The Best Xbox Games of 2022

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – January 2, 2023

Which Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One games impressed professional reviewers the most during the past year? We rank the best-reviewed titles released between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion. If a game appears on both Xbox platforms, only the version receiving the higher quantity of critic reviews (typically the Xbox Series X/S version) is eligible for inclusion. (All scores listed here are from December 31, 2022.)

9 of 14 photo by Cellar Door Games

90 Rogue Legacy 2

(#5) Arriving almost a decade after the original Rogue Legacy, this even better sequel is another "roguelite" platformer from Cellar Door Games. Rogue Legacy 2 was a timed exclusive for Microsoft platforms (though it's now available on the Switch as well) and features similar gameplay, which finds you exploring procedurally generated dungeons. When you die (and you will), you restart as a different character—one of your heirs—but you retain any upgrades you acquired along the way, allowing each successive generation to have a better chance at success. Changes in the sequel include 15 new character classes to choose from (each plays a bit differently), all new 2.5D graphics, and the ability to collect powerful relics.

“Rogue Legacy 2 is simply one of the best indie games ever. It manages to stay true to the original while forging its own identity in ways that make it stand out as unique and ultimately superior. You'd be a complete goof if you don't enjoy every second of it.” —Video Chums

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