2022 Ranked: Video Games

Welcome to my 2022 Ranked list for Video Games! 

Rules for my rankings are simple, the page contains my ranking from worst to best of all the video games I've experienced over the course of the past year. 

Replays of games I've already experienced prior won't be considered in the official ranking but will be ranked within their own Honorable Mentions sections. 

Please be aware these rankings are purely subjective and are based on my own personal opinion.

Honorable Mentions

5. The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes

House of Ashes is a far more polished and enjoyable experience when compared to the prior two entries in The Dark Pictures Anthology. I think a lot of it's success comes down to its more action-orientated focus along with an interesting narrative that utilises it's setting and characters for more consistently. That's not to say it's without it's faults though, as the illusion of choice is very prevalent here and it's a game that feels lacking in replayability if you only have yourself to play it with. 

4. Pokémon FireRed

Pokemon FireRed and it's LeafGreen counterpart serve as one of the quintessential ways to play through the original generation of Pokémon. Serving as full-fledged remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue from the Gameboy era; these titles offer the same core experience but with substantial amount of variation and improvements from the newer generations it was released in. Despite being 18 years old at this point it still stands the test of time in terms of offering a genuinely enjoyable experience. It does lose a few points for it's dated HM design that newer games thankfully got rid of. 

3. Until Dawn 

Until Dawn is a showcase of the exceptional contribution Supermassive Games have given to the horror video game genre. This game blends cinematic horror with engaging gameplay to offer players a horror experience which is founded on a lot of compelling concepts. It's visual fidelity and exciting narrative complement one another so well by offering players some creepily realised monsters and animated deaths. It's only small miss-step is in not being able to utilise it's two threats to their full extent, but it never detracts from the overall impact this game offers by the time it wraps up.

2. God of War (2018)

God of War is an astounding reinvention of one of PlayStations most iconic mascots. Known for his brutality and lust for vengeance, this game decides to put Kratos in a role not many people expected to see him in; being a father. It's father-son dynamic serves as the central crux of it's perfect narrative and it's wider Norse world is incredible. It's further complimented by a well-thought out combat system which only reinforces the major 5^ quality this game displays with utmost confidence.

1. Stardew Valleu

Stardew Valley is a game about finding a release from modern life in more ways than one. The game is layered with so much content and mechanical depth that you would think this was all the work of a dedicated studio. The fact this game accomplishes so much and was all hand crafted by one man only reinforces the passion and commitment Eric Barone had behind him.  He's created a game that means so much to so many, me especially and it cannot be understated how amazing this game truly is.

Official Ranking

37. Rune Factory 5 

Rune Factory 5 is a shameful entry into a series I once found so beloved. It's honestly a severe disappointment to see how far this series has fallen with it's latest offering. Poorly optimised performance, poorly written story, poorly constructed gameplay; everything about this game is just poor. It's a tragedy that after coming so close to ending on a high note with Rune Factory 4, this series rose from the ashes only to fall so low and so hard. 

36. The Medium 

The less I have to say about The Medium the better. This is such a disappointing experience which not only poorly implements it's twin-world concept with boring and tedious gameplay but also does it all through a tone-deaf narrative which majorly mishandles serious subject matter and comes off as down-right offensive. The only positive thing this game has is it's visual design but that isn't enough to make this game anything more than a huge let down.

35. Beyond: Two Souls

Beyond: Two Souls is easily the weakest entry in the Quantic Dream library I've played. It has a commendable cast of actors behind it, but it fails to justify their inclusion in the game's narrative on a constant basis. Despite offering the usual gameplay elements found in a lot of interactive narrative games, the game struggles to feel nearly as responsive in it's choices and the influence you can have on proceeding events.

34. Hidden Agenda 

Hidden Agenda tries to approach the standard Supermassive formula with a new lick of paint and a new form of gameplay to boot. While the initial ideas and concepts being thrown about seem interesting and way more grounded, the game's short pace and half-baked functionality let's it down from being anything more than a quick distraction to pop on at the party.

33. Last Stop

I wanted to like Last Stop, it's distinct art style along with it's British tone and humour help give it a good chunk of value to appreciate. Where it falters though is in it's narrative structure It's suspenseful sci-fi set up had potential but by being scattered across three central characters with their own personal subplots, it struggles to keep a cohesive structure up to the end. The lack of any meaningful gameplay can't stop the game from feeling unengaging for the majority of it's runtime either.

32. Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality 

Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality feels like a solid attempt to give the franchise a genuinely good video game adaption. Despite some limitations in the games scope and narrative, I feel the developers did the best they could to give players a compelling collection of set pieces to play through which utilises the best elements of the show's long standing history. It's core strength is it's variety as well as utilising Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant in their roles as the Doctor respectively.

31. Sea of Solitude 

Sea of Solitude is a beautifully flawed game. Being the debut title of German indie studio Jo-Mei Games, Sea of Solitude does an earnest attempt to showcase a visual and vivid representation of the many anxieties and emotions that can inflict damage to our mental health. The visuals and narrative compliment one another very nicely but sadly the same cannot be said about it's gameplay which feels notably subdued and restrained and does impact the experience somewhat as you work through the games short runtime.

30. Tell Me Why

Tell Me Why follows on as Dontnods next big outing after their work on Life is Strange 2. Telling a surprisingly emotional and relevant story for a modern setting, the game has a lot of artistic style and ambition behind it which is hard not to appreciate. Sadly, despite it's ambition I can't help but find the game poorly executed in a lot of ways, especially in the gameplay department with a uninspired collection of interactions littered across it's 3 episode structure.  Additionally, while I consider the subject matter it tries to encroach rather interesting, it lacks subtly in a lot of moments and it began to  feel like it was dragging itself out by the very end. 

29. The Callisto Protocol

I truly wanted this game to be good. I was so down to support Glenn Schofield on fulfilling his next big project, especially when it was gonna act as a spiritual successor to Dead Space. Sadly The Callisto Protocol isn't that though. It's a very flawed game in which the only real positives come from it's visual components. The underwhelming delivery of the story, the janky controls and questionable gameplay choices all combine to make this game a truly underwhelming experience to have played through. 

28. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a really unique and heartfelt experience to work through. Serving as the first major project directed by industry icon Josef Fares; this game follows a pair of brothers who set out on a journey to save their dying father by travelling through the wilderness in search of the rare healing tree. The narrative aspect of the story is fantastic and incredibly heartfelt in a lot of ways . The gameplay however, while innovative can't help but struggle to feel janky and confusing a lot of the time. It's pro's do make up for it's cons however and you can easily see the co-operative blueprint Fares would go on to layer into all his future games here.

27. The Quarry 

Serving as Supermassive Games' spiritual successor to their prior AAA work; The Quarry is a charming if slightly weaker attempt to replicate the best aspects of Until Dawn. It's narrative pays  homage to the camp slashers of the 70's in a modern era. Despite a slightly weaker array of characters, I still feel the game's story and tone is really entertaining to follow for the most part. I think my main issue with the game lies in it's gameplay, or lack thereof as the game's narrative seems to have a lot of segments where you aren't offered much in the way of interaction. What interaction is there does feel fun though and your choices seem to have considerable impact which adds replayability.

26. Limbo

Limbo is a very interesting game which wears it's style proudly. It's uniquely dark visual design helps to give Limbo a truly distinct vibe that helps set it apart from other indie games. It's filled to the brim with a collection of clever puzzles which while challenging, never feel unfair and provide a great sense of satisfaction when you work them out. The only thing that let's this game down is it's lack of a compelling enough set-pieces. The game's first half utilises a interesting collection of set-pieces which seem to be not nearly as prevalent in the games latter half, which hinders it's potential in my eyes. 

25. Inked: A Tale of Love

Inked: A Tale of Love is a very captivating indie experience which ties in clever puzzles along with a heartfelt narrative and tone. It's pure appeal comes in the form of it's ball-point illustrative style which makes this world feel beautifully distinct along with it's ambient soundtrack. The only thing that weighs this game down is a clunky control scheme and a narrator who doesn't have much range when trying to commentate some of the games more emotional parts. 

24. Little Nightmares

Little Nightmares serves as a clear testament to the reputation Tarsier Studios has earned throughout the years when it comes to platforming titles. It's dark and dreary world is made so captivating by it's visual scope and clever gameplay connectives. It's let down a little by it's undercooked narrative and short runtime but the negatives can't really hold the game back from setting a firm impression all the same. It's a game which showcases horror platforming in a very dynamic fashion. 

23. Sonic Mania 

Sonic Mania is a love letter to the 2D legacy that the blue hedgehog has weaved all throughout the decades. A game made by a passionate set of fans with the sole intention of being the definitive way to experience the very best of Sonic's traditional 2D gameplay. It's world and visuals are brimming with so much retro beauty while also maintaining a steady amount of modern day touches to help keep it accessible for a newer players. I think while the gameplay probably isn't all that attractive to me personally I can't take anything away from this game's objective quality which shines in all the best areas.

22. Fall Guys

Fall Guys is a simple yet all around addictive multiplayer experience which offers loads of value both solo or as part of a squad. It's inherent charm is found in it's colourful design and near limitless customisation options.  It's main source of chaotic fun comes from it's high collection of game modes which when the rotation algorithm is rarely working will give players a fair array of modes to experience.

21. LEGO Builder's Journey

LEGO Builder's Journey may be a small experience, but it's value is represented in it's charming concept and visuals. Basing it's gameplay around simplistic 3-D isometric puzzles, it paints a backdrop to a really endearing narrative about a father and son's relationship as you progress further on your journey. The use of audio and colour really complements the games overall tone and style as well, helping to reinforce a very relaxing experience which players of any age will be easily hooked on.

20. Dead Cells

Dead Cells has the fortune of being my first proper experience with the roguelike genre. It's difficult nature is embedded within every single aspect of it's gameplay but it never feels unfair. You are constantly challenged to try again in the wake of defeats and semi-progression is smartly woven into the background. While it's gameplay offerings keep the game from being consistently repayable, I can't say the same for it's poorly delivered story however which give the player enough reason to follow what little it offers. 

19. Escape Academy

Escape Academy is a really fun experience to play with a friend or partner. It's core focus on delivering a collection of fun and varied escape rooms never falters throughout it's short runtime.  It's filled to the brim with clever set ups and a charming world and narrative to boot. The only thing that lets it down is that game doesn't capitalise on it's full potential for storytelling or worldbuilding but I feel what's here is a good enough foundation which can be expanded on with DLC or a sequel hopefully.

18. Hitman (2016)

A really fun and enjoyable experience from beginning to end. Hitman (2016) puts you in grand-scale locales and lets you loose with hundreds of different options and variations on how to kill your targets and complete your objectives. It's technical design is easily accompanied with an amazing visual scope which sets up some truly varied and beautiful locales that allows you to easily immerse yourself in the world of assassination. While it hits a few bumps with a underwhelming narrative and one notable level which feels more restrictive than the others, it's hard not to sing the praises of this game for giving you unlimited freedom to experiment and progress through a wonderful set of levels. 

17. Hitman 2

Hitman 2 doesn't really take the series all that far in terms of redefinition, what it does manage to do however is double down on the very best elements of the previous title. Despite an even weaker narrative this time round Hitman 2 keeps the player engaged by providing more robust and dynamic sandbox environments with a plethora of creative kills and challenges to accomplish. Mastering these stunning levels is what kept me happily engaged for the majority of my playthrough.

16. South Park: The Stick of Truth

South Park: The Stick of Truth is not only a consistently funny experience from beginning to end, but it's complemented by a immersive and all around enjoyable gameplay system which utilises exploration and turn based combat. It's narrative element shines the brightest with stakes which continue to progressively escalate, taking the jokes to even higher levels. I think it misses a bit of potential with how easy the combat system turns out to be, but it doesn't detract from the genuine value behind this game's hilarious offerings. 

15. Life is Strange: True Colors

Life is Strange: True Colors is the best addition into the Life is Strange franchise. Serving as a full package as opposed to an episodic deployment; True Colors shines in all the best areas by taking a more focused approach to character writing. The superpower behind this instalment ties into the character interaction by allowing you to tune into the emotions of the people around you. This concept allows you to better relate and interact with these people and define mysteries. It's a much more focused game in comparison to the other titles and I love the refined art style and homely feel behind this game. It feels like the peak entry out of the four games released in the series.

14. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is such a definitive package which was an absolute joy to play through. It embodied everything I loved about the original Lego Star Wars games I played as a kid. It's ambitious intention to provide a comprehensive package of all nine main line Star Wars films with the trademark humour the series is so well known for is impossible not to appreciate. While it's scale is grand however, it also plays into a number of issues the game sadly can't escape from due to it's size. These flaws are easily forgivable however when you look at the wealth of fun content layered all throughout it which kept me playing well after the credits rolled.

13. Stray

Stray may look like a cute game on the surface, but there's a lot more depth and complexity hidden underneath this lovely cat game. That's not a bad thing though, I think pivoting this game's world and story through the lens of a curious little cat makes it's scale and detail even more impressive. It's a game filled to the brim with charm and beauty which despite it's limited gameplay offerings feels distinctive and memorable all the same.

12. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is filled to the brim with a wide array of charm and humour which is positively infectious. It's such a refined product with so many concepts and features in it's narrative and gameplay which just feel so well thought out.  It's so nice to see a developer capture so fully the concept of a Guardians of the Galaxy video game and while it's combat has some definite room for improvement it's hard not to appreciate how 'flarking' good this game turned out to be as a whole.

11. Kirby and the Forgotten Land 

Kirby and the Forgotten Land really surprised me! I was so caught off guard by the game in a lot of ways. I went into it initially expecting a pleasant but predicable platforming title yet this games is anything BUT predicable. It's got so much charm layered in it's core functionality with distinct visuals, compelling narrative and interesting gameplay ideas. While the former two concepts work brilliantly I do find some minor faults with the gameplay in it's repetitive nature. Those issues aren't enough to ruin what I consider a genuinely captivating adventure though as this game really impressed me.

10. Death Stranding: Directors Cut

Formed from the brain of industry veteran Hideo Kojima; Death Stranding stands out as a truly original and innovative experience.  Holding an original narrative supported by a varied cast of a-class actors, the compelling nature behind the game is easily in it's unique vision. While it's gameplay ideas aren't all perfectly deployed it's hard not to appreciate the originality layered within everything in this game.  I doubt we will ever play another game like Death Stranding ever again and that fact just reinforces how important a game this truly is.

9. Hitman 3

Hitman 3 is the 'pièce de résistance' of IOI Interactive's Hitman trilogy. It fully realises all of the potential the new iterations of games set out to produce. It's catalogue of levels are easily the more intricate and memorable selection provided across all three games and they boast a substantial number of creative kills and challenges to fulfil. Even the narrative element which I argued was weak in the prior entries actually feels really engaging and smartly delivered this time around. 

8. Florence

Florence is such a beautiful and heartfelt indie game that I can't help but adore. It uses the video game format to project an experience I've never had up to this point. Filled with love and emotion, it's visuals and audio blend together seamlessly to give the player a truly distinct story which resonates with all the core emotions inside you. It never wavers in keeping you involved with each sections with smart and relevant interactive segments which feel very clever in the way they apply to the narrative.

7. Psychonauts 2

Psychonauts 2 has proven to me that platforming video games can be so much more than just their gameplay. Tim Schafer and his team at Double Fine have built a experience that feels creatively fulfilling throughout every single second. It's narrative and world design accommodate one another beautifully in a way that resonated with me in flurry of emotions I wasn't expecting. There's charm and humour found in every single corner of this game and while it trips a little with a restrictive control scheme, I can't help but feel this is one of the best platformers I've played in years.

6. Inside

Inside stands out to me as one of the most memorable platforming experiences I've ever picked up and played. PlayDead studios crafted an experience that is uncompromised in it's goal to tell a dark and mysterious narrative intertwined with smart puzzles. It's a perfect concoction of gameplay and visual storytelling which helps make this title stand well out from the rest of the platforming genre in terms of unique quality. 

5. The Messenger

The Messenger is way more than just a conventional 2-D platformer. Through all my time playing through this game I could count numerous moments where the gameplay and narrative had put a huge smile on my face. I was not expecting what looked like such a inconsequential title to give me such a engaging experience. It's filled to the brim with consistent surprises and it's so refreshing to find a game standing tall in it's creativity in reflecting it's love for the legacy of this genre. 

4. Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX is easily my favourite entry out of the two games I've played in the series so far. It's a wonderous adventure filled with a surprising amount of depth both narratively and technically. Despite not having much history with the game I grew very attached to it's characters and world so easily and can happily agree with anyone who claims it to be one of the best games in the series and even one of the best JRPG's you could ever play. 

3. Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West is an uncompromised open world experience which seeks to refine as apposed to redefine. Taking all the core strengths and positive elements from Zero Dawn and attempting to cut away the waste, Forbidden West doubles down on offering a living, breathing world to get lost in. It's accompanied by a impressive narrative and again easily showcases the insane creativity Guerrilla Games has when designing and writing for this series. While notably appealing it's worth noting it does manage to trip a few times in the gameplay department but to me this doesn't detract from the general feeling in which Horizon is positioning itself among some of the very best open world franchises we've had in the genre. 

2. God of War Ragnarök

God of War Ragnarök didn't only meet my expectations, it superseded them! Everything about this title is presented in a clear perfect quality that I can not fault a single solitary second of my time with it. The stakes of the narrative are woven with so much finesse in a way which reflects the intense world-ending nature of what Ragnarök is but also delivers on some very real themes about independence and letting go. It's narrative cues are appropriately accompanied by a gameplay loop that feels so satisfying to get lost in inside a world design that is steeped in originality.

1. Bloodborne 

Bloodborne is an experience which is unlike any other. It's world is dripping in so much detail that you can't help but immerse yourself in all of it's dread and horror. It presents players with a simple challenge, hunt the beasts that plague the city of Yharnam. While this set up is simple in it's initial stages, you soon learn how much bigger this goal is as you work your way through the games fantastic locations. The gameplay loop that ties this world and it's visuals together is so addictive as well. You will die constantly in this game but Bloodborne encourages you to face death as an opportunity to improve as you aim to cleanse the plague from the streets of Yharnam for good. Everything about this game is perfect and it's a clear winner for my 2022 game of the year.