ProNerd Report’s Top 10 Games of 2022

Sebastion Mauldin

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ProNerd Report’s Top 10 Games of 2022

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It’s a new year and before we look forward to all the new games of 2023 we got to show some love to the best games of 2022. So here we are diving into the Top Ten Games of the Year. These are games that went above and beyond in one way or another, and games that you should definitely have in your video game backlog list if you haven’t played them already. Now without further ado lets dive into it the top 10 games of 2022.

10. Beacon Pines

Beacon Pines Top Ten Games of 2022
Beacon Pines Top Ten Games of 2022

At our number 10 spot we have the indie game, Beacon Pines. This was a point and click mystery adventure game that punched well above its weight. This game features cute Winnie the Pooh- like characters and a storybook setting, but unlike the 100 Acre Woods this game has a Peaky Blinds and Black Mirror-like tone. It explores heavier tones and themes and tells an interesting story. It has this mechanic where you collect words and then use those words at select times to decide your next action. If you don’t like how the story plays out with that word you can go back and substitute it for a different word and see how the story plays out differently.

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from our Beacon Pines Review: “Beacon Pines is a dope game that knows what it wants to be. It’s a mystery adventure visual novel game that doesn’t overstay its welcome. This game isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for a fast pace action game then this isn’t the game for you. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a conspiracy mystery game with fantastic art, music and storytelling then this game delivers in spades.”

I really enjoyed my time with Beacon Pines. I was engaged all the way through and I loved seeing the different paths that my words created. Do yourself a favor and watch the trailer for this game to see if it is for you.

9. Marvel Snap

Marvel Snap Review ProNerd Report Main Image
Marvel Snap Review ProNerd Report Main Image

In the 9th spot of the ProNerd Report’s top ten games of 2022, we have Marvel Snap. I wrote an article for the ProNerd Report.com about how I was afraid to get hooked on Marvel Snap. Despite my reservation, I gave in and tried it out. As it turns out, I was right to be afraid because Marvel Snap hooked me hard. I’ve been a lifelong Marvel fan and I adore turn based games (especially the card-based ones). This was a game that seemed like it was tailor made to get me into mobile gaming and I’ve rolled my eyes at the notion of mobile gaming ever since the first Iphone.

You can tell how much love and hard work that the developers into this game. The Cards look amazing and have well thought out powers, the game is quick and fun, and it always feels rewarding to play. I’m one of those people that refuse to pay for the battle pass in any game, and yet I still feel like I’m rewarded enough that it doesn’t matter that I opted out of paying for the pass.

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from our Marvel Snap Review: “Overall Marvel Snap is one of the best superhero centric games that we’ve gotten lately. The game play loop is addicting and fun and it gets you in and out of the action fast.  The game does have some monetization aspects, but thankfully they are optional. Beware of Marvel Snap. This game will grab you and won’t let you go. Honestly it is the mobile game that I’ve ever played.”

Marvel Snap was a game that took over my household. My Wife who normally only plays Candy Crush is hooked on the game. This game was incredible and I can make the argument that this is now the best mobile game of all time. It is well deserving of the 9th spot on the game of the year list.

8. Jack Move

Jack Move Review - Main Image
Jack Move Review – Main Image

In the 8th spot of the ProNerd Report’s top ten games of 2022, we have the indie game, Jack Move. More people need to play this game. For those of you who don’t know about this game, Jack Move is Cyberpunk turn-based JRPG. It’s a game that wasn’t on my radar going into playing it for review. However, very quickly you could tell it had that special sauce.

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from out Jack Move Review: “Overall Jack move is a solid Cyberpunk RPG. Even though it does have its faults it has way more going for it than against it. Jack Move is a well done RPG, with a simple easy to follow narrative and addicting turnbased gameplay. Jack Move might be my sleeper game of the year. This game me that adult version of Pokémon that I’ve been craving for a long time. If you like the Cyberpunk genre and want a short quality RPG experience then I highly recommend checking Jack Move out.”

Jack Move is the adult JRPG that I’ve been wanting for a long time. Playing this game me vibes of what I enjoyed about Pokémon and Golden Sun growing up but in a more mature package that really respects gamer’s time. The fact that this game has a slider that allows you to control how frequently enemies randomly appear is brilliant. You can make the game super grindy to help level you up or turn off enemy encounters completely so that you can quickly do side quests. This is a feature that should be in all JRPGs going forward. I love this game and I’m proud to give it the 8th spot on this list.

7. Cult of the Lamb

Cult of the Lamb Review Top Ten Games of 2022
Cult of the Lamb Review Top Ten Games of 2022

In the 7th spot of the ProNerd Report’s top ten games of 2022, we have Massive Monsters indie sensation, Cult of the Lamb. I don’t ever remember playing anything quite like Cult of the Lamb and this is a game that stuck with me since its release.

Review Snippet:

Here is a Snippet from our Cult of the Lamb Review “Cult of the Lamb is absolutely one of the best games I’ve played in 2022. It’s a damn good rouge like game and an even better Village simulator. There are a few things I wished this game did a bit better, but overall this is another banger from Devolver Digital. This game with its demonic vibe and tone won’t be for everyone and that is completely understandable. If that doesn’t bother you then try out this game. Be warned Cult of the Lamb is an experience likely to be your next video game obsession.”

Cult of the Lamb was my daily game for a section of 2022. No matter what happened in the day I often found myself relaxing while mowing down the dungeons and checking on my followers. This is one of the most innovative games of 2022 and is well deserving of the 7th spot on this illustrious list.

6. Prodeus

Prodeus Review Top Ten Games of 2022
Prodeus Review Top Ten Games of 2022

At number 6 we have Prodeus. This is another example of an indie game that took me by surprise. So Prodeus is a game that is basically old school doom, but with modern day features and gameplay. It has this old school 90s retro filter mixed in with modern day lighting and particle effects. I always say that there is an art to making gun play in games feel right and this game knocks it out of the park in that regard. Playing this game’s campaign took me back to playing old school Doom and Halo Combat Evolves campaign.

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from our Prodeus Review: “Overall Prodeus is a wildly fun time. It is a true love letter to retro shooters, but also a well designed modern shooter. There tons of replay value here due to the games insanely detailed and robust level crafting system. This game is so good that you wouldn’t have guessed that this was a crowd funded project. Seriously Prodeus is one of the best shooters of 2022.This is definitely a game fans of the genre should have their collection.”

This is a game that I’d recommend to anyone who is looking for a fun shooter campaign to play. It is currently on gamepass and its also $20.00 to buy.

6. Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors Review Main Image
Vampire Survivors Review Main Image

In 5th place is Vampire Survivors. This game is so simple, yet so incredibly addicting and fun. When I played the game for the first time I wasn’t initially impressed. I thought the appearance was a bit rough, and the gameplay was too simplistic. It was when I died for the first time and quickly raced to start another round  that I realized that I had been bitten by the same damn bug as everyone else who was raving about this game.

Review Snippet:

So Vampire Survivor officially takes the fifth spot on the list. Shout out to the developer Poncle. You created something special with this one.

Here is a snippet from our Vampire Survivors Review: “Overall Vampire Survivors is the perfect example of how the best things are often the simplest things. This game doesn’t have a lot of the complexities of other roguelike games. Instead it offers insanely fun and addicting gameplay that will have you saying “just one more run.” Vampire Survivors is one of the best games of 2022 and a game that you should definitely try out.”

Rogue Legacy 2

Rogue Legacy 2 Review ProNerd Report Main Image
Rogue Legacy 2 Review ProNerd Report Main Image

In 4th place of the ProNerd Report’s top ten games of 2022, is Rogue Legacy 2. This is a game that is a strong contender for the most slept on game of the year. Nobody talked about this one and its baffling because it’s so damn good. Honestly it was probably the best roguelike game of the year and one of the best platformers of the year. Another reason why I say that it was slept on was because the first game was a critical darling. Everyone and their mama loved the first one and this one is even better than that game. To be honest, it’s not even close. So I’ll be the brave and righteous soul in video games media and give Rogue Legacy 2 its flowers. 

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from our Rogue Legacy 2 Review: “Overall Rogue Legacy 2 is a phenomenal roguelite game. Even with its nontraditional way of storytelling, the game’s addicting loop draws you in and keeps you wanting more. By the way you don’t have to play the first game to understand what’s happening here. Really I’d skip the first game and just play this one. This one is everything great about the first game multiplied by 12. Rogue Legacy 2 is a game that you will play and lose all your sense of time. Seriously it’s that addicting. If you are a fan of platformers and roguelite games then this is one that you have to have in your collection.”

So Rogue Legacy 2 takes the 4th place slot. More people need to play this game. Go play it. You won’t regret it.

Now let’s talk about the medalist.

3. Elden Ring – Bronze Medal

Elden Ring Review Thumbnail Main Image
Elden Ring – Main Image

In the 3rd spot of the ProNerd Report’s top ten games of 2022, we have FromSoftware’s Elden Ring. I know many of you might be surprised at where Elden Ring is at on this list. Let me go into some details and provide some context. I wasn’t conflicted about any game more in 2022 than Elden ring.

This is a tremendous game that is fun, highly explorable, deep mechanically, full of amazing boss fights, and innovative. I played 80 hours of this game and enjoyed roaming the world and steadily growing stronger to take on foe and foe, but the whole time I was doing such something always felt missing.

Elden Ring is a game that on paper should be one of my favorite games of all time. It has the action, a dense open world, replayability, and George RR Martin was responsible for some of the storytelling and lore. The last point was a huge selling point going into the game for me personally. I’m a huge Game of Thrones fan and I was excited to see what narrative and lore that this game was going to bring to the table.

Style of the Narrative:

Unfortunately, I didn’t click with the way Elden Ring tells its narrative. As opposed to the traditional way we get a story in games, Elden Ring’s narrative is one you have to piecemeal and hunt for. You have to read things you find in the world. There are also the people that champion the notion that you are the story.

That the adventure and the freedom to do whatever you want is the story being told here. I get it, but that’s not a manner of storytelling that I connect with. As a result, I didn’t find much motivating me to do anything particular task, and I never connected with any of the characters in the game. Damn, I played all those hours and can’t remember a character’s name other than Marget the Fell and that’s because we were beefing.

All that said Elden Ring is an amazing game and I get why it connected with so many people worldwide. I enjoyed my time exploring the Lands Between, but as I mentioned earlier I was missing a traditional style of storytelling and a driving sense of purpose.

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from our Elden Ring Review: “It has so much for you to do and explore. It’s rich in lore, enemy variety, and customization. The boss fights are frustratingly challenging, but it is so fulfilling when you over come them. Elden Ring isn’t going to be for everyone. If you don’t like hard challenging bosses then this isn’t for you. Same can be said if your not an open world gamer, and if you don’t want a game that will probably take you 80 hours or more to beat. For everyone else, you should definitely try Elden Ring. Elden Ring is a single player experience that gamers will be talking about until the end of time.”

So Elden Ring takes the third slot on our list. It’s a dope game and well deserving of the bronze medal.

2. Horizon Forbidden West – Silver Medal

Horizon Forbidden West - Main Image
Horizon Forbidden West – Main Image

We have Horizon Forbidden West as the 2nd spot and the silver medal winner of the ProNerd Report’s top ten games of 2022. Horizon is a series that always seems to be cursed because of both games release dates. There always seems to be something that comes along and steals its moment in sun.

I have to say that I absolutely love the Horizon games. I know that it’s an unpopular opinion, but I disagree with the argument that this sequel is just more of the same. Forbidden West adds new collectibles, biomes, weapons, environments, and traversals. I platinumed this game and loved my time doing it. This game isn’t perfect, the melee combat is awful and the story has pacing issues, but this is one of the best AAA open world games on the market today.

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from our Horizon Forbidden West Review: “You should play Horizon Forbidden West. While the game does have its flaws like its narrative and the lack of underwater combat, it shines in all of its other areas. If you like open-world games with tons to do then this game should be on the top of your list. Its combat while flawed melee-wise is overall engaging and fun. It’s still a spectacle to see and square off against these giant mechanical beasties.

Horizon Forbidden West is a beautiful example of a AAA open-world RPG. Its visuals, gameplay, and it’s immensely explorable open world make this a must-play title for Playstation gamers.”

So Horizon Forbidden West takes the Silver medal and is our 2nd place for game of the year.

The 2022 Game of the Year:

God of War Ragnarok – Gold Medal – The Championship

God of War Ragnarok - Main Image
God of War Ragnarok – Main Image

So the Gold Medal and the title of The Single Player Experience’s Game of the Year award goes to God of War Ragnarok. If you read our review of this game then you’d know that I adore this game. The writing, the presentation, the gameplay, and prefomances were stellar. I played God of War 2018 around its launch and fell in love with that game. It quickly became one of my favorite games of all time. My expectations we insanely high for this sequel and thankfully I wasn’t disappointed.

Review Snippet:

Here is a snippet from our God of War Ragnarok Review: “God of War Ragnarok is a game that exemplifies how good video games can be. The score is amazing and amplifies everything that is going on. Its gameplay and combat is outstanding and improves on the solid foundation from God of War 2018. The narrative is extremely well written. It mixes all of its emotional beats well with its elements of wonder and adventure. On top of that it has some of the best acting that has ever been in a video game.

Overall this game is not only a masterpiece. It’s a work of art. God of War Ragnarok is a must play for everyone that owns a PS5. This game is not only one of the best games of this generation, but it’s also one of the best games of all time.”

This game has so many moments that stuck with me. A few moments that made me outright cry. I can’t wait for the New Game Plus just so that I can re-experience this adventure all over again.

Overall/Final Thoughts on The ProNerd Report’s Top Ten Games of 2022:

This is the ProNerd Report’s and The Single Player Experience’s 2022 top ten games of the year list. Overall I will say that 2022 had a solid assortment of games.

Even though I’d argue that we were a bit light with big AAA games, but we were blessed with a all you can eat buffet of wonderful indie games. I’ll be real with you, indies carried us through 2022. Sure we’ve got God of War in November and Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West  in February, but the gaps were nothing, but amazing indie games. So shout out to the indies.

On the AAA side of the fence we got Horizon Forbidden West, which was sadly overshadowed just like the Horizon Zero Dawn was by Breath of the Wild. Elden Ring came out and it absolutely took over everything. Everyone was playing it. It was a moment in time. Then you have God of War Raganork which was a legit masterpiece in its own right. You heard me gush about this game earlier. It’s now among my favorite games of all time. So 2022 all in all was a solid year for gaming. Maybe not a hall of fame year, but a year full of surprises.

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Sebastion Mauldin