Runner-up: Dave The Diver, Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate
Best Switch Icon 2023
Winner: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Look, there have been some cracking icons this year for the Switch, and despite our issues with Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, there’s no denying that having all three main MGS games neatly arranged on the Switch’s dashboard is incredibly satisfying.
They’re all illustrated by Kojima Production’s long-time concept artist Yoji Shinkawa, so any of them could have taken the crown here, but we ultimately went for Snake Eater thanks to how it uses colour. Just gorgeous.
Runners-up: Venba, Quake II
Best ‘End-Of-Year Arrival That Dropped Too Late To Make Our GOTY List’ 2023
Winner: Outer Wilds
It’s been a long time coming, but Outer Wilds is finally out on the Nintendo Switch. It’s been more than worth the wait, too, earning a solid score of 9/10 in our review. Naturally, however, we started pondering our top games of the year well before its release, so unfortunately, most of us haven’t had time to get into it just yet. One for the holidays!
Jim loves it, though. Ask him.
Runner-up: Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation
Best Retro Remaster Or Re-Release 2023
Winner: The Making of Karateka
Digital Eclipse continues to prove itself as one of the most important developers in gaming today, taking iconic antiques from years gone by and giving them the utmost care and attention. Much like Atari 50, The Making of Karateka is a perfect way for veterans and newcomers to not only experience Karateka in its entirety but also learn what exactly went into making the game itself.
It’s a remarkable achievement and a perfect start to Digital Eclipse’s ‘Gold Master Series’, which will continue into 2024 with Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story.
Runners-up: Quake II, Super Mario RPG
Best Worst Best Worst Game 2023
Winner: Vampire Survivors
An award for a game that gets our begrudging, resentful respect despite how it’s hurt us in some way, this year it could only go to Vampire Survivors.
Look, plenty of people adore it, including several members of the Nintendo Life team. It is, however, one of the most addictive time sinks on Switch, a game that sinks its teeth in and won’t let go, to the serious detriment of a healthy sleep pattern. One bite and, before you know it, seven hours have disappeared.
Who’s shining that accursed light through our curtains?! Oh, it’s the sun. *hisses*