Unfortunately, 2023 wasn’t the best year for PlayStation exclusives. The only title from Sony’s stable to make it on our Game of the Year 2023 list is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. However, there were plenty of third-party masterpieces to make up for it. Check out our favorite games of the year below!

PlayStation LifeStyle Game of the Year 2023 List:

10. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Cyberpunk 2077’s had a long road to redemption. When Son kicked the game off the PlayStation Store because of technical issues, we never thought its DLC would end up on our Game of the Year list two years later. Phantom Liberty has enough content to be a game in its own right and offers an alternate take on how V’s journey could have ended up. Unfortunately, the DLC and the 2.0 update that launched alongside it are only available on PS5. However, if you have the PS4 version, you can still upgrade for free!

Buy Cyberpunk 2077 on Amazon

9. Final Fantasy 16

It seems inevitable that Final Fantasy 16 will be one of the more divisive entries in the series. It primarily concentrates on one character, Clive Rosfield, as opposed to a huge party, and the story is focused on his perspective. For some fans, that eschews franchise tradition, but we appreciated the narrowed focus compared to Final Fantasy 15, which was a bit all over the place. Clive’s story stands out as one of the more poignant we’ve seen in a Final Fantasy, and it’s a spectacle to behold.

Buy Final Fantasy 16 on Amazon

8. Assassin’s Creed Mirage

This pseudo-prequel to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla takes the series back to its roots and pays homage to the original. Unlike the sprawling epics we’ve gotten in the last few entries, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is localized to 9th-century Baghdad and ditches many of the role-playing elements to emphasize stealth, assassinations, and parkour. We couldn’t help but be relieved to play a distilled experience, and Basim Ibn Ishaq’s origin story reminded us why we fell in love with the franchise in the first place.

Buy Assassin’s Creed Mirage on Amazon

7. Hogwarts Legacy

Despite the controversy surrounding the Harry Potter franchise, Hogwarts Legacy managed to captivate us with its rendition of the titular wizarding school and the surrounding countryside. For those of us who grew up alongside Harry, the chance to attend Hogwarts was a dream come true. Exploring its nooks and crannies, attending classes, and seeing the many easter eggs the developers included was a treat. Where Hogwarts Legacy goes above and beyond, though, is that the gameplay is fun enough to stand on its own merits. Even if this is your first visit to Hogwarts, you can still have a blast and leave wanting more.

Buy Hogwarts Legacy on Amazon

6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order itched the scratch Star Wars fans had for years when it was released in 2019, and we couldn’t wait to get back to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It’s everything the first game was, but bigger and better. Cal gets more abilities and equipment, environments are more expensive, and we even get to chill in a cantina whenever we want. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor provides the excitement that most of Disney’s projects have lacked and has done much more to keep the franchise alive than it gets credit for.

Buy Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on Amazon

5. Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 is our favorite fighting game of the year because of its respect for newcomers and veterans. It’s an excellent point to enter the series, thanks to its revamped mechanics and multiple control options. However, it still retains enough of the franchise’s traditions to keep from alienating those who cut their teeth on SF 2-5. We also loved the absolutely bonkers story mode that channeled Yakuza to make one of the best create-a-fighter experiences ever. If you have even a little interest in the fighting genre, it’s worth checking this game out.

Buy Street Fighter 6 on Amazon

4. Resident Evil 4 remake

Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the series when it debuted in 2005 and is lauded as one of the best games ever. Its influence on gaming as a whole is so strong that many doubted that a remake could do it justice. However, Capcom managed to pull off a fantastic retelling that complements the original perfectly. Almost every aspect of the original has been remade or expanded, and the updated gameplay makes blasting through Ganados a thrill. Resident Evil 4 remake is another excellent entry in the alternate continuity started with RE2 remake, and we’re excited to see which game gets reimagined next (fingers crossed for Code Veronica)!

Buy Resident Evil 4 remake on Amazon

3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel’s Spider-Man and its Miles Morales-centric follow-up were hard acts to follow. Somehow, Insomniac Games managed to outdo themselves and then some with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Peter Parker and Miles join forces to take on a multitude of threats while navigating their personal lives. From Kraven the Hunter’s militaristic menace to the symbiote Venom sapping Peter of both his good nature and healthy relationships, this gutsy sequel took an already solid foundation and gave both heroes an expanded inventory of unlockable abilities, gadgets, and suits with which fans could explore and defend New York City. While this movie could have resulted in a tired storyline or rote gameplay loop, instead it strengthened an already excellent series with thoughtful writing, inclusive characters, and comic book-powered combat to satisfy all players. The biggest problem with this tandem adventure is that it eventually has to end.

Buy Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on Amazon

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Player agency has been a hot topic in the gaming industry for decades. Some studios like to keep players focused on the task at hand, while others open their worlds up for a bit more interaction. However, with Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios went beyond this. It removed practically all limitations to how a player could affect their surroundings. See a locked door? You can talk the key out of an NPC, blow it down, find a hidden route to completely bypass it, or simply ignore it. The challenge in this CRPG is to find your way, and there are so many possibilities and so much raw content that everyone’s playthrough will be different.

1. Alan Wake 2

It took 13 years for Alan Wake 2 to be released, but the wait was worth it. FBI agent Saga Anderson joins Alan’s struggle to escape the Dark Place, and we’re once again thrust into the madness surrounding the town of Bright Falls. The plot is a roller coaster examining family, religion, and the supernatural, and it had us hooked from beginning to end. Excellent pacing keeps the lengthy story from becoming a slog, and the ability to alternate between Saga and Alan’s story means each player will have a slightly different experience during their playthrough. While it’s rooted in survival horror, we recommend this game to anyone who wants a strong single-player experience.

The post PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2023 appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring has won more Game of the Year awards than any other game in history so far, surpassing the previous record holder The Last of Us Part 2. This is according to the eagle-eyed users at Resetera, who have meticulously tallied every GotY awarded from eligible media outlets and reader’s choice polls.

At the time of this writing, Elden Ring currently has around “323 or 324” Game of the Year awards (and it may have more by the end of the day), which just edges out the 322 GotY awards that The Last of Us Part 2 accumulated in 2020.

God of War Ragnarok almost stopped Elden Ring GotY record

For clarity, the first post in the Resetera thread currently indicates that Elden Ring has 321 GotY awards, with 278 coming from media outlets and 43 coming from reader’s choice. But as pointed out by one user, “the exact figure is 323 or 324” due to new submissions. A post after that includes additional submissions that “should count” toward Elden Ring’s final tally as well.

God of War Ragnarok is second on the list with a total of 74 Game of the Year awards, which almost stopped Elden Ring from taking the new GotY record. This is despite God of War Ragnarok beating Elden Ring as PlayStation blog’s GotY for 2022, though Elden Ring came out on top to win our Game of the Year award as well as the GotY category at The Game Awards 2022.

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2022 was a big year for PS5 owners. A number of major console exclusives launched on the PlayStation platform this year, while several third-party developers also knocked it out of the part with huge releases across a variety of genres. But there can only be one Game of the Year 2022, so here’s PlayStation LifeStyle’s selection of our favorite games this year, including the one title that was a cut above the rest.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

10. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and its standalone expansion The Lost Legacy received the current-gen treatment this year, boasting a number of PS5-specific additions that improved its performance and visuals. Naughty Dog fans may be impatiently waiting for Uncharted 5, but in the meantime, Legacy of Thieves Collection provided the perfect excuse to replay two of the series’ best entries.

9. The Last of Us Part 1

Naughty Dog returned to what is arguably its magnum opus with The Last of Us Part 1, recreating the PS3 classic on the PS5 and making a number of changes to bring it in line with its 2020 sequel. Everything from enemy AI to player movement and audio design received an overhaul, modernizing it for a brand-new audience.

8. Sifu

There were fewer experiences in 2022 more satisfying than nailing a level in Sifu. At just five stages long, Sifu may seem like a short game on paper, but the real key to success in Slocap’s beat ’em up is to master each of its stages until you can complete them while blindfolded. With incredibly smooth combat throughout its diverse, stylish environments, it’s not difficult to feel compelled to do so.

7. Ghostwire Tokyo

Ghostwire Tokyo transported players to a spooky open-world Shibuya, transformed into a literal ghost town thanks to the wandering denizens of the spirit world who have rendered its streets bereft of life. Ghostwire didn’t reinvent the wheel for open-world games, but just being able to explore its beautiful city was a real joy, as was its unique supernatural combat.

6. OlliOlli World

The world’s your skatepark in OlliOlli World, which combines the series’ addictive side-scrolling gameplay with a hub world ripped straight from Mario to provide its biggest, best entry yet. OlliOlli World deserved way more attention in 2022 than it received, as it took the most glaring issue with previous OlliOlli games — their uninspired visual design — and provided a pastel-coloured universe to grind across. This is a skateboarding game for the ‘lofi hip-hop beats to study to’ generation.

5. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo developer Polyphony Digital really loves cars. This is evident throughout Gran Turismo 7, from the automobile history lessons you receive as you progress through its campaign, to the staggering attention to detail applied to each of its 400+ cars. GT7 is a petrolhead’s dream, and while its always-online gameplay and monetization ruffled a few feathers, there simply isn’t a more impressive racing game on the PS5.

4. Horizon Forbidden West

Fewer game concepts are better than Horizon’s. A vibrant, overgrown world populated by robotic dinosaurs you take down with sci-fi spins on primitive weapons — what’s not to love? Developer Guerrilla Games didn’t mess with a winning concept, building on everything that made Zero Dawn great with Forbidden West — its world is even more gorgeous, its combat refined, and its character design second to none.

3. A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Requiem isn’t the jolliest adventure, but this bleak tale of a pair of young siblings navigating their way through a plague-infested France is one of the most gripping stories of the year. Its grim medieval world serves as the setting for one of the most beautiful games we’ve played, and with improved stealth that sees players cautiously navigating their way around enemies and hordes of rats, this is a sequel that improves upon its predecessor in every way.

2. God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok was the PS5’s 2022 blockbuster, a huge spectacle of a game that begins in the middle of a world-ending event and only ramps up the stakes from there. Continuing the 2018 reboot’s story of Kratos learning to be a good father despite his violent past, now the Ghost of Sparta and son Atreus must also contend with their destined future, all while the likes of Thor and Odin loom in the distance.

1. Elden Ring

Every time you play Elden Ring, it feels like you’re telling a story. There’s so much to discover and explore in From Software’s open-world that even after hundreds of hours invested, you can still find new areas and enemies you didn’t even know existed. This is a game with unparalleled depth and is a true step up for a genre that is regularly accused of growing stagnant. It’s a modern classic in every sense, and a deserving winner of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022.

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PlayStation Studios certainly live up to their reputation when it comes to console exclusives. Though its first-party line-up tends to earn unanimous praise, Sony doesn’t shy away from striking third-party exclusivity deals for risky endeavors, which pay off more often than not. When it comes to PlayStation, choices are plenty. From indies to AAs to AAA blockbusters, players have it all. Here are our nominations for Best PS5 and PS4 Exclusive 2022, and category winner.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. The Last of Us Part 1

The Last of Us Part 1‘s reception may have been muddled by the discourse surrounding its release and price point, but it’s impossible to deny that it was rebuilt with love, great care, and excellent attention to detail. With many PS5 players picking up a Sony console for the first time, it only makes sense to treat newcomers to one of the best PlayStation exclusives to date. Part 1 breathes new life into a 10-year-old game, with new additions like accessibility features that open the franchise up to everyone.

4. Stray

Described as an “anomaly” for its day-one release on PS Plus Extra and Premium, Stray commands attention. Playing as a cat in a neon-lit, lush world with a touching story, players will find their heartstrings tugged. Stray’s excellent art direction and environmental storytelling combined with its strong level design makes it a must-play game.

3. Ghostwire Tokyo

Ghostwire Tokyo might be the last (new) Bethesda-published game on a Sony platform, and it’s one to remember. It’s a treat for players who have a penchant for psychic and paranormal themes, and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. The protagonist’s hands are central to combat, and combine spell-casting with elements of Kuji-Kiri. Add to this the perfectly haunted semi-open world of Tokyo, and players have one of Tango Gameworks’ finest releases to date.

2. Horizon Forbidden West

Aloy is back, and she’s no longer a confused outcast. Horizon Forbidden West improved every aspect that it retained from its predecessor, and added to its world deadlier machines, smarter foes, and unique new locales that are haunting and exotic in equal parts. Those who enjoy sprawling open worlds have plenty to do, from side quests to fun activities with NPCs. Those who prefer a linear experience will enjoy the storyline. Accessibility features are the cherry on top, ensuring that Horizon Forbidden West is for everyone.

And the winner is…

1. God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok moves away from a single protagonist, offering players a chance to play as both Kratos and Atreus in a touching journey that sees the father and son duo travel to all Nine Realms with trusty friends. Ragnarok comes with a stunning cast of characters, each with an important role to play. Whether players are throwing Kratos’ magical axe around or smashing things with his Blades of Chaos, icing enemies never gets old and combat remains satisfying from start to finish. God of War Ragnarok is well worth the four-year wait, and one of the best PS5 exclusives to date.

Do you agree with our winner of Best PS5 and PS4 Exclusive 2022? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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If you’re someone that can’t get enough of those epic, 40+ hour adventures, 2022 had a solid lineup. So, if you want to lose yourself in another world, take a look at our lineup of Best RPG and JRPG games of 2022 and see which took home the prize as our overall category winner.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. Soul Hackers 2

We weren’t expecting a sequel to Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers 25 years after that game’s release, but we’re glad it happened. Soul Hackers 2 is an excellent spin on the standard Megami Tensei formula, and we loved its unique style compared to the core series and Persona.

4. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

This Final Fantasy spin-off by Team Ninja is one of the weirdest entries in the franchise. It alternates between being goofy and poignant and has all the makings of a cult classic. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin might be divisive, but it’s got character, and we ended up falling in love with it.

3. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 – Reunion

What’s old is new again with Square Enix’s pseudo-remake of Crisis Core. The PSP original never made it to digital, so it was high time it got a modern refresh. Thankfully, the devs went above and beyond with updated graphics and refined combat. Considering Zach is poised to be a significant character in the remake trilogy, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 – Reunion is pretty much a must-play before Rebirth releases at the end of 2023.

2. Horizon Forbidden West

It’s a testament to Guerilla Games’ prowess that Horizon Forbidden West released the week before Elden Ring and was still able to hold its own. The second part of Aloy’s journey is even bigger than the last and takes us through the southwestern deserts of the US to the emerald bays of California. It’s gorgeous and engaging all the way from start to finish.

And the winner is….

1. Elden Ring

The trailer that introduced us to Elden Ring teased us with the line, “I doubt you could even imagine it.” Little did we know this would be one of the few games in recent memory to not only live up to the hype but exceed it. FromSoftware carved a niche for itself with Dark Souls, but Elden Ring has made it a household name.

Starting as lowly tarnished, the game has infinite role-playing possibilities. Maybe you’re a long-dead knight, raised to fight one last battle, or a fledgling wizard called to cast your magic in the name of the Golden Order. The fate of the Lands Between is yours to weave, which makes Elden Ring the best RPG of 2022.

The post PSLS’s Game of the Year Awards: Best RPG and JRPG Games 2022 appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Action and adventure games are two of the most common genres, especially when they’re combined. The PSLS Game of the Year for this genre had quite a bit of competition, but was it a Norse God, a plague of rats, or another game that managed to grab the best Action and Adventure game award for 2022? Here are our top five action and adventure games.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. Tunic

Tunic is the closest PlayStation gamers will likely get to The Legend of Zelda. A small fox finds himself stranded in a ruined land, left to contend with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters. The game is perfect for those that love exploration and solving puzzles, and especially for those who don’t want their hands held along the way seeing as you’re putting together the instruction manual as you progress.

4. Cult of the Lamb

A small lamb having to build a cult with tiny woodland creatures doesn’t sound like a terribly exciting game until you throw in annihilation, dark rituals, other cults, and an ominous stranger. A mix of base building, people management, and combat, the game was a surprise hit earlier in the year and a worthy contender for the list.

3. The Quarry

The last day of summer camp is the latest subject to get a dose of Supermassive Games’ brand of horror. The decisions of the player are the deciding factor for whether the camp counselors die at the hands of bloodthirsty killers hunting them down. For a new take on a family holiday game, you can even grab friends and family for everyone to vote on decisions, giving a perfect excuse to have a heated argument if that’s your thing.

2. A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Innocence was an underrated gem and its sequel improves on that in every way. The story continues the adventures of Amicia and Hugo and their heart-wrenching struggle for survival and a cure for Hugo’s curse. The game does not outstay its welcome, something that will be a boon for those with a fear of floods of devouring rats.

And the winner is…

1. God of War Ragnarok

There wasn’t ever going to be much competition for the top spot after Santa Monica’s Kratos and Atreus came crashing back onto our consoles last month. Gathering universal critical acclaim, the game concludes the two-part Norse era saga by giving players to option to blast through the story or to take their time with side missions and other distractions. Congratulations to God of War Ragnarok for winning the PSLS Action and Adventure Game of the Year for 2022.

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2022 has been a year of quality over quantity when it comes to first-person shooters. Tried-and-tested AAA releases like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Overwatch 2 were accompanied by fresh-thinking games like Metal: Hellsinger and Prodeus. Whatever your preferred flavor of FPS, 2022 has had something for you. When it comes to crowning the champion, however, there’s only room for one. Here are PlayStation LifeStyle’s Best FPS 2022 nominations and overall winner.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. Prodeus

Prodeus takes the retro FPS formula made popular in the 90s and makes it more accessible with a compelling checkpoint system and the ability to play co-op with up to three others. It’s simultaneously a great entry point for newcomers to the genre and a well-polished boomer shooter that will please even the most hardcore Doom fanatic. Well-tuned gameplay and fantastic art direction make Prodeus stand out.

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Following on from the successful MW (2019) reboot, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 offers an entertaining campaign, a solid online multiplayer experience, and a huge arsenal of unlocks that will keep players locked in for countless hours. With free maps, modes, and weapons promised in the seasons to come, MW2 is one of the best FPS games of 2022 and, potentially, beyond.

3. Metal: Hellsinger

Combine the fast and frenetic shooting of Doom with rhythm game mechanics and what do you get? It’s Metal: Hellsinger, an FPS that teaches players to adapt to the beat of various epic metal tracks. Once players are in-tune with the unique mechanics, the real fun starts, with combos stacking up as players move from enemy to enemy, taking them down with well-timed blasts to the face.

2. Call of Duty: Warzone 2

Call of Duty: Warzone 2 manages to be bigger and better than the original, implementing key changes that enhance the gameplay experience on a whole new map. Battle royale has never felt this good, nor challenging, as the unpredictable shrinking safe zone pushes players to move out of their comfort zone and adapt in an often chaotic final showdown. The battle royale formula still works and Warzone 2 is one of the best iterations out there.

1. Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 earns PlayStation LifeStyle’s Best FPS 2022 award thanks to a number of big upgrades. First, the sequel is free-to-play, making Overwatch’s satisfying competitive hero shooter gameplay accessible to all. Additionally, there’s the new Push map type, which is a real test of teamwork and team composition with enough depth to entertain for hours upon hours. Finally, there are the hero reworks that help classic characters adapt to the faster pace, while new faces like Kiriko show the great potential of what’s to come from future heroes.

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2022 has been a good year for horror games. Although players didn’t quite get blockbusters like Resident Evil, valiant efforts by a number of development studios saw fresh, new horror IPs introduced. There’s no shortage of terrifying experiences for PS5 and PS4 players but looking specifically at games released this year, here are our nominations for Best Horror Game 2022, and overall category winner.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. Dying Light 2

Dying Light 2 does a fantastic job of raising tension and keeping adrenaline pumping, with some of the best parkour mechanics to boot. It manages to stand out in what many consider an oversaturated genre by offering a generous open world laced with threats, and an enjoyable narrative and side missions. Dying Light 2’s world is dark, but it makes zombie bashing fun. Fans will agree that this sequel is worth the 7-year wait.

4. Madison

Madison is a psychological horror game that offers plenty of jump scares. With engaging puzzles, an eerie atmosphere, and a terrifying story, players might find themselves shifting uncomfortably in their seats, especially with a good pair of headphones on. Those who enjoy being on the edge of their seat will certainly enjoy Madison’s gory journey.

3. Ghostwire Tokyo

Ghostwire Tokyo is a spooky combination of psychic and paranormal themes. Due to the protagonist using his hands for combat, players get up close and personal with some terrifying-looking entities reminiscent of antagonists in classics like Clock Tower. The semi open world of Tokyo is haunted by Yokai at every corner, making players watch every step. However, that doesn’t guarantee they won’t be ambushed by headless schoolchildren…

2. Signalis

Signalis isn’t a conventional horror game, but its third-person top-down 2.5D gameplay sets it apart from the rest. With an engaging and sinister plot inspired by popular literary works, fans of classic horror games will be pleasantly surprised by just how well Signalis’ narrative and gameplay mechanics have been executed by a two-person development team. The game has four endings, offering excellent replay value and a bang for one’s buck.

And the winner is…

1. The Quarry

If Urban Legend (1998) and Jeepers Creepers (2001) had a baby, you’d get The Quarry. Supermassive Games assembled a star-studded cast to pay homage to 90s horror movies, having evidently learned quite a few lessons from PS4 exclusive Until Dawn. The Quarry’s cast might fool players into thinking that it’s yet another teen horror movie in video game form, but its story is surprisingly original. With superb acting and some bizarre, unexpected twists and turns, The Quarry is a game worth experiencing.

What’s your favorite horror game of 2022? Share your picks in the comments below.

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Open-world games are popular right now with plenty of players demanding that they’re kept occupied for many, many hours, the result being that the PSLS Game of the Year for this genre had plenty of competition in 2022. From Aloy’s latest battle against rogue machines in Horizon Forbidden West to becoming a mighty Elden Lord in Elden Ring’s The Lands Between, there’s something to suit all tastes and ages. Here are our top five open-world games.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. Sonic Frontiers

Opinions on the blue hedgehog’s latest outing have certainly been divided, but we found a world that is pleasant to explore and can be a lot of fun. It’s certainly a step in the right direction for Sonic after some disappointing games.

4. Gotham Knights

With Batman dead, nobody was sure how a new batch of heroes would be able to fill his shoes. While performance issues initially plagued the game’s release, a series of patches has vastly improved the experience and make this open-world, action RPG a worthy romp through Gotham City.

3. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

All nine Skywalker saga films have been thrown into a single game that’s bigger and better than any of the LEGO Star Wars predecessors. The masses of content include over 300 playable characters, more than 100 vehicles, and 23 planets to explore in the downtime between the different storylines. Great for children and adults alike, this is a great game to play in co-op with friends and family.

2. Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West improves on Zero Dawn in so many different ways. The huge sandbox has all manner of activities to keep players entertained and it is possible to wander around the beautiful world for hours. The story and combat remain high points for the series, while other features like traversal and side quests have been enhanced. Those who enjoyed Aloy’s previous adventures should definitely consider adding this one to the collection.

And the winner is…

1. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s newest Souls-like game took everyone by surprise when its popularity trounced Horizon Forbidden West and propelled it into the limelight during the first months of 2022. Proving that many people are up for a challenge, millions of gamers have tried to become a mighty Elden Lord in the Lands Between with varying degrees of success. To keep players returning to the PSLS Open-World Game of the Year for 2022, the recent Colosseum update unlocked more areas and there is even more DLC promised for the future.

Do you agree with our winner for Best Open-World Game 2022? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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This year, sports fans had plenty of games to keep them busy. Whether you fancy racers, hitting the links, or pulling off some skateboard tricks, 2022 delivered a little of everything. In addition to the next entry in the beloved Gran Turismo series, fans also had a chance to experience something new and unique with games like Cursed to Golf. Whatever sport you gravitate to, it’s always fun to experience its gaming analog. So here are the Best Sports and Racing Games of 2022.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. GRID Legends

Grid Legends is a unique racer that packs over 130 tracks to compete on. That includes real-life locations like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Suzuka International Racing Course, with more than 100 vehicles to choose from.

Drift cars, electric vehicles, stadium trucks — you name it, it’s here. You can even create custom races with your own routes down to personalized rules. It has a little something for all racing fans, including a narrative-based career mode and support for 22-player multiplayer.

4. Cursed to Golf

It can be challenging to make golf appeal to all audiences, but the sports-centric roguelike Cursed to Golf manages to do just that.

Its wacky narrative forces a deceased golfer to complete an 18-hole course in Golf Purgatory if they want to come back to life. But the ghostly Scotsman warns them that if they use too many strokes on a single hole, they’ll need to return to the beginning of the course. With 70 different predesigned levels and truly out-there environments to golf in, this is one take on the classic sport that feels unique in just about every way.

3. Need for Speed: Unbound

The Need for Speed franchise has seen several style evolutions over the years, but none so much as Need for Speed Unbound.

With developer Criterion returning for its first title since 2012’s Most Wanted, it makes for arcade-style racing that feels great out of the gate. The heavily stylized art style combines cel shading and realism in ways that look and feel impossibly cool. Its story-based adventure raises the stakes, and street racing missions combined with the open world to explore make this Need for Speed one of our favorite racers of the year – oh, and the customizable anime wraps for the cars help, too.

2. Gran Turismo 7

When it comes to racing sims, no one does it quite like the Gran Turismo series, and Gran Turismo 7 was an especially excellent installment.

With the return of its single-player campaign, it provides more than just great racing. It also builds a fun narrative that helps players learn about the cars they’re driving and gives them a reason to keep pushing. With over 400 cars to collect and dozens of tracks to race on, this is the premier racing sim experience of the year and our runner-up for our favorite sports or racing game of 2022.

And the winner is…

1. OlliOlli World

OlliOlli World is an ambitious skateboarding simulator where the entire world of Radlandia is a skate park. Crafted by the in-game gods of skating themselves, there are rails to grind and kickflips to perform wherever you look. Roll7 has crafted an addictive 2D platformer that seamlessly incorporates skateboarding in just about every fiber of its being.

Pulling off tricks feels effortless, and you feel like a veritable pro skater with each completed challenge. There’s so much to explore and plenty to accomplish, and you’ll spend hours working to do it all. With its wacky environments, endearing pixel art, and accessibility for players of all ages, it’s easy to see why we’ve selected OlliOlli World as our favorite sports game of 2022.

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