Explosions, drama, conflict: our favorite action games of 2022
BOOM! Nothing gets the blood pumping quite like the shot of adrenaline that only a great video game can deliver. Action games may have an awesome story or superb multiplayer, but whatever the case, you know there will be intense combat and memorable set pieces. Note that we’re not including any shooters—they’re action games too, but we’ll have a separate category for them! Here are our five favorite action games of 2022.
Number 5: MultiVersus
MultiVersus single-handedly convinced me to try more fighting games. It was the first taste I got of the genre and oh golly was it an amazing bite. MultiVersus kept me addicted for weeks, thanks to its thrilling combat, iconic and cartoonish characters, and of course, that sweet, sweet feeling of beating others in a classic brawl. -@Jay Hunter
Number 4: Gotham Knights
A surprisingly deep narrative really brought Gotham Knights home for me as the Bat Family (Nightwing, Red Hood, Batgirl, and Robin/Tim Drake) attempts to piece together the events that led to Batman’s death while keeping a tenuous hold on the rampant crime in Gotham City. I expected the action in Gotham Knights to be rock solid, and it was, but it was the story that brought me back for more bat-shenanigans time and time again. -@JB
Number 3: Cult of the Lamb
I’ve always wanted to be a cult leader... Wait... I mean, I’ve always wanted to role-play as a fluffy cultist resurrected by an imprisoned deity. Thanks to Cult of the Lamb, my holiday wish came true. This game took us all by storm thanks to the adorable, cartoon-like artwork, the fun curses, the weird creatures, and the occasional ritual sacrifice. The sinister and otherworldly feeling of serving my followers meals made out of those who had previously been sacrificed just made this title all the more fun. -@StaggerLee
Number 2: Bayonetta 3
As absurd and blush-inducing as Bayonetta 3 can be, it’s one hell of a ride. This sequel is filled with great storytelling, fast-paced fighting, and head-scratching discussions about the multiverse. I can’t say I wasn’t confused at first, but after embracing the game’s outrageous theatrics, I found myself having the time of my life beating up kaiju-sized monsters in style. -@Jay Hunter
Number 1: God of War Ragnarok
It’s difficult for me to overstate just how powerfully I was impacted by the deep, emotional story of God of War Ragnarok. Yes, Kratos’s latest adventure has plenty of the bloody, over-the-top combat that the series is known for. Yes, it features a stunning fantasy landscape to explore and compelling action-RPG mechanics. But most importantly, it tells a brilliant, beautiful tale of a father learning how to love his son, and how to use that love to become a better person. I’m getting misty-eyed just thinking about it. -@Kef
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