Best Video Games of the Year: 2022

A busy year for video games makes settling on a list of favorites a tough job—but for Jeff Haynes, senior editor of Video Games & Web, there's so much to be psyched about. His favorite games of the year range from the visually dazzling Disney Dreamlight Valley to the action-packed challenges of Elden Ring, and that's only the beginning. Check out the full list below, and don't miss the rest of our favorite media picks from 2022!

Make sure to check out the rest of our Best of 2022 favorites: Movies | TV | Books | Podcasts | U.K. Films

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Two characters stand in a village with a castle and other Disney characters. The title of the game is placed above them.

GAME

Disney Dreamlight Valley

age 5+

Fantasy open-world game brings a new age of Disney to life.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Mac (2022)

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Dream Buffet Cover

GAME

Kirby's Dream Buffet

age 5+

Cute, competitive party game is fun for the whole family.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2022)

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PowerWash Simulator Cover

GAME

PowerWash Simulator

age 5+

Relaxing cleaning simulator proves less is indeed more.

Platforms: Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , Windows (2022)

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The box cover art for Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series, featuring two versions of the fluffy protagonist jumping up in the air and smiling.

GAME

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series

age 7+

Two games with enjoyable level design and cute characters.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Windows (2022)

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Pokemon Legends: Arceus Poster Image

GAME

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

age 7+

Deep lore and new objectives refresh this series' formula.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2022)

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Bloons TD 6+ Box Image

GAME

Bloons TD 6+

age 8+

Tower defense pops balloons with incredibly fun gameplay.

Platforms: Apple Arcade (2022)

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Kirby and the Forgotten Land Box

GAME

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

age 8+

Nintendo's puffy hero soars in friendly adventure.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2022)

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The cover image for LEGO Bricktales, featuring a diorama of several LEGO minifigures running around and assembling different things.

GAME

Lego Bricktales

age 8+

Cute puzzler is creatively challenging and a little clunky.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Mac , Linux (2022)

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MLB the Show 22 Game Poster

GAME

MLB The Show 22

age 8+

New chapter for baseball series safely gets on base.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 (2022)

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Nintendo Switch Sports Cover

GAME

Nintendo Switch Sports

age 8+

Sports compilation promotes physical activity, socializing.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2022)

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Gran Turismo 7 Game Poster

GAME

Gran Turismo 7

age 10+

Racing game takes checkered flag for car fans, enthusiasts.

Platforms: PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 (2022)

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LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

GAME

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

age 10+

Highly enjoyable, ambitious adventure game mashup.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Windows (2022)

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Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Box Cover

GAME

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

age 10+

Cult classic crossover gets a (inter)stellar sequel.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2022)

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Return to Monkey Island Title Screen

GAME

Return to Monkey Island

age 10+

Stellar point-and-click adventure reboot has humor, puzzles.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Windows (2022)

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Splatoon 3 box art.

GAME

Splatoon 3

age 10+

Cartoonish shooter encourages teamwork and competition.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2022)

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GAME

Gerda: A Flame In Winter

age 13+

Story-centered game tactfully depicts war's many ugly faces.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Windows (2022)

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Horizon Forbidden West Poster Image

GAME

Horizon Forbidden West

age 13+

Epic action game has a mighty female hero and timely themes.

Platforms: PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 (2022)

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Elden Ring Poster Image

GAME

Elden Ring

age 15+

Intense fantasy has brutal, bloody medieval-style combat.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S (2022)

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Sifu Poster Image

GAME

Sifu

age 15+

Finely crafted kung fu combat is challenging and violent.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Windows (2022)

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GAME

We Are OFK

age 16+

Musical narrative-based game hits all the right chords.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Mac , Linux (2022)

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