2022 has been another strong year for video games. With each month came new adventures, a few jump scares, some heart-warming tales and so, so much more. Games that we’d been waiting months, if not years for, finally made their way onto our consoles and computers.
So, narrowing it down to a top ten for Game of the Year looked almost impossible. However, our editors have done just that. So, without further ado, here is The Indiependent’s Game of the Year list for 2022.
Honourable mentions go to Bayonetta 3, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Tunic and Vampire Survivors, who all just missed out on a spot in our list.
1. God of War Ragnarök
Taking the top spot in our list for 2022 is the saga of Gods, monsters, and the end of the world that is God of War Ragnarök. With all nine realms to explore this time around, there is a lot of lore to uncover and a rich story for both father and son. Familiar worlds have been expanded for some new story beats to uncover, while relationships with new and returning characters have a greater depth to them due to the backdrop of the impending doom of Ragnarök. That’s not to say the battles are an afterthought – this is a God of War game after all. The combat mechanics have been refined from the 2018 game and it shows, with a much more controlled experience which really works in terms of both gameplay and story in showing how both Kratos and Atreus have grown.
The battles are balanced out by some heart-warming and at times poignant moments for both Kratos and Atreus as they explore their relationships, both individually and as a family, but also look toward the future and where the path of destiny and fate will take them. Just like Kratos, this game is a force of nature. Sony Santa Monica has done a simply stellar job in crafting this second chapter which really has to be played to be believed. A worthy champion indeed. -MR
2. Elden Ring
Perhaps one of the most anticipated games for a generation, Elden Ring certainly lived up to the hype. Taking place in the largest world in a FromSoftware game to date, Elden Ring is the amalgamation of the developers’ best work. This game was my entire reason for purchasing a PS5, and I’m so glad I did. The Lands Between are a perilous place, filled with some of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s most fearsome bosses and fearsome foes. The community that has grown around Elden Ring has only done wonders for the game. With content creators making their builds, showcasing their PvP skills, and who can forget the legend that is Let Me Solo her and his wonderful public service of helping players defeat one of the hardest bosses?
However, I believe the game’s greatest strength is its versatility when developing your character. Given its length, I found that my starting builds and intended pure strength build was not going to carry me through the entire game. About 30 hours in I wanted a change and knew, at some point, there would come an opportunity to re-spec my character, as has always been the case in previous Souls titles. The mechanic to do so is locked behind a boss and can only be done so with a set number of items that are consumed upon use. However, while these items are rare, the game is pretty generous with them. By the journey’s end, my character had gone through multiple iterations. From a pure strength build using the Rusty Anchor and the Grafted Greatsword (a brilliant homage to George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones), an intelligence build, so I could use the Moonlight Greatsword (a staple of FromSoftware titles), to finally a brutal bloody dexterity build, utilising the powerful Rivers of Blood katana. This aspect of the game made me feel that my character, as well as myself, had undergone a transformative journey and allowed me complete freedom to take the game in any direction that took my fancy. -JR
3. Stray
It would be too easy to just say “you play as a cat for a few hours – enjoy!” when it comes to Stray. After all, that was a selling point for more than a few people. However, once they got started on their journey, something a lot deeper was waiting for them. Stray hits an emotional strike from the very opening sequence, as our feline hero (whose name is chosen by the player) finds themselves tragically separated from their family after a freak accident. Looking to find a way back home is made a little easier thanks to the friendly B-12 drone that joins us in the Dead City but there’s a long way to go for such a small hero. The exploration aspect of this game is something I was really drawn to. While not totally open world, there was still more than enough space to rummage around for all the little bits and pieces. The cityscape also felt lived in thanks to the cast of robotic Companion characters and the blend of an apocalyptic colour palette with the occasional splash of neon and nature.
Stray also gives us another addition to the “kinda cute but really deadly” list with zurks, who serve as one of the two main threats in the game (the other being Sentinel robots). These little balls of mutated bacteria do almost too good a job at times when it comes to putting you on the edge of your seat. -MR
4. Ghostwire: Tokyo
Originally intended to be a new entry in the Evil Within franchise, Ghostwire: Tokyo became something new entirely. Taking place in a desolate Tokyo invaded by ghosts and at the hands of an ambitious villain, Ghostwire almost acts as a terrifying tribute to Japan’s culture and mythologies. By removing the bustling crowds of Shibuya Crossing and replacing them with empty streets only occupied by sinister spectres, the player is allowed to freely roam a scarily accurate depiction of Tokyo.
What elevates Ghostwire: Tokyo is the use of the PS5 DualSense controller’s haptic feedback. Pulling the core from each spirit to lay them to rest, or drawing back a bowstring, forces a satisfying tightening of the triggers. Smatterings of rain tap at the sides of the controller. The scratching of ghosts reverberates through the speakers. It’s these little touches that allow Ghostwire to act as the ultimate showcase of what the DualSense can do. Despite the generally lukewarm reception it received, Ghostwire, for me, was something of a sleeper hit, and one that I know I will go back to in order to achieve that precious platinum trophy. -JR
5. A Plague Tale: Requiem
Rats, rats, some more rats and a sister’s quest to save her brother. Did I mention that there’s rats? This time around, Amicia and Hugo have a new home, and some new people in their life but the same problem – Hugo’s affliction – which is only getting worse as Hugo struggles to keep control. This game takes quite an emotional journey through the cities and countryside. There is a bleakness to A Plague Tale: Requiem which is beautiful in its own way.
The world of Medieval France has been crafted in this game in such a way that you’re left wondering what is around every corner – especially when you can hear it before you see it. Hearing the hordes of rats is only matched by seeing wave upon wave attack their prey. When the red-eyed menace appears for the first time, it is a true heart-in-your-mouth moment.
Going into this, I was worried that not playing A Plague Tale: Innocence first would lead to some confusing moments since Requiem picks up not soon after. However, that wasn’t the case. The story is careful to give new players the relevant information as they progress without it being too distracting. The performances are what really bring this game to life. Charlotte McBurney’s portrayal of Amicia is nuanced, emotional and at times utterly devastating as she brings us along on this journey of a sister simply trying to save her brother from a life of pain and misery. -MR
6. Splatoon 3
As this was my first foray into the Splatoon series, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But after a few rounds with the Inkroller, I haven’t been able to put it down. It isn’t long after launching into the arena before the chaos ensues. What starts as a simple industrial landscape is quickly transformed into a paint-covered canvas, as players fight to claim the most turf with their team’s ink. While the meat of the game is in its multiplayer, the campaign also offers some fun offline challenges, testing your ink-shooting skills to the max.
But none of this would be possible if not for the gallons of personality being poured into the game. The hub-world itself, while simply offering an assortment of shops and access to various aspects of the game, is filled to the brim with colour and activity. The NPCs working within are so much fun, and it must be said, I would die for Big Man. -JR
7. A Memoir Blue
While not the longest game on our list by any stretch – the main story can be played through in about an hour or so – but it is certainly one of the most impactful. Taking players through the life of a woman named Miriam, A Memoir Blue beautifully melds 2D and 3D animation to craft the narrative. Having reached a certain stage in her life and career, Miriam dives (literally) into a dream world where she can relive her past and what has brought her to this point. By solving puzzles to unlock each piece of her memory, players get to explore this story of a mother and daughter. Spanning from childhood to adulthood, the narrative flows easily through this underwater dreamscape. It’s cute but not cheesy, emotional but not draining and somehow both relatable and fantastical at the same time.
What is even more impressive is that there is pretty much no dialogue. All of the emotion gets across through the two merging animation styles and some beautiful music and audio design…and it does get quite emotional unlocking each piece of the puzzle.
This title will have slipped under a lot of radars this year, but it is worth going back, taking a little time out of your day, and just exploring this interactive poem piece. If you are anything like me, there might a be tear or two at the end. -MR
8. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
From the moment we saw Kirby swallow that car in the initial trailers, I think it was a guarantee that The Forgotten Land would appear on this list. As Switch games get bigger and bolder with their worlds, so too does Kirby. Thrust into an expanse of gloriously crafted levels that are inspired by our own world (albeit in a somewhat desolate state), Kirby is given a whole host of new abilities that see him navigate his game like never before. While Kirby’s all-consuming appetite is the stuff of legends, never before have we seen him swallow a car, traffic cone or even an industrial fan, all providing new and exciting adventures. -JR
9. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Having a game which is still in Early Access might seem an odd choice, but Disney Dreamlight Valley has more than earned the spot. With a range of Disney and Pixar characters to interact with, this game will let you build your own little community as you progress through the story. From having a picnic with Mickey to helping Wall-E build a garden, there’s something for everyone. Uncovering each part of the Valley little by little is great fun, with each new area offering up more story chapters, and the chance to build your vision even more.
Those familiar with titles such as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley will be very familiar with the mechanics of this game, but the Disney/Pixar element brings a nice twist on the genre. While it doesn’t bring anything genre-defining to the table, it doesn’t have to. This game is easy to love just as it is. Once you get started and caught up in the story, you’ll soon understand why that is and why so many people have chosen to play the game now in the Early Access phase. As stated in our review, there is obviously some room for improvement heading into 2023. The recent updates including characters from The Lion King, Toy Story and Lilo & Stitch means there is even more exploring to do and stories to uncover. -MR
10. Harvestella
Harvestella was something of a surprise to me. When the trailer was initially revealed, I honestly wasn’t sure if it was going to be my cup of tea. I had initially resigned to not buying it… before eventually caving and giving it a shot. And I am certainly glad I did. Blending Final Fantasy‘s world-building, with the farming and life simulations of Stardew Valley makes for a wholly unique experience. Moreover, the game is gorgeous to boot, with the player’s immersion only broken by the occasional static animation and limited amounts of voice acting.
While the combat may be somewhat limited in Harvestella, it is the focus on building up your farms and ingratiating yourself within the community that surprisingly holds the most weight. I found my days were predominately spent tending to my crops, ensuring all my timings were secure and working to improve my stats that would give me an edge in the battlefield. -JR
Words by Megan Roxburgh and Jack Roberts
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