2022 was a huge year for gaming, with scores of AAA and indie titles alike releasing for every platform. Major franchises including God of War, Horizon, Pokemon, Kirby, Sonic the Hedgehog, and many, many more all released new entries this year. But among the absolute avalanche of titles coming out in 2022, there are a few hidden gems that even the most dedicated gamers might have missed.
From under-the-radar indies to those that had the misfortune to release at the same time as much bigger names, these games are all worthy of players' time and attention, as well as worthy additions to any holiday shopping or gifting lists. In no particular order, this list presents 15 games that fans may have missed in 2022 but should definitely give a try.
AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative
The latest from Zero Escape creator Kotaro Uchikoshi, this hybrid visual novel and escape room puzzle game is the sequel to the 2019's AI: The Somnium Files. Although it is technically a sequel, the game was designed to be a completely stand-alone experience perfect for new players and returning fans alike. This story-rich mystery follows the parallel investigations of Kuruto Ryuki and Mizuki Date as they race to solve the bizarre "Half-Body Serial Killings" before even more victims' lives can be claimed by the diabolical "Tearer." Although Uchikoshi's games tend to fly under the radar, especially in the West, AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative reviewed well and received praise for its complex plot and mind-blowing final reveals.
Both nirvanA Initiative and the original AI: The Somnium Files can be found on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Escape Academy
Developed by Coin Crew Games and published by iam8bit Inc, Escape Academy players study to become masters of escape rooms. In addition to plentiful puzzles to solve, all designed by real-life escape room experts, the game also allows players to explore the school, bond with a varied cast of escape instructors, and learn their hidden secrets. The game's developers are also continuing to release new content in the form of a season pass and the summer vacation-themed DLC Escape from Anti-Escape Island.
Escape Academy is currently available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
FAR: Changing Tides
From Swiss developer Okomotive and Roller Coaster Tycoon and Elite publisher Frontier Foundry comes this atmospheric, emotional sequel to the 2018 game FAR: Lone Sails. Once again, the player assumes the role of the nameless driver of a massive boat, as they explore a ravaged, post-apocalyptic world. FAR: Changing Tides is a side-scrolling adventure game with puzzle elements, as the player must work with what the environment provides them to keep their boat fueled and functional. Eventually, the player can even convert their boat into a submarine and plunge into the mysterious depths of the ocean.
The game, which is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, features a hybrid industrial-natural aesthetic that allows players to find hidden beauty in even the most ruined places.
Immortality
Less a single game than three games packaged as one, Immortality reinvents the FMV genre with its compelling found-footage mystery reminiscent of such classic films as The Blair Witch Project. Creator Sam Barlow, who previously made a name for himself in interactive fiction with Her Story and Telling Lies, offers an "interactive movie trilogy" in which players comb through the unreleased films of actress Marissa Marcel in order to find out what truly happened to her and why the films never saw the light of day. The game's central mystery is a captivating one, and while players must be heavily involved to piece the story together, it's well worth it.
This sometimes beautiful, sometimes horrifying commentary on the nature of film and art is available for Android, iOS, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
Infernax
The Metroidvania genre is a crowded one, and it can be hard for new releases to stand out. This was not the case with Infernax, a Berzerk Studios offering that quickly received praise for its compelling gameplay loop, unique boss fights, and classic 2D aesthetic. Infernax, which started its life as a Flash game before being crowd-funded via Kickstarter, tells the tale of the knight Alcedor, who returns at last from the Crusaders only to find his village overrun by bizarre monsters that only he can defeat.
Infernax, which can be purchased for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, was hailed as a delightful throwback to such classic titles as Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link and early Castlevania games.
MADiSON
The connection between horror and classic cameras is a storied one, as there's just something terrifying about peering through the lens and seeing something that wasn't there a moment ago. Bloodious Games' MADiSON is a worthwhile addition to a canon that includes such titles as the Fatal Frame series, I'm On Observation Duty, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Players take on the role of teenager Luca as he comes into possession of a camera that once belonged to a supernatural serial killer who's still out for blood.
Available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, MADiSON received praise for its effective scares and unique use of the camera mechanic in gameplay.
Moonscars
Another Castlevania-like and Soulslike game that gained popularity in 2022 was Moonscars, developed by Black Mermaid and published by Humble Games. Moonscars takes place in a unique world where the majority of creatures have been crafted from clay and bone by a mysterious figure known only as "the Sculptor." Grey Irma, the main character, desires to track down the Sculptor to learn why she was created and what happened to humankind.
The game, which combines elements of platforming and side-scrolling action with a unique "Blood Moon" option for increasing combat difficulty, is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Neon White
Sleek, snappy, and anime-inspired, Annapurna Interactive's Neon White was designed for speedrunners. The game sees players take on the role of the titular character, a demon hunter desperate to cut down enemies as quickly as possible in order to earn a place in Heaven. Neon White's one-of-a-kind gameplay draws elements from the action-adventure, puzzles, and first-person shooter genres. It also received praise for its compelling cast of characters, primarily the other "Neon" bounty hunters, whose stories and motivations are gradually revealed during Neon White's journey.
It is available now for Nintendo Switch and PC.
Nobody Saves the World
Beginning as a featureless "Nobody," the player character of this top-down action role-playing game gradually gains the ability to transform into a variety of forms ranging from the gooey Slug to the powerful Dragon. The transformation mechanic keeps Nobody Saves the World feeling fresh as players explore procedurally generated dungeons, complete quests, and upgrade their forms and abilities.
This title from Guacamelee! creator DrinkBox Studios is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
NORCO
The point-and-click genre is a classic one that continues to see new reinventions by talented creators throughout the decades and console generations. The latest - and perhaps one of the greatest - entry into this proud tradition is NORCO, which takes place in an alternate version of the titular Louisiana town. Developer Yuts was inspired by his real-life experiences watching the town of Norco be transformed by the effects of the petroleum industry, and protagonist Kay's journey conveys that to the player in a captivating, emotional manner.
After a period of PC exclusivity, NORCO released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X in late November.
Saturnalia
Italian developer Santa Ragione serves up a truly terrifying experience in Saturnalia, a survival horror title set in the fictional village of Gravoi. Bizarre customs and secret rituals come to light as the player explores the town to learn more about what is truly going on during the Winter Solstice celebration. The game's stunning art evokes a feeling of claustrophobia as the town truly seems to close in around the player and vaguely-seen demons haunt them from around every corner. Saturnalia sets itself apart from other horror games with its rotating cast of characters and Gravoi's constantly shifting layout; indeed, even the town itself is working against the player in this spooky title.
Saturnalia is currently available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S,
Signalis
In many ways, 2022 was a year of spine-chilling horror games, and Humble Games and Playisms' Signalis was no exception. Adding third-person shooter and puzzle elements to classic survival horror gameplay, Signalis challenges players to explore the remote, deadly ice world of Leng while tackling philosophical questions about the nature of humanity. The plot of Signalis centers around Elster, a Replika android searching for her missing Gestalt (human) partner. The player's decisions and playstyle can lead to one of several endings, creating a rich, character-driven story with high replay value.
Signalis is currently available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
SteelRising
Automatons once again take center stage in SteelRising, an alternate history tale set in Revolution-era France. Players take on the role of Aegis, a lone automaton, who is challenged to save the true course of history by defeating a mechanical army led by the bloodthirsty Louis XVI. SteelRising is the latest title from GreedFall developer Spiders Games and features the studio's signature combination of action-based gameplay and rich historical settings. The game received praise for its "Soulsborne" inspirations and the significant impact player choices have on the story's final outcome.
SteelRising is available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Thymesia
In a year when Elden Ring dominated the fantasy scene, it was unfortunately easy for games like Thymesia to fall through the cracks, but the dark fantasy action title from Team17 and OverBorder Studio is worth checking out for anyone looking for a challenging yet satisfying gaming experience. Thymesia stands apart from other Soulslike titles for its system of using the plague ravaging the world to improve the player's weapons and combat abilities.
Thymesia is currently available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Vampire Survivors
Possibly the most hidden of 2022's "hidden gems," Vampire Survivors began its life on itch.io with a purchase price of $3.99. This roguelike/shoot-em-up hybrid quickly gained popularity for its addictive, fast-paced gameplay loop, pixel art style reminiscent of classic Castlevania games, and absolutely chaotic one-versus-many battles. Players must choose one of several characters, many of whom are vampires, each with different weapons and powers, and survive hordes upon hordes of monsters in a variety of cursed, haunted locations.
Originally releasing as a PC exclusive, Vampire Survivors was later ported to Xbox One and Xbox Series X.