8Bit/Digi

As the year comes to an end, it’s time to look back at our favorite games of 2022. These are the titles that stood out for their outstanding experience, pushing gaming to its limit or we just played it for four hours straight. Regardless of the reason, they are a representation of the video games that defined the year.

Be aware that this list is only of games we have reviewed. If a game you liked isn’t here even though it was great, it’s because we didn’t review it.

Here are the games we enjoyed playing in 2022:

Gundam Evolution

Gundam Evolution takes a classic concept and repurposes it into a hero shooter that also hits all the right marks. Fans will be battling each other with their favorite mobile suit in a familiar setup. Sure; it’s not gonna have the best waifu’s like Soldier 76 or Tracer but you do get to play as the RX-78-02 or the ASW-G-08 Barbatos. There are some shortcomings but they are ones that can be resolved over time. 

Monark

Monark wants to take players on an unforgettable journey by using an all too familiar world and setup. The result is a game that has been tailor made for JRPG fans. It has the right balance of being a familiar experience while also keeping you invested in the journey. This should not be surprising given that this is an original work from a team of developers who had previously worked on the Shin Megami Tensei series. 

Scorn

Be it through your own playthrough or a streamer you enjoy, you need to experience Scorn. There’s something here not just for game design but also a mesmerizing tale with things to say about life, death, and all the gooey parts in between. You just need to approach it on the right terms so you can take the trip. 

The House of the Dead: Remake

The House of the Dead: Remake brings back one of the most iconic arcade games to the PC and modern consoles. You are blasting waves of zombies and other undead creations, what is there not to love (especially when the blood is all over the screen). The visual updates also enhance the sense of terror while the remastered soundtrack just adds to the nostalgia. Overall, it’s the same game we all use to play back in the days. 

No More Heroes III (PC Version)

No More Heroes III is another elegantly crafted love letter to otaku culture and gamers but with the action cranked up to 10. Travis Touchdown is back for another over-the-top adventure. For those of us who waited for its premier on the PC and other consoles, it has been worth the wait.  

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero presents a unique twist on the classic JRPG setup. Players are tossed into an urban fantasy world plagued with corruption and civic apathy. They must work to rebuild public trust while fighting the nefarious forces that plague this world. The result is a memorable entry into the iconic Trails series that is now available for all to experience. 

Espire 2

Espire 2 embodies every element that has defined the stealth action genre while utilizing the technology of the Meta Quest 2. It hits all the right marks while also tossing in plenty of homages to the classics that inspired it. At the same time, it stands out with its own lore and style of world building. 

SD Gundam: Battle Alliance

SD Gundam: Battle Alliance wants to be a fun game for Gundam fans while also trying to introduce them to other entries in the series. It succeeds at doing both. The game is easy to learn and rich in replay value while also piquing your interest in other series in the franchise. Overall; it encapsulates everything that makes the franchise iconic while also wanting to have fun with its world.

Soul Hackers 2

Soul Hackers 2 takes the foundation that has made the Shin Megami Tensei series iconic and brings it to a cyberpunk setting. The world is being torn apart by a war between two factions of devil summoners and it’s up to Ringo to end it before they unleash an apocalyptic event. Its solid narrative and characters combined with a mesmerizing world are enough to get your attention. The user-friendly combat system and gameplay mechanics along with its intriguing journey will keep you playing for hours. 

Disgaea 6 Complete

Following its successful launch on the Nintendo Switch last year, PlayStation gamers will now get to enjoy the first new Disgaea entry in over five years. Disgaea 6 Complete brings the joy from Defiance of Destiny plus all the DLC’s and bonus add-ons in one experience. Fans of the series will be thrilled to once again traverse through the Netherworld as this is going to be another memorable entry in the evilest JRPG series.

Persona 5 Royal (PC version)

Since its release, Persona 5 has not only grown to become the defining entry in the Shin Megami Tensei series but also one of the most influential JRPG’s of the last few years. Royal takes what is already a masterpiece and makes it better for PC gamers. For someone playing it for the first time, my expectations were already high but I was not expecting a masterpiece of this caliber. 

What do you think of our list, was there a game that should have been the “Best Games of 2022”? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.