Games of the Year

RPGFan Games of the Year 2023: Best Remake or Re-Release

GOTY 2023 Best Remake or Re-Release Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Winner: Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is the poster child of how a remake should be done. It beautifully blends the nostalgic sprites of yore with stunningly redone environments that look even better than we could have imagined. This iteration of Star Ocean: The Second Story fills audiences with even greater wonderment than we felt playing the game in our youths. Old and new players alike can delight in Star Ocean: The Second Story R‘s refined yet familiar gameplay and numerous enhancements, such as selecting from several Japanese and English voice tracks. The evocative and timeless story of Claude, Rena, and the memorable characters they meet is as compelling as any modern JRPG narrative. Star Ocean: The Second Story R is as close to JRPG perfection as possible, making it not only the best remake of 2023 but also one of that incredibly stacked year’s finest RPGs, period.

by Neal Chandran


Runner-Up: Super Mario RPG

If you want a shining example of a remake done right, look no further than Super Mario RPG. The classic SNES adventure holds up so well by modern standards, especially with the overhaul to its visuals that are on par with other modern Mario games. Most importantly, the graphical and mechanical changes only improve the experience without removing any of the charm that made the original game so beloved and memorable. Super Mario RPG also proves that not all RPGs need to be enormous in length or scope to be exceptional. It may be short, but it is a fun experience from start to finish.

by Jimmy Turner


Readers’ Choice: Best Remake or Re-Release of 2023

Winner: Star Ocean: The Second Story R (48.4% of votes)

Runner-Up: Super Mario RPG (19.7% of votes)

Neal Chandran

Neal Chandran

Neal is the PR manager at RPGFan but also finds time to write occasional game or music reviews and do other assorted tasks for the site. When he isn't networking with industry folks on behalf of RPGFan or booking/scheduling appointments for press events, Neal is an educator, musician, cyclist, gym rat, and bookworm who has also dabbled in voiceover work and motivational speaking.