The 20 Best Video Games of 2022 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 7, 2022

Which games impressed professional reviewers the most during the first half of the year? Above, we rank the best-reviewed videogames released between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022 by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion.

Note that ...

If a game was released on multiple platforms, we included only the version receiving the largest total number of reviews (usually, but not always, the PS5 or PS4 version).

Multi-game compilations and newly released ports of games released in prior years on other platforms are excluded, unless they are substantially different from the prior release(s) (for example, an HD remaster of a previous-gen game that also adds some new content). We have also excluded DLC.

16 of 21 photo by Cellar Door Games

88 #5 (tie): Rogue Legacy 2

Arriving almost a decade after the original Rogue Legacy, this even better sequel is another "roguelite" platformer from Cellar Door Games. Rogue Legacy 2 is exclusive to Microsoft platforms 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.

“Improved in every single aspect, Rogue Legacy 2 is not only a fantastic sequel, it's simply one of the best rogue-lites we've played in years.” —PC Games

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