Game Positive: Eric's Top 5 Games of 2022
Elden Ring
Elden Ring simply landed with an earth shattering blow that not only changed how souls fans viewed souls games, but has surely impacted how many games will be crafted in the future. The sheer openness and agency that this game provides is simply unparalleled for games of this magnitude, and will act as a North star for future developers to point to when arguing against publisher demands and focus group data that pushes for games to be more hand-holdey. The removal of player choice and agency from many big budget AAA experiences was one of the greatest pitfalls of modern gaming and Elden Ring has dealt it a crushing blow. Its vast world felt endless while exploring while at the same time feeling overwhelmingly dense with things to battle and discover. This game is quite simply a masterpiece.
God of War: Ragnarok
In any other year God of War Ragnarok would win Game of the Year. Where Elden Ring boldly treks forward In opposition to how action adventure games were, God of War is perhaps the finest encapsulation we have ever seen of how action adventure games are. The presentation is at the peak of our industry and its ensemble cast is one of the best we have seen. Capped off by one of the best character arcs I have ever experienced in gaming with Kratos, the God of War story is simply one I will always remember. On top of this the Combat is a stark improvement over the original, with many more options to customize your build. Overall an excellent and well crafted experience.
Inscryption
One of the most captivating experiences I have ever had with a video game, and a stunning example of what just one person can do with unlimited creative freedom. On its surface the game presents itself as an exceptionally atmospheric Escape Room / Card Game / Rogue Lite Hybrid but once you dig a bit deeper it evolves into one of the most surreal and immersive narratives I’ve experienced. While this surreal narrative is likely more than enough for the game to be a success, the sheer depth and ingenuity of the card game at hand is what pushes it over the top for me. There really is nothing else quite like Inscryption.
Neon White
After you get over the fact that developer Ben Esposito’s follow up to the magnificent Donut County does not contain any Donuts, you are left with what is essentially Titanfall 2’s Gauntlet Run: The Game. However, this moniker sells Neon White short as on top of the breakneck “Shoot-Kour” gameplay you are also given some beautiful artwork and compelling characters. Sprinkle in one of the year’s best soundtracks from electronic punk band Machine Girl and you have yourself quite possibly the year’s shiniest hidden gem.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
This was actually the first Kirby game I had ever played and will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of my life for the simple fact that it is the first game I ever pre-ordered, booted up day one, and completed the entire thing in co-op with my daughter. It’s the first Game I had ever seen her show excitement to play and it brings a smile to my face just thinking about her reaction to it.
The game itself is a very fun family experience, especially if played with young children. The co-op mode allows the person playing Kirby (my daughter) to be the focal point, while player 2 (me) can play as a lowly Waddle Dee and take care of all the pesky boss battles and platforming that is tricky for a five year old. All while seeing the utter joy in her eyes and being reminded of what gaming is supposed to be. The trademark Nintendo “New Donk City” aesthetic is also really well done here making it one of the nicest looking switch releases. I’ll remember this game forever.