In the last year, we have seen as many game releases as we have seen strains of Covid. One is obviously more benign than the other. Well, I guess it depends on who you ask. See, each year we end up with lists of games that are longer than the wishlists Santa Clause has to deal with. From these lists, we are supposed to pick five games that we think shine more than the Star of Bethlehem—and to be quite honest, that makes me as stressed as a holiday dinner with the extended family. As such I have decided to do neither.
Imagine if that was true. I mean, come on. Viruses, war, or inflation will not stop me from giving you the opportunity to escape our current reality with a good game. It might even end with you picking up a free eBook from Project Gutenberg. Yes, most of my year has been about narrative-driven games and my ability to solve problems. Whether or not I have been successful at the latter, I will keep to myself. I will, however, share five games and one honorable mention. So without further ado, here it is, my GOTY list for 2022!
5. Roadwarden by Moral Anxiety Studio
Motivation
The minimalist art and soundtrack in Roadwarden says more than a thousand words and helps paint the picture of where you are and what you are experiencing. Highly recommended if you want to play an adventure game in which you are free to use your imagination.
Details
- Game: Roadwarden
- Genre: Adventure
- Developer: Moral Anxiety Studio
- Publisher: Assemble Entertainment
- Release date: September 12, 2022
- Platform: Steam, GOG, Itchio
4. Prose & Codes by Hero Game Co
Motivation
The way Prose & Codes makes use of the gaming medium to educate and tell you about books and Project Gutenberg makes it one of a kind. Highly recommended if you enjoy substitution ciphers and want to support a good cause.
Details
- Game: Prose & Codes
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: Hero Game Co
- Publisher: Hero Game Co
- Release date: February 11, 2022
- Platform: Steam, Itchio
3. Potion Craft by niceplay games
Motivation
The way you make and use resources to traverse the map in Potion Craft is as creative as the art direction is unique. Highly recommended if you are an aspiring alchemist and want to play a simulation game with a personality.
Details
- Game: Potion Craft
- Genre: Simulation
- Developer: niceplay games
- Publisher: tinyBuild
- Release date: December 13, 2022
- Platform: Steam, GOG, EPIC, XBOX
2. The Case of the Golden Idol by Color Gray Games
Motivation
The user interface in The Case of the Golden Idol is a hallmark of game design. It is presented in such a way it makes it the best I have seen in this genre. Highly recommended if you are into adventure games and solving mysteries.
Details
- Game: The Case of the Golden Idol
- Genre: Adventure
- Developer: Color Gray Games
- Publisher: Playstack
- Release date: October 13, 2022
- Platform: Steam, GOG
1. NORCO by Geography of Robots
Motivation
The captivating story and atmosphere in NORCO is unparalleled and would make as much of an impact as a movie as it does a game. Highly recommended if you want to experience a masterclass in storytelling.
Details
- Game: NORCO
- Genre: Adventure
- Developer: Geography of Robots
- Publisher: Raw Fury
- Release date: March 24, 2022
- Platform: Steam, GOG, EPIC, Itchio
Honorable mention
I know what you are thinking. There is no way he can end the GOTY list for 2022 with an honorable mention that is better than the aforementioned games. O ye of little faith, I say. On top of being added to my list of the most anticipated card and dice-based games to come, it also made a lovesick schoolgirl out of other content creators and publishers. To paraphrase an industry colleague of ours:
“This is so clean, so elegant, yet juicy and deep. Like … I am blown away. This may be one of best games I have played this year, and it is in alpha. I can not believe it.”
— Retromation, 2022
I hope that quote piqued your interest. Because here it is, the honorable mention of 2022!
Shogun Showdown by Roboatino
Motivation
The limited play area and mechanics of Shogun Showdown is a textbook example of when less is more. Highly recommended if you are looking for a turn-based game that is easy to learn but hard to master.
Details
- Game: Shogun Showdown
- Genre: Strategy
- Developer: Roboatino
- Publisher: Goblinz Publishing
- Release date: 2023
- Platform: Steam, Itchio
The predetermined end
There you have it, the select few who made my GOTY list for 2022. Some readers would argue that this list is less varied than the GOTY list for 2021—and they would be right. Now, I am not the one to make predictions. Oh wait, I am! The fact is, I already have five games listed as potential candidates for 2023. They are all good games in their own right, of course. But I hope there will be some unexpected releases in 2023. If not, we will be served a genre-specific list that would make this list look like the work of Suda, the painting elephant.
Who knows, it might end with me throwing those games out the window with the Christmas tree just to be rebellious like my neighbors. Yes, people are already throwing bangers left, right, and center in my neighborhood. Someone even stuck a banger on the Star of Bethlehem and flung it out the window like a frisbee! What do you think? Should I join them in the festivities, or should I stay inside and enjoy one of the games I have mentioned above? Whatever your answer may be, take care, and happy new year!
