Game of the year: Stephen’s top 5 PS5, PS4 games of 2022

Our individual Game of the Year articles allow our lovely team of writers to share their personal PS5 and PS4 picks for 2022. Today, it’s Associate Editor Stephen Telby’s turn.

I played the original on an old laptop in 2013, and it was amazing. The Ultra Deluxe version is even better. The way this game plays with the concept of interactive storytelling, all the witty jokes about the industry, and how many times it genuinely made me laugh — it’s a rare and unique experience. With all the new content this version has to offer, The Stanley Parable arrived on console in the best possible way, and I loved every second of it. Certainly not for everyone, but it definitely is for me.

Historically, I’ve always been indifferent to Gran Turismo, and so I didn’t expect to enjoy or play the latest iteration. Against all odds, I actually played it. Although I haven’t reached the end of the single player part yet, I can say that I am loving Gran Turismo 7. The handling is excellent, feels realistic but not punishing, and the presentation is one of the best in the business. Why is it clicked this time? I think its slow and steady progression makes it incredibly easy for newcomers, plus its very specific charm is hard to deny. I get it now. Gran Turismo is great.

There have been a lot of great indie games this year, but I think the one I enjoyed the most was Cult of the Lamb. It’s just such a well-executed concept. The loop is very compelling — going out on rogue-lite dungeons to gather resources and find new followers, then returning home, where it becomes an addictive base-building game, in turn fueling you for your next battle. is The gameplay is simple but very satisfying, and it’s just the right length. A hilariously serious good time from start to finish.

Horizon Zero Dawn was such a fantastic first attempt at an open world RPG from Guerrilla Games, and its sequel improves on basically everything. Combat is seriously good fun, with multiple ways to deal with all the metal creatures. I think the map is rich and varied, offering a lot to see and do on a trip west of Aloy. Even the characters are much better realized this time around, and the same goes for the tribal politics side of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey provided by Horizon Forbidden West, and while the narrative may not offer the same sense of mystery as the original, it still manages to surprise with many twists and turns. I’m excited to jump back in when the Burning Shores DLC comes out.

It’s hardly a surprise, but, well, I don’t know what to tell you. For me, this is the best game of 2022. The amazing adventure it takes you on, the chunky combat, the amazing art direction, the amazing ensemble cast — I love it all. It’s a big, glossy blockbuster, and it’s a very, very good one that builds on its predecessor in every way. I also love the slow bits that people hate – in fact, those parts are some of my favorite parts. When I got to the credits and saw everything there was to see, I didn’t want to stop playing. I would have happily kept going for another 10 hours. Just top drawer stuff.

What do you think of Stephen’s personal Game of the Year picks? Feel free to agree wholeheartedly, or be relentlessly rude in the comments section below.