We regret to inform you that 2022 is half over. You might as well just start buying your Christmas presents now, folks, because from here it's a slippery slope to Winter. But before that happens, let's celebrate the six-month mark of 2022 with our games of the year so far, or GOTYSF!
The list is stacked this year, with Pokémons and Ninja Turtles and Kirbies, so we had a little discussion between the NL team about our picks for GOTYSF, but if you want to skip straight to the poll to have your say (how could you) then it's right at the bottom. But the words are good too. You should read them anyway.
Without further 2022 ado, let's get GOTYSFing!
KATE GRAY, STAFF WRITER: My first pick is a recent one: Card Shark! I played a bit of it way back and knew it was something special, and now it’s out in full I can see that I was right and I have great taste. It’s bloody hard, though. A lot of it depends on remembering long strings of information, like how to signal what suit and rank a card is, and though it’s all way simpler than actual card sharpery, it’s not great for my brain. It’s a really fascinating, creative, unique approach to games though. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
GAVIN LANE, EDITOR: Card Shark is on my list of ‘Games I Have To Get Around To At Some Point Before We Get To GOTY Proper’, but it does look like a winner.
ALANA HAGUES, STAFF WRITER: I think card games and deckbuilders need something really interesting to get their hooks in me, and the minute I saw Card Shark (that art style!) and saw it in motion I was intrigued. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it, so it’s on that “to play” list too.
OLLIE REYNOLDS, STAFF WRITER: I know very little about this game I’m afraid, and its name just makes me think of GTA, so… Sorry bout that, ha!
I haven’t managed to finish the game yet
KATE: It’s actually… not really a card game at all. It’s pretty much nothing to do with card playing itself, which is really interesting! It’s more about memory, finesse, and repeating instructions, which sounds awfully dull, but isn’t. There’s also a story on top about French elitism and sticking it to the aristocracy and all that, but I got stuck on one particularly hard puzzley bit and haven’t managed to finish the game yet!
ALANA: Well! Consider that a lesson for me.
GAVIN: Mitch mentioned WarioWare-style elements in his review, which made me 200% more excited to try it out. On the backlog it goes!
KATE: WarioWare is a pretty good comparison, actually, because there are some rhythm-ish elements to it. Obviously, you’re cheating at cards, so you need to not draw too much attention to yourself, which means that you’re usually juggling the trick itself, the timing, and the distractions, like pouring wine or leaving the table. That’s what makes it so hard! The pressure is on!!!
GAVIN: That’s how I feel looking at the list of 2022 releases having not played too many of them! My instant go-to at the moment is the very-recently-released Portal: Companion Collection… but that doesn’t really count, does it?
ALANA: They’ve never been on Nintendo consoles before, right? And they’re still brilliant! The Companion Collection absolutely deserves a mention at least.
GAVIN: They do. From what I’ve played, they’re just exactly what you’d want a Switch port of this pair to be. Anyway, having mentioned them, my pick so far this year (bearing in mind there’s a ton of stuff from the first six months I haven’t touched yet) might have to be Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Mainly because I’ve come around on it massively following my initial reaction. At the beginning it just seemed like a very pleasant, very polished 3D platformer, but once I started playing with my daughter by my side, it totally transformed the experience. It’s possibly the most polished game I’ve played… ever?
OLLIE: Whoa, bold words there!
KATE: Is it cheating to have a daughter there with you to make you appreciate the childlike joy of Kirby like you haven’t been able to since you, yourself, were a child?
GAVIN: Ha, perhaps! It might be that the game opens up a little after the first area, too. I’m really not the biggest Kirby fan (except for Epic Yarn, which is appropriately epic), but Forgotten Land has really turned things around and won me over. We’ll see how it ranks come the end of the year, but I’ve been very impressed.
OLLIE: That’s good to hear! I must admit, Kirby has never been my thing and it’s unlikely this one will convince me to dive into that particular world, but I’m happy Kirby and the Forgotten Land has resonated with so many people!
ALANA: Yeah, I’m also not the biggest Kirby fan, and there are so many little magical moments in Forgotten Land that exude pure joy. But I sort of went the opposite direction to you, Gavin. I really liked the initial few worlds, and sort of by the end, I was ready for it to be over. Which, if anyone has beaten the game…
GAVIN: Oof. Well, this is GOTYSF, so maybe I’ll have 180-ed again come December. I hope not but we’ll see!
ALANA: I hope so! I still really liked it, but Kirby is kind of just like comfort food that, once I feel full, I’m happy to put down. I’m in the minority! But okay, maybe I should be a bit less of a contrarian and talk about something I adored – Citizen Sleeper. This is an RPG in the really traditional sense – dialogue trees, dice rolls, conversations, etc. All set beautifully in a cerebral, calm space setting where people interact with each other, learn about each other, and discuss the ins and outs of a colony. This sort of makeshift society that has formed over years shows all the good and bad sides of society, and it’s a beautifully written world and story. Nice and short, too!
I haven’t had the time to play it myself
KATE: I’m so glad you picked Citizen Sleeper, because I haven’t had the time to play it myself, and I know I’m going to love it. I think it’ll make it on to a lot of end-of-year GOTY lists, too.
ALANA: I really hope so! It’s wonderful, and it’s not heavy either despite the kind of politics it ends up discussing. Everyone feels like a real human being. It’s like a slightly lighter, gentler Disco Elysium. And you never feel under pressure to make the right dice rolls – there are ways to get better dice, and there are skills you can learn, but yeah. Super good. And free DLC later this year, too.
OLLIE: Nice, I’d heard it’s kind of similar to Disco Elysium, so that’s really good to hear, maybe I’ll give that one a go at some point.
GAVIN: Yep, it looks great. On my list along with Gotta Protectors, Infernax, Neon White, and OlliOlli World.
OLLIE: Ha, my list is way too long. So anyway, my first pick has to be the brilliant Adventure Ti - er, sorry, OlliOlli World. It’s just wonderful. It takes the incredibly slick gameplay of the first two OlliOlli games and expands it in so many ways. The graphics are rudimentary, but it works perfectly well within that world, and the customisation options are just off the charts. Definitely one to go for if you’re into skill based gameplay at all.
KATE: Do I have to be into skateboarding? I’ve only ever played one Tony Hawk game and it was mostly for the music.
OLLIE: Nah, I wouldn’t say so. It lists off all the wacky tricks as you pull them off, but you don’t need to know them, as such. The true joy of the game lies within simply stringing together a bunch of tricks and it’s more or less completely mapped to the analogue sticks - very intuitive!
GAVIN: They released some DLC for it recently, right? I love the style it’s got. I always felt the previous games were more ‘functional’ in the visuals department, this one has the art to back up the sweet gameplay.
it’s definitely on my ‘to-do’ list in the near future
OLLIE: Yeah, I’ve not tried the new DLC yet, but it’s definitely on my ‘to-do’ list in the near future. You’re right about the art style, it definitely feels like this was the game the devs always intended to make, and it’s great to see it finally realised.
ALANA: Yeah, this is another one on my long list to play. I love how colourful and creative it looks, and consistent Ollie’s praise for OlliOlli World hasn’t helped!
KATE: Wait. Ollie. OlliOlli World. I think… I think I see a connection…
OLLIE: Ollie Ollie World needs to happen.
KATE: Right, shall we talk about our second picks for GOTYSF?
OLLIE: Let’s!
KATE: I’ll go first then! My second was a bit tricky to pick, actually. Most of the games I’ve played this year have either been ports or old games, and I feel a bit weird picking a port… So my second pick, if you’ll let me have it, is a game I haven’t actually played yet. BUT I know I’m going to love it. You know, like when you see something on a menu that you know is going to be great? Yeah. Anyway, it’s AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative, which is really hard to type. I absolutely adore the Zero Escape games, and I’m playing through the first AI game and loving it. I wish there were more story games about murders and weird timey-wimey stuff, because that’s my JAM.
ALANA: I think what AI does so well is characters. God, the characters and the voice performances are so good that you’re willing to believe anything that happens. And I’m really happy to see nirvanA initiative review so well, too, even if I prefer the first game personally. BUT it’s still brilliant – well written, considerately plotted, and still hilarious.
KATE: There was an awful lot of fan service in the first game – lots of weird pervy stuff, ha – but I realised I don’t really mind it too much? Especially since it's meant to be a bit of an eye-roll moment. Maybe I’m just used to it after playing 999 and Danganronpa, which have a lot of the same sort of, er, I don’t know how to explain it in a family-friendly way…
ALANA: I know what you mean and I can’t find the right words either! AI2 (I’m not doing the case/letter thing every time) is maybe worse but it’s kinda… not derogatory in the same way as other games can be? And the different protagonists help balanced it a bit more, at least.
I haven’t played either of these games
OLLIE: I haven’t played either of these games, so I really can’t offer up anything of value here! But… Hmm… I suppose you can pick a game you haven’t played yet. I choose Bayonetta 3! Ha, joking.
KATE: New rule: The game has to at least have a release date. Also preferably be out.
GAVIN: So then, Banjo…
ALANA: I mean… that would be unfair to everything else!
GAVIN: You’re not wrong. I mean, how can anything compare to such a monumentally fine piece of interactive entertainment, now available on Nintendo Switch as part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?
KATE: Gav, pick your actual game instead of talking about Banjo again!!
GAVIN: Can you tell I’m stalling because I’m having trouble picking something?? I’ve dabbled with Grapple Dog and enjoyed it, but having it as a GOTYSF would be generous. And I’ve only dipped my toe into some others on the list, it’s hard to know!
KATE: You’re allowed to pick games you haven’t played, remember!
OLLIE: Tell you what Gav, I’ll choose for you. In fact, I think I can speak for all gamers when I say… Ahem… Drum roll….. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge!
ALANA: Beautiful. Yes. I’m very glad you brought this up. TMNT is sheer arcade joy. I feel like I’m a kid all over again playing this.
GAVIN: Oh, I endorse that! I’ve only played the first level but it felt like that perfect mix of nostalgia and mod-cons. Dotemu seems to have cornered the market in that.
OLLIE: Yeah, it’s pretty great. Coming from someone who has little to no nostalgia for TMNT, I do nevertheless enjoy games like Streets of Rage 4 and Scott Pilgrim. Shredder’s Revenge somehow feels better than both, and I can’t quite get over just how slick the combat gameplay feels.
KATE: The closest I have come to playing TMNT is that I saw a turtle at the aquarium last weekend. It was a good turtle.
GAVIN: So you’d rate it more highly than SOR4, Ollie? I really need to dive back in!
OLLIE: I think so, yeah. I’m not one of those “oh, pixelated graphics are better, bwaaah” kinda people, but the visuals in TMNT really blew me away; the whole package feels kind of perfect to me.
ALANA: It’s another example of a game being made by fans who get it. There are so many references to really obscure pieces of TMNT media, and references to other fighting games, right down to getting the voice actors back where they could. Plus it controls tightly, sounds perfect (Tee Lopes!!!), and looks amazing.
KATE: Wait, was that Ollie’s pick or was Ollie lending it to Gav?
GAVIN: Ha, look, I’ve spent the best part of the last six months playing Mother 3, Hades, a Japan-only N64 fishing game, and just recently Cuphead. My 2022 list is more of a vague concept than a solid thing at this point. Ollie can have that one!
KATE: Oooh, we can count the new Cuphead DLC as a game!
ALANA: I still need to play Cuphead… hard games make me a liiiittle unhappy. Well, um, my second pick for GOTYSF is something that’s already been mentioned – Neon White. Talk about a pivot in genres for Ben Esposito. Though Neon White is really hard to categorise. Speedrunner/platformer/puzzler? Sure! But it’s dumb, fun, stupid, and ridiculously addictive. It really scratches a competitive itch in me. And I’m not usually good with first-person games, either, so, yay?
OLLIE: Ack, yet another game I’ve yet to play! This one definitely sounds awesome though, so I’ll be picking it up soon…ish.
yet another game I’ve yet to play...
KATE: Same!!! I was going to pick this one as “I’m pretty sure I’ll love it but I haven’t played it yet” so I’m glad you chose it instead, Alana. It’s weird, I’ve read so much about it but everyone seems to say the same thing – that they don’t know what it is, but it’s great. A deckbuilding dating sim speedrunning visual novel platformer??? Sounds awesome!
ALANA: Yeah, just throw it all in! And it’s over-the-top and never takes itself seriously, which I think pairs really nicely with the snappy gameplay. Also, gyro controls. I haven’t tried them, but I know a lot of people love gyro, and I’ve heard very good things about them here. Apologies to Pokemon Legends: Arceus here, which would’ve been my second pick had Angel Matrix not made something this fun.
GAVIN: I was going to ask if anyone felt strongly enough to pencil Arceus onto their GOTYSF list.
KATE: I was thinking about it, and I can’t tell if it’s because it was all the way back in January, or because it just didn’t set my heart on fire, but… my takeaway from PLA or PokeLegArc or whatever we want to call it for short was that it was a cool new direction, but more of a proof of concept than a fully-fleshed-out game. That’s more dismissive than I mean it to be, honestly – it had a lot of great additions to the Pokémon oeuvre, like the fast catching and the open worldyness, but a lot of times it just felt massive and empty.
OLLIE: I honestly didn’t like it at all. I really wanted to, but… no. Not for me.
GAVIN: It’s on my list, but hearing things like that coupled with my time constraints at the start of the year, I didn’t want to invest my time in something so huge that I wasn’t 99% sure I’d love. Ditto Triangle Strategy, although I’m pretty sure I’d adore that. Did that make anyone’s list? I’m itching to play it!
ALANA: I’m a little sad at this Arceus talk! It’s probably one of my favourite Pokémon games ever. I nearly fell off the series with Sword & Shield, so this felt really fresh, but I do get the whole “proof of concept” criticism. I think it being on my GOTY list at the end of the year will depend on Scarlet & Violet, really. And with Triangle Strategy, I haven’t played it yet! Strategy games intimidate me! But I love Final Fantasy Tactics and I love Octopath Traveler (and HD-2D), so I think I’ll have to buckle up and play it this summer.
KATE: Have we all picked a first and second GOTYSF, then?
ALANA: I think so! The rest of the year is pretty stacked for me and there’s a few games from the past six months I want to catch up on, but it’s been a pretty busy year so far.
KATE: There were loads of really good ports, too. Astroneer, Sorcery!, and 13 Sentinels… I know they’re all super old now, but I still wanted to give them a shout out! Good job, video games!
ALANA: Oh man, I’ve played 13 Sentinels on PS4. That game is genuinely brilliant.
OLLIE: I think that’s it for our first and second picks though! Unless… Has Gav actually got one or not..?
GAVIN: Erm, well, you see the thing is… *runs*
KATE: You can pick an old game, if you want! I mean, my real GOTYSF is Hollow Knight!
ALANA: I can get behind this choice! Hey, maybe Silksong will come out this year and- *is cut off*
GAVIN: If I can pick an old game I’ve played this year that isn’t Hades (NEWS FLASH! HADES IS GOOD GAME!), I’d say Blasphemous. Really cracking Metroidvania, that. So good and evergreen I’m jamming it awkwardly in here!
OLLIE: If we’re picking old games, then Resident Evil 4 is my GOTY every year!
KATE: Oh yeah, have you guys heard of this game called Breath of the Wild? It’s proper good.
GAVIN: New one on me. Is it a roguelike?
OLLIE: It’s terrible, don’t bother.
ALANA: No, it’s a Soulslike I think.
KATE: Bit of a Zelda-like really.
We apologise deeply for the running theme of this GOTY list being "we haven't actually had time to keep up with all the releases", but, you know, even when you work in games you don't get to play all the games!
And now... it's your turn to vote!
Note: This list of GOTY games is pretty much every game we've rated 9/10 or 10/10 this year, plus a few stand-out 8/10s. If your game choice isn't on here, make a case for it in the comments!
Comments 125
Neon White for sure, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land as a close second.
My favorite overall game I played this year is Majora’s Mask, with FTL following really close behind. Both games are absolute masterpieces that I think everyone should play.
For a 2022 game specifically, it’s probably Kirby and the Forgotten Land. I really haven’t played many new games this year, so it’s pretty much between Kirby, Strikers, and Switch Sports. Kirby is definitely the winner out of the three; it’s a solid title. The other two have been unfortunately underwhelming.
13 Sentinels is very underrated, what a great game.
None of the above, Omori takes it hands down. So far the only remaining contenders are Splatoon 3 and Pokémon SV.
Pokemon Legends Arceus is almost my top choice for 2022, because it's such a bold new take on the series, that it made me feel like I was playing Pokemon for the first time again.
But I think I gotta hand it to Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Kirby is one of my favorite series (and one with a deep nostalgia for me, personally). And Forgotten Land is the tightest, most streamlined and fully realized Kirby game I've played, and it's presented the series in a new dimension. It's brilliant, and my personal best for 2022 (so far).
Well if you're talking about games that released in 2022 then it's going to be Sunbreak by far right now.
But games that I just happened to get this year then
Monster Hunter Stories 2 and Astral Chain.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. I love to see something simple done well.
I think Arceus is the only game from this year that I've played. I've been burning through my backlog and I'm finally down to just Brilliant Diamond. If Xenoblade 3 is half as good as 1, it's almost definitely taking my top spot.
Probably Pokémon Legends, then either Mario Strikers or Portal Collection, haven’t had enough of a chance to really try too much of the latter yet. Couldn’t get into Kirby at release, I’ll have to try again soon.
Tbh, Pokemon Legends Arceus
I've haven't had so much fun playing a Pokemon game in a long time
@Screen
100% yes! You have excellent taste.
This is easy for me to answer but my GOTY so far is Pokèmon Legends Arceus. It's different and it's exactly what the series needed.
Despite being rough in terms of performance, I'd say Rune Factory 5 so far. Enjoyed it massively. I'm guessing Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will dethrone this for me when it comes out though.
@mariomaster96 Same. I'm on my second playthrough and I just love hunting for those Alphas, especially Alpha Eevee (my Avatar)
Neon White really is something special. It's a tightly designed puzzle/platforming/shooting powerhouse, and it looks and plays great on Switch. And the replay value is pretty high due to the incentives to work on your times for each level and to find each level's hidden gift (which can unlock dialogue with a supporting character, and maybe even a bonus level).
It was so close between two games that launched just a couple weeks ago. However, I had to give the edge to NEON WHITE over TMNT: SHREDDER'S REVENGE.
Neon White. It's not even close, even as much as I love Kirby and the Forgotten Land. NW is just that good.
Sheesh folks here really don't vibe with Kirby games. UK seems harsh on the franchise. Atleast in the US and Japan, franchise seems bigger. I love the underlying depth in the games, running arenas, and messing around with the abilities. Games like Adventure really pushed the NES and Kirby Super Star from the SNES really added additional depth with moveset powers and is a HUGE influence on how Smash Brothers plays. Oh well glad atleast Forgotten Land is doing well but I feel Kirby has always had some really impressive entries now and then and is generally a solid franchise overall.
For me Kirby and the Forgotten Land is my favorite game this year. It's super polished, clean, fun, enjoyable to rerun, great music, good post game, etc.
Elden Ring is my second GOTY.
My GOTY 2022
EPIC CHEF
Rune Factory 5 until it inevitably shares the pedestal with Xenoblade 3. I fully expect Cruel King and the Great Hero to land in the "close second" tier at lowest, although it may also get roommates like NieR Automata or No Man's Sky. And of course, all of it is just creme de la creme in my book, but this year has been crazy for the console overall. :3
Elden Ring, Blade Master, and Forgotten Worlds!
NINJA APPROVED
You guys forgot Shin Megami Tensei V
Edit: I'm stupid.
Triangle Strategy is my Goty
I haven’t played ANY of the games listed in the poll…. My backlog is just too massive….
My game of the year so far is celeste.
Kirby and lego Star Wars are the only games I have bought this year. Pretty bad year of gaming for me personally.
@GutayS5 that game got released last november.
Well, on Switch it may be Shredder's Revenge or Triangle Strategy so far. But my REAL game of the year is Elden Ring (it may well be my game of the decade).
Games I've played and enjoyed the most this year in order:
1) Sonic Origins
2) New Rally X (ACA)
3) Shredder's Revenge
4) Kirby
Honourable mention to Cruis'n Blast, which came out last year but I've played it a tonne this year, its really awesome.
Considering Origins and New Rally X are "just" rereleases of old games I've been playing for many years and were already right up the top of my all time favourites, that would place Shredder's Revenge as my favourite original game... though as its so closely related to the Konami arcade games, perhaps Kirby is the only truly modern game in my list, and also the only Switch exclusive.
Should be Switch exclusives only. Kirby for me. I love TMNT but playing on my PS4.
Switch: Disco Elysium, Atelier Sophie 2, Exhumed
PS: Elden Ring (GOTY)
Fire Emblem Three Hopes for me and probably because I loved the original so much but Kirby absolutely deserves it. Pokémon Arceus is also a great candidate but I never got too far into the game myself.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land has managed to surpass my favorite Kirby game(Kirby Planet Robotbot) for the Kirby franchise first 3D mainline game, Hal Laboratory did a outstanding work on tranlating the Kirby formula to 3D, i can't wait to see how Hal Laboratory can expand 3D Kirby on the next mainline game.
We all already know it's elden ring, because that game truly is something else. Overall this year I've bought no games for switch, because my ps4 has been taking up all my time
Got to be that Advance Wars Reboot Camp! 😀
@Friendly you're right. I'm dumb.
i'm voting kirby but i'll buy ai:the somniun files in 2 weeks and i think that my vote will can change easily
I am kind of in the same boat as Gavin here. I am 99.9% certain that I will love Triangle Strategy, but I still haven't played it. I own it, it is sitting in my backlog-o'-fun, but still haven't pulled the trigger yet.
I went for Arceus because Switch Sports sadly wasn't an option
That would be for switch games but pretty sure is going to change when Pokemon Violet releases.
As for xbox games for now is The Quarry over Elden Ring but maybe Callisto Protocol will end up as my favorite.
But yeah, at least for now my GOTY are The Quarry and Switch Sports
I would go with Triangle Strategy. It’s technically the only one on this list I’ve played, but it’s still wonderful, and I don’t really thing anything’s gonna surpass it… Second place would be Fall Guys, because it’s really fun and is priced perfectly (;
I’m also planning on getting Portal sometime soon (I was going to get it today, but then noticed Subnautica was on sale) so that might be on my list.
Also, you should probably put Nintendo Switch Sports on that poll, because it’s at least a Nintendo game…
I didn’t see Nintendo Switch Sports in the list unless I’m just going crazy haha. That’s probably my 2nd favorite Switch game from what I’ve played this year. I keep coming back to it despite the controversy.
Pokémon Legends is my favorite. Kirby is probably 3rd. I’m going to play TMNT Shredder’s Revenge within the next week or two so we’ll see how that ranks for me.
Overall GOTY and possible game of the Decade as some mentioned is ELDEN RING for sure.
Switch related, I am still playing Triangle Strategy, but has been the best so far this year.
EDIT: I forgot about Disco Elysium. It is N1 Switch game I played this year definitively
I’m behind on new releases and buried in backlog but I would say Triangle Strategy followed very closely by Capcom Fighting Collection (fighting games are my favorite genre so that is cheating). But seriously this was an avalanche year and it is only half done.
13 Sentinels was such an experience I can’t not pick it! Kirby is a close 2nd though
I thought for sure it would be Horizon Forbidden West. I had a great time with it (60 or 70 hours I think) but didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first game.
So far I think ElecHead has impressed me the most. Truly genius game design.
Toodee and Topdee was similarly brilliant. I fully expect Delicious Last Course to be #1 once I can set aside time for it.
And if Silksong releases this year, I already fully expect it to be the best game I've ever played. Not that I'm hyped or anything 😉
Neon White for sure, it’s so good. Tunic and Pokémon Arceus are up there though.
Pokemon Legends Arceus is my Switch game of 2022 so far by a huge margin, though I fully expect it to be dethroned several times over by the end of the year (XC3 will probably end up on top, but if we're including new-to-me Switch ports, Nier:Automata and Persona 5 Royal will also end up in the running, I'm sure).
Aside from PLA, the first half of 2022 has mostly been for chipping away at my backlog and looking forward to the second half. I tried the Kirby demo, and was very bored, and haven't been incredibly jazzed about any other new releases. There are a few I might pick up on a sale later (namely, Triangle Strategy, Neon White, and Card Shark), and perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised, but nothing other than PLA has felt like appointment gaming so far.
...that's gonna change come July 29th.
The list of options made me realise just how much I have been neglecting my Switch for Elden Ring...
I think that might be the only game released this year I have bought so far...
In my defence I bought up a bunch of hidden gems on the 3ds during the sale 😬
Finally finished Valkyria Chronicles 4 though.
I will however be playing AI2 as soon as that lands here
@GutayS5 you’re not dumb . I love everyone who mentions Shin Megami Tensei V in a positive light anytime. My goty of last year.
@DeathByLasagna @BabyYoda71 @Zucaritas Nintendo Life really does not like Nintendo Switch Sports. They didn't even include it in their best sports games list.
Right now, it’s Neon White without question. The game is superb in every single facet. Elden Ring is next, along with TMNT Shredder’s Revenge.
Honorable mentions: Horizon Forbidden West, Infernax, Sniper Elite 5, and Tunic.
So far Elden Ring is the raging champ for me with Kirby coming in second.
Chose Kirby, thinking it would be lower in the rankings. Was surprised to see it at the top and not the Ninja Turtles or Lego Star Wars.
@jrt87 yeah, nothing on the switch is gonna beat elden ring.
My top 5 so far (all systems):
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
2. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
3. The King of Fighters XV
4. Horizon: Forbidden West
5. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
SR. Its not even close.
Well that's a tough one, contrary to last year the new releases I've played have been quite good and even the games I happened to have picked from my backlog have been really good.
Current contenders that would make my top list include stuff like:
-Rimworld
-Mad Rat Dead
-Triangle Strategy
-Pokemon Legends Arceus
-Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter
-Overwatch
-Symphony of War The Nephilim Saga
Hard to say which one I would ultimately place at the top... Overwatch is a tough one to rate since it's a multiplayer game that I'm playing with a friend and playing with a good friend is always better than playing alone so in that sense my rating on that game is a bit skewed.
Rimworld is such a perfect and detailed game for what it wants to be and Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter was such a daring game, despite its apparent flaws, that I cannot help but to adore it, it's also a rare case of game actually really making me feel emotionally attached. Yeah, at a whim I'd probably say that at the moment Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter is my game of the year.
@Anachronism yeah, they despise the game, idk why. I was 11 when all the crazy hype around the Wii and Wii sports started on my country and we never could buy it on my house. Now as an adult from time to time thought about buying a Wii just for Wii sports but they're expensive here so seeing the announcement of Switch Sports was like a dream come true, I bought it day one and loved the game since
So far until I play tmnt, I'm going arceus, then triangle, and potentially three hopes.
Kirby for me, mostly because it's the only 2022 game I've played so far. But even then, it still probably would be if had played more.
@Zucaritas At least they're not as bad as IGN. As far as those guys are concerned, the Wii had no games besides Wii Sports and Mario Galaxy.
Forgot to point out but I would have voted for Kirby were it not for some of the treasure roads and missions such as beating bosses without taking damage. That to me sharply lowered the fun factor of the game and instead made me not want to play it for a while. That being said I managed to beat it 100% and I will be going back to it again at some point plus because I'm more familiar with it I'll probably enjoy it even more next time.
if this list includes games from other consoles then the two best games of the year are elden ring and horizon forbidden west..
You excluded Nintendo Switch Sports (and other games) from the poll because you don’t like it? That’s not really how polls work
Kirby and TMNT
@Anachronism It’s still Nintendo though
On Switch it would be Legends Arceus. Whilst I’m not one of the people fed up with the more traditional formula of the series this legends game was a nice refresh. The focus on completing the dex and simple catching Pokemon was a great change, I’d even go as far as too wish they stripped the story out and doubled down on a player driven experience (and maybe spice up the dex challenges instead of just ‘catch x amount of them’ and so on). None the less a really cool game.
Kind of saddened there’s likely no dlc for it but it is what it is.
My actual game of the year however is Elden Ring but that ain’t on switch.
Runners up would be Nobody Saves the World, Citizen Sleeper, Trek to Yomi and possible Tunic but I’m still on that one.
I’m still yet to play the likes of TMNT, Neon White, Kirby, Three Hopes and Card Shark, all of which look really good.
Glad to see all the Switch Sports fans here!
I like the game, but it isn’t top tier for me. Golf will be a welcome addition. 😊
It is between Skywalker and Kirby (I voted Kirby).
@BabyYoda71 I mean I might not have put Federation Force on a poll like this when that came out. I assume Switch Sports is way better than that game, but I'm not the one making the list.
Tormented Souls is my choice.
For now, Kirby or Rune Factory, but I know it'll get toppled over by Xenoblade 3 once that's released.
@Anachronism Both Switch Sports and Federation Force are games that are better with multiplayer.
And both have soccer modes with a giant ball. 😂
I'll be honest, the only new game I've played on my switch was arceus, which was pretty good but has a LOT of room for improvement. Besides, having this discussion is kind of silly given that Elden Ring exists but oh well
Elden Ring hands down. I miss my Switch.
i honestly can't vote because Elden Ring is beyond amazing. It blows ever single game out of the water this year and I doubt anything will beat it, except for possibly Bayonetta 3 if it even comes out this year. I really wish they could somehow pull off Elden Ring on Switch. I would double dip in a heart beat!!! There are a ton of amazing Switch games this year.. Too many in fact.. poor wallet is so broke!!!!
I’m really happy with the capcom fighting collection
@Smug43 Elden Ring Fit
(I am sure this joke is totally unoriginal)
Probably Kirby and the Forgotten Land even though I still haven't finished it; that game is a bit overly easy but it's just a comfy and cute and fun game. I think Pokemon Arceus is my most played for the year so would be a close second. I've played lots of fun cheaper games as well, but they were just not as polished so I wouldn't rate them quite as high.
Infernax was an amazing game. Wow it was so fun to play.
I would say strikers cause it’s the only game I’ve purchased this year.
Haven't played a single game from 2022 so far. Been too busy with my backlog
Kirby is definitely my choice. It gets nuts at the end if you 100% it and I loved it.
Dysmantle. The most fun I have had playing a game in years.
This made me realize I haven’t played a single game released in 2022 yet. Been replaying some oldies.
I really haven't been playing much at all this year, but I'll give it to Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. I've loved playing it with my brother.
On the Switch front, I haven't gotten Kirby or Mario Strikers. I have however been playing Sonic 3 and Knuckles in widescreen on my Switch OLED, and I absolutely love it.
Mario Strikers: Battle League. Well designed sports game. Everything feels quick and nimble. I like the customization options and the difficulty. The character animation is classic Next Level, taking what they already excelled at with past games like Punch Out and Luigi’s Mansion. All my friends seem to love it as well. A game that is able to maintain its intensity every time you play it.
Descenders. I am full blown addicted to the rush of that game.
The sense of speed and momentum is unmatched.
The game came out years ago but still.
Eeek!!! I've played so few of these. I think Triangle Strategy and Kirby are the only 2022 games I've actually played - lots of old games to catch up on still I suppose. But I might be just about ready to have a chat about 2021 goty lol
It's Metroid Dread.
For me personally it's been Triangle Strategy. Yeah not the best name for a game but It's a brilliant game. I found it a bit slow to get into but once I became familiar with the characters and story I found the game absolutely gripping.
I've gotten two of the four endings so far and will play the last few chapters to see the other two soon.
Absolutely fantastic game, loved it!
Overall? Elden Ring and its not even close, the only game what stands a chance of beating it is GoW Ragnarok if it releases this year. Switch wise its either Pokemon Legends or Kirby though the Sunbreak expansion for MH will most likely be the Switch highlight this year for me.
I've played about 3 of these games. Nothing has grabbed me this year really so I'm using the time to work through the backlog.
As far as games released this year, Shredder’s Revenge is my favorite, but Cuphead is downloading as I type, and I suspect it will be incredible. Triangle Strategy is really great also, but I haven’t finished it.
The best games I’ve beaten this year would be Batman NES and Gargoyle’s Quest II, also on the NES.
I've only bought 5 2022 games
1 Kirby
2 Portal
3 Turtles
4 Eschatos
5 Capcom Fighting Collection
Easily the slowest year for decent games for me.
Still gotta give it to Triangle Strategy. That game nuked my expectations from orbit. Great OST, excellent map design, tight tactical gameplay, and an engaging story.
I have not purchased a game this year, not a new one. Nothing stands out as GOTY. Everything is more a skip or wait for a sale.
For me Legends Arceus. Kirby is my 2nd game of the year.
Elden Ring! Game is a 10/10
Oh wait, on Switch?
1. Pokémon Legends Arceus
2. Triangle Strategy
3. Shredder’s Revenge
4. Kirby
5. The Cuphead DLC is shaping up to be here, but since I haven’t beaten it yet… Infernax
Honestly, it’s been a good year for Switch so far. Four 9/10 tier games and wouldn’t be surprised if Cuphead DLC is in that tier. Of course, there’s not much that’ll probably shake up that top 5 once I beat DLC the rest of the year. Curious if the next Pokémon game will…
For the Switch, I guess I’m gonna go with TMNT.
I would love to give it to Three Hopes buuuut I'm taking my time and haven't made a ton of progress so far, so I'm not going to choose it right now.
I will however choose Pokemon Legends Arceus. Beaten, loved it, spent so many hours shiny hunting in it. I haven't touched it for a bit because I'm trying really hard to beat games I haven't before and work on my yearly Kingdom Hearts playthrough, but I still think Arceus is a solid game and absolutely love it.
I’ve only played two games on switch this year a point and click pervert game and Kirby, so....... the Ascent on ps5
Probably AI: The Somnium Files - Nirvana Initiative at the moment.
Nintendo: Pokemon Legends Arseus
PlayStation: Farming Simulator 22
I really haven't completed that many games this year (on any platform), much less games that have released this year.
That said, Kirby & the Forgotten Land was an absolute delight, with LEGO Star Wars: the Skywalker Saga (which I'm playing on Steam) probably coming in at #2, though I'm not finished with it yet. Behind those would be Ys: Memories of Celceta (Steam) & Famicom Detective Club: the Girl Who Stands Behind, neither of which released this year.
How do i change the picture i like that fat squirrel
Wow, there's only 4, maybe 5, games on that list that i liked/want to play.
@samuelvictor Strangely, Sonic Origins has me hooked too, flaws and all. (I'm looking at you TAILS!) Anyways, don't forget to try out the old cheat codes, especially for Sonic 1! That one is extra juicy: You change the settings to allow to collect 7 chaos emeralds instead of the normal 6. You can change the character selection to "00" allowing you to play as Sonic with Tails (Damn you TAILS!) And you can add Sonic 3 elemental shields to Sonic 1.
You made me only choose one, so it had to be Kirby over TMNT, but only because TMNT doesn't have a playable Kirby.
I hope it will be xenoblade 3.
AI2 is so good.....
Yeah I was the one who voted for sonic origins I'm sorry.
Neon White is phenomenal but I'm glad I got it on PC in the end. This kind of shooter needs more precise movement and aiming than I can manage with a controller
ElecHead for GOTY!
@thinkhector Yeah having Tails following, and elemental shields in Sonic 1 is really awesome! One thing I noticed with cheats as well is that in debug mode you can place as many coin TVs as you want and get infinite coins... kinda takes the fun out of unlocking things, but good for people like me who are not very good at special stages and want to practice and get better!
I am planning on getting TMNT sometime this year. It’s gonna be Sonic Origins imo for now
I was thinking, do I really like TMNT Shredder's revenge that much? Then I saw my play data and apparently it was over 10 hours in only like a week. So yeah.
I think it has to be Kirby and the Forgotten Land. They significantly shook up the Kirby formula and nailed it!
Nintendo Switch game of the year in this moment =
SNK VS. Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash (my most Switch played game this year)
But....the real game of the year, for me is: DNF Duel (Arc System Works). Fighting Games are the best for me!
Until Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Bayonetta 3 and Splatoon 3 come out Mario Strikers Battle League is my choice.
1. FE3H
2. Triangle Strategy
3. Horizon Forbidden West
2022 has been very bland overall, but Switch has at least offered more than PS/Xbox has
So far, my most played game of 2022 is Fire Emblem:Three Houses (I just hit the time jump in Golden Deer, and wanted to beat it before diving into Three Hopes), but I'm planning on picking up Triangle Strategy and AI: The Somnium Files soon after beating (AND LOVING) both demos last month, so as of now my expected top 5 of 2022...
1. Triangle Strategy
2. Three Hopes
3. AI: The Somnium Files: Nirvana Initiative
4. Olli Olli World
5: Elden Ring
Hollow knight silksong 😅 (if that comes out at the end of the year to snatch that "game of the year red carpet.")
Kirby Star Allies took me days to complete, not because of it's length but it was a chore to want to play it. Kirby and the Forgotten Lands took me only two days to complete but that's because I couldn't put it down! I loved the upgrade ability system and hope it keeps a big DLC that adds some new Worlds and abilities.
The only game on the list I've played is PLA, wich was a 7/10 at best for me. Really not deserving of GOTY IMO.
I'm really excited to try out Neon White or Triangle Strategy if I every get time for it.
1) Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak
2) Portal Companion Collection
3) Triangle Strategy
4) Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes
5) Neon White
The first two are miles beyond everything else. Like, the two greatest video game purchases I've made in my entire life, over 30 years of actual gaming.
The next three are still well beyond anything else I've played this year. Just... not on the same level as the two GOATs
Kirby has the crown so far. Though Xenoblade 3 is the only other game I'm looking forward to just as much. Could give Kirby a run for its money. Who Knows if either will be seen by the Game Awards. Kirby wins family game thats for sure.
I don't know what's going on with me at the moment. I genuinely haven't seen 1 new game that has excited or even interested me this year. I'd like to pick up The Stanley Parable but as it's a port it seems a waste for GOTYSF. I will admit Neon White has pricked my ears up but if I'm truly honest I probably won't end up buying it. It feels like all the new games are all the same these days. Big JRPG's, Strategy or sports games, all of which are just not my bag.
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