GAME of the year discussions can get heated. As the Game on Aus team met to discuss our picks from 2022 one thing was clear – while we’re on the same page about what the “technically” best titles from this year are, our favourite games were a diverse mix of titles.
The Game of the Year 2022: GOA staff picks celebrate our favourite titles that fostered our love of gaming for another year.
Metal: Hellsinger
Str8JaktJim: Usually when a game highlights an incredible feature like Metal: Hellsinger does with music, it’s by far the best feature on offer. This title is the whole package. Rhythm shooter, great music, amazing challengers. I loved every second of it and the focus on music first made it an absolutely epic experience.
Honourable mentions: Lost In Play, Festival Tycoon
God of War Ragnarök
Arlentric: It might be the unexciting choice, and I have the immense bias of adoring everything in the nordic mythology space, but God of War Ragnarök had a LOT to live up to, and failed to disappoint. Soundtrack, gameplay and story are all immaculate and it’s the quickest I’ve cried from a game to date. Give me more God of War ASAP.
Honourable mentions: A Plague Tale: Requiem, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Grumpy Goron: God of War Ragnarök is one of the greatest games that I’ve ever played, building itself up from the foundations of the already spectacular God of War, which was also my game of the year back in 2018. The narrative is engrossing, the cast of characters are all well written and voiced, and aspects of the gameplay such as combat and traversal have been expanded and refined to near perfection. If you haven’t set out on your adventure through the Nine Realms just yet, I suggest you quickly change that.
Honourable mentions: Horizon Forbidden West, Cult of the Lamb, Splatoon 3
Elden Ring
Mikeey: I have never given much time to playing SoulsBorn games before, but Elden Ring really challenged me and made the change to the open world which was great for new comers to the genre. No longer would you be stuck and unable to progress, now if the going got tough, I could just start or try another adventure. Really letting me appreciate the patience and skill required for this game.
Honourable mentions: The Quarry, As Dusk Falls
Forza Horizon 5
Doomcutie: I have spent over a month of my time in Forza Horizon 5 this year, and I have loved every second. There is nothing quite like driving your dreams cars and mammoth speeds through the myriad of landscapes the game has to offer. I adore the physics of the game, with every manoeuvre making my pulse race as I become one with the controller. I love the community aspects, whether it’s photography, collecting, or racing – you’re all welcome in the Forza Horizon community. Truly the epitome of Xbox and my all time favourite game this year.
Honourable mentions: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope
Royce Wilson: I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this game as much as I did, and the fact it combined Mario, Rabbids, and a solid turn based tactical game which I could also enjoy with my kids only added to the appeal. It’s fun, it’s family-friendly, it’s well made, and actually gave me a reason to play something on my Nintendo Switch again too.
Honourable mentions: Pentiment, God of War: Ragnarok, Sniper Elite 5
Cult of the Lamb
Stormie: Just when I thought I had my fill of roguelike games after finishing Hades last year, Cult of the Lamb drew me in with its incredibly cute art style and adorable characters juxtaposed with the devilish task of creating a cult. The base-building, and cult management aspect of the game is done really well, and genuinely motivates you to be involved with your loyal followers in order to strengthen yourself in combat. I can’t recommend this game enough!
Honourable mentions: The Quarry, Bear and Breakfast, Elden Ring
Triangle Strategy
Natty: The soundtrack alone was enough to make Triangle Strategy one of my favourite games from this year. This game brings the best of turn based strategy RPG gameplay and weighted decision making in one beautiful, entertaining, and accessible package.
Honourable mentions: Two Point Campus, Gran Turismo 7, Overwatch 2
What is your pick for Game of the Year 2022?
The Game on Aus Game of the Year Community Choice Award winner will be announced soon. Get your vote in for Game of the Year now!