DualShockers’ Favorite Games of 2022 -- Rachael’s Top 10

As 2022 (thankfully) comes to a close, the DualShockers staff is coming together to share their personal favorite games throughout the year. Unlike our official Game of the Year Awards, each of these lists is meant to reflect which games stood out personally to each of our staff members. Additionally, any game — not only 2022 releases — can be considered in each Top 10 List.

I remember it goes without saying that 2022 has been a catamenia of time that many of us needed to get away, if merely mentally, from the hellfire that overcast most every attribute of the year. While some took up new hobbies they probably wouldn't accept thought about before and watched endless Netflix series, others dove deep into the world of video games. It offered me, equally always, a need much-needed escape from reality, and in between catching upwards on my favorite movies and comics, hopping into a game that completely veiled me from the outside world was a approval in more ways than 1.

With incredible games like Tell Me Why, Spiritfarer, and Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales (which launched on the Switch), I truly had my work cut out for me when choosing my acme 10 of this twelvemonth. Fifty-fifty though I didn't become around to playing all the games I wanted, below are the games that really stood out to me in 2022 for a number of reasons. That being said, have a look below at the games that helped me through i of the most challenging and hard periods of my life, and peradventure in doing so, I could persuade others to option them upwards also.

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10. Ghost of Tsushima

At that place's no doubt well-nigh it: Ghost of Tsushima is an incredibly beautiful game. I found myself, more times than non, continuing atop a mountain or slowly trotting with my horse through the long grass watching countless sunsets and sunrises. In times where I craved the outdoors, I would burn down upwardly Ghost and spend hours exploring every inch I could, even if information technology was just getting my donkey out and sitting in a hot spring to reverberate.

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Even so, I think if this game came out at any other time than 2022, I don't think I would feel the same well-nigh it due to its mediocre storylines and repetitive gameplay. But because of its stunning open-globe–allowing me to roam where in real life I couldn't as much–and the simplicity of the missions, I found that Ghost offered me a more mindful gaming experience when I needed it most in my life and sometimes, that's all that matters.

Check outDualShockers' review of Ghost of Tsushima.

9. Firm Flipper

It's no surreptitious that I wait for many games to exist released onto the Nintendo Switch, and Business firm Flipper was certainly 1 I was geared up about. Fifty-fifty though I did play a fiddling chip on my PC when it launched in 2022, I was pretty excited when it finally came to Switch this year so I could curlicue up on the couch. Again, similar Ghost of Tsushima, my involvement in House Flipper was primarily a meditative ane due to the anarchy of 2022.

Being able to "fix-upwards" homes gave me a sense of accomplishment in a world where change and fulfillment were almost obsolete, and so in my own fashion, I was trying to balance the madness out in my mind by taking a consummate mess and making it improve. The satisfaction of bashing downward a wall, cleaning up a disgusting room, and then selling it for more than than you bought information technology for was such a worthwhile and fun experience. I'd highly recommend Firm Flipper for those looking for that experience-adept factor and obtaining a sense of accomplishment.

8. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Who doesn't love a skillful carte du jour game? Ever since I was piddling, I accept played cards with my grandparents and even afterward they passed, I connected the tradition into modern times with friends and other family members. Granted, card games have dramatically changed over the years with more people playing online more than always, but this withal doesn't modify the fact that information technology'due south still one of the almost dearest institutions to exist. While I was playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, I'one thousand sorry to say; I had petty time to sit effectually playing cards with strangers when there were monsters to kill and Yennefer to chase. But thankfully, I saw the error of my ways when I decided to widen my love for all things Witcher and downloaded Gwent this year.

What I love almost about Gwent is its compelling core gameplay construction and its truly striking visual experience; information technology even manages to wedge in all manner of characters from Sapkowski's books with the finest of details and references. If you're considering jumping into a beautifully designed card game that'southward also rewarding, you can't go incorrect with Gwent.

7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

If yous love your games with meaning, emotion and jaw-dropping visuals, y'all really can't become wrong with Ori and the Will of the Wisps. I adored Ori and the Blind Forest and then I knew I would, at the very least, bask many aspects of this platform-adventure Metroidvania title from Moon Studios. Information technology incorporated everything I had hoped for and more from its deep narrative, which is told through beautiful environmental storytelling, and a complete lack of bodily dialogue. I felt such an emotional build-up while playingWill of the Wisps, and I honestly didn't desire it to end. But that's the sign of a really special game and one that I will forever tell others to play.

Check outDualShockers' review ofOri and the Will of the Wisps.

6. Marvel'southward Spider-Human: Miles Morales

If truth exist told, I'thou not a huge Marvel fan; I opt more for the murkiness of DC titles like Batman: Arkham Knight. But because I wanted to know more about this incredible new superhero in Miles Morales, I only had to find out more about him and I'm so glad I took the chance to practise and then. Although Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales may not be quite equally packed with content as the original, I plant what it lacked in this compartment, it fabricated upwardly for in emotional depth and the connection betwixt characters. Walking around Harlem, in item, was an accented delight where I witnessed meticulously detailed environments, and not to mention the soundtrack totally banged.

One of my favorite moments was seeing Miles interacting with friends and family unit, particularly one sequence in particular where we run into him having dinner on Christmas Eve joined by the hustle and hurry of a snowy New York outside of the apartment window. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Moralescouldn't take come at a meliorate time in a world where we strive for diversity, and Miles Morales' message of optimism feels like the right sentiment equally we move away from 2022.

Check outDualShockers' review of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

5. Microsoft Flight Simulator

I dearest to travel, so obviously, that went direct out the window this twelvemonth. Thankfully, I had the next all-time matter to help me retain some of that freedom and culture cultivating that I crave, and that came in the form of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Strangely, I'm a pretty terrible flyer. Maybe it'due south a lack of control or just straight up knowing that humans shouldn't exist that far from the ground, just while jumping into the cockpit of a Textron Aviation Cessna 152, those fears left me virtually instantly. The guided flight lessons coupled with insane panoramic views of places like the One thousand Canyon, Ayres Rock in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, the Tower of London, or the Peachy Pyramid of Giza was heed-blowing and exactly what I needed in this crazy, shackled yr.

Likewise, being able to fly wing-to-fly with my friend as we swoop-bombed and sailed through the changeable skies gave an extra element to freedom and social interaction. Microsoft Flight Simulator is truly the image of escapism, and I hope all players can, at some stage, experience this incredibly fulfilling game.

Check outDualShockers' review of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

4. Hades

When I first heard near the gameplay of Supergiant'southward Hades, I was instantly put off that it strips you of progress and difficult-won powers, and sends yous right back to the start. To me, that just sounded like a recipe for my Switch getting thrown across the room, and how could people actually savour this? It wasn't until I bit the bullet and thought I'd give it a endeavour. 2022 has taught me that I needed to exist more open up-minded in my game selection and stop taking things at face value because if I hadn't, I would've missed out on this fantastic little roguelike gem.

Jam-packed with well idea out and astonishing looking characters, Hades fabricated dying and going back to the start an exciting procedure and where I also developed something new and dissimilar each time. Hades is a joy to play: it's smart, polished, and dripping in mythology family charm that simply cries out for y'all to keep trying once again…and over again.

Check outDualShockers' review ofHades.

3. Röki

This insanely captivating point and click take a chance title by indie studio Polygon Treehouse completely enthralled me from beginning to finish in its brilliantly thought-out Scandinavian story folklore. On the surface, it comes across as a cute little run a risk and even though it is, it's much more than that as the story slips into gloomier areas with monsters, trolls, and nighttime magic. With well idea-out and engaging puzzles, Röki never fell into boredom, especially with so much to see and learn against an endearing wintertime fairytale properties.

If yous're looking for an engrossing story that follows the steps of a daughter called Tove and her lost brother Lars as they come upward against loss, hardship, and courage in a forbidding forest, I'd highly recommend Röki every day of the week. Really, just get it right now.

two. Assassin'due south Creed Valhalla

I honestly idea I had my fair share of Assassin's Creed titles after being severely burned by many of the "must-haves" and claims that "this one is much better." Although I enjoyed Assassin's Creed Odyssey for the nearly part, it still didn't leave me satisfied. Along came Valhalla and on the surface, it looked meaty and similar something I could really get my teeth into, but was I willing to be disappointed again? As y'all tin tell by this existence placed at the number two spot on my list, I was very surprisingly pleased.

Assassinator's Creed Valhalla stands out for me equally the all-time in the series due to its ability to really engage with its storyline, characters, and the brilliantly crafted "Witcher-like" side quests, which but goes to show that little improvements can go a hell of a long fashion. It likewise brings back that much-needed silliness and banter that has been missing since Black Flag.

Valhalla is inviting, fun, and its open-world is a joy to explore. I will never get bored of heading out on my transport while my crewmates sing songs and tell stories as nosotros stumble upon an abbey to raid whilst burning every house in the process. It truly is the littlest things in life, and I'k here for it.

Check outDualShockers' review ofAssassinator's Creed Valhalla.

1. The Final of Us Part Ii

My number one spot is of no surprise to anyone that knows me or follows my Twitter. The Concluding of U.s. has been a big part of my life since its release in 2022 and throughout the years, I've go a member of its community and, of course, insistently playing Factions with anyone that volition accept me as a teammate. Going into The Terminal of Us Part II, I knew I would be hit with some emotionally hard subjects, simply I don't think I was always prepared for what I felt on completion of the game. To say I adored every moment would be an understatement. For my 40 hour playthrough of the game, I felt, breathed, and experienced every idea and emotion that Ellie and Abby felt and in 2022, this was a hard pill to eat at times due to the utter despair and darkness of it.

What I loved most most The Last of Us Office Ii is that Naughty Canis familiaris gave us this new character, Abby, who nosotros were meant to hate. But Naughty Dog showed that past using empathy and scrapping abroad the muggy surface details, she was no improve or worse than Joel, or perhaps fifty-fifty any of us. The title truly is a psychologist's wet dream, showcasing the complication of the human psyche whilst offering its players a chance to encounter the opposite side of the money, inviting them to experience every dirty detail.

The Last of The states Part II is not merely a masterclass in storytelling, but it's also a cute disaster that mirrors hurting, anger and dear almost too well, and, without question, it'due south past far my GOTY.

Cheque outDualShockers' review ofThe Last of Us Part 2.

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Check out the rest of theDualShockers staff Elevation 10 lists and our official Game of the Yr Awards nominees:

December 23:Lou Contaldi (General Manager) // Ben Bayliss (Features Editor)

December 24: Grant Huff (Senior Staff Author) // Camilo Olmedo (Associate Staff Writer)

December 25: Kris Cornelisse (Staff Writer) // Ricky Frech (Reviews Editor) // Ryan Meitzler (Editor-in-Master)

December 26: Michael Ruiz (Contributor) // Mehrdad Khayyat (Senior Staff Writer)

December 27: Sam Woods (SEO Editor) // Peter Szpytek (Video Editor)

December 28: Scott White (Video Editor) // Justin Kucharski (Acquaintance Staff Writer)

December 29: David Gill (Staff Writer) // Allisa James (Senior Staff Writer)

December 30: Rachael Fiddis (News & Civilization Editor) // Cameron Hawkins (Staff Author) // Charlie Wacholz (Staff Writer)

December 31: Otto Kratky (Executive Editor) // Mario Rivera (Video Manager)

January 1: Iyane Agossah (Managing Editor) // Logan Moore (Special Guest)

January four: Game of the Year Awards 2022 Official Winners Revealed

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