"One of the best strategy games of all time"
The first half of 2022 has seen incredible high-quality video games hit the market.
In normal circumstances, highly-anticipated games are few and far between. But, gamers have been treated to absolute bangers thus far.
Whether it’s action, horror, utopian or strategic, these video games are sure to satisfy every gaming need.
More importantly, the games are made for various consoles. Many gamers switched to other mediums like PC or Nintendo after the major outage of the Playstation 5 and Xbox X.
Therefore the effects, detail and quality of games have excelled across the board.
Likewise, the plots and storylines of each game are unique and vast. So, here are the 16 best games of 2022 so far.
Horizon Forbidden West
Developed by Guerilla Games, Horizon Forbidden West gives you the chance to explore the different terrain of the Tenakth tribe.
It’s a ‘map game’ that makes you want to travel to every point of interest in Horizon’s world. Every corner is a mix of post-apocalypse and the American West.
A modern and fresh combat system with futuristic bows and RPG weapon system is handy as you’ll be up against robotic wildlife and tactical beasts.
The whole concept is to balance out the transforming AI GAIA (hyper-powerful artificial intelligence).
But, it’s no easy task when you’re up against such powerful enemies. The rich side characters and in-depth storylines help round off the game nicely.
It’s one of the wildest video games of 2022 with crazy backdrops and settings. It’ll leave you to hurdle through forests, gather fighting skills and even master a hang glider.
Playable on: PS4 & PS5.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land
Nintendo has pushed the boat far out with Kirby’s adventures but has always come up a tad short.
However, Kirby and the Forgotten Land puts its titular hero in a post-apocalyptic version of Earth. It also marks the transition from 2D gameplay to 3D.
It’s kid-friendly vibe mixes in elements The Last of Us and addictivness of Super Mario World.
There’s also an exciting new “Mouthful Modes” feature. The pink Kirby takes on the abilities of real-world objects he’s wrapped himself around.
Vince Pavey for NME reveals more on this:
“There’s never a dull moment to be had.
“Want to leather a bad guy while wielding the powers of a vending machine? You can do that here.”
Whilst it’s not the most cinematic and thought-provoking game, its gorgeous visuals and obsessive gameplay make this a hit.
Playable on: Nintendo Switch.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
There’s always a debate between the Star Wars video games and whether the crossover Lego versions are up to par with the ‘traditional’ editions.
However, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga has really set the bar by combining stunning effects, gameplay and plots.
The game adapts all nine movies into one action-packed game, adding hundreds of characters from other Star Wars franchises – 380 to be exact.
The updated controls give players more fight combinations and sequences.
Use the glistening lightsabers in light or heavy attacks, use the force or blast characters with an over-shoulder camera angle.
It also includes a fresh take on some iconic cinematic moments for a touch of nostalgia. No wonder the game sold over 3.2 million copies in its first two weeks of release.
The force is strong with this one.
Playable on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Nintendo Switch.
Elden Ring
The remarkable impact that Elden Ring has had in 2022 makes it one of the greatest video games in modern times.
Whilst it’s quite rare for one game to dominate the industry, Elden Ring has. The action-packed role-playing game has over 13.4 million sales.
Elden Ring boasts gorgeous environments, methodical combat, and difficult yet rewarding challenges.
After the destruction of the ring, players must work their way through dark and gothic terrain such as Lands Between, the Shattering and the Great Runes.
The aim is to conquer the realm’s ruler, the demigod offspring of Queen Marika the Eternal who possesses a shard of the ring. She’s a mix of limitless power and corruption.
An astonishing open world and pure adventure welcome the player as the direction of their journey is entirely their own.
There is no giveaway or push to complete the game in a certain way.
It’s just a masterclass in gaming and cements itself as one of the most iconic games FromSoftware has developed.
Playable on: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5.
Total War: Warhammer 3
Deemed as “one of the best strategy games of all time”, Warhammer 3 takes centre stage for large-scale clashes and adrenaline fulled battlefields.
It’s a real-time tactical game where players organise their armies and manage settlements around the map.
When faced with opposition armies, it’s full-on war. Fight against AI-controlled factions or in online multiplayer modes to challenge your skills against those across the world.
In a revolutionary step, players can also recruit troops from other races, giving them full control over strategies.
The game is also set for an update later in 2022 that developers have worked on for six years.
Amazing graphics, vibrant interactions and a catalogue of mystical weapons await you. This is an unmissable gem to add to the gaming collection.
Playable on: PC.
The Quarry
The Quarry is an intense horror video game from Supermassive Games, starring some Hollywood A-listers like Justice Smith, David Arquette and Brenda Song.
It takes place at Hackett’s Quarry summer camp where players control nine teenage counsellors.
The aim is to try and survive the last night but with a few twists and turns involved.
Players make game-changing decisions that impact the character’s development, the plot, relationships and ultimately the ending.
So, all nine characters may survive or die, depending on the decisions made.
This adds a welcomed pressure on players but allows them to mould the game to their specific gaming interests.
However, it also allows individuals to replay the game and make different decisions which will give a new narrative to the storyline.
But it’s much more than just a decision-making process. It features a lot of shocking turns as well as detailed mysteries that intrigue you onto the next phase.
The game is inspired by teen slasher films like Friday the 13th which emphasise the type of horror and gore that awaits you.
Playable on: PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
There are hundreds of Pokémon video games out there but nothing hits quite like Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Players follow the main character who travels through time to the Hisui region which is based on the early colonised Japanese island of Hokkaido.
You can explore the colourful areas that are littered with Pokémon.
Walk by foot or unlock certain creatures which help you ride across mountainsides, fly, swim across water or climb cliffs.
In traditional fashion, the aim is to catch all of the Pokémon.
But several areas of the region hold a different catalogue of creatures, each exhibiting different reactions towards the player.
Some may embrace him, others may avoid him or bigger and larger Pokémon will act aggressively.
As one trickles their way through obstacles, they’ll have to complete research tasks and challenges in order to progress.
Can you fill out the Pokédex or will you succumb to the power of a Pokémon?
Playable on: Nintendo Switch.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
One of the most compelling video games of 2022 is the action-filled adventure, Ghostwire: Tokyo.
Set in a supernatural yet futuristic Tokyo, the first-person perspective shines a light on a desolate landscape that the player must work their way through.
However, Tokyo is ravenous with haunting ghosts and monsters. Using paranormal abilities, one must defeat the spirits whilst unlocking more of the open-world map.
Utilising hand movements to cast spells, players can defeat their enemies and collect spirit points to upgrade their abilities.
It’s a fusion of magic and karate and blurs the line between culture, myths and technology.
Away from the gripping combat sequences, players can traverse rooftops to witness breathtaking views of the city’s inhabitants.
The game is irresistible and gives such a fresh and artistic representation based on Japanese folklore that people are itching for the quest to never end.
Playable on: PS5 & PC.
Neon White
Neon White is developed by Angel Matrix and is a first-person shooter game.
The rapid, enjoyable and puzzling game requires players to defeat all the enemies on a level to reach a goal.
This allows the player to see alternate routes and hidden objects in the level. Right from the get-go, each player feels the tenacity and tight mechanics of the game.
It’s interesting and built for those who love speed. As one peels back new forms of movements to defeat the enemy, they can interact with non-player characters (NPC).
You can enter relationships with the NPCs as they provide the backdrop of Neon White‘s story.
Likewise, new collectable gifts unlock additional dialogues that give insights into other characters and different levels.
Jack Coleman from NME describes the game as “high-speed, well-written and just a damn good time in general”.
Playable on: PC & Nintendo Switch.
Rogue Legacy 2
In Rogue Legacy 2, players control a knight who explores generated dungeons in order to collect treasures. All the while defeating enemies along the way.
Casting magic, using swords and shields, you have to progress your legacy with the help of Rangers and the Barbarian who have their own unique weapons.
On each run, the player has to avoid getting killed otherwise they will have to start from the beginning.
But, if that happens they have to restart with a different character with other genetic traits. This may improve or jeopardise the player’s combat abilities.
The game is like a black hole of new features, constant upgrades but consistent challenges as well.
You may find yourself obsessed with this rogue-like expedition that allows you to have all the fun of an arcade game with the challenges of an elite console game.
Playable on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC.
Sniper Elite 5
From British company Rebellion Developers comes Sniper Elite 5, the latest edition in the Sniper Elite series.
As SOE sniper Karl Fairburne, players will have to infiltrate Nazi territory via orders of his deployment.
Similar to Sniper 4, killing enemies from long distances and customising weapons extensively is the main aim.
However, what sets this apart from others in the franchise are the busy open-world levels.
Populated with enough soldiers to fight against and kill (in detail), this is the perfect blend of action and stealth.
The high octane tension in bringing down enemies with one shot is enough for gamers on any level.
GameSpot and Push Square both rate Sniper Elite 5 as an 8/10 whilst Shacknews gives it a 9/10. You won’t be disappointed.
Playable on: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5.
Tunic
Using a unique isometric view, Tunic is a one-man adventure complete with puzzles and tricky scenarios.
It takes inspiration from games such as the original Legend of Zelda. This is most evident from the in-game instructions where the hero (a fox) has to solve mystic and sacred texts.
Where the challenge really lies is that the player cannot progress without collecting a new weapon or solving a challenge.
It’s also flooded with general dialogue that one may or may not be able to make out. But, it’s this frustration that will make you want to carry on.
It’s both unique and draws hints of nostalgia for those who remember 80s Nintendo games, with its geometric characters and quirky colour schemes.
Gaming giants Steam and IGN both rate Tunic 9/10 and it’s not difficult to see why.
Playable on: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S – available on PS4/PS5 from September 2022.
Shredders
If you love more athletic games then Shredders is perfect.
It takes a more realistic and somewhat tougher approach to its control system. Inspired by action sports games like Skate, Shredders uses a twin-stick control pattern.
So the left thumbstick moves the body and the right moves the board. It’s challenging to get used to but what this brings is authenticity.
Players may suffer in their first gameplays to hit triple flips, but once they get the hang of it, Shredders is one of the most realistic snowboarding games out there.
It has impeccable feature parks that are designed by a real-world terrain park designer.
So, you just know these slopes are going to have all the features to perform daredevil stunts at your will.
You’ll also get access to an amazing story mode and the game features pro riders with their real stories and voices.
Playable On: PC, Xbox Series X/S.
Norco
Norco is drawing a lot of attention as one of the most unusual yet daring video games of 2022.
The game is set in Norco, Louisiana, but has a unique dystopian sci-fi take on the real-life location.
Norco follows Kay, who returns to Norco after her mother’s death. The game’s developer is within the game under the pseudonym Yuts (kind of a gaming inception).
Obsessed with how the petroleum industry has shaped Norco, the story lies in how catastrophic Shell’s manufacturing complex has been.
It’s a riveting and realistic take on life in Louisiana and the story mixes in environmental puzzles for the player to solve using mind-map mechanics.
Norco is certainly weird but magically balances out realism, mystery and adventure.
The graphics are also unlike anything you’ve seen and add to the blur of life in Norco.
The game won the inaugural ‘Tribeca Games Award’ at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2021.
Playable on: PC.
Nobody Saves The World
Nobody Saves the World is played from a top-down perspective and has solo and multiplayer modes.
The player literally starts the game from a blank slate as the character, Nobody. Equipped with a wand, the player can transform into 18 forms that range from dragons to magicians.
As the player progresses, new abilities for each form will be unlocked, along with stats and attributes.
The aim to is complete certain quests in a world full of dungeons and enemy bosses in order to obtain treasure chests and hidden keys.
The game is funny, quirky and entertaining. It’s also deeply clever.
Nobody Saves the World is about moulding the character into the best possible version using all the tools at your disposal. Once you get a taste, you won’t be able to stop.
Playable on: PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X through Game Pass.
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is the sixth expansion and fifth year of extended content for Destiny 2.
The game has been hit with a lot of delays due to COVID-19, but it received over 1 million pre-orders, making it the most pre-ordered version of Destiny 2.
Players can unravel the lies told by Savathûn’s Throne World and her Hive who follow the Sword Logic – a belief that living things have to exist through combat.
This opposes the Light, the Traveler and its allies, including humans of the Vanguard. It’s a mystical but thrilling combination of alternative realities, power and war.
One review on Stream emphasised how addicting the game is:
“I come home from work and play about 4-6 hours a night.”
“My loadout is double sidearms and leviathan’s breath. My win percentage is about 10% but I don’t care.
“I love the rush of getting killed by Gjallarhorn when the enemy invades.”
With new death-defying missions, fresh gear, weaponry and player maps, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen has been described as “the best thing to ever happen to the series”.
Playable on: PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Google Stadia.
Undoubtedly, gaming has seen a surge of different video games all looking to push the boat out for different genres.
Each game released in 2022 so far is unique in its own way but not so niche that it doesn’t appeal to the masses.
Millions of gamers around the world are basking in how much variety there is.
So, take your pick and see what all the hype is about with these superb video games of 2022.