20. TIE - Sniper Elite 5 (PS5, PS4, XSX, XOne, PC) / Tunic (Switch, PS5, PS4, XSX, XOne, PC)
In many ways, Sniper Elite 5 is Sniper Elite 4 with a few new features and a fresh coat of paint, and I'm happy that this is the case. Except for the kill cam novelty having entirely worn off at this point, most of the gameplay still feels fresh. Sneaking around and lining up shots are equally rewarding, and the large, open levels give you plenty of freedom to tackle each objective in the way that you want. Sniper Elite 5 provides players with the necessary tools to feel like an elite sniper who's using superior tactics and stealth to take down a bunch of Nazis, and the game has certainly hit the bull's-eye.
Tunic is an absolute gem of a game. The combat is exciting without being overly difficult or frantic. The exploration feels organic without dragging on for too long. The dual inspirations of The Legend of Zelda and Dark Souls complement each other, and the isometric viewpoint makes it feel fresh when compared to other titles inspired by one of the aforementioned games. The time needed to knock out the campaign feels just right, while still naturally encouraging you to try another run to see all of the game's secrets. With no real negatives to speak of, it feels only right that Tunic occupy a spot in the library of any adventure fan.
Live A Live is the ideal way to experience a cult classic game. It maintains or improves on everything that made the original game distinct while polishing it enough that some of the more dated design elements don't detract from the whole. It's a weird, quirky, and distinct JRPG that to this day is unlike anything else on the market. It won't be for everyone, but if you're a fan of JRPGs, then you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. What other game can you have a cowboy team up with a caveman and the pilot of a giant robot?
18. TIE - Green Hell (Switch, PS4, XOne, PC) / Midnight Fight Express (Switch, PS4, XOne, PC)
Green Hell VR on Quest 2 is an audio-visual showcase that sets a high bar for future Quest 2 titles and ports. It does so by making smart adjustments to the original game without compromising its core experience and gameplay. The streamlining of open spaces makes the experience easier, especially for those familiar with the title, but the gameplay is immersive yet unforgiving. As far as survival games on the Quest 2 go, Green Hell VR is the most immersive of all, and it's a great pick for survival fans who want to experience some rainforest survival training in virtual reality.
Midnight Fight Express is a solid beat-'em-up. The base move set is enough to make you feel dangerous, but a fully kitted-out character makes you feel invincible. The combat is appropriately crunchy, and the game doesn't wear out its welcome despite having a ton of brief levels. It fulfills that fantasy of being an unstoppable action hero, and it keeps that fantasy going thanks to the game's overall replayability. For fans of action titles in general, Midnight Fight Express is well worth checking out.
17. TIE - Cult Of The Lamb (Switch, PS5, PS4, XSX, XOne, PC) / Splatoon 3 (Switch)
Cult of the Lamb does an excellent job of combining two distinctly different genres into an absolutely fun experience. It helps that both genres are presented in their simplest form, rather than aiming for more advanced users with a bevy of options, so the mash-up isn't so overwhelming. Both genres play well on their own, and the balance is thoughtful while still providing a good challenge.
Splatoon 3 is very light on content additions, but it is easily one of the best online multiplayer games I've played. Its weird concept and fun gameplay across a variety of modes and maps are as fun and addictive as they have always been, but the title lacks a big new feature. Instead, Splatoon 3 focuses on streamlining the existing experience by removing a lot of the hurdles that Splatoon 2 had imposed. While the online experience was a bit shaky during the first days, Splatoon 3 has a mighty journey ahead with two years of guaranteed updates on the horizon, and it can only get better and more interesting from here.
16. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was a huge delight, easily taking the top spot in my favorite Xenoblade games. It hits so many marks: The cast is likeable, the gameplay is fun and engaging, the world is great to explore, and it is one of the best JRPGs I've ever played. While not flawless, the flaws it does have are forgivable or potentially patched, and you certainly get your money's worth. JRPG fans should absolutely give Xenoblade 3 a try.
15. TIE - Rollerdrome (PS5, PS4, PC) / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (Switch, PS5, PS4, XOne, PC)
Rollerdrome is a solid action game that merges shooting and sports quite well. The blend creates loads of exciting moments that only seem to falter during boss fights. The number of levels and challenges feels just right. The concessions made for all skill levels is appreciated, and the presence of leaderboards and a bonus campaign ensures that there's plenty of incentive to keep people playing. Overall, Rollerdrome is a great title for those looking for something different.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is exactly the game it promised to be: a heartfelt, funny, clever and incredibly fun tribute to a classic beat-'em-up and the cartoon on which it was based. The old-fashioned version of the Turtles might seem a bit odd to kids who are used to the more modern versions, but even they should have a ton of fun beating the heck out of the Foot Clan with their favorite of the timeless terrapins. If you feel nostalgia for Turtles in Time, then Shredder's Revenge is made for you, and I'm darn glad it is.
14. TIE - Kirby And The Forgotten Land (Switch) / Persona 5 Royal (Switch, PS5, PS4, XSX, XOne, PC)
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delightful cotton candy fluff of a game. It isn't difficult or complex, but it is frequently fun and always adorable. It's almost more of a theme park ride than a platformer, but it does a great job of keeping itself engaging and interesting with a constant shift in mechanics and level design. The only flaw holding it back is the poor performance when docked, which could be a game-breaker for someone hoping for a Mario Odyssey level out of everyone's favorite pink puffball. If you enjoy Kirby, you'll enjoy Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and I'd be hard-pressed to name a better choice for younger gamers.
Overall, Persona 5 Royal is effectively the same game it was on the PS3/PS4, but now it's portable. The colorful and simple graphics age extremely well, and while the frame rate and resolution won't match the new HD versions, they are more than adequate for the sort of game that Persona 5 is. The title remains an absolute master class in how style and strong art design can create a more distinctive and memorable experience than the most realistic graphics on the market, and that carries through on the Switch, even if it sometimes appears less sharp.
13. TIE - Grounded (PS5, XSX, PC) / LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Switch, PS5, PS4, XSX, XOne, PC)
Ultimately, how much you enjoy Grounded is going to depend on how you play and if you choose to enable any of the customization options. In the default state, if you're looking to adventure through the story, you'll have a fun time, but Grounded is at its best when played as a survival sim. Focus on exploring the world, and let the story happen in the background. It may be a slower pace, but it's also more rewarding.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga genuinely hits the mark. It's a love letter to the nine main movies in the Star Wars franchise, and it feels like something that's made for anyone to enjoy, whether their favorite movie is "The Phantom Menace" or "The Rise of Skywalker." It doesn't reinvent the wheel as far as LEGO games go, but it's darn fun with a load of content that is sure to keep fans happy for a long time.
12. Dying Light 2 Stay Human (Switch, PS5, PS4, XSX, XOne, PC)
Dying Light 2 is a good game that happens to be the long-awaited sequel to a great game. There's still a ton of fun to be had, and the exploration alone is worth the price of admission. At the same time, it's bigger without necessarily being better. I had a lot of fun with it, but I can't help but feel more positive toward the original. If you're looking for a fresh new world to smash zombies in and you're burned out on Harran, then Dying Light 2 will scratch that itch well.
11. Vampire Survivors (XSX, XOne, PC)
Sometimes the simplest gaming can be the best. Vampire Survivors sounds almost painfully basic on paper. You control one of a cast of Castlevania-inspired heroes and kill endless hordes of enemies with auto-firing weapons for a half-hour. It works because it's fun. Each weapon is distinct, and the game provides a constant feed of new unlocks, content and secrets that keep you going. It's also a masterpiece of providing simple encouragement through audio and visual feedback. When you hit a jackpot, start a gold rush or get your weapons so powerful that the screen becomes a psychedelic slideshow of raw doom, Vampire Survivors nails it perfectly. Add to that the game's absurdly low cost ($4.99), and there's not a single game this year that gives more bang for your buck.
Editor's Note: Be sure to tune in tomorrow (Jan. 1, 2023) to see what WP considers to be the best game of 2022!
UPDATE (Jan. 1, 2023):