The Games That Got Me Through 2023 

I hope you're well!

I'm a simple person, I see something slightly touching on rain world I immediately must consume it

Raz, congrats to you and Lady 🎉 Although a second baby is an adjustment, and yes you have to go through the newborn stage again. It comes with the experience of you have done it before and survived. Also, watching the relationship between my two grow has been one of the best things in my life (aside from meeting my husband).

The way you describe Totk is exactly what I feel ( and I’m sure many others feel ) about the game that I was never able to put into words. It’s so accurate

Your ending summary reminded me of my favorite quote from the Stormlight Archive. "This is life, and I will not lie by saying every day will be sunshine. But there will be sunshine again, and that is a very different thing to say. That is truth. I promise you Kaladin: You will be warm again."

Wow, the TOTK section pretty much echoed my exact feelings. I put right about 250 hours in that game over the course of a month or two, and while I expected the more sandboxy design to bring me back over and over again, I haven’t touched it since. It was a spectacular experience, but not a revolutionary one. All it really makes me want to do is go back and play BOTW. Although, if there’s one part of TOTK that was even more memorable than BOTW, it’s the music. Those songs are transcendent. EDIT: Most of the replies to my comment so far are people saying that this doesn't make sense because TOTK is just BOTW with more stuff, or that I'm exaggerating. I've continued to think about this topic a lot since I commented, so allow me to elaborate. I like BOTW more than TOTK, and the reason is pretty simple: BOTW is a perfect game. Now, I'm not saying that BOTW doesn't have flaws. It does. But to me, perfection in a videogame does not mean "flawless", it means "synergistic" or "harmonious". A perfect game is a closed system where every element of its design complements and meshes with some or every other element. BOTW achieved this. It had a beautiful open world with interesting things to do around every corner. It had a simple and satisfying combat system that encouraged exploration through durability. The character-focused, flashback-based story worked no matter what order you experienced it in, making it the perfect fit for an open world game. And the ability to challenge the final boss at any time gave you true freedom in how you decided to play the game. You can see how every major element, from the map to the gameplay to the story to the final boss, was designed to fit in with every other element like cogs in a clock. The problem with perfection is that it's extremely difficult to improve upon. Once you have a closed system of complementary design elements, you can't just add or change anything major because the system was designed from the ground up to work with itself. Some people are confused why you would ever return to BOTW when TOTK is just BOTW with more stuff. But that's exactly the problem. TOTK didn't change the BOTW formula to accommodate all the new stuff it added, it just tacked on more content. The new content is certainly fun, but it doesn't fit as perfectly into the BOTW formula. A great example is the story. TOTKs story uses the same flashback structure as BOTW, but it doesn't work nearly as well. The grander story, with more focus on events than characters, would have been better served by a more linear game. In fact, I restarted my first playthrough dozens of hours in just so I could play through the game in what I felt like was the "right order". I didn't have to do that for BOTW, because BOTW worked hard to make sure any order was the right order. I also want to stress that a huge part of my preference for BOTW over TOTK is that I just don't like the Zonai. The Sheikah were a huge part of Zelda lore already, and BOTW gave them new depth by introducing the Sheikah technology. On the other hand, the Zonai are a brand new Zelda race, yet TOTK told us almost nothing about them, so it's hard to care about them that much. I think I would have liked TOTK much more if the Zonai were an ancient or offshoot tribe of Sheikah instead of just a new aesthetic slapped on the "technologically advanced ancient race" archetype. I have exactly the same issue regarding the Secret Stones vs the Triforce. Finally, I just want to say that I love Tears of the Kingdom. The Zonai devices and new dungeons were very fun and well designed. I just wanted to explain why I prefer Breath of the Wild, and hopefully show people like me why TOTK didn't impact them as much as BOTW.

I haven’t been having the best time lately, and I don’t comment too often, but thank you for this Raz. You’re probably my favorite youtuber, and your deep dive into your emotions and experiences resonates very deeply with me. Hope you have a great 2024 with lots of games to get you through it!

I haven't played rain world in a while, but that game and ESPECIALLY the downpour DLC, really grabbed me in a way that I really didn't expect. No spoilers, but the way the story and map progress through the timeline across the different campaigns is really interesting and unique. That sense of exploration and new discovery isn't something a lot of games replicate for me. Even when I was almost straight up not having fun there was still always that push to find the next cool thing. Sincerely recommend Downpour, it's so good.

By the way, I know the Switch noise was mostly just a segway to the ad, but in case you need the info: that harrowing noise is just the fan that ate through its lubricant, if you fix it quickly it's actually really fast and cheap to repair. I had that happen to my D1 Switch and I thought it was dead but it's actually back and healthy now.

when i first played rain world i hated it but forced myself to finish the game. It so happens that I bought the game together with the downpour dlc, so I started a new game as the artificer and realized how beautiful this game is, and also completed all other campaigns, definitely my favorite game of the year. I'm glad I got through these over 20 hours and had a great time afterwards

Wow, your experience of TOTK was honestly so similar to how I found it. I really enjoyed it and can see that in a lot of ways it’s a much better game, but BOTW made so much more of an impact for me

as someone who is currently always drowning, and trying to keep my head above water... it was really nice to hear that you were there, and made it to a place where you're not anymore

I like how the ending of this video ended up being kinda the antithesis of the name of this series - the games didn't get you through 2023, you did, and they just helped you realise that. Love your content as always, the way you blend your life (while maintaining your privacy) with how the games impacted you is appreciated as its a much more even split than gaming channels would often have you believe, and that split is the beautiful part where life happens ❤ great vid, have a wonderful 2024!

I do wish, that Silksong would come out this year, but I know that I'm just inhaling a pure COPIUM at this point

rainworld is one of those games thats quite hard to judge its visually stunning, well designed, and could be very rewarding, but it is for sure not for everyone i love seeing people try out this game, but when i tried it for myself i just could not get into it

Your monologue around Rain World & the fear of uncomfortable/challenging situations hit me at the right time in my life. Moving on from a job I was stuck in and having the fear of a new scenario gripped me for years. Today I started a new job, even if temporary, I felt excited after conquering the new and intimidating situation, even if I felt unready. Congrats on your second child, and embracing what we think we're unprepared for.

Thank you for your videos Raz, I wish we could see your videos more often, but understandably so, completing games + making videos take a long time. You were an inspiration for me to start my own RU-vid thing, to better document the games I play. Tons of games get released every year, and as you said, time moves faster as we age and it feels like we can play less and less. Documenting games this way helps me keep games in my memory and try my best to not "look forward to what comes next" while playing a game. Thanks again!

Always look forward to your videos Raz. I remember watching the video last year where you talked about the games you played while raising a newborn and I am now in the same place trying to juggle my hobby of gaming while being a dad to a 6 month old daughter and taking care of a stay at home wife/mom. I understand those feelings of feeling like at any moment the ground is gonna collapse from underneath, but I will say it has gotten significantly better now that my daughter is adjusting to life a little better. Thanks for these vids! Somehow soothing knowing that my situation isn’t unique I guess.

Thank you for sharing so much through this video Raz! It's openness like this that helps really connect me to the games and stories you share, and that means so much.

Congrats to you and Lady, Raz! I always look forward to your yearly videos 😊 Thanks for supplying us with content despite a busy chapter in your life. ❤

I am so happy that you feel that you have gotten over your feeling of being overwhelmed. I am very happy for you. I am feeling that I am barely surviving as well. Also I am having a baby soon it's my first so I am a bit scared. But knowing that you got through it gives me hope that I will get over it as well. Thank you

Thank you so much for the message at 17:14. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for basically my entire life, and it's so easy to be anxious about the future of both my life and the world. I often am told that things will get better, and that my current feelings don't define me, but it can often be hard to believe it. For whatever reason how you described it really resonated with me and has left me feeling at least a little more hopeful about where life will take me.

I’ve been waiting for this, reminds me of all the good memories I’ve had in the last year, I’m sure you can relate watching your child grow Raz ❤

"Home is a weird thing that can be hard to truly find, but when you do you end up seeing the place you live in a way that no one outside of it can really understand. You truly get why it's special and also why it sucks and there's a sort of pride in having that knowledge. No one will ever hate it and love it as much as you do..." I appreciate the lack of pretentiousness in your delivery. In a lot of videos this line would be saved for a final, poignant moment as if to punctuate how smart they are and it would be delivered with the subtlety of an oprah singer in a wind tunnel. But you have it sandwiched in the reasoning for why you like certain games that actually allows me to resonate with what you're saying all on my own. I know the words of an ephemeral internet stranger doesn't really matter, but I just wanted to express why I like your writing and delivery style. Keep doing this youtube thing for as long as you like, it's appreciated.

Funny, I actually had the OPPOSITE experience with Tears of the Kingdom. Breath of the Wild is also my favorite game of all time, so I deliberately lowered my excitement for ToTK. I didn’t expect it to change my life, or become my new favorite game of all time. But it did. I feel very lucky, and I’m sad you didn’t love it as much as I did

Man, watching these videos and listening to how you explain different aspects of life, and how you've overcome them while also giving some gameplay for background ambience, it is just so pleasant to watch, and listen. Gives me hope that I too will feel the way you feel right now. Thanks for giving your insight, and making it pleasurable to both watch, and listen to. Hope this year is great for all of us.

Man i just love these videos. You talking about your challenges in life and your changes really helps me somehow. Sometimes im watching these video more for your life talks then the game talks haha. ❤

Man I resonate so much with you and your experience! We have had kid one and soon kid two around the same time, and I find myself connecting with your thoughts on games, the changes and shifts that come with growing up and experiencing games differently. Just..... man it's just good to know how similar other people feel. Thank you.

7:14 Good observation. TotK was my 1st intro to Zelda, & so it left a lasting impression on me. It's not the same for folks who played BotW, though.

I have the same desktop image as the thumbnail of this video🙀

The way you end your videos with something so personal and just heartfelt always gets to me so hard. Sometimes because I relate and sometimes, like with this one, something I hope I can feel one day as well. Thank you so much for your wonderful work.

I love u Raz, it's insane how close I feel to your experiences. Thanks for everything

thank you for this lovely video :) your yearly wrap-up videos are my favourite!!

That was a beautiful video! Recognizing games this way is something that I’ve felt, but not thought or talked about nearly as much as you seem to while playing them. Thanks for this

Always look forward to this video every year! Keep it up man, been watching for ages.

Your videos have flooded my feed recently.... not at all disappointed! GREAT quality and amazing scripts. Keep it up man !!! Happy to hear your doing better !

Hey Raz. I love how your channel, while centered on gaming, tends more towards what makes gaming meaningful. Your thoughtful reviews and retrospectives always make me feel like being more introspective of myself, my own life and those in it. Your channel and content is very unique and I am so happy to see it thriving. Congrats on the new baby, life and everything. Wishing you a great 2024 and beyond.

It’s so rare that a video about games makes me cry like this one did!! Thanks for making me reflect on how games can be coping mechanisms and can help us prove our own competence and growth to ourselves. This is beautifully edited and has a wonderful emotional throughline to it. Always impressed by the caliber of your commentary and insight. Thanks for all that you do!

Thanks for your delightful insights into your process of reflection using games as a medium of sorts. Its been a wild and crazy year for myself as well, I got married, my husband got a new job, I graduated college, and we moved into a new house, and it's a comforting reminder that things do get easier to manage the more time goes by. Thanks for that

You always find a way to use games as a tool to analyze and dissect difficult and complex topics. I am glad to hear that you finally feel a better sense of stability in life, and I think it’s a testament to your open-mindedness and compassionate outlook. You are a big inspiration for me, so thank you, and I wish you and your family a wonderful year ❤

One of my favorite things about your videos like this is I come away with a BIG list of games I haven't heard of before or didn't know much about that I can add to my wishlist and enjoy in the future.

I’ve been struggling with school recently, your videos have really helped me and I love your content, it’s very soothing! Keep it up!

Incredibly good content, I love the candidness. Thankyou for being vulnerable, genuine, and wise

thank you for being so personal and thoughtful

Thoughtful, entertaining, substantive as always. Much love. Your work is very appreciated!

I've been really enjoying your monthly gaming video summaries on the other channel, and it was amazing to see them all recontextualized in this video whilst talking about your own personal journey for the year. The Rain World and the closing summary was extremely impactful, and I found myself reflecting on my own life in turn with a little less worry. All the best to you and your wife, and thank you for sharing both your gaming analysis and your personal journey.

Not only that the video is extremely well made with the throwbacks at the end to the content you were revisiting during the video, it just feels so natural to listen too the way you think about the things. Although I cannot relate to everything you are saying because of different experiences there is always something intriguing and wholesome about the way you relfect things and shape your view about the world.

I have been a rain world fan since my second attempt at it in 2019 and it has been one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had. It's been so wonderful to experience its slow rise to cult classic status, the release of Downpour is an absolute triumph of its dedicated community. Eternally overjoyed every time people try it.

this is one of the best videos you've ever made. Have a nice year Raz, don't forget to have a lot of fun with your kids !!

This genre that you're in. The heavy analysis of everything. Connecting experiences, accepting the inevitable course of life, it's all perfect. These videos are special and I'm glad you have been able to turn your wonderful mind into such enjoyable content. My second child was born this month and I was terrified but we are thriving, you and your family will do exceptionally :) take care

It´s cool to see how games can give us a different perspective in many things. I´m in a very dark place rn but knowing how capable we are of changing gives me the strength to move forward. I hope you and everyone here have an awesome 2024. Cheers from Chile.

“…I’ve been carrying myself..” line broke me. I and so many others have been in this. Thank you for sharing. I’m going through some of the hardest things in my life, and this brings me comfort.

Thanks for the video. I really appreciate these.

Great video, thanks for sharing your experience!

I started the year by watching through Albino's playthrough of rainworld and it was one of the most entertaining games I've watched someone play ever. Probably part due to his personally that clashed with the game perfectly. The world building is super interesting, coupled with probably the best AI for the environment/"enemies" ever done in a video game makes for an amazing experience. Would highly recommend. Also: Kayava. For this alone I would give it a 10/10.

you've been an inspiration..and certainly continue to be. Thank you for this

I look forward to these videos every year and you're my favorite creator on RU-vid. This is my Super Bowl. Thank you again Razbuten.

Another good video with fresh eyes on the way games affect us as a media. Good luck on the new kid, and congratulations Dad. I have 2 under 2 and a preteen right now. It's a journey to say the least, and brain-rattling, but I haven't laughed and smiled as much in the last 2 years as I have in a loooong time.

Great video! Your voice is soooo soothing and your script is perfect! 👏

Happy New Year Raz

hearing you're doing more than just surviving is so encouraging; i'm still trying to find that. love these every year tho and have loved watching your channel grow! congrats on the new baby. if you can beat rain world, you can do anything. 😊

An amazing video. Thanks for sharing all of it

Jesus the whole back half of this video hit in all of the feels. The eloquence of the writing…immense. Thanks for this vid 🙌🏻

I always appreciate the optimistic and reflective thoughts about the hobby of gaming and balancing that with life. We have a toddler as well and I never really stopped to think how far I’ve grown from that experience already, versus focusing on the overwhelm. Thanks for elucidating those feelings, and congrats on your growing family!

Let’s go a new vid! I just found u last month and immediately loved u and am watching ur vids non stop keep up the work!

you and I play very different games but somehow you give me such clarity on my own opinion of video games. I love your youtube channel and i appreciate your channel, keep up the good work

Congrats on the new addition to the family!

I have 2 under 2 and it’ll be alright! It’s definitely a roller coaster but with that comes ups, downs, tears and most importantly laughter, congratulations!

One of the best things about watching Raz’s videos and especially these ones is I get introduced to a bunch of interesting new games to try.

this video maked me think a lot......good luck with ur little baby Raz ^^

What a great video, thank you a lot for giving us an insight into your personal life and combining it with video games. Looking forward to next year :)

Thank you for your perspective on life and video games. Its comforting to know others have found lessons and feelings in these forms of media, even if I continually miss them lol

I love the cozy vibe your videos have, never stop uploading! 🔥

Citizen Sleeper doesn't get enough love. It's getting a bit more well-known, but it truly felt like a very unique experience, different to anything I'd played before, and I think it isn't credited for it too much

I really enjoy your videos. This one was great.

Thank you so much for your creativity and vulnerability. You are inspirational.

You are just a wonderful person to listen too. Thanks for being you. I appreciate you and your work. Can't wait for your next video! Congrats on new bub on the way!!

Thanks for this video Raz, I always appreciate the things you have to say and share about your experiences in life and with games. If you want a recommendation of a game that you can play when you have few minutes to spare. I recommend picking up En Garde! It's a lovely little swashbuckling adventure with a primary focus on causing mayhem in-between sekiro-inspired flavorings of combat. It is by no means a hard game, it's very easy, but it's very enjoyable and comes with a checkpoint system where you are always 30 seconds away from you last checkpoint. I deeply recommend it if you need a game where the ability to pick up and do 1 or 2 short encounters and then drop it is important to you. Extremely beautiful, amazing visuals, great comedy, enjoyable combat.

I love your personal approach to these videos

Dang. I didn’t realize that I was tryna survive day by day until I heard you say it. It’s so stressful and it feels like it’s never going to end, but hearing you doing fine is somehow comforting. I’m glad you’re able to catch a break

Great video as always

"You can't always predict what is going to matter to you." Very true. The only thing we can do is embrace the varied journey and be open to new things. You might not like the thing you were expecting, but you might love something you thought you would not.

I found your videos through the videos of your wife playing games and have stuck around binging a bunch of your videos, I wanna say I absolutely love the content, so glad I was recommended your channel!

Nice personal video. Very touching honestly. The clenching jaws kinda got me .. ;o. Thx for th3 nice time of this vid. Cheers and congrats

Lovely end of year video, as always!

u da best ! Happy new year

This was beautiful, personal, honest and meaningful. Thank you

This was lovely to link games and life experience. I felt that. Thanks

beautiful vid Raz!

Ty for this look into your year, your honesty and not hyping up the video with the title. As I’m struggling atm the title “getting through the year” delft more honest than most videos about the best of 2023.

I always look forward to these every year, time to sit back and relax

Had our first in ‘21 and our second in ‘23 so I resonated with your feelings there. I haven’t played video games regularly for a while, but I’ve found that I crave board games and party games with friends now more than ever.

Congrats to you and the Lady on #2, Raz!!! Here's to a good new year with new adventures, both virtual and real lol 🎉

Wow congrats to you and the lady you live with!!! Wishing the best for your family

Why am I always tearing up at the end of Raz videos 🥺

Love these

That final talk was so impactful, I never realised thats how I felt, but its good to hear that it can get better

man i love these videos

Man, this was exactly my experience with TOTK (well maybe not exactly. Sounds like you finished it, whereas I stopped when Armored Core 6 dropped, fully intending to get back into it but then never did). Also, I really appreciate all the old games on this list. As a poor person who doesn't always get to play the newest games when they're new, it's a pet peeve of mine that these sorts of list are often *just* good games that came out in a given year. It's nice to have year-end retrospectives that are a mix of new games and games the creator is *finally* getting to.

Everytime i hear any music from TotK I start crying. Idk why, i think its bc it got me through a really really rough job and a REALLY low low depression. But there were so many good games this year i dont blame you