2022 was an okay year for Video Games. The year lacked a lot of releases that would normally draw my attention. As well I was extremely busy, and gaming was not a top priority. However, I was able to play 10 games that really did catch my eye.
Number 10: Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors is perhaps the most addictive game I played this year. It is a fantastic game to play on a Sunday morning while watching TV or listening to a podcast. The game isn’t very deep, but not everything needs to be like that. The game is still getting support and the devs clearly love the game they made and it shows.
Number 9: Knotwords
One of the most inventive mobile games I have played in a long time and is a must-play for any fans of the puzzle genre. Fresh takes on word puzzles are almost impossible; this is a game that everyone should try. Great game to play in the morning on your train commute.
Number 8: Marvel Snap
Marvel Snap has a progression system that leaves something to be desired, but the gameplay is quick and “Snappy”. The game has a relatively good balance at the time of writing, and it is actually fairly accessible for free-to-play players. It is worth a shot to play, but it will take a hot minute to get the cards necessary to have fun.
Number 7: Kirby and the Forgotten Land
This may not be the best game in the series, but it is one of the most innovative in a long time. The jump to 3D was seamless and kept the charm of the series intact. The powers were fun, and each area felt unique.
Number 6: Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
The most content of any Lego game yet. All episodes are unique and feel like a good jump from the original games. While a lot of the content and collectibles are not worth doing the highs are worth checking the game out. I am not a huge Star Wars, but I was able to enjoy the references to the series.
Number 5: Rogue Legacy 2
A fantastic Roguelike, and one of the few notable releases in the genre this year. Each level is unique and will really push you to develop new strategies. The progression of the game is very well thought-out, and each of the classes feels unique. The choices are actually very well-designed.
Number 4: Pokemon Legends: Arceus
The best pokemon game in a long time. The open world was great, but it was fairly empty. The collecting was some of the most fun I have had on the switch in a hot minute. The battle leaves a lot to be desired.
The story was better than I thought, but it was more of a means to get to the next area. It was surprisingly addicting, and was the most I felt like collecting them all.
Number 3: Cult of the Lamb
The best all-around indie dungeon crawler in a while. The village creation is deep and is a joy to play. The dungeons are all unique, and the bosses are actually fairly difficult. The game is short but is the perfect length for the content.
I think the game has a lot of charm, but it isn’t too heavy-handed with it. Also, the Twitter account is very funny.
Number 2: Neon White
A game that is incredibly close to perfect. Each level tests you in a new way, and the boss battles are some of the best I played all year. I completed the game 100% and enjoyed every minute of it. The gameplay is fresh, slick, and incredibly well thought out.
Each mechanic feels perfect. The story is drenched in anime melodrama which I personally love.
Number 1: Elden Ring
Truly a masterpiece in all regards. Looking back I think I might have been too hard on this game, but it really is one of the best games I have played in a while. The world is large but full of unique things to do. The game had some incredibly dumb bosses, but some of the best bosses in the series.
It is a game that has a lot of flaws, but when they can be excused. This game had the highest highs of the year. The final boss is one of the worst in the series but it is fine.