Last year was a great year for gaming, there were many games I had played in I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed and even went back to play again. I wanted to make this list for those out there looking for games to play that you may find interesting. Also, this list isn’t all games in 2022, there are others that I caught up on. I hope you’ll enjoy this list so Without further ado, let’s get started.

Elden Ring

Not only was Elden Ring the Game of the Year, but it was also one of my favorites. Before Elden Ring, I wasn’t interested in soul-like video games, because I just didn’t have the time to constantly battle the same enemy over and over until I finally won. Of course, that didn’t mean I don’t like challenges. Just that it’s hard to make time for a game where progress advances slowly.

When I gave Elden Ring a try, the challenge was there, but what kept me going was just how beautiful the game was and how there were so many things to discover. The gameplay is great and the open world is immense but not too overwhelming. The novelty of this game is perfect.

Triangle Strategy

When Square Enix announced Triangle Strategy I immediately knew that this was a game I must play. After playing this game and spending about 30 hours, I’m happy to come back and say it’s worth it. Triangle Strategy is a game about making decisions and based on those decisions, you can shift the events of what will happen later on in the game. As you progress, you get to collect new characters with unique abilities that you can utilize to strategize your approach. The story is fairly interesting but could be better. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth playing.

Diofield Chronicles

When Diofield Chronicles launched there were not many great reviews. However, I still tried it out. I spent over 20 hours playing this game and worked towards completing 100%. I had so much fun playing this game. While it’s not the best game in terms of story, it makes up for it in its gameplay. It plays like a Real Time Strategy game, where you’ll actively manage the units on the field. As you play through you’ll meet new characters to add to your roster. The combat is smooth, the visual effects look spiffy and the time per battle is swift, which makes combat feel fast-paced. You’ll need to make necessary maneuvers on the fly which means you’ll likely find your favorite play-style type. If you’re looking for a decent story, but an even better gameplay experience, get this game.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is an excellent game, it offers so many unique experiences and hours of gameplay that you’ll probably still find new things even now. Your enemies become your friends, as you’re fugitives and on the run. The story is excellent and fresh, as you explore with your comrades you’ll encounter large titans and a vast world of creatures. Almost every corner of the game is filled with a unique-looking creature that you can battle.

There have been many “Woah” moments for me while I played this game. The combat system is another thing to talk about, it’s robust, and unique and adds to an already great system from Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The artwork is a big improvement over Xenoblade Chronicles 2 as well, as it goes back to Xenoblade 1’s style with less anime-ish-looking characters and a more mature look instead. Buy it, try it, and comment if you like it.

Shin Megami Tensei V

Atlus definitely kicked into overdrive with this addition to a long-time series. Shin Megami V brings you back to Japan where you’ll work as an agent to society to restore the balance between the spiritual realms of heaven and hell. What makes this game so good is its story, character development, and the number of monsters you can collect and battle. If you’re looking for a more serious toned collect em’ all type of game. Where the topics being explored are heavier, you’ll love this game.

What I loved was that the combat system, while being difficult, felt gratifying and fulfilling. The maps are interesting and the number of things you can do is extensive enough that each corner can bring about something new to do. If you’re looking for a serious, tough, turn-based game with tactical foresight involved in the process. You’re going to love this game. I know I did.

Scarlet Nexus

Scarlet Nexus is one of those games that I felt went very under the radar and not many spoke too much about it. Or maybe that was just me. Scarlet Nexus is a game about destiny and how the lives of two individuals intertwine and are part of a larger plan for humanity.

My favorite parts of this game are its anime look and the gameplay. Your characters can collect several useful abilities that can buff, transform and absolutely destroy enemies. This game plays like you’ve been given the power of the force but leveled it up with things like fire, teleportation, time freezing, and much much more.

The story will keep you deeply involved, but the gameplay doesn’t feel repetitive at all (unless you spam the same moves over and over). There are many abilities you can acquire and many interesting ways to fight. I promise this game will be a great time.

Judgment

I want to keep this brief. Kung Fu Batman. Seriously though, when I heard that the studio behind the Yakuza series was branching away and creating a new IP I was excited and while I’m late to the party, they managed to release an updated port for the PS5. Judgment is about a lawyer turned detective, who is trying to make a living in Japan. You’re renowned for your skills as a lawyer and everyone is questioning your life choices because of your recent career change.

Hey, at least you’re doing what you like. The game stands out because of its serious tone, but also the goofy moments you can experience from NPCs or outside of the story. However, when the game gets serious, it gets serious. It’s an impactful, well-thought-out story that leaves you wanting more. I would play into the night, entranced before I realized it was a work day tomorrow.

The battle system is second to none, in my opinion, it’s fluid, free, and extensive. Work hard and do side-quests and you too can run on a wall and fly-kick the soul out of a baddie. Four different combat styles with varying degrees of techniques and abilities and you have yourself a battle-hardened detecting soldier.

Seriously though, if you’re looking for a great story, and an even better gameplay experience (try it on PC or PS5). Give it a go. You won’t regret picking this up.