As far as virtual adventures are concerned, 2022 has been rather good for us gaming fans. And even though Xbox Series X|S didn't receive any heavy-hitting exclusive Triple-A titles, there are still plenty of games for Xbox owners to sink their teeth into. And don't worry, games like Senua's Saga: Hellblade II and Starfield are on the horizon.
In closing out the year, however, there are a number of titles that have received high praise from fans and critics alike. On the Xbox platform, these games range from the much-anticipated new adventure from famed developer FromSoftware, Elden Ring, to the nostalgic throwback of the '90s-era side-scrolling beat 'em ups with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge.
10 Elden Ring
FromSoftware has a reputation for crafting brutally difficult action RPG titles. However, the hype revolving around Elden Ring rocketed this title sky-high as one of the most popular in the FromSoftware pantheon yet. Set in the mystical Lands Between, you are the Tarnished and must travel the lands battling demigods and monsters, exploring lore-rich locales, and finding the best loot along the way to becoming the Elden Lord.
Not only is the game another achievement of the development team at FromSoftware, but it's also a collaborative effort on the narrative front with George R. R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Fire, which was famously adapted into the HBO series Game of Thrones. If you haven't checked it out yet, you're doing yourself a disservice.
9 Pentiment
While not an AAA title, this adventure is a brilliantly crafted game by Microsoft-owned developer Obsidian Entertainment and is exclusively available on PC and the Xbox platforms. Pentiment's greatest feature is its narrative. The visual design of the world and characters are ripped right out of a centuries-old manuscript.
Set in Bavaria during the 16th century, players control Andreas Maler, a protagonist who must investigate murder and conspiracy at the heart of this story. Pentiment is bound to be one of the most unique titles you've played to date.
8 Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
This release might be an expansion of the original Cuphead game, but it stands remarkably well all on its own. The Delicious Last Course even received its own glowing set of reviews from critics and can be found on Metacritic with a stellar score.
This update to the whimsical 2D action platformer sees Ms. Chalice join Cuphead and Mugman on a new adventure on Inkwell Isle. Initially a spirit, Chalice can take on a corporeal form once one of the two brothers eats an Astral Cookie. Ultimately, the trio of characters must stop Chef Saltbaker's heinous schemes.
7 Deathloop
Deathloop may have launched on the PS5 in 2021, but its timed exclusivity allowed the title to come to the Xbox platform in 2022. This killer title from Arkane Studios sees Colt Vahn, a former security officer for a strange program on Blackreef island, get pulled into a time loop. He must relive the same day over and over again until he finds a way to kill all eight visionaries behind the program and stop the Loop.
This FPS title is set in an alternate 1960s and exudes the vibrant styles of that era. Furthermore, the character-driven plot will leave players engaged all the way until the game's climactic finale.
6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
From developer Tribute Games comes this nostalgic trip back in time to the heyday of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Shredder's Revenge makes every effort to recall not only the classic TV series but also the side-scrolling beat 'em ups that came before. Play as any one of the turtles, April O'Neil, or Master Splinter in this fun-filled romp.
Uniquely, the game incorporates modern upgrades to the classic arcade style that gives this title a bit more longevity among players than just one simple playthrough. Additionally, fans and their friends can really pound the pavement of New York City with six players on screen all at once, locally or online.
5 A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Innocence introduced players to Amicia de Rune and her younger brother. Set during the 1300s, these two French youths must find safety amid a world ravaged by hordes of rats spreading the black plague. The sequel, Requiem, takes place months later as Amicia and her brother seek refuge alongside their mother, Beatrice, and their best friend from the previous game, Lucas. But of course, scheming among the Order of alchemists and the plague-spreading rats catch up with them.
A Plague Tale: Requiem has bouts of action, stealth, adventure, and survival horror all wrapped up into one solid game. The horrors of this world will surely keep players on their toes.
4 Rogue Legacy 2
Roguelikes are all the rage these days. And despite the graphical prowess of modern machines, there are many gaming fans who enjoy the simplicity of 2D dungeon crawlers. Rogue Legacy 2, the sequel to the 2013 release, is that very title. Players must choose between classes that range from knights who use the expected melee weapons to mages who cast magic.
Of course, just like any roguelike, being killed lands players back at the beginning. But utilizing permanent upgrades will bolster your character in the fight. Don't sleep on Rogue Legacy 2 simply because it's not a Triple-A release.
3 Tunic
Fans of isometric action-adventure games will be in for a treat with Tunic. This game released in March 2022 and clearly homages The Legend of Zelda in many ways. This can be seen from the art direction to the very title, Tunic, which recalls Link's iconic green adventure-ware.
Players control an anthropomorphic fox who must battle his way through a fantasy land and solve environmental puzzles along the journey. Those looking to escape the complexities of modern AAA titles in favor of something far more simplistic should look no further.
2 Marvel's Midnight Suns
This strategy RPG puts players in control of their own superhero within the Marvel universe, known simply as The Hunter. This character rubs shoulders with the likes of Iron Man, Captain America, Ghost Rider, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and Wolverine, among others. Combat is turn-based, and players will be able to choose the abilities of their Hunter character.
Marvel's Midnight Suns introduces players to a new story set in the Marvel universe. Fans of Insomniac's Marvel's Spider-Man on PlayStation platforms and PC might be intrigued to know that the same voice actor, Yuri Lowenthal, reprises his role as Spider-Man in this adventure.
1 Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Hailed as the biggest Lego game ever created, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga collects all nine films into one galactic bunch. Star Wars fans will surely get lost in this world filled to the brim with collectibles, characters, and famous Star Wars locations.
Who wouldn't love running across the galaxy to battle the dark side of the force throughout varying terrains and aerial battles? TT Games pulled out all the stops with updated shooting and flight mechanics, making gameplay completely intuitive. As far as Star Wars games go, this is the one to beat.