Gaming Influence: Rankings - Favorite Video Games In 2022
Hello everyone,
Welcome to Gaming Influence, a reboot of the same name I created back in WrestleCorp. However, not only will I be giving my thoughts on certain video games and video game series, but also video game movies, video game anime, video game digital presentations, etc.
For this edition of Gaming Influence, I'll be ranking my favorite video games in 2022.
Before I start, my rankings will only be based on games that came out in 2022 which include new original games, remakes, remasters, and ports with additional content that wasn't in the original game. My rankings will not include re-releases on other consoles (Ex. NieR Automata and Persona 5 Royal on Switch) as well as DLC unless it's a separate game with its own physical copy (Ex. Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country). In addition, if your favorite games of 2022 aren't listed on my rankings, that doesn't mean it's a bad game, it's just that I haven't played the game or have no interest in it so keep that in mind.
Anyway, let's get started!
Before I start the actual rankings, here are some honorable mentions that I enjoyed, but didn't make it on the list:
Honorable Mentions: CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle R, The DioField Chronicle, Rollerdrome, Neon White, The Last of Us Part I, A Plague Tale: Requiem, NARAKA: Bladepoint, Pentiment, Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series, Return to Monkey Island, Harvestella, Dragon Quest Treasures, Sifu, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, The King of Fighters XV, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
Generally, 3D Sonic platformers tend to have a pretty lousy track record, especially in the last decade. However, despite this game having its flaws with certain frame rate issues and the final sequence of the ending including the final boss being underwhelming in my opinion, the game is still quite fun. The fact that this is the first-ever open zone (open world) game from Sonic Team is quite impressive and is definitely immersive to the world of Sonic which I appreciate. Granted, it's not perfect, but definitely one of the better 3D Sonic platformers out there for sure.
Next, here's my favorite video game of 2022 at #19:
Bayonetta 3 is an action-adventure game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo as it was released on Switch on October 28, 2022.
Despite the controversy that this game had before its release with the situation of Bayonetta's original voice actor not getting paid enough being false, this game still delivered and is probably the best Bayonetta game gameplay-wise. Sure, the game has issues with certain frame rate drops, and the story is very questionable. Other than that, it's the Bayonetta we all know and love. Plus, the addition of the kaiju battles is awesome and the music still slaps as well with its traditional fun gameplay of Bayonetta.
CRISIS CORE - FINAL FANTASY - REUNION is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix as it was released on PS5, PS4, Switch, and PC, on December 13, 2022.
I enjoyed the original game of this back in the PSP so when they finally announced that they're finally releasing this game on modern consoles. Square Enix considered this as a remaster, but this is definitely a remake with improved graphics, gameplay, and music so props to Square Enix for delivering and I enjoyed it once again. This will definitely keep me company until Final Fantasy VII Rebirth next winter and I can't wait.
Gran Turismo games are generally fun as they're one of the better racing simulators out there. However, Gran Turismo 7 is a whole other level, especially in the PS5 version where the usage of the DualSense controller really makes the experience worthwhile as it feels like you're actually driving an actual car which is insane. The game is still doing updates as well so it's only to get better from here. Also, I did a review of this game so for my further thoughts on the game, you can check it out at the link below:
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is an expansion of the action role-playing game developed and published by Capcom, Monster Hunter Rise. This expansion was released on Switch and PC on June 30, 2022.
This expansion/DLC actually got a physical release which is why it's on my favorite video games of 2022 list. Generally, the DLC for Monster Hunter games are usually pretty expansive and this one is no different with new locales to explore and new monsters to hunt as it's a lot of fun where this is the part where the difficulty rises and it's tough. This game is definitely one of the better Monster Hunter games for newcomers to join so if you're interested in the Monster Hunter series, try out Monster Hunter Rise and then get Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, you won't regret it.
Here's my favorite video game of 2022 at #15:
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is an action role-playing hack-and-slash game developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo and Nintendo as it was released on Switch on June 24, 2022.
The first Fire Emblem Warriors game when it came out was fun, but Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, it took it to a whole other level with having a very expanded roster, adding elements from the actual Fire Emblem games to the gameplay mixed with the musou/warriors gameplay, and having a great story which is an alternative timeline of the Fire Emblem Three Houses story. I've been really loving these crossover musou/warriors games that Koei Tecmo have created as of late where they mixed the traditional musou/warriors gameplay with elements from the source material where the games originated and that's freaking awesome. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is no different and definitely one of the better musou/warriors games out there. If you're a fan of Fire Emblem, Fire Emblem Three Houses, or musou/warriors games, would recommend checking this game out.
Here's my favorite video game of 2022 at #14:
Tunic is an action-adventure game developed by Andrew Shouldice and published by Finji as it was released on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC, on March 16, 2022.
When I first saw the game being revealed, it reminded me of the classic 2D Legend of Zelda games and when playing it for the first time, it was exactly that. However, this game added a twist as the gameplay also has a Soulslike element which definitely caught me off guard, but it's a lot of fun. Though, expect a lot of challenges as the Soulslike really gets you here. If you're a fan of classic 2D Legend of Zelda games as well as Soulslike games, would recommend checking this out.
Just like with Tunic, the first time I saw any footage of this game, I was intrigued as I really enjoyed the art style and you get to play as a lamb! Who doesn't love that?! After playing the game myself, this game is a lot of fun and as expected with this being a roguelike game, expect a lot of deaths as the story changes as you progress. If you enjoy roguelike games, would recommend checking this game out.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an action-adventure turn-based strategy game developed and published by Ubisoft as it was released on Switch on October 20, 2022.
I really love Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle so when a sequel of the game was announced with Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, I was freaking stoked, and after playing it, it delivered. Not only did this game capture what made the original game special, but it also improved upon it with a bit more voice acting, improved gameplay by getting rid of the grid system with more roaming around the map, and the additional music tracks from not only Grant Kirkhope (Banjo-Kazooie), but also Gareth Coker (Ori) and Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts) makes it more incredible than before. If you love strategy games as well as enjoy Mario + Rabbids, pick up Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope as it's a blast.
I've been a fan of The Legend of Heroes series for quite a while now as they're probably the most underrated JRPG series out there today. The latest game that was released in the West this year is The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki and it continues the series where it left off with a new set of characters and setting, but still continues the overall story of the whole series. The gameplay continues to evolve and the games continue to improve with each installment every time a new game in the series is released. Granted, I would recommend getting the game if you're a fan of JRPGs, but the problem is that The Legend of Heroes series is a hard series to get into as there's no good starting point in the series expect the first game which is stuck on PSP for consoles. Granted, if you're a PC gamer, all of the Legend of Heroes games are on Steam so you can start from the first game to work your way up. However, if you're a console gamer, you'll have a hard time so I hope that one way, Nihon Falcom will find a way to re-release the older games to modern consoles. Either way, The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki is a great game and I hope the series gets more popularity in the future.
Now, here are my top ten favorite video games of 2022 starting with #10:
Stray is an adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive it was released on PS5 and PS4, on July 19, 2022.
This game really surprised me when it was first revealed as it's an adventure game where you play as a cat! Who doesn't love that?! After playing the game itself, it's a lot of fun as the game is very relaxing and the exploration is a lot of fun too from the cat's perspective. Not only that, this game is pretty short as you can finish the game in less than ten hours so if you're into adventure games, would recommend trying this game out.
Here's my favorite video game of 2022 at #9:
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an action role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo as it was released on Switch on January 28, 2022.
I'm a huge fan of Pokémon, but I'll admit that I've been waiting for something different for the Pokémon series for quite a while so when Pokémon Legends: Arceus was shown for the first time, I was intrigued as Game Freak finally did something different for the mainline games and after playing it, it delivered. Granted, the game is not perfect as it does have a few bugs, glitches, and frame rate issues here and there. However, the overall experience of the game was a lot of fun with the new catching mechanic, getting to roam in a big wide open area, and riding on Pokémon to make transportation a lot faster. Those elements really make the game feel alive and I love it because of that. Really hope that Game Freak does another Pokémon Legends game down the line because I would love to see how they can improve upon this concept as it has a lot of potentials.
Here's my favorite video game of 2022 at #8:
Splatoon 3 is a third-person shooter developed and published by Nintendo as it was released on Switch on September 8, 2022.
I've been a big fan of Splatoon ever since the first game and Splatoon 3, it's no different as it continues the traditional gameplay of Splatoon, but also adds new content to make it a bit more fresh compared to the other games. The new weapons, more customization, the new card game being added, and the Tri-color turf war are all great additions to the game, and multiplayer continues to be fun as well. If you're a fan of the Splatoon series, would recommend checking this game out and joining in on the splat.
TRIANGLE STRATEGY is a tactical role-playing game developed by Artdink and published by Square Enix and Nintendo as it was released on Switch on March 4, 2022.
It's been so long since Square Enix did a strategy game, but they finally made one with TRIANGLE STRATEGY and it's amazing. This game reminds me so much of Final Fantasy Tactics on the PSX and after playing it, it did. Not only that, the choices you make in the game will affect the story so a lot of options here, and the HD-2D art style really makes this look like an old-school game with a modern flavor to it as I love it. Sure, the game does have a lot of dialogue, but with a big story in this, it's fine and understandable. Other than that, if you love strategy games, then play TRIANGLE STRATEGY.
Here's my favorite video game of 2022 at #6:
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a platformer developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo as it was released on Switch on March 25, 2022.
For years, I've been waiting for a full-length 3D Kirby platformer for so long and we finally got one in Kirby and the Forgotten Land as it delivered big time. This game just brings a huge smile to my face with its beautiful graphics, fun gameplay, and enjoyable music. Plus, Kirby has Mouthful mode which makes him turn into any object which is freaking awesome. This is definitely the next step for the Kirby series moving forward and I can't wait to see what HAL Laboratory does next with the Kirby series in 3D.
Now, we're in the top five. Here's my favorite video game of 2022 at #5:
LIVE A LIVE is a role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix as it was released on Switch on July 22, 2022.
People from Japan, people who lived in Japan, or people that know Japanese told me that LIVE A LIVE is considered to be one of the best JRPGs ever on not just the Super Famicom, but all time in the same rank as Chrono Trigger. When people are hyping this game up so much that it's in the same league as Chrono Trigger as I consider Chrono Trigger to be the best JRPG of all time, my expectations were high for this and after playing it, I can see why people may consider this one of the best JRPGs ever made. Granted, I feel like there are some parts of the game that do feel outdated which made sense as this game originated from the Super Famicom. However, the overall experience is incredible as each story you play in the game is a different experience which is wild and I love this game because of that. Plus, the moment you add HD-2D art style to it, I'm sold. Even though I don't personally think this game is on the same level as Chrono Trigger, it's still an incredible game in its own right and I'm finally glad to see this game coming to the West after decades so if you're into JRPGs, give LIVE A LIVE a go.
I love Horizon Zero Dawn and this game is the continuation of that where it gets better and I love it. The gameplay continues to be expanded and the world exploration is incredible especially underwater which is insane. Not only that, the story gets really interesting and I'm very intrigued about where Guerrilla Games will take this series next moving forward. Either way, one of the best video games for me that I've played in 2022.
God of War Ragnarök is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment as it was released on PS5 and PS4, on November 9, 2022.
I love the reboot of the God of War franchise with God of War on PS4 which was an excellent game as this game continues where it left and it's incredible. The gameplay continues to be fun and the worlds that you explore are incredible to look at. Not only that, the story was really good too as it puts the end of Kratos' story arc and it looks like in the next God of War game, there will be a new direction which I'm curious to see where it goes from here. Either way, another incredible video game that I played in 2022.
Here's my favorite video game in 2022 at #2:
I've been a fan of Monolith Soft ever since Xenogears on PSX and it's amazing how far Monolith Soft has grown and evolved over the past decade. To me, they're the most underrated JRPG developer of all time. The Xenoblade Chronicles series is probably Monolith Soft's best work yet and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, it's the pinnacle of everything they've done so far and it's incredible. The beautiful graphics, great story (despite having some issues with it, especially towards the end) the fun gameplay, the beautiful worlds to explore, and the amazing music really encapsulate what Monolith Soft has done for the past decade and its beautiful to see. I'm glad that this is the game that might put Monolith Soft on the map as this game is incredible and a nice way to end the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy. If you're a fan of JRPGs, would recommend playing this game, but also playing the other Xenoblade Chronicles games as well to really see what Monolith Soft is all about.
Finally, here's my favorite video game in 2022 at #1:
Elden Ring is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment as it was released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC, on February 25, 2022.
Despite all of the other video games I played this year, Eldern Ring was the game that struck me the most. Sure, Elden Ring is a Soulslike game. However, it's an open-world Soulslike game that takes the series in a new whole new direction and it's incredible to see. Not only that, this is one of the more accessible Soulslike games that players can get into where it's still difficult, but not as punishing compared to Dark Souls, Demon's Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This is probably the best Soulsike game I've ever played and I hope that FromSoftware will continue to push this series moving forward after Elden Ring because it's one heck of a game and I love it.
Those are my favorite video games in 2022.
What are your favorite video games in 2022?
Let me know in the comments below and thank you for reading.
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