The Dual Sense Podcast: Jason's Top 5 Games of 2022
Hello everyone! Jason here from The Dual Sense Podcast. I am back once again to bring you my favorite games of this year, the year of our lord two thousand and twenty-two. I hope you enjoy it!
Honorable Mention: God of War Ragnarok
5. Need for Speed Unbound
Need for Speed Unbound caught me a little by surprise this year, as I was originally skeptical of the rumored anime-inspired art style, as well as the general opinion that the franchise had fallen off in recent years. But I was dead wrong, because Unbound is superb. Quite simply one of the best games I’ve played all year and one of the best NFS games in the entire franchise. The driving is excellent, the art style is stunning, the cars are beautiful, and the licensed soundtrack slaps, as the kids say. If you’re at all into racers, definitely check out Unbound. You can also read my full review of the game for Gaming Nexus right here!
4. Cult of the Lamb
For a while there over the summer, Cult of the Lamb sort of took the gaming world by storm, and rightfully so. I really had no expectations going into this game, but what I found was one of the best experiences of the year. It oozes charm thanks to cute character design and a gorgeous art style. Growing and managing my cult of quirky, needy creatures never got old, and it masterfully balanced the gameplay, keeping things as simple as possible, but folding in plenty of depth at the same time. Cult of the Lamb is also another game with exceptional music, and you really must play it with headphones. I can’t wait to get back to it once I can get some other gaming delights off my plate.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
One of my favorite games of the year is also one of the best looking video games to-date thanks to the wizards at Guerrilla Games. Horizon Forbidden West seems to have come and gone in the gaming zeitgeist, but there is no denying it is a special game on PS5. I loved the story and characters the most, which was helped out by the incredible performance capture used for the game. You won’t find better looking NPCs in a video game. Of course, there is also the excellent robot dino combat that I think would lend itself quite well to a Monster Hunter-style co-op experience. Luckily, we are getting more HFW in April with the release of the Burning Shores expansion.
2. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is one of those games where you start playing, only to look up at the clock later to realize hours of past. It is a crazy addictive real-time strategy/simulation game that puts you in the shoes of a Middle Ages ruler. You’ll go to war, marry off your heirs, and assassinate fellow leaders on your ascension to power. It’s so in-depth that I still don’t fully understand all of the game’s systems, but that has not at all stopped me from spending dozens of hours with one of the best strategy games I’ve ever played. There is a game trial available for PS Plus Premium tier subscribers, if you’re curious.
1. The Last of Us Part 1
Simply put, one of the best video games ever made received one of the best remake treatments ever. The Last of Us Part I is a must-play title, and getting to experience it with all of the new bells and whistles on the PS5 was sublime. If you’ve somehow never played this game, I am happy to inform you that the time has now come. Do it before the awesome looking television adaptation hits HBO in January, as it will get even more difficult to avoid spoilers.