As the gaming world gears up for The Game Awards, set to stream live on December 7, 2023, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, excitement is mounting over which titles will take home the coveted awards. Among the various categories, the “Best Mobile Game of the Year” stands out, reflecting the growing influence and innovation in the mobile gaming sector. This year’s nominees showcase a diverse array of genres and styles, each bringing a unique experience to gamers worldwide.
The Nominees for The Best Mobile Game of The Year 2023
1. Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis (Square Enix)
Square Enix’s latest offering, “Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis,” brings a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the iconic franchise. This game lets players relive the most memorable moments from FFVII, including the journey of the young hero Sephiroth. It combines retro-style aesthetics with modern graphics, making it accessible for on-the-go gaming. Players can team up their favorite characters, customizing them with gear and weapons for solo or co-op battles. The game unfolds in episodic installments, allowing players to discover new stories within the FFVII universe, including the untold tales of Sephiroth and other iconic characters like Cloud and Zack.
2. Honkai: Star Rail (Hoyoverse)
“Honkai: Star Rail,” is a space fantasy RPG that takes players on an interstellar adventure. The game invites gamers to board the Astral Express and explore a universe filled with diverse worlds, each presenting unique challenges and views of the galaxy. From space stations harboring secrets to planets covered in eternal winter, “Honkai: Star Rail” offers a blend of exploration and mystery, promising an enthralling journey through the stars.
3. Hello Kitty Island Adventure (Sunblink)
“Hello Kitty Island Adventure” is a heartwarming open-world adventure game where players join Hello Kitty and friends in restoring an abandoned island. This game is all about friendship, exploration, and discovery. Players get to craft items, solve puzzles, and decorate spaces, creating a personal island paradise. It’s a game that emphasizes the joy of exploration and the warmth of building relationships with beloved characters.
4. Monster Hunter Now (Niantic)
Niantic, known for its augmented reality games, brings the thrill of the hunt to the real world with “Monster Hunter Now.” Players embark on a global quest to track and hunt formidable monsters from the Monster Hunter universe. This AR game adapts the series’ iconic hunting action for mobile, offering a variety of monsters to hunt depending on the player’s real-world environment. With simplified controls and immersive graphics, it promises a unique hunting experience.
5. Terra Nil (Netflix)
Netflix’s “Terra Nil” presents an intriguing twist on the city-builder genre. Here, players work to revive a barren wasteland, transforming it into a thriving ecosystem. The game focuses on using eco-technology to purify soil, create diverse landscapes, and provide habitats for animals. It emphasizes environmental consciousness, challenging players to leave their virtual space better than they found it.
Our Prediction for Mobile GOTY 2023: Honkai: Star Rail
While each nominee brings something special to the table, “Honkai: Star Rail” stands out as a potential winner. This game has garnered excellent reviews for its immersive storyline, stunning graphics, and engaging gameplay. The depth of its world-building and the richness of its narrative offers a compelling experience that resonates with both new and seasoned gamers. Its blend of exploration and adventure, set against the backdrop of an expansive universe, sets it apart in the mobile gaming arena.
(Update: Honkai: Star Rail won the Best Mobile Game of The Year Award at The Game Awards 2023)
So, which game do you think will take the crown for the best mobile game of this year? Let us know in the comment section below!
