GamesBeat managing editor Mike Minotti’s high 10 video games of 2022

I performed quite a lot of nice video games in 2022, which is one thing I can say about quite a lot of years. But taking a look at my high 10, I’m struck by the variability. And I imply that when it comes to sport measurement, scope, platforms and style.

It was undoubtedly a very good 12 months. I hope you take pleasure in going by way of my picks for the most effective video games of 2022. Have a cheerful New Year, everybody!

10. God of War Ragnarök

Perhaps a bit lengthy and bloated, however the brand new God of War continues to be as spectacular a triple-A sport as you’ll find. Most importantly, the fight feels nice. I really like how a lot you may customise towards particular builds by equipping completely different armor for Kratos. Personally, I had enjoyable with a playstyle that targeted on dealing further injury to poisoned enemies.

Ragnarök additionally works arduous to ship a conclusion that can fulfill followers. I imply, I take advantage of the phrase “conclusion” understanding this received’t be the final God of War ever. But if it was, I’d be OK with that. Ragnarök makes for a satisfying finish for God of War’s present arc.

9. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

I’ve been fairly arduous on the Xenoblade Chronicles sequence for its extreme melodrama and, um, questionable character designs. That’s why the third sport’s extra mature story and forged stunned me. It’s additionally an instance of a giant, open world sport wanting fairly good on Switch. See, Pokémon? It will be executed!

The story delivers some large emotional moments, even when it does attain its climax a bit early. But even for a protracted, 80 hour JRPG, I had a worthwhile time with Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Oh, and it’s music is hauntingly stunning.

8. Marvel Snap

I used to be a giant Hearthstone participant, however lastly felt burnt out on the digital card sport after a number of years. I’m glad Marvel Snap has given me one thing new within the style to take pleasure in. I really like its fast-paced matches. The snap mechanic helps you reduce the sting of a nasty loss … or capitalize on a possible victory.

Also, whereas I nearly by no means play video games on my cellphone, Marvel Snap has change into a giant a part of my nighttime ritual. Knocking out my each day missions in mattress has change into my favourite strategy to finish the day.

7. Pentiment

Slightly greater than visible novel however not as game-y as a pure homicide thriller expertise like Ace Attorney, Pentiment provides one thing distinctive. It’s like an interactive, historic slice-of-life with a heaping serving to of political, spiritual and societal intrigue.

It’s a well-written story that isn’t afraid to take its time. This pacing helps you develop emotional bonds with its forged of peasants and monks. Pentiment is a sport that’s arduous to cease eager about lengthy after you beat it.

6. Powerslave: Exhumed

I’ve been on a giant retro shooter kick the final couple of years, and I haven’t loved any of them as a lot as Powerslave: Exhumed. This is a remaster of an FPS that got here out for the Sega Saturn and authentic PlayStation. Because of this, you expertise an earlier tackle concepts that Metroid Prime would later good. You shoot monsters, sure, however you additionally must discover a discover upgrades and new skills that can assist you attain new areas.

The Egyptian setting combined with Quake-esque graphics provide an aesthetic that simply guidelines. It’s retro, however Powerslave was forward of its time. That’s why it’s really easy to take pleasure in at present, and this implausible remaster makes that simple to do on trendy platforms.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Oh, hey, I’ve additionally been on a giant beat-’em-up kick. Recent video games like Streets of Rage 4 and River City Girls have given the style one thing of a revival, and Shredder’s Revenge picks up from that momentum.

It pays homage to these traditional TMNT brawlers from the 8-bit and 16-bit days, however Shredder’s Revenge additionally provides deeper fight and a bigger, extra developed forged of characters. I imply, simply attending to play as April O’Neil instantly makes it a standout for me.

4. Live A Live

We had quite a lot of good RPGs launch this 12 months, however Live A Live is the most effective. A remake of an SNES sport that we by no means received within the U.S., Live A Live has you enjoying by way of completely different chapters set in numerous factors of historical past. Imperial China, the American Old West and even an Aliens-inspired distant future are simply a few of the video games various settings.

Each incorporates a enjoyable, grid-based fight system, however with their very own distinctive twists. One state of affairs is a boss rush that has you selecting opponents through a Street Fighter II-style character choose display screen. Another options barely any fight in any respect, as an alternative enjoying extra like a visible novel. And then all of it comes collectively in an epic, satisfying conclusion.

3. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

I’ve needed a Kirby 3D platformer for the reason that Nintendo 64 days. After Kirby Star Allies disenchanted me so badly on Switch, I needed yet another than ever. Kirby and the Forgotten Land was definitely worth the lengthy wait. It’s an lovely and intelligent expertise that does an unbelievable job of translating the sequence’ mechanics into the 3D realm.

And whereas, like most Kirby titles, it begins off fairly simple, you’ll find a enjoyable problem if you happen to discover the post-game content material. It additionally provides a two-player co-op mode and a banging soundtrack. I’ve been a Kirby fan most of life, and that is simply among the best entries within the franchise that I’ve ever performed.

2. Neon White

I actually received into Neon White. Its degree leaderboards gave me a cause to maintain enjoying, which I needed to do anyhow since this movement-based FPS is a lot enjoyable. First, I used to be simply attempting to beat my pals’ occasions. Then, I stored going till I received into within the total high 100 leaderboard. If that appears like an obnoxious brag, properly too dangerous.

I’m unsure if I can consider many video games which can be this a lot enjoyable to simply transfer round in. Even if the story is a bit overbearing, I used to be pleased to miss that flaw. After all of the hours that I poured into Neon White, I’m nonetheless getting that itch to return.

1. Elden Ring

Yup, Elden Ring is my No. 1 decide. I used to be not an enormous Soulsbourne man. I by no means performed greater than a few hours of any of the Dark Souls video games. I beat Bloodbourne and thought that it was fairly good however didn’t fall in love like so many others.

Somehow, taking that system and placing it into an open-world makes all of it work for me. I really like that irrespective of the place I’m going, I’m going to search out one thing attention-grabbing. It was additionally a blast enjoying Elden Ring similtaneously, properly, seemingly everybody on the planet. Whether evaluating builds or serving to pals tackle bosses, Elden Ring’s social facet is a large a part of what made it so partaking and unforgettable.