AJ’s Picks: The 12 Best Games of 2022 (In Just Under the Wire Edition)

Well, 2023 is drawing to a close and I haven't even released a best games of 2022 list yet. (And you thought last year's was late!) Well, consider that box now officially checked off. It took a long time to get it right. Way longer than it probably should have. It's pretty likely that many out there will still take issue with these choices but, whatever, I'm pretty proud of these picks. All I can do at this point is apologize for the extreme tardiness of this article and promise to do my best to at least release a 2023 list in the first half of next year. But in the meantime, please read on for my selections for the 12 best titles that 2022 had to offer:

12 Grid - Legends

Grid: Legends represents the latest entry in Codemasters long-running racing series, as well as the first to be released under the studio's new owner, Electronic Arts. While the first installment started the series off with quite a bang, sadly, each successive release since has mostly been more disappointing than the last. Thankfully, this 2022 entry completely slammed the brakes on that trend. Whether the fans have Electronic Arts to thank for this course correction or not is uncertain, regardless, Grid: Legends was easily the best entry in the series since the 2008 original. The game boasted a strong focus on an engaging storyline, superb graphics, a wide assortment of outstanding cars and tracks to chose from, and some of the most incredibly satisfying racing Codemasters has ever put out. If you decided to skip this installment, whether due to the involvement of EA, or because of any disappointment you may have had with previous entries, you should definitely take it for a test drive. Grid: Legends was an absolute winner.

11 Windjammers 2

Without a doubt, the best (pseudo) sports title of 2022 had to be none other than Windjammers 2. Sequel to the excellent 1994 Arcade/Neo-Geo original, Windjammers 2 didn't change up much of what worked so well the first time around. In fact, all of the characters and stages from the first entry made a return; supplemented with some thoughtful new additions, of course.

​While some may have hastily dismissed the apparent simplicity of the offering at first blush, those that can appreciate the title for what it is understand that the beauty of the game actually lies in the surprising amount of depth found in its combination frisbee/air hockey style gameplay; as well as how incredibly polished the experience is. Developer Dotemu captured the essence of what made the original game so compelling with the expert precision of a master craftsman; and they absolutely deserve to be recognized for the incredible feat they pulled off - - producing one of the purest and most authentic-feeling sequels to a '90s arcade gem imaginable. Especially given that it was made by a different company, nearly three decades later, and not even for the arcade!

10 Pentiment

Best Xbox (Console) Exclusive

Pentiment, the latest release from acclaimed developer Obsidian Entertainment, and second Xbox (console) exclusive since their 2018 acquisition by Microsoft, might just be one of the most unique murder mystery/adventure titles ever created. The game is set in a fictional Bavarian town, and its nearby Benedictine Abbey during the Renaissance, and offers a wealth of insight into its painstakingly accurate slice of life. This is arguably the real draw (pardon the pun) of the game, despite your journeyman artist player character occasionally being tasked with solving a murder. The level of immersion and polish, and the extra little touches that Obsidian brought to the table, such as the quill-written speech script, are what make Pentiment such a charmingly memorable experience; and one that absolutely should not be missed.

09 A Plague Tale -Requiem-

Asobo Studio's medieval suspense-horror title, A Plague Tale: Innocence was, without a doubt, one of the better games to be released in 2019. Sadly, it just missed claiming a spot on my 12-best list, owing to the ridiculous wealth of solid titles released that year. Fortunately? Last year was a bit more sparse, so the equally good follow-up, A Plague Tale: Requiem, was able to make the 2022 list with room to spare! Requiem continued the tense and often horrifying journey of the sibling pair, Amicia and Hugo, through parts of medieval France, during the time of the Hundred Years War. Featuring the same gripping gameplay and excellent storytelling from the first title, along with new and interesting locations, a fantastic musical score, and even more beautiful graphics than before (courtesy of the generational hardware upgrade), A Plague Tale: Requiem was a truly outstanding experience that was every bit as deserving of a spot on your game shelf as it is this list.

08 River City Girls 2

As with A Plague Tale: Innocence, 2019's River City Girls was also a pretty outstanding game that was ultimately denied a spot on my best-of list that year. In retrospect however, River City Girls being left off was more of a regrettable oversight than a conscious decision. While I sadly can't fly around the Earth like Superman and correct my past mistake(s), I definitely can make amends by ensuring that its equally phenomenal sequel does get its rightful place on my 2022 list.

Featuring everything that made the 2019 "original" so incredible, from the superbly designed co-op-optional beat 'em up action, to the brilliant radio-worthy music tracks by the ridiculously talented Megan McDuffee, to the amazing voice acting, and finally, the gorgeous comic book and retro-styled graphics. But River City Girls 2 also had plenty new to offer, such as additional brawlers to choose from (including the original River City Ransom duo, Kunio and Riki), new areas to explore, new enemies to contend with, new moves and weapons to take them out with, and some kickin' new McDuffee tunes to enjoy while doing it. Between River City Girls 2 and TMNT: Shredder's Revenge (which you may just see further down this list), 2023 sure turned out to be a very good year for beat 'em up fans.

07 Live a Live

Who can say why it took Square (Enix) the better part of 30 years to finally decide to bring Live a Live to Western audiences? Anyone who's played it though can definitely say that it was better late than never. This unique JRPG set itself apart by offering a variety of interesting settings and time periods to play in, each with a separate character and story to enjoy.

​As it had been quite a few console generations since the original 1994 Japanese launch on the Super Famicom, Square Enix opted to remake the title for its 2022 release, utilizing the same graphics engine and 2D HD style as their hit 2018 game, Octopath Traveler. Other minor additions were implemented as well, further improving upon the already solid formula of the original. As such, the Western release of Live a Live represented a superb update of a (till then) little-known and criminally underrated Square (Enix) gem that had never previously seen the light of day outside of Japan. While it's quite understandable why Live a Live would have been missed out on by so many prior to 2022, there's just no good reason any longer.

06 Stray

If you ever wanted to play a game as a cat in a post-apocalyptic future-city almost entirely inhabited by sentient robots, Stray definitely has you covered. But even if you never would have thought or known that you did in fact want that, Stray likely has you covered anyway, because the entire concept turned out to be more compelling than a twitching string. It was pretty expertly executed to boot, with impressive visuals, charmingly realistic cat behavior, incredibly unique gameplay, and an impressive sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. Basically, unless you are a sociopath or an absolutely unapologetic (and possibly somewhat misguided) hater of cats, Stray is for you.

05 God of War: Ragnarok

What can be said about God of War: Ragnarok that hasn't already been said about its numerous previous installments? Both Sony, and their Santa Monica development studio, clearly have the formula locked down by now. Ragnarok represents yet another high point for the series, which looks jaw-droppingly incredible and features the same wildly over-the-top battles that the franchise has become so renowned for. Also, as per usual, this new installment includes a compelling story, packed to the brim with well-implemented mythological elements and entities. It's actually a bit mind-boggling how good they've become at this. Essentially, Ragnarok is another epic entry that fans and lovers of great games everywhere likely dared not miss, lest they incurred the wrath of the wrong god...or, you know, just missed out on a really fantastic experience.

04 DNF Duel

In the past two decades, Japanese studio Arc System Works has managed to go from a relatively unknown creator of infrequently released Guilty Gear titles of varying quality, to the premier developer of near annual releases of some of the greatest fighting games ever made. From their incredible, groundbreaking, best-in-class titles, like Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Persona 4: Arena, to their BlazBlue, and yes, even Guilty Gear series. DNF Duel was the studio's shiny new release for 2022, and while they may have not have developed this one entirely by themselves, its reasonable to assume that the game likely wouldn't have been nearly as good without them.

Another successful fighting game adaptation of an RPG series by ASW, after the outstanding aforementioned Persona 4: Arena, and much like that title (and other of their games) DNF Duel boasts a unique cast of interesting characters, stunning visuals, and deep-yet-accessible fighting mechanics. While the game not be perfect, it was still pretty far and away the best fighting game to be released in 2022. Making DNF Duel a true can't-miss title for fans of the DNF series, and fighting game fans alike.

03 Horizon - II - Forbidden West

Best PlayStation Exclusive

After being completely blown away by Guerrilla's first Horizon title, in 2017, I had absolutely no reservations about declaring it one of that year's best. Happily, for their 2022 follow-up, the case was the same. Horizon (II): Forbidden West brings the same stunning visuals, gripping gameplay, and top-notch storytelling that made the first game so incredibly compelling, but this time around gives players an even larger world to explore, with more weapons and options at their disposal than they could shake a robo-bashing spear-staff at. Add to all that, the fantastic musical score, as well as all the benefits that the PlayStation 5 hardware brings to the table (because, let's face it, that is the best way to experience this game), and why stop with game of the year? Forbidden West may just be in contention for a games of the decade list.

02 Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Best Switch Exclusive

  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Platforms: Switch
  • Number of Players: 1-2 locally

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks the first fully 3-dimensional mainline installment to the franchise. Which is kind of crazy, considering that the pink puffball made his debut on the original Game Boy, 3 decades ago! Nevertheless, HAL Laboratory and Nintendo obviously worked hard to ensure that his transition into three dimensions would be seamless. Kirby and the Forgotten land didn't miss a beat.

​The game feels, looks, and plays exactly like you'd hope a traditional 2D Kirby platformer would in 3D. In addition, Forgotten Land offers a great co-op mode, an amusingly creative new gameplay feature called mouthful mode, and the standard extra mini-games to boot. The game has been such a hit that it's currently the best-selling title in the Kirby franchise, as well as one of the best on the Switch. Some things in life are worth waiting for, and Kirby's first real 3D adventure was clearly one of them.

01 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Best Multi-Platform Game, Game of the Year

The best game of 2022 will likely come as little surprise to anybody that played it. As the long-awaited follow-up to an arcade-style beat 'em up series that hadn't seen a proper installment in nearly 30 years, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, represented everything that fans had been hoping for (and more), but never dreamed they would actually receive. Although, considering that members of the game's developer, Tribute, were also responsible for the outstanding 2010 beat 'em up, Scott Pilgrim Vs the World, it's pretty clear that they were the right crew for the job. Shredder's Revenge was a love letter to fans of beat 'em ups, and the series itself, with beautiful pixel-style graphics, multiple modes, fantastic multiplayer options, and a plethora of moves and playable characters, both old and new. As if that weren't enough, the game also boasted a pretty righteous soundtrack courtesy of Tee Lopes (the mad genius who provided the music for Sonic Mania), and it even featured contributions from members of Wu Tang Clan. Cowabunga, indeed!

So, that's my 2022 list sorted. Hope you enjoyed it! Or, at least found it interesting, if nothing else. As always, please feel free to share your praise, or (as the case may be) derision, for my picks, in the comments below. Till the next time!

 

(This is a repost of an article that originally appeared on 12/12 Games.)

[Images: Guerrilla, Codemasters, Dotemu, Obsidian Entertainment, Asobo Studio, WayForward, Square Enix, Annapurna Interactive, Sony, Nexon, Nintendo, Tribute]