Just like that – 2022 has come and gone. But what a ride it’s been for the gaming world. As we head into the new year, let’s look back on some of the best titles released this year.
Most of our top 15 picks are available on PlayStation consoles, so make sure you grab your PSN gift cards from OffGamers today to start playing some of the best games this year.
The 15 Best Games 2022
In 2022, we saw some of the best games released in decades. Whether you’re into action-adventure games, RPGs, puzzles or arcade-style games, you’re sure to find something you love on this list.
1. God of War: Ragnarök
The God of War franchise returns with its best release yet: Ragnarök. From its jaw-dropping graphics to its immersive story, God of War sets a new standard for action-adventure games.
Ragnarök is set three years after its predecessor. Kratos and Atreus set off to make peace in Midgard, but the Aesir, of course, have other plans. Atreus continues his journey of trying to learn more about who he is and where his future lies. But his quest leaves Kratos fearful that they are all being pushed towards a war with Odin.
Along the way, you’ll reunite with friends and allies from the previous game, including dwarf brothers Brok and Sindri, and make new ones.
The emotional heft of the main storyline is what makes this game so special and worthy of being called one of the best games of 2022.
The playstyle, combat and cinematic scenes make God of War: Ragnarök feel like you’re playing inside of a movie.
God of War is also one of our top picks for games based off of mythologies.
2. Horizon Forbidden West
Alloy returns in the Forbidden West chapter of Horizon. As the name suggests, Alloy finds herself on the West Coast of the U.S. in this post-apocalyptic world where machines rule and people are more primitive.
With a massive open world and questline, Forbidden West beats its predecessor and is about twice the size of the first game.
Along the way, Alloy builds up a team of friends and allies in a storyline that will have you hooked.
The fun combat style, amazing graphics and smooth gameplay easily make Forbidden West one of the best games of the year. But what you’ll fall in love with most is the story, which at times, tugs at your heartstrings.
3. Elden Ring
It’s easy to see why Elden Ring is one of the top 2022 games. Directed by Dark Souls’ Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game’s story and world-building come from one of the biggest names in the fantasy genre: George R. R. Martin.
Not only is Elden Ring massive, but it’s also incredibly challenging. There are so many places to explore, side quests to tackle and gear to unlock and upgrade. You can easily find yourself lost in everything but the main story questline.
That main questline, by the way, has you on a mission to repair the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord.
The main quest alone is about 54 hours long. If you’re a completionist, you can easily find yourself spending more than 130 hours in this massive open world.
The combat is every bit as demanding and difficult as you would expect from the team that created Dark Souls.
4. Stray
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a house cat? Stray, the debut game from French indie developer BlueTwelve Studio, puts you in the shoes (or paws?) of a stray cat who finds itself in the middle of a Cyberpunk-esque city.
The adventure game follows an orange tabby who must solve an ancient mystery to escape the city. You’ll meet friends, like a flying drone named B-12, and see the world through the eyes of a cat. Did we mention that you can do all of the mischievous things that house cats do – like scratch furniture or knock things over?
Stray has won over the many hearts of so many players because of its adorable protagonist and intriguing story.
5. Sifu
Sifu’s revenge-driven protagonist is the child of a martial arts master who seeks to avenge his father’s death. The martial arts combat system is impressive and fun, but it’s not an easy one to master.
One interesting mechanic of Sifu is that each time your character dies, you age. As you age, your attacks become more powerful, but your overall health is reduced. Eventually, you age to the point where you can no longer fight and must restart the level.
The risk-and-reward combat style will have you using everything at your disposal to stay alive and defeat your enemies. You even have the option of using your words instead of your fists to win battles.
6. Tunic
Legend of Zelda’s Tunic isn’t an action-adventure game for the faint of heart. Behind the adorable cartoon fox protagonist and colourful world is a challenging game that will have you questioning your sanity by the time you’re through with it all.
Complex puzzles and difficult combat are just the beginning. Tunic throws players into a world they know absolutely nothing about, and everything in this world, including its dialogue, is in a cryptic language. There are no hints, breadcrumbs, markers or anything to guide you. Oh, and Tunic? He never utters a word.
So, how do you figure things out? Exploration and your intuition. You’ll also find pages of the game’s manual scattered throughout the world.
Players must read through these pages carefully to pick up important clues on how to defeat bosses and use other mechanics in the game.
7. Ghostwire: Tokyo
Ghostwriter: Tokyo comes from Tango Gameworks, makers of Evil Within. As you may have guessed, Ghostwire takes us to the streets of Tokyo, where you’ll encounter just about every vengeful spirit in Japanese legends.
The story follows Akito, the lone human survivor of a fog that turned the city into a ghost town. Akito is on a mission to find out what has become of his sister, who is in a nearby hospital. But he finds himself in an alliance with a spirit called KK, which has a mission of its own. KK and Akito fight for control over his body.
KK gives Akito some fun supernatural powers that make combat a little more interesting.
8. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga recreates some of the best and most beloved moments of the Star Wars franchise – but in LEGO form. The game covers the plot of all nine movies and appeals to players of all ages.
Local co-op allows you to play with friends. The game is also packed with Easter eggs and has a fun combat style. Exploration is fun, and the pace is a bit more laid-back.
The Skywalker Saga is a title for casual gamers who just want a good time and a relaxed playstyle.
9. Neon White
First-person shooter Neon White puts players in control of a celestial sinner facing purgatory who must prove their worth to get access to heaven. The game pits players against demons, who are no match for your arsenal of weapons.
The main enemy of Neon White is the timer. You can easily go from Gold to Bronze in just seconds. Levels take about a minute to complete, but you’ll need to bring your A-game to earn that Gold medal.
Neon White is a game of skill and patience. Not surprisingly, it’s also on our list of top 10 games to speedrun.
10. The Quarry
The Quarry takes us back to the horror films of the 80s, where summer camp turns into a nightmare. The game follows a group of camp counsellors who are planning one last big party. There’s just one problem: the land is cursed and werewolves roam looking for their next victim.
The cast of characters includes a number of horror legends, including David Arquette, Lin Shaye, Ted Raimi and Lance Henrikson.
Part of the appeal of The Quarry is its playstyle. Every decision you make will affect the character’s fate, and there are hundreds of branch decisions that can change the:
- Story
- Where you can hide
- Relationships between characters
- The outcome
With so many different outcomes to explore, The Quarry has great replayability. There’s also a co-op option so that you can play together with friends.
11. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is an arcade-style game that serves up a healthy dose of nostalgia. The side-scroller game was inspired by the 1987 iconic cartoon series and brought back the same voice cast of the original series.
Play solo or with friends as any character, including Master Splinter and April O’Neil. You’ll battle enemies in the sewers and the streets, and munch on pizza slices to restore your health.
The only complaint with Shredder’s Revenge is that the experience is over too soon. But with so many characters to play, this game has great replayability!
12. Cult of The Lamb
Cult of the Lamb puts you in the shoes of a lamb which also happens to be a cult leader that’s been resurrected by the deity ‘The One Who Waits’. Your job is to free this deity. How do you achieve that?
By building up an army of followers. Along with bringing in new flock members, you’ll build up your base and launch crusades against enemies. Managing your base is challenging, but the cycle of upgrading, doing battle and gathering resources is surprisingly satisfying.
Combat is fun, but you’ll find that most of your time is spent building your base and completing quests for NPCs.
The artwork and visual effects are stunning in an adorably demonic kind of way.
13. A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Requiem is the sequel to the original A Plague Tale: Innocence, released in 2019. The game follows Amicia, the older sister of the disturbed Hugo. You’ll travel through a dystopian Medieval world that’s been overrun with plague rats. To save your brother, you’ll need to sneak or murder your way through an army of soldiers.
Requiem is a gorgeous game with a great story and unique elements that make it worthy of being called one of the best games this year.
If you played A Plague Tale: Innocence, you’ll find that Requiem has all of the familiar elements that made its predecessor so great. But they’ve upped the ante on all of these things. Be prepared to contend with more plague rats than you could have possibly imagined.
14. Nobody Saves the World
In Nobody Saves the World, you play Nobody, a white blob who can transform into different RPG archetypes to complete dungeons and ultimately save the world.
In this world, everything has been covered in fungus. Monsters have taken over. Nostramagus, the world’s most powerful wizard, is missing. But Nobody has his wand and his magic, so it’s up to him to save the world.
Play as a wizard or a warrior – or a slug or a turtle.
Throughout the game, you’ll find yourself mixing and matching abilities from Nobody’s 15 unlockable forms. The playstyle customization options are impressive and part of what makes this game so much fun to play.
The game’s villain, Randy the Rad, won’t make it easy for you to save the world.
15. OlliOlli World
If you’re a fan of skateboarding games, you’ll love OlliOlli World. In this 2D game, momentum is everything. Each obstacle course is filled with half-pipes, ramps and rails that make it challenging to reach the end in one piece.
The colourful cartoon world is a big part of this game’s draw. It’s easy to get lost in this world, and there are so many fun, bizarre characters that you’ll meet along the way.
These are some of the top games released in 2022. Be sure to check out our list of the best games of 2022 on the App store to find more fun games to try. And don’t forget to watch streamers on Twitch and YouTube to see walkthroughs and get tips on how to improve your gameplay.
