As the year 2023 winds to a close, the gaming industry begins to reflect on the achievements and highlights over the past twelve months. In a playful twist from the traditional game of the year accolades, Nintendo Life has introduced their Alternative Game Awards, focusing on the quirkier side of gaming achievements. These informal honors recognize a range of categories that regular award ceremonies often overlook, from tongue-twister titles to last-minute releases and nostalgic re-releases.
The award for the Most Long-Winded Switch Game Title of 2023 was humorously 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." A title that not only describes the game's contents but also seems to coach and motivate players. It is a title that stood out in its verbosity against the shorter, punchier names conventionally preferred in the industry.
A more enigmatic award, the "Game That Doesn't Fit Neatly On Any Of Our Genre Lists," was awarded to Dredge. This game uniquely combines elements of fishing, horror, and RPG, making it stand out as a distinctive and hard-to-classify experience. For its unique blend and quality, Nintendo Life had previously granted it an 8 out of 10 rating, signaling its unique place in the gaming landscape of 2023.
Switch icons, the small images representing games on the console's dashboard, were also in the spotlight, with "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" triumphing in the category of Best Switch Icon. The game features stunning art from Yoji Shinkawa that pops with color, helping it to win the title against other beautifully designed icons.
When it comes to games that arrived so late in the year they missed inclusion in most game of the year lists, "Outer Wilds" was highlighted. Lauded as an excellent addition to the Switch library and also snagging a 9/10 review rating, it's a game that many team members at Nintendo Life are looking forward to diving into over the holiday season.
For the fans of gaming nostalgia, the award for the Best Retro Remaster or Re-Release went to "The Making of Karateka," which is part of Digital Eclipse's 'Gold Master Series.' This re-release allows gamers to not only enjoy the classic title but also delve into its development story. It reflects Digital Eclipse's commitment to preserving and celebrating gaming history with a contemporary twist.
Nintendo Life then whimsically created a category to honor a game that simultaneously frustrates and captivates players: the Best Worst Best Worst Game. "Vampire Survivors" triumphed in this category, recognized for its addictive gameplay that makes hours feel like minutes, devouring players’ free time with its engrossing mechanics.
While these alternative accolades may not carry the official weight of industry awards, they offer a lighthearted and engaging perspective on the year's gaming scene. They remind us that games can be celebrated for all sorts of reasons, not just for being the best in a traditional sense but for standing out, breaking molds, and providing memorable experiences in unexpected ways.
Nintendo Life has found its own quirky way to commend the games that have provided entertainment, challenged conventions, and offered comfort or nostalgic joy. These awards showcase that we can appreciate games across a spectrum of attributes, from the specific artwork of an icon to the late-year thrill of a long-anticipated release. Additionally, it emphasizes that the gaming community values and finds joy in different experiences, from the strange and unwieldy titles to games that redefine genre boundaries. It's a testament to the diverse tastes and interests of gamers and an invitation to celebrate the unique and sometimes unconventional aspects of the games we love.
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