Best Games of 2022: Quill’s Top 5 Games of 2022

As a recent writer for Noisy Pixel, there wasn’t enough time to express my opinions on the year’s releases. Still, the amazing team here has offered a tremendous amount of insight and support.

To celebrate that and to put a nice ribbon tie on 2022, I will be listing the games that marked my experience. Keep in mind that these are only some of the few great releases because it’s easy to get caught up in playing older titles, but it’s always great to look forward to the newer titles that are right around the corner. So without further ado, here we go.

5. Little Noah: Scion of Paradise

Little Noah: Scion of Paradise was a surprising release. It’s an action roguelike platformer based on the characters of a now-defunct city-builder mobile game titled Battle Champs in the West. Little Noah offers a short, heart-warming story, solid gameplay, and great art.

Beyond the gameplay loop lies a much more satisfying notion, which is the idea that a now-defunct mobile game has been granted new life with such an authentic release is a ray of hope for those who have had their favorite mobile games reach their end of service. Little Noah: Scion of Paradise is a hidden gem, as both an action platformer and a successor to a forgotten game.

4. Azure Striker Gunvolt 3

Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 has had a lot to live up to, as it both re-invents its fast-paced gameplay and wishes to exceed previous titles’ maneuverability further. Each installment of the Gunvolt series adds a new playstyle to the mix, with each title ramping up the precision needed to perfect each stage. With the addition of the new poster character for the series, Kirin the Battle Priestess, it was assumed that the gameplay would be a total revamp, which differs from the gameplay progression of the previous games.

As someone anticipating how Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 stacked up against the previous titles, I was relieved and then exhilarated to find out how break-neck the new gameplay was. While the gameplay is a complete departure from the built-up Gunvolt formula, which focused on ranged projectiles, Kirin’s combat primarily has you up close for quick melee attacks. However, despite the change, the move-set variety, abilities, and bosses keep this far from uninteresting, and I found post-game content to be as fun and challenging compared to older installments. So if you’re looking for speed and precision in a platformer, you need to check Azure Striker Gunvolt 3.

3. King of Fighters XV

The fifteenth main entry in The King of Fighters series has been a real crowd-pleaser for both long-time and recent fighting game fans. SNK played a real crowd-pleaser with this installment’s roster picks, resurrecting some long-requested characters and offering well-deserved redesigns for series regulars. The return of Mark of the Wolves under Team Garou and the “addition” of Krohnen were some highlights in the roster.

Beyond the characters, King of Fighters XV has since achieved more accessible gameplay without marring the depth the series is known for. While many of the infamous pretzel inputs were simplified, many returning and redone mechanics take the forefront in providing depth and challenge. Although a few technical issues have plagued the game, King of Fighters XV is confirmed to receive support via updates in the foreseeable future. If the current problems will not affect your enjoyment of the game, King of Fighters XV is an outstanding fighting game experience.

2. Needy Streamer Overload

Needy Streamer Overload is a neurotic experience where you follow a girl’s journey to becoming the #1 online streamer. The music is catchy, the story hits nice comedic beats, and you may flip-flop between whether you love or hate the titular Needy Streamer, Ame. Prior to release, the theme song “Needy Girl Overdose” by Aiobahn was released, which I listened to in passing. Then, only two months before launch, I found out the song was tied to Needy Streamer Overload, which instantly enticed me with its presence.

Needy Streamer Overload is a raising-simulation visual novel brimming with style in every decision you can make. However, as a word of caution, many bright, flashing, colorful visuals may cause photosensitive individuals some harm. While this may be an enticing feature to some, many of the story’s beats seem incomprehensible or flat-out ridiculous, but there are hints of familiarity that may hit close to home. The game isn’t often scary, but it may impact you if you find yourself in a similar spot. Still, it can be light on its scares and outstanding in its comedic timing; it’s an experience that will haunt you for a long time.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a titan in the realm of 2022 game releases. Not only is it the finale of the decade-spanning Xenoblade Chronicles series, but it also was poised to offer thematic catharsis for fans of the Xeno meta-series. The build-up of anticipation I had was immense, and I certainly was not let down. When I completed the main story, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 reminded me why I had become so emotionally engrossed in the JRPG genre.

This game is built upon its predecessors’ real-time action gameplay, providing a perfect blend of depth and satisfaction for new and returning fans. The open world of Aionios is expansive and emotional, and it has easily become my favorite game in the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise. Not only are there story callbacks, but the battle system itself is a callback to the entire franchise, and it does this without impeding any of the new gameplay additions, such as the Ouroborus transformations.

Furthermore, you don’t need to have any prior knowledge of the series because it can provide you with an amazing experience through just the music and gameplay alone. If this title has somehow gotten under your radar, then I guarantee you it’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss.