothing really wants to work together. Forspoken is a good game and one I would recommend to most open-world fans, but it just feels so close to greatness that I can’t help but walk away disappointed.Forspoken Review, Blaine Smith
Purchasing options can be found on the official Forspoken website.
