My Top 10 Games of 2022

 2022 packed a lot of long-awaited and outstanding games that many players were anxiously expecting. While I was also anticipating some games this year, I didn't manage to play all of them given that I still didn't score a next-gen console yet and there were a lot of games on my backlog. Thankfully, I struck a balance between playing the newest releases on my PS4/Switch while clearing my backlog games so I can make a Top 10 post this year.

 Granted, I missed out on God of War: Ragnarok, Sonic Frontiers, and Horizon II due to time constraints and the fact that a lot of games take longer to finish now, so I'll get to them in the future. I already reviewed all of the games in this Top 10, so feel free to read about my in-depth thoughts on each game in you're interested. But anyway, this was a great year overall and here are my top picks of 2022!

#10 

 Frogun

 Frogun is the year's most slept on indie game since it sadly got overshadowed by many games. A throw back to the platformers of yesteryear, it packs some fun characters, solid and fun gameplay, and a cheerful presentation, it's a easily a must play for fans of the genre.

#9 

Anno: Mutationem

 Anno: Mutationem ended up being a solid, interesting adventure with its mystery-packed story and cyberpunk aesthetics. The fast-paced action was fun and entertaining and the side-quests were good as it gives you a chance to explore the world. While the story might leave you underwhelmed, the lead characters Ann and Ayane were cool and carried the the experience. Here's hoping that a sequel will improve upon Mutationem.

#8  

Stray

 Stray took the gaming scene by storm this year due to the novel idea of being able to play as a cat in a lonely, abandoned world. While the premise may sound simplistic, it's a fun game with a unique take being able to control a cat as it jumps, scratches, and meows around town. The zany characters and eye-catching visuals are charming parts of the game, which are worth mentioning too. All in all, Stray is a must-play for cat lovers and I'm looking forward to more cat games in the future.

#7 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

As a fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles growing up, I was excited for TMNT: Shredder's Revenge ever since it was announced. A retro beat 'em up starring the four turtles as they battle Shredder's forces across New York City. It's a was a fun time with lots of variety to keep things interesting. The game was a great time if you're playing online or with friends.

#6  

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

 Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin was a wild ride with its bonkers story about destroying chaos and tough gameplay inspired by Team Ninja's Nioh. The game may not have a made a big impact this year with all the action games being constantly released but as a fan of Final Fantasy and Team Ninja's games and I had a lot of fun with Stranger of Paradise-- and I'm already thinking of returning to it in the future.

#5 

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

 Nintendo and Hal Laboratory finally did something new with Kirby when Kirby and the Forgotten Land released this year. Starring our pink hero Kirby on a new world to explore with brand new 3D levels to explore and bosses to beat. After Kirby: Star Allies ended up being painfully average, I had high expectations for the game and it easily exceeded them. It was a pleasant time with bright visuals and the same cute aesthetic we've come to know. Fans of Kirby and platformers alike shouldn't miss out on Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

#4 

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

 Pokemon Legends: Arceus was a breath of fresh air for series in a long time and one that I completely welcome. Ditching the classic formula for more open environments where you freely explore your terrains catching Pokemon ended up being a lot of fun for me. That and the cheery presentation and neat characters made for a memorable experience. After the messy launch of the recent Pokemon games, I'm hoping Game Freak will take its time and build a new Pokemon game from Arceus' foundation.

#3  

Bayonetta 3

 Bayonetta 3 was worth the long wait as it delivered on the signature stylish, over-the-top action the series in known for. Featuring more weapons, bigger levels, even bigger enemies to fight, and the same charming characters-- the game was an entertaining ride from start to end. Despite some tech issues being on the Switch, PlatinumGames scores another hit with Bayonetta 3 and I'm looking forward to see where they take the series next.

#2 

Neon White

 Neon White was my biggest surprise of the year since I wasn't expecting much when I first played it. That quickly changed when I got to into the faced-paced style of the gameplay and started speed-running through the neatly-crafted selection of levels. Add in an amnesiac protagonist who must piece out his ominous past and the story will easily hook you. If not that then the infectiously good soundtrack will win you over with many catchy tracks fitting of the speedy nature of Neon White. What's even better is that it's finally on PS4 and PS5, so there's no excuse to not play it.

#1

                                                 GAME OF THE YEAR 2022

                                                            Elden Ring

 Of course Elden Ring is my top game of 2022 with how fun, exciting, and painstakingly tough of a ride it was. From the opening moments, you're treated to a vast and open world to explore with dungeons filled with treasures and enemies to fight. The story's a cryptic one as expected from FromSoftware's Souls games, but some of the characters were an interesting and memorable bunch. Sure it may not be everyone's cup of tea with the difficulty curve, but if you're fancy a challenging adventure with a world that you can easily immerse yourself in, then Elden Ring won't disappoint.