Stray might be the most textbook example of a video game ever. It's the perfect length, it has feel good moments, in addition to traumatic moments. It has the art direction to catch your eye. It's a game where all you play as is a CAT. Like, it's perfect for everyone, gamers and non gamers alike. 

Tunic is a very special game. You don't see many like it. Utilizing classic game design elements, such as a manual and little tutorials, it's such a fun time to be stuck on a puzzle, only to have that "ah ha!" moment. This will 100% be looked upon later as a game that will be looked upon findly of, similarly to how people look fondly on old NES games. It's an instant classic. 

Speaking of special, OFK tells a very grounded story, and I was not expecting that story to be so RELATABLE. It makes for another memorable experience, especially for starving artists who have a hard time just getting by. And with a great cast of characters and an even better soundtrack, this is one game no one should sleep on. 

Never before has a game explain so much, but yet so little at the same time. That's the genius of Immortality. I have never played a game like it. With it being an FMV game, which stands out of the crowd already, what makes this so impressive is just how unsettling the premise is, with dark undertones over a seemingly innocent experience. 

2022 started off RIGHT with Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The game felt SO fresh compared to other Pokémon in the past, and in some aspects, still does it better than future games too, like Scarlet and Violet. Not to say those games aren't good in their own rights, it's just Legends Arceus hit more for me. 

Now for something completely different. Everyone else has said it, and now it's my turn. Kirby NAILED his first jump into 3D. Such vibrant and colorful levels, each so memorable. A soundtrack that shatters expectations. The gameplay taken up to a whole new level. This might be the best Kirby game. 

Seems to be a trend with 2022, having games that are like no other, because Live a Live is a must play for all JRPG fans. Having seven disconnected stories, each with such deep characters and stories, really shines in what an RPG really is at its core. This is only the right step forward with RPGs in general, both with its story telling, and with the iconic HD-2D style. 

With the HUGE hype leading up to Elden Ring, I was very intimidated by it. Was I gonna hate it because it would be my first souls game? Or would I get hooked on it and play several playthroughs of it? Well it was in fact the latter. Letting the player explore basically anything from the start is what makes it so genre defining. No restrictions, learning from experience, that is what makes Elden Ring such a masterpiece. 

Yeah this is a no brainer. Possibly one of the most refined games ever. Having a story take so many turns, leaving the player on their toes the entire time. The best combat possibly in anything. It's God of War Ragnarök, what else is there to say. 

To no ones shock, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is my game of the year. The music, story, characters, gameplay, worlds, combat, side-quests. Everything about this game just hit so hard for me. It tells such a neat and personal story that just needs to be recognized. I love this game.