Why 2023 is the Year of the B Game
2023 has been hailed as an exceptional year for video games, with a multitude of high-quality releases captivating gamers around the world. But amidst the hype surrounding AAA titles, I want to shed light on the rise of what I like to call “B games.” These are the hidden gems that have cemented their place in the gaming landscape, proving that they are far more than just the overlooked entries on your gaming calendar.
Defining the B Game
Before we dive into the world of B games, let’s establish what exactly qualifies as one. The term “B game” has nothing to do with a game’s quality, contrary to what you might think. Instead, it refers to a genre game that focuses on replicating a specific experience, emphasizing core mechanics, and often veering away from popular trends and modern takes on the genre.
To achieve this, a B game typically operates on a modest budget compared to its AAA counterparts. As a result, it can focus on delivering a singular, tailored experience rather than catering to a broad audience. It’s all about doing more with less, honing in on a specific vision and executing it with precision.
Remnant 2: A B Game Triumph
Let’s kick off this exploration of B games by diving into my personal favorite of the year: Remnant 2. Developed by Gunfire Games, Remnant 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, which expertly blended elements of the Souls-like genre with third-person shooter mechanics. It wasn’t the first game to attempt this fusion, but it managed to showcase the untapped potential of such a combination.
Remnant 2 took the foundation laid by its predecessor and expanded upon it, refining the areas that flourished while addressing any shortcomings. It didn’t settle for merely providing new content for players; instead, it overhauled numerous systems to align them with the original vision. This bold move could have alienated existing fans, but it ultimately paid off, attracting new players while staying true to its roots.
One of the standout features of Remnant 2 is its emphasis on discovery, a trait often overlooked by Souls-like games not developed by FromSoftware. The game takes this idea to new heights by randomizing the order of worlds, level layouts, and encounters. Each playthrough becomes a unique experience, with surprises lurking around every corner. Remnant 2 stands tall as a shining example of a B game that successfully realizes its goals while remaining true to its identity.
Wanted: Dead – A Nostalgic Journey
Wanted: Dead serves as a reminder of the experimentation and commitment to unconventional ideas that mid-budget games were known for. This title represents what the modern video game industry left behind when mid-tier publishers struggled to survive. While games like Stranglehold, Wheelman, and Jackie Chan Stuntmaster may not have been universally loved, they still left a mark and offered a refreshing break from the flood of AAA releases.
Wanted: Dead embraces its tonal inconsistencies and delivers a nonsensical plot accompanied by equally nonsensical FMV sequences. It seamlessly blends elements of shooters and third-person action games, captivating players with its unique mix of minigames, impressive boss fights, and a hub world filled with engaging characters and menial tasks. It’s an experience that you won’t find elsewhere in this year’s gaming landscape.
Dead Island 2: Rising from Development Hell
The fact that Dead Island 2 even made it onto the list of notable games is a testament to its resilience. After spending a decade in development hell and changing hands between multiple developers, the game emerged as a competent zombie-slaying experience. Despite the gaming community’s fatigue with zombie-themed titles, Dead Island 2 managed to reignite the joy of slaying the undead.
Describing Dead Island 2 is simple. It’s a game that focuses on one thing: providing players with opportunities to kill zombies in increasingly eccentric and sometimes cruel ways. The extensive weapon crafting system and the carefully designed levels contribute to the game’s laser-like focus. While there is a different version of Dead Island 2 that features online elements and daily quests, it’s the core experience that truly shines.
Meet Your Maker: A B Game Spirit
Meet Your Maker may not perfectly fit the mold of a B game, but it embodies the spirit of one. This title demonstrates what B games excel at: building an entire experience around a unique idea, mechanic, or core theme. Meet Your Maker revolves around passive multiplayer, allowing players to construct mazes of death traps and hide valuable resources for others to discover and conquer.
Every time you log into Meet Your Maker, you’re presented with a fresh hell created by someone on the other side of the world. Successfully overcoming these challenges grants you access to hidden resources, which you can then utilize to create your own nightmarish creations. It’s a cycle of creativity, exploration, and survival that truly captures the essence of what makes B games special.
Embracing the B Game Revolution
2023 has undoubtedly been a remarkable year for B games, with titles like Remnant 2, Wanted: Dead, Dead Island 2, and Meet Your Maker showcasing the ingenuity and creativity that thrives outside the realm of AAA releases. These games prove that smaller budgets don’t limit the potential for immersive and captivating experiences.
As gamers, it’s essential for us to support and celebrate the B game revolution. By embracing these unique and innovative titles, we can encourage developers to take risks, explore uncharted territories, and deliver experiences that break free from the constraints of mainstream gaming. Let’s champion the underdogs, the B games that offer a refreshing alternative to the massive blockbusters.
So, the next time you’re browsing for a new game to play, don’t overlook the B games. Dive into the world of Remnant 2, embark on the nostalgic journey of Wanted: Dead, survive the zombie apocalypse in Dead Island 2, and unleash your creativity in Meet Your Maker. You never know what hidden treasures await in these unassuming titles.
It’s time to unlock the true potential of gaming by embracing the B game revolution. Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of innovation, creativity, and the joy of gaming that lies within every B game.