‘Elden Ring’
Given the sheer scale of this open-world role-playing game, it’s quite possible that it will feature on similar lists next year. Even after playing for dozens of hours, there are still plenty of discoveries to be made for even the most dedicated gamers of all, but most of all “Elden Ring” will still qualify as a new game in 2023. The game looks beautiful, and technically it was both familiar and challenging – which means the combat system was easy enough to get to grips with, the wide range of skilled enemies and powerful bosses meant you’d never let your guard down. Can’t give This hugely ambitious game is now the benchmark for all future RPGs.
‘wordle’
On the other end of the development spectrum was “Wordall”, the most written about game of 2022. (Yes, it launched on the web in 2021, but its popularity really blossomed last December when developer Josh Wardle added the emoji-style display of projections that has become ubiquitous on the social network.) The beauty of it is its simplicity. is contained in Every day there is a new five-letter word that players must guess/work out within six tries. The greatest satisfaction usually comes from getting it right the second time, as the first time is pure guesswork. The game mechanics are so straightforward that almost any English-speaking person, from children to pensioners, can pick up and play right away. And it became a daily ritual for millions of people, creating a real sense of community around it. Wardle famously sold the game to The New York Times Company for a seven-figure sum.
‘vagabond’
One of the many COVID-19-delayed releases of 2022, “Stray” was well worth the wait. You play as a lost cat who wanders through a run-down cybercity full of droids. The main tactics, as you might expect from a cat, are stealth and mischief. While the droids aren’t much of a nuisance, the city is also home to more dangerous creatures should you ever escape to find your relatives. The way the developers managed to capture the lovable but awkward feline character of the eponymous lead meant that this dystopian sci-fi game was easy to become emotionally involved with.
‘God of War Ragnarok’
Spartan god-killer Kratos and his troubled son Atreus continue to explore the world of Norse mythology in this action-adventure follow-up to 2018’s “God of War.” Set three years after that game, “Ragnarok” covers the world-ending event predicted at the end of the previous game. Fans will be familiar with the combat system, but there were some nice upgrades, including greater versatility for Kratos’ shield and vastly improved Atreus’ magical abilities. With nine locations to discover and explore, “Ragnarok” offered great value for money, while the generally excellent voice acting and characterization made for an immersive experience.
‘Neon White’
Has there ever been a more chaotic (in a good way) game than “Neon White”? A hectic, no-time-to-think-it single-person shooter/platformer/puzzler/parker speedrunner that demands 100 percent concentration, but does its best to distract you with incredibly (though entertainingly) annoying enemies. Is. The demons are wreaking havoc in hell. You – an assassin named White – must wipe out as many as you can to have a chance to live permanently in Heaven. But you’re playing against other demon slayers (also annoying) chasing the same prize. Along the way you’ll pick up various cards that will grant you better weapons, but you can choose to discard in order to gain special movement abilities that make traversing the celestial environment much easier. “Neon White” will leave you breathless.
‘Narco’
Developers Geography of Robots used the skeleton of a classic point-and-click adventure game to create this beautiful and realistic exploration of rural decay and purpose for anyone. It is set in an ‘alternate version’ of the titular small town of Louisiana, which – in both real life and the game – is home to a massive petroleum refinery. Kai has returned to town following the death of his mother. “Norco” has some of the best writing of any video game (this year or any other). The elements of magical realism that drift into the downbeat narrative somehow serve to make the story even more immersive and affecting. It’s easy to get lost in its haunting atmosphere.
‘immortality’
The most original of 2022 was this full-motion video effort from sports director Sam Barlow. Apparently, players are trying to find out what happened to the fictional model-turned-actress Marisa Marcel. She was the star of three Arlies films shot over the span of three decades, and the player must walk through clips from those three films (as well as interviews, TV appearances, and behind-the-scenes footage), acquiring items or people. Stopping and clicking for advance information. The non-chronological plot is difficult enough to piece together, but it’s when you get to the story behind the story that “Immortality” becomes a game that will occupy your mind for hours, even when You’re not actually playing it.