At an advanced age (29), I accepted my truth: There was only so much time in the world for all the video games I wanted to play. The same goes for everything in life—TV, movies, gym classes, restaurants, countries. Who has time to do everything they want to do?
Then, when deciding on my favorite games of the year, I honored this fact, as well as myself, by being honest: I’ve only played a handful of specific titles in 2022 and most of it. of which is on the Nintendo Switch. I’ve always been Ninten-bro, and as an adult, that’s what I spend the most time with.
The same goes for my colleague at The Daily Beast, Shannon O’Connor, whose gaming journey began later with the PlayStation console. As a result, Shannon spent the year playing PlayStation 5’s growing library of exclusive titles and titles.
Please heed this as a warning, game lovers: This is a list without Elen’s ring, penitent, Sheep Cult—the typical games you’ll see rank among the best of 2022. Instead, here’s just a list of our top 10 favorites this year.
However, we promise we’ll eventually hit some other hits; I had White neon, Ao Daiand Marvel Snap downloaded. I’ll report back on those when I find time for them! —Allegra Frank
Allegra’s Choice
first. Legendary Pokémon: Arceus (Nintendo Switch)
Pokémon has long ruled everything around me. But the franchise has admittedly needed a bit of a refresh. Recent spinoffs like Pokémon Unite were fun experiments, but I craved something more expansive—the open-world iteration of the classic role-playing series that fans have been waiting for forever. Legend: Arceus fulfills that desire to an unexpected degree, introducing a setting where trainers can directly interact with Pokémon outside of traditional turn-based battles. The vast world is filled with creatures, looking for quests and adventures. Combined with a surprisingly insightful story, Legend: Arceus is the most fun I’ve had with Pokémon in years. (It also prepares me to be much bigger Magenta/Purpledropped in November with echoes of the best parts of legend. Cursed Haters: Those Games Are Fun!)
2. Butterfly soup 2 (Mac/PC)
Okay, this isn’t a Nintendo Switch game; I am nothing if inconsistent! But for the first time Butterfly soup, a 2017 visual novel by game designer Brianna Lei, was my favorite game of that year. Its sequel continues the story of a group of four hilarious California teenagers passionately exploring their sexuality through a multitude of related ways. Dotted with authentic pop culture references that speak directly to those of us who have anime profile pictures on AIM and who abused the “XD” emoji in high school two, Butterfly Soup 2 is a fun experience to have.
3. Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Nintendo Switch)
Kirby is back with a vengeance this year, in this wildly entertaining adventure game set in a dark world. Light sci-fi elements are crafted to give a fun twist, subverting the typical cute Kirby formula. Kirby still devours brightly colored enemies—but it can also devour abandoned cars and traffic cones! It’s fun to drive the Kirby around a ruined city and a bit sad, too. Melancholy Kirby is a surprisingly cool vibe.
4. Splatoon 3 (Nintendo Switch)
Splatoon 3 is an addictive shooter for those who hate shooters. That’s because it’s not really a shooter but a paintball game in which anthropomorphic squids shoot each other with neon colored slime. This third installment added some much-needed quality of life improvements, such as easier ways to join quick matches with your friends. But the core formula remains largely unchanged; perfectly fine for me, as I can (and do) spend several hours continuously splashing random people and environments with my paint. It’s fun, colorful and stylish.
5. Knots (Android/iOS)
I’m actually writing this story on my phone, so you better believe I’m always on the hunt for a good mobile game. key word is the best game of this year, combining crosswords with quirky gameplay and serious challenge. Co-author Zach Gage, the creator of my all-time favorite mobile game spell tower, added a logic element to the crossword formula; Each puzzle gives you the letters needed to complete different lines—just like an anagram. But then you have to figure out which letters go where to meet the letters of the connecting lines. It’s both easier and harder than imagined, which is why I spent an unspeakable amount of time playing it this year. If you like word games, play key word.
Illustrated by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Nintendo/Butterfly Soup/Knotwords
Shannon’s Choice
1. The Forbidden Horizon (PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5)
Like someone who loved Horizon Without Dawn, Forbidden Horizon is a welcome gift. Just as great—maybe even a little better—as the first game, Forbidden West increase the bet. From stunning graphics to an emotional storyline, watching Aloy battle her way across the West Coast while she makes new friends and saves the planet has never been more enjoyable. The addition of new gliders and machine enemies makes things even more interesting. If you haven’t ventured into the world of horizonThere is no time like the present.
2. God of War Ragnarok (PS4/PS5)
The long-awaited sequel of 2018 God of War Totally not disappointed. As I said in My positive review of the game, Ragnarok is a touching coming-of-age story and a great epic, all wrapped up in a great game. The story and writing are still top notch, the graphics and setting are impeccable, and the fighting has never been better. You might shed a few tears playing this game, but it’s well worth it to experience the beautiful second chapter in the story of Kratos and Atreus. However, I would say that it is the supporting characters and their richness that really bring this story to life.
3. Our Last Part Part 1 (PS5)
Some might say this is a cop-out chart. But to those I say, bah humbug! I love Our Last. I wrote 2,000 words about my love Our Last; that’s how much i love it. When I got a chance to replay the new remake of the first game, I jumped at it. Not only are the graphics better and the performance more devastating, but there are even more accessibility options than before. The story is as heartbreaking and moving as ever. Yes, I still cry in the opening. I will take every opportunity to return to the world of Our Lastbut this remake, with all the improvements for the next-gen console, makes going back to the world all the more enjoyable.
Illustrated by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Annapurna Interactive/Sony Interactive Entertainment/Infinity Ward/Naughty Dog
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One, Xbox S/X Series)
From incredible graphics to excellent multiplayer maps, Modern War 2 was an absolute explosion. And with new game modes like DMZ and raid, there are even more ways to play with friends. After a few tricks from call of duty, Modern War 2 is a very welcome addition to the arsenal.
5. lost (PS4/PS5)
A game where you can play an adorable feral cat running around a dark world inhabited by robots and tiny microbial enemies trying to come to the surface with help. of a little robot? Count me in. Oh, and there’s a meow button. What more is there to say? Just go on a cute cat adventure and take a nap—you’ll never need anything more from a game.
