2022 was a huge year for gaming, with scores of AAA and indie titles alike releasing for every platform.Major franchises includingGod of War, Horizon,Pokemon, Kirby, Sonic the Hedgehog,and many, many more all released new entries this year. But among the absolute avalanche of titles coming out in 2022, there are a few hidden gems that even the most dedicated gamers might have missed.
From under-the-radar indies to those that had the misfortune to release at the same time as much bigger names, these games are all worthy of players' time and attention, as well as worthy additions to any holiday shopping or gifting lists.In no particular order, this list presents 15 games that fans may have missed in 2022 but should definitely give a try.
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AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative
The latest fromZero Escapecreator Kotaro Uchikoshi, this hybrid visual novel and escape room puzzle game is the sequel to the 2019’sAI: The Somnium Files.Although it is technically a sequel, the game was designed to be a completely stand-alone experience perfect for new players and returning fans alike. This story-rich mystery follows the parallel investigations of Kuruto Ryuki and Mizuki Date as they race to solve the bizarre “Half-Body Serial Killings” before even more victims' lives can be claimed by the diabolical “Tearer.” Although Uchikoshi’s games tend to fly under the radar, especially in the West,AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiativereviewed welland received praise for its complex plot and mind-blowing final reveals.
BothnirvanA Initiativeand the originalAI: The Somnium Filescan be found on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Escape Academy
Developed by Coin Crew Games and published by iam8bit Inc,Escape Academyplayers study to become masters of escape rooms. In addition to plentiful puzzles to solve, all designed by real-life escape room experts, the game also allows players to explore the school, bond with a varied cast of escape instructors, and learn their hidden secrets. The game’s developers are also continuing to release new content in the form of a season pass and the summer vacation-themed DLCEscape from Anti-Escape Island.
Escape Academy is currently available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
FAR: Changing Tides
From Swiss developer Okomotive andRoller Coaster TycoonandElitepublisher Frontier Foundry comes this atmospheric, emotional sequel to the 2018 gameFAR: Lone Sails.Once again, the player assumes the role of the nameless driver of a massive boat, as they explore a ravaged, post-apocalyptic world.FAR: Changing Tidesis a side-scrolling adventure game with puzzle elements, as the player must work with what the environment provides them to keep their boat fueled and functional. Eventually, the player can even convert their boat into a submarine and plunge into the mysterious depths of the ocean.
The game, which is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, features a hybrid industrial-natural aesthetic that allows players to find hidden beauty in even the most ruined places.
Immortality
Less a single game than three games packaged as one,Immortalityreinvents the FMV genrewith its compelling found-footage mystery reminiscent of such classic films asThe Blair Witch Project.Creator Sam Barlow, who previously made a name for himself in interactive fiction withHer StoryandTelling Lies,offers an “interactive movie trilogy” in which players comb through the unreleased films of actress Marissa Marcel in order to find out what truly happened to her and why the films never saw the light of day. The game’s central mystery is a captivating one, and while players must be heavily involved to piece the story together, it’s well worth it.
This sometimes beautiful, sometimes horrifying commentary on the nature of film and art is available for Android, iOS, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
Infernax
TheMetroidvania genreis a crowded one, and it can be hard for new releases to stand out. This was not the case withInfernax,a Berzerk Studios offering that quickly received praise for its compelling gameplay loop, unique boss fights, and classic 2D aesthetic.Infernax,which started its life as a Flash game before being crowd-funded via Kickstarter, tells the tale of the knight Alcedor, who returns at last from the Crusaders only to find his village overrun by bizarre monsters that only he can defeat.
Infernax,which can be purchased for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, was hailed as a delightful throwback to such classic titles asZelda 2: The Adventure of Linkand earlyCastlevaniagames.
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MADiSON
The connection between horror and classic cameras is a storied one, as there’s just somethingterrifyingabout peering through the lens and seeing something that wasn’t there a moment ago.Bloodious Games’MADiSONis a worthwhile addition to a canon that includes such titles as theFatal Frameseries,I’m On Observation Duty,andResident Evil 7: Biohazard.Players take on the role of teenager Luca as he comes into possession of a camera that once belonged to a supernatural serial killer who’s still out for blood.
Available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S,MADiSONreceived praise for its effective scares and unique use of the camera mechanic in gameplay.
Moonscars
AnotherCastlevania-like andSoulslike game that gained popularity in 2022wasMoonscars,developed by Black Mermaid and published by Humble Games.Moonscarstakes place in a unique world where the majority of creatures have been crafted from clay and bone by a mysterious figure known only as “the Sculptor.” Grey Irma, the main character, desires to track down the Sculptor to learn why she was created and what happened to humankind.
The game, which combines elements of platforming and side-scrolling action with a unique “Blood Moon” option for increasing combat difficulty, is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Neon White
Sleek, snappy, and anime-inspired, Annapurna Interactive’sNeon Whitewas designed for speedrunners. The game sees players take on the role of the titular character, a demon hunter desperate to cut down enemies as quickly as possible in order to earn a place in Heaven.Neon White’sone-of-a-kind gameplay draws elements from the action-adventure, puzzles, and first-person shooter genres. It also received praise for its compelling cast of characters, primarily the other “Neon” bounty hunters, whose stories and motivations are gradually revealed during Neon White’s journey.
It is available now for Nintendo Switch and PC.
Nobody Saves the World
Beginning as a featureless “Nobody,” the player character of this top-down action role-playing game gradually gains the ability to transform into a variety of forms ranging from the gooey Slug to the powerful Dragon. Thetransformation mechanic keepsNobody Saves the Worldfeeling fresh as players explore procedurally generated dungeons, complete quests, and upgrade their forms and abilities.
This title fromGuacamelee!creator DrinkBox Studios is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
NORCO
The point-and-click genre is a classic one that continues to see new reinventions by talented creators throughout the decades and console generations. The latest - and perhaps one of the greatest - entry into this proud tradition isNORCO,which takes place in an alternate version of the titular Louisiana town. Developer Yuts was inspired by his real-life experiences watching the town of Norco be transformed by the effects of the petroleum industry, and protagonist Kay’s journey conveys that to the player in a captivating, emotional manner.
After a period of PC exclusivity,NORCOreleased for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X in late November.
