We generally do not do genre-based awards as part of our year end celebration of gaming. This year, though, a few games kept coming up that didn’t have a place in our regular categories. These games were exemplars in their fields. It was clear that they stood head and shoulders above any other offerings this year. As such, we needed a way to celebrate that. Hence the Best in Class Award was born. Unlike the other categories, this is a category with no runner-ups, just winners. This award is for games that blew us away by doing one specific thing so well, we could not help buy recognize them. With that said, here are the winners of Lords of Gamings 2023 Golden Lance Award for Best in Class.
Fighting Game: Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter retains a longstanding history of memorable titles and is held with such high regard as best in class within the Fighting Game community. Subsequently, Street Fighter 6 launched to strong reviews. Capcom delivered a product that addressed many of the issues with its predecessor while simultaneously innovating itself.
This title stands apart from other fighters. The game has an incredible amount of single-player content with World Tour mode alone. Its online netcode is solid, and the new drive gauge system revitalizes the classic Street Fighter formula. I would be remiss not to mention the incredible addition of the Modern control scheming.
This grants accessibility to more players who are often deterred by fighting game mechanics and motions. Street Fighter 6 is not only the best fighting game of the year but I personally find it to be the poster child for the fighting game community today.
Platformer: Hi-Fi Rush
While many players may think about Hi-Fi Rush as a fast-paced rhythm-based combat game, part of its strength is its puzzle platforming. While combat is focused on keeping the rhythm of the music being played, traversal and puzzle-solving sections also lend themselves to the timing and pace of the beat, as well. One of the most surprising (and welcomed) aspects of the platforming sections of the game is the switch from 3rd person view into a 3-dimensional “side-scrolling like” section. While Chai does the majority of the traversal in the game, players need to utilize the abilities of his teammates Peppermint, Macaron, and Korsica to complete sections in a timely manner. The pace of platform movement, rail sliding, and dodging environmental hazards lends to Hi-Fi Rush having some of the strongest platforming in 2023.
Racing: Forza Motorsport
Forza deserves the coveted title of Game of the Year for its unparalleled mastery in the racing genre, delivering an immersive and exhilarating experience that sets a new standard for gaming excellence. Playground Games has meticulously crafted a racing masterpiece with Forza, combining cutting-edge graphics, realistic physics, and an extensive lineup of meticulously detailed cars that blur the line between virtual and reality. The game’s open-world design, featuring dynamic weather and day-night cycles, adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to each race. Forza’s accessibility, offering a perfect balance between simulation and arcade-style gameplay, ensures that both seasoned racing enthusiasts and casual gamers can enjoy the thrill of the track. The attention to detail in recreating iconic racing circuits and picturesque landscapes enhances the overall sense of immersion. With a robust online community, customizable cars, and the largest map in the game’s history, Forza stands as a testament to innovation and quality, securing its well-deserved spot as the definitive Game of the Year for automotive enthusiasts and gamers alike.
