2022 was an incredible year for video games. We had many amazing releases that push the boundary of what video games are and the art they represent. This list is meant to represent the games that are personally my favorites from 2022. There are many games that came out this year that I didn’t get to play, including several that I had been looking forward to. A few games that came out in 2022 that I either haven’t played or haven’t finished and would like to shout out are: Tunic, Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga, and Sports Story. Disclaimer here, though: 4 out of the 5 games on my list I played before my son was born. I will still be detailing the parent friendliness of each game based on what I remember but only one of these games has been truly parent-tested.
5. Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Release Date: June 30, 2022
Yes this is DLC to an already existing game, but this DLC is so well crafted. There are 6 main bosses with additional side bosses. This could be completed in a short amount of time if you are skilled enough, as each boss only takes 3-5 minutes to beat. What extends the gameplay is that bosses will take you tons of attempts. It took me around 5 hours to complete the DLC because I died so often. But I never got discouraged because after each death it gives you a progress bar showing how close you came to defeating the boss and it lets you jump right back into the action. This DLC doesn’t waste your time with meaningless side quests but just lets you get to the meat and potatoes of the game. This game also has a gorgeous 1920s-esque animation style that pops and is family friendly to play in front of the kids. The DLC costs $8 if you already own the game and is well worth it.
4. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Release Date: June 16, 2022
A throwback to arcade cabinet 2D brawlers starring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This game allows up to 6 players at a time and is a ton of fun blasting through levels and defeating the foot clan to try to stop Shredder. Shredder’s Revenge takes the gameplay of classic 2D brawlers and refines it with modern sensibilities. There is seamless online play, a quick revive system, an awesome soundtrack, and a ton of collectibles that increases replayability. Whether you want a game to play in front of or with your kids, this game is a must.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5
Release Date: February 18, 2022
In this sequel to 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn, you follow Aloy as she tries to discover the cause of the red plague destroying the environment and venture into the Forbidden West. In this T-rated post-apocalyptic game you get to use bows and arrows to fight and tame robot dinosaurs while uncovering the mysteries and technology of the ancient humans. As ridiculous as the setting sounds, the game does a great job of explaining how the world came to be. This game takes the mechanics and systems from Zero Dawn and expands and refines them. The story is less of a character study than the prequel but this game still tells a compelling tale. With a gameplay length of 40+ hours, I think this game suffers from unnecessary bloat. The world and side quests are at times too large and can be overwhelming. But overall this is still one of my favorite games that came out in 2022 and is a great option for those who like open worlds.
2. Elden Ring
Platforms: Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Microsoft Windows
Release Date: February 25, 2022
The newest game from legendary developer FromSoftware takes the formula of their famous series, Dark Souls, and inserts it into a massive open world. With the world and lore written by author George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring has one of the most intriguing worlds I’ve ever played in a video game. This interesting world meshes perfectly with the gameplay philosophy they have taken with this game, one where you are dropped into a huge map and are given free reign to go wherever you want. Being a FromSoftware game though, the world is brutally difficult and sometimes you end up in an area you might not be ready for. But this freedom to go anywhere is exhilarating and the developers do provide more items and abilities that make it easier than most of their other titles. This is why Elden Ring is the only FromSoftware game I have ever actually completed. This game however, is not parent friendly or family friendly. With no pause button and gameplay length of 80-120 hours, this game is not for everyone. This is one of the best games ever created but most parents won’t have the time to be able to tackle this beast.
God of War: Ragnarok
Platforms: Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Release Date: November 9, 2022
God of War: Ragnarok is the only game on this list that I played after my son had been born. And this game proved to be my favorite game of the year and one of my favorite games of all time. It builds upon God of War (2018) and turns Kratos, who used to be one of the least likable characters in fiction, into one of my personal favorite characters. It portrays a beautiful example of the relationship between a father and son. Ragnarok shows the ups and downs of their relationship while showing them learning to better communicate, trust, and love. Becoming a father this year has made this story hit even harder than the 2018 game did. I also love how the combat and gameplay is refined and expanded from the 2018 game. The world you can explore is much larger and full of much more to do and explore. God of War: Ragnarok is a must play for anyone who loves narratives, especially if you have your own child.
You can view my full review here: https://russelltwalker.wixsite.com/dadofboy-blog/post/god-of-war-ragnarok-review