GamesBeat editor-in-chief Mike Minotti’s top 10 games of 2022

I’ve played a lot of great games in 2022, and I can say that over many, many years. But when I look at my top 10, I notice the variety. And I mean that in terms of game size, scope, platforms and genre.

It was certainly a good year. I hope you enjoy going through my picks for the best games of 2022. Happy New Year everyone!

10. God of War Ragnarok

Maybe a little long and bloated, but the new God of War is still an impressive triple-A game to find. Most importantly, the combat feels great. I love how much you can customize for specific builds by equipping different armor for Kratos. Personally, I had fun with a playstyle that focused on dealing extra damage to poisoned enemies.

Ragnarök is also working hard to come to a conclusion that will satisfy the fans. I mean, I use the word “conclusion” knowing that this won’t be the last God of War ever. But if it was, I’d be okay with that. Ragnarök provides a satisfying ending to the current God of War arc.

9. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

I’ve been pretty harsh on the Xenoblade Chronicles series for its excessive melodrama and questionable character designs. That’s why the more mature story and cast of the third game surprised me. It’s also an example of a big, open-world game that looks pretty good on Switch. Do you see Pokémon? It can be done!

The story delivers some great emotional moments, even if it reaches its climax a bit early. But even for a long 80-hour JRPG, I had a valuable time with Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Oh, and the music is hauntingly beautiful.

8. Marvel snap

I was a big Hearthstone player, but after several years I finally felt burnt out by the digital card game. I’m glad Marvel Snap gave me something new in the genre to enjoy. I like the fast games. The snap mechanic helps you minimize the sting of a bad loss…or capitalize on a likely win.

Even though I hardly ever play games on my phone, Marvel Snap has become a big part of my nightly ritual. Busting out my daily missions in bed has become my favorite way to end the day.

7. penance

A little more than a visual novel, but not quite as game-y as a pure murder mystery experience like Ace Attorney, Pentiment offers something unique. It’s like an interactive, historical part of life with a lot of political, religious and social intrigue.

It’s a well-written story that isn’t afraid to take its time. This pace helps you develop emotional bonds with the cast of farmers and monks. Pentiment is a game that is hard to keep thinking about long after you’ve finished it.

6. Powerslave: Unearthed

I’ve had a big retro shooter kick in recent years, and I haven’t enjoyed it as much as Powerslave: Exhumed. This is a remaster of an FPS that came out for the Sega Saturn and original PlayStation. This allows you to experience an earlier take on ideas that Metroid Prime would later perfect. You shoot monsters, yes, but you also need to explore upgrades and new abilities to help you reach new areas.

The Egyptian setting mixed with Quake-esque graphics provide an aesthetic that reigns supreme. It’s retro, but Powerslave was way ahead of its time. That’s why it’s so easy to enjoy these days, and this fantastic remaster makes that easy on modern platforms.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Oh, hey, I’ve had a big beat ’em up kick too. Recent games like Streets of Rage 4 and River City Girls have given the genre something of a revival, and Shredder’s Revenge is picking up that momentum.

It pays homage to those classic TMNT fighters from the 8-bit and 16-bit days, but Shredder’s Revenge also features deeper combat and a bigger, more developed cast of characters. I mean, just playing as April O’Neil makes it an instant highlight for me.

4. Live a life

We’ve released a lot of good RPGs this year, but Live A Live is the best. A remake of an SNES game we never got in the US, Live A Live lets you play through different chapters set at different times in history. Imperial China, the American Old West and even one Aliens-inspired distant future are just some of the game’s varied settings.

Each has a fun grid-based combat system, but with their own unique twists. One scenario is a boss rush where you choose opponents through a Street Fighter II style character selection screen. Another contains hardly any combat, but plays more like a visual novel. And then it all comes together in an epic, satisfying conclusion.

3. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

I’ve wanted a Kirby 3D platformer since the Nintendo 64 days. After Kirby Star Allies disappointed me so much on Switch, I wanted one more than ever. Kirby and the Forgotten Land was worth the long wait. It’s a cute and clever experience that translates the series’ mechanics into the 3D realm in an incredible way.

And while, as with most Kirby titles, it starts out pretty easy, you can find a fun challenge if you explore the post-game content. It also offers a two player co-op mode and a banging soundtrack. I’ve been a Kirby fan for most of my life, and this is easily one of the best entries in the franchise I’ve ever played.

2. Neon White

I absolutely love Neon White. The level leaderboards gave me a reason to keep playing, which I wanted to do anyway because this motion-based FPS is so much fun. At first I was just trying to beat my friends’ times. Then I continued until I got into the overall top 100 of the standings. If that sounds like an obnoxious boast, too bad.

I’m not sure I can think of many games this fun to just move around in. Even though the story is a little presumptuous, I was glad I overlooked that flaw. After all the hours I’ve put into Neon White, I still get that itch to return.

1. Elden ring

Yup, Elden Ring is my number 1 choice. I wasn’t a huge Soulsbourne man. I’ve never played more than a few hours of any of the Dark Souls games. I beat Bloodbourne thinking it was pretty good but didn’t fall in love like so many others.

Somehow taking that formula and putting it in an open world makes it all work for me. I love that wherever I go I will find something interesting. It was also great playing Elden Ring while, well, seemingly everyone on the planet. Whether comparing builds or helping friends take on bosses, the social aspect of Elden Ring is a big part of what made it so engaging and memorable.