Sysadmin Day 2023 Gaming Picks: Must-Play Video Games

The theme this year for our big Sysadmin Appreciation Day sale is the recently released Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5. Our fondness for (read: obsession with) Mario Kart has inspired us to reflect on what we consider to be the most exciting and creative releases in 2023 so far. In addition to title, platform, and release date, we will also share a summary of each game (from the respective publisher), and provide a link to the official site.

Title: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Release date: May 12, 2023

Summary: An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch. The adventure is yours to create in a world fueled by your imagination. In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’ll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link’s new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom?

Link to official site: https://www.zelda.com/tears-of-the-kingdom/

Title: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Release date: January 16, 2023

Summary: Winner of over 250 Game of the Year awards, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven, open world adventure set in a dark fantasy universe. You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. At your disposal is every tool of the trade: razor-sharp swords, lethal mixtures, stealthy crossbows, and powerful combat magic. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. The Complete Edition contains every piece of downloadable content released for the game, including two massive story expansions: Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine. It's the perfect opportunity to enter this world for the first time or relive the adventure — on the go!

Link to official site: https://www.nintendo.com/en-ca/store/products/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-complete-edition-switch/

Title: Metroid Prime Remastered

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Release date: February 8, 2023

Summary: Intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran receives a distress signal from a wrecked frigate in orbit around planet Tallon IV. Upon investigation, the frigate reveals itself to be a Space Pirate research vessel home to terrifying genetic experiments using the mysterious Phazon substance. There, Samus encounters her nemesis, Meta Ridley, whom she pursues to the surface of Tallon IV. It's up to her alone to explore the planet's interconnected regions, investigate its dark secrets, and end the intergalactic threat posed by Phazon. Experience this critically acclaimed first-person adventure like never before with remastered visuals, audio, controls, and more.

Link to official site: https://www.nintendo.com/en-ca/store/products/metroid-prime-remastered-switch/

Title: Resident Evil 4

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC

Release date: March 24, 2023

Summary: Resident Evil 4, 2005’s legendary survival horror, is brought fully up-to-date in this ground-up remake. Six years after the events of Resident Evil 2, Raccoon City survivor Leon Kennedy has been dispatched to a secluded European village to investigate the disappearance of the US president’s daughter. What he discovers there is unlike anything he has faced before. Every aspect of the classic game has been updated for the current generation, from modernized graphics and controls, to a reimagined storyline that may surprise even hardened fans of the original game.

Link to official site: https://www.residentevil.com/re4/en-asia/

Title: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC

Release date: April 28, 2023

Summary: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Cal must stay one step ahead of the Empire's constant pursuit as he continues to feel the weight of being one of the last remaining Jedi in the galaxy. Developed by the veteran team at Respawn Entertainment, Jedi: Survivor will expand upon iconic Star Wars stories, worlds, and characters, and thrilling combat first experienced in Jedi: Fallen Order.

Link to official site: https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/jedi/jedi-survivor

Title: Street Fighter 6

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC

Release date: June 2, 2023

Summary: Powered by Capcom’s proprietary RE ENGINE, the Street Fighter 6 experience spans across three distinct game modes featuring World Tour, Fighting Ground and Battle Hub. Diverse Roster of 18 Fighters. Play legendary masters and new fan favorites like Ryu, Chun-Li, Luke, Jamie, Kimberly and more in this latest edition with each character featuring striking new redesigns and exhilarating cinematic specials. Street Fighter 6 offers a highly evolved combat system with three control types - Classic, Modern and Dynamic - allowing you to quickly play to your skill level. The new Real Time Commentary Feature adds all the hype of a competitive match as well as easy-to-understand explanations about your gameplay. The Drive Gauge is a new system to manage your resources. Use it wisely in order to claim victory.

Link to official site: https://www.streetfighter.com/6

Title: Diablo IV

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Release date: June 6, 2023

Summary: MEET YOUR MAKER - Lilith has returned to Sanctuary, summoned by a dark ritual after eons in exile. Her return ushers in a new era of misery and darkness. LEGIONS OF CREATION An old legend has it that Sanctuary was created by the union of an Angel and a Demon, and that their descendants — humanity — built villages, then cities and empires, spreading across the land to form the world's cultures and civilization. A REIGN OF ENMITY Chaos threatens to consume Sanctuary as evil and impiety continue to spread. Depraved demons and corrupted wildlife roam the land unchecked, as terrified townsfolk huddle in dark corners trying to survive one more day. CULT OF PERSONALITY The pious plead for guidance from their faith, but doubts have them feeling that their devotion is misplaced. Lilith's return has spawned a new wave of cultists and worshippers, but regardless of dogma, all prayers remain unanswered. DAUGHTER OF HATRED The daughter of Mephisto awakens burning urges in the hearts of those around her, be it demon, human or beast. Profound fears, unchecked rage, repressed impulses, sinful desires — all are brought forth violently and irresistibly by her mere presence. UNSTOPPABLE EVIL As darkness returns to Sanctuary, a brave few dare to face this threat. But what fate awaits them in a land forsaken by hope, valor, wisdom, and justice?

Link to official site: https://diablo4.blizzard.com/en-us/

Title: Rogue Legacy 2

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Release date: June 20, 2023

Summary: Rogue Legacy is back! But now it's got a 2 on the end of it! Rogue Legacy 2 is a genealogical rogue-LITE. That means it has all the trappings of a typical rogue-like (randomized runs, changing characters, and more), but with persistent upgrades, and persistent dead heirs. In this game, your legacy defines you. Spend your parents' inheritance and grow the family manor to give your children a better fighting chance. Each child is unique, with their own traits and abilities. Your daughter could be a Ranger. She could also be vegan. It's a new experience every time. Rogue Legacy 2 also lets you play how you want to. Go hard and fast, and dive deeper into the depths of a randomly generated world. Or take it slow and steady and build your character up until you're ready for greater challenges.

Link to official site: https://roguelegacy2.com/

Title: Mario Kart Deluxe: Booster Course Pass – Wave 5 (of course!)

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U

Release date: July 12, 2023

Summary: Wave 5 includes three additional characters and eight new courses. And one of those courses (Squeaky Clean Sprint) is brand-new to the entire Mario Kart franchise! Newly added characters include: Kamek, Petey Piranha, and Wiggler. Newly added courses include: Tour Athens Drift, GCN Daisy Cruiser, Wii Moonview Highway, Squeaky Clean Sprint, Tour Los Angeles Laps, GBA Sunset Wilds, Wii Koopa Cape, and Tour Vancouver Velocity.

Link to official site: https://www.nintendo.com/en-ca/whatsnew/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-more-courses-more-characters-more-giant-toilets/

Let the Debate Begin!

Obviously, there is nothing even vaguely scientific about our choices for the most exciting releases so far in 2023. But isn’t that a big reason why gaming is so much fun? Games that you may love, others might find a bit meh. And there are always times when someone can’t stop raving about an “amazing game” that you find underwhelming (or maybe just awful).

So, please share your thoughts below. Do you agree with our selections? Did we miss something? And what titles in the remainder of 2023 are you the most excited about — Atlas Fallen, Baldur’s Gate 3, Mortal Kombat 1, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora… or something else? Tell us about it!