Whether you’re a fan of pizza-gobbling mutant turtles or the pistol-wielding witch on the Switch, 2022 was a breakout year for action games. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Bayonetta 3 showed these much loved icons are still at the top of their game, while Sifu’s brutal learning curve made it all the more satisfying when everything clicked. Cult of the Lamb is as adorable as it is unsettling and don’t be fooled by Vampire Survivor’s simplistic looks, because underneath the pixel art is a roguelike that’ll keep you hooked.
These are the Best Action Games of 2022. Make sure you come back next week to find out the winner!
Bayonetta 3
The 8-year wait for Bayonetta 3 and the return of our favorite Umbra Witch was a tough one, but the new over-the-top-in-the-best-way adventure we received was more than worth it. The Bayonetta franchise has already been known for having one of the best combat systems in all of gaming, and this third entry just took it to a new level. From the Demon Slave mechanic system that lets you control your massive demonic summons in battle to Bayonetta’s deadly, stylish, and varied weapons that each have their own skill trees, there was hardly a dull moment to be had and the Switch performance issues and slightly disappointing story faded away each time a battle begun.
Cult of the Lamb
Cult of the Lamb has a perfect title as it adequately conveys that you are getting yourself into an adorable game with fuzzy animals that also happens to be surprisingly dark. We can go on for hours about the wonderfully fun base-management game and the oh-so-cute animals that are part of a club they have no right being in, but we can’t stop thinking about the roguelite’s combat. Cult of the Lamb’s runs aren’t as long as a game like Hades, but the fun had in these short, randomized levels is just as good as the competition. The combat is simple, but it has been tinkered to greatness by the development team as each action feels just so right. Switching from an attack with your axe to a special “curse” power to a dodge-roll that is as responsive as ever is something we wish we could transport into other games.
Sifu
Sifu asks a fascinating question, “what if Tekken were an arcade brawler?” It’s a study in action and reaction, counterattacks, and timing, with each encounter potentially being fatal. Its secret ingredient is its unique aging system, which sees the protagonist grow progressively older with each successive attempt. This further deepens the strategy and the challenge, with younger versions being healthy but inexperienced, and older ages being powerful but frail. Add in some high-quality art design, and Sifu becomes one of 2022’s standout action games – a novel concept backed by outstanding execution. The brawler genre has never felt so vibrant as it does now.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
We haven’t had a Ninja Turtle game that made everyone want to shout “cowabunga!” in a while, but TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge did just that. It’s a flashback in the best possible way to everything that made us fall in love and shell (heh) out all of our parent’s money on video games as children. The action is just as fast and upgraded with new abilities, including powerful specials. The game’s storyline and stages are filled with fun references and take us to new locations and various remixed places from previous titles. The six player co-op and the cast of characters paired with the dynamic soundtrack will bring you back anytime friends want to play. Just good luck with grabbing Donatello.
Vampire Survivors
For a game seemingly so small — it’s only $3 — you may think Vampire Survivors is lacking in the potential to take on the big AAA titles like God of War Ragnarok, but, my friend, you’d be mistaken. The concept is so simple — stay alive as long as you can while an endless horde of enemies comes at you, and all you have to do is move around and not get hit while your weapons automatically attack. However, the depth of gameplay is astounding as there are so many choices you must make in each run, including which weapons you want to focus on upgrading, what items from the shop you want to stock up on cash for, and so much more. Oh, and it’s the perfect podcast game, and we all could use some more of those.
All IGN Best of Games 2022 Categories
Best Game of 2022Best Action Game of 2022Best Action-Adventure Game of 2022Best Video Game Music of 2022Best Video Game Art of 2022Best Console Exclusive of 2022Best Ongoing Game of 2022Best Performance in a Game in 2022Best Puzzle Game of 2022Best Racing Game of 2022Best RPG Game of 2022Best Shooter Game of 2022Best Game Story of 2022Best Strategy Game of 2022Noteworthy Advancement in Game Accessibility in 2022Best Gaming Hardware of 2022
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