15. Signalis
Signalis is arguably the most under-hyped nominee for Video Game of the Year. It’s a top-down survival horror game, with gorgeous pixel graphics. It’s one of those games that certain people will want to love, just because of its aesthetic vibe. Gameplay is heavier on puzzle-solving, as opposed to combat.
14. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the best JRPG of 2022. It has the same level of quality as the other Xenoblade games. The worlds are massive and unique, the story is epic, and the combat is similar. But the aspect that elevates Xenoblade Chronicles 3 a bit above its predecessors, is the quality of the characters.
13. Immortality
Immortality is the third game in Sam Barlow’s FMV series. All three games involve putting together a fractured narrative, presented as a pile of videoclips. Immortality is about an actress, who only made three movies over her decades-long career. But none of them ever got released. It’s a great mystery with some phenomenal acting.
12. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is COGconnected’s only Video Game of the Year nominee that was originally released in North America in a prior year. But the Ultra Deluxe version of The Stanley Parable actually has more content than the original game. It’s a first person mystery where different choices create very different results. It’s a must-play for anyone who’s a fan of experimental narrative.
11. Pentiment
Pentiment is another very unique experience. It looks like a 16th Century manuscript. It’s an adventure game, where the protagonist is trying to solve a murder mystery. The player has to gather clues and accuse someone of the crime. This is another Video game of the Year nominee that has a heavy focus on narrative.
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