The end of the year typically brings with it a rush of retrospectives and awards designed to commemorate the past twelve months of gaming. True to this season of reflection, Nintendo Life has offered its own spin on the traditional Game of the Year (GOTY) lists with the Nintendo Life Alternative Game Awards for 2023. These are not your standard accolades; instead, they celebrate the more unusual, the quirky, and the offbeat elements from the year's gaming offerings. From the game with the most convoluted title to the best retro remaster, let's dive into these alternative accolades.
Kicking things off with the title for the Most Long-Winded Switch Game, the honor was amusingly bestowed upon "Mon-Yu: Defeat Monsters And Gain Strong Weapons And Armor. You May Be Defeated, But Don't Give Up. Become Stronger. I Believe There Will Be A Day When The Heroes Defeat The Devil King." Not only is it a mouthful, but it also provides encouragement built right into its name—a feature not typically found in your average game title.
Next up, the Best 'Game That Doesn't Fit Neatly on Any of Our Genre Lists' went to "Dredge," a title proving difficult to classify. It blends fishing with horror and elements of role-playing—the sort of eclectic mix that can turn heads and captivate gamers looking for something outside the norm. "Dredge" is praised for its originality and has been scored highly for its creativity and engaging gameplay.
For the category of Best Switch Icon, the winner went to "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater." It wasn't just for the beauty of the icon itself—which features eye-catching color and design by renowned artist Yoji Shinkawa—but also for the satisfying arrangement this and other Metal Gear Solid titles create on the Switch's interface.
The latecomer award, Best 'End-Of-Year Arrival That Dropped Too Late To Make Our GOTY List', was claimed by "Outer Wilds." Despite the critical acclaim and a high review score, its late release meant many hadn't had the chance to fully appreciate its depth and brilliance before the year-end evaluations were made. Nevertheless, it has captured the interest of many enthusiasts eager to explore its world over the holiday season.
When it comes to remastered or re-released classics, "The Making of Karateka" stood out to claim the Best Retro Remaster or Re-Release award. Digital Eclipse has been lauded for its commitment to preserving and enhancing gaming history, and "The Making of Karateka" exemplifies this mission. It doesn't just offer gamers a chance to experience the retro game but also an education on its development process.
In a humorous twist, the Best Worst Best Worst Game accolade was awarded to "Vampire Survivors." Despite—or perhaps because of—its addictive gameplay that devours hours of players' lives, "Vampire Survivors" has earned a love-hate relationship with the community. It’s adored for its fun and addictive nature but also slightly resented for the same reason, given the chunk of their lives players willingly sacrifice to it.
Nintendo Life's alternative game awards may not be the typical recognition that games receive at end-of-year ceremonies, but they shine a light on the unique, the oft-overlooked, and at times, the downright bewildering aspects of gaming that still contribute to the fun and fascination of this diverse entertainment medium.
These accolades might seem tongue-in-cheek, but they underscore an important aspect of the gaming culture: that sometimes, it's the quirks and oddities in games that leave the most enduring impressions. Whether in-jokes or genuine praise, the celebration of these peculiar titles and elements demonstrates the wide-ranging passions and the playful spirit that lies at the heart of gaming communities. Without a doubt, these alternative awards encourage us to look at games through a different lens, savor the unexpected delights, and appreciate the industry’s breadth of creativity.
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