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Family-friendly games are often – and unfairly – labeled as low-effort entertainment that only exists so you don’t have to worry about accidentally showing your child a gruesome death in Mortal Kombat. In 2022, games of the friendlier genre are not only fun, but some of the best entertainment of the year, and are available across multiple platforms. These are games designed to appeal to as many people as possible, often mixing high-energy designs with complex gameplay systems while somehow. still easy access to everyone in the room.
Some of the highlights of the year include Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, the second ambitious crossover between Ubisoft and Nintendo that might have you stitched up. More than just silly fun starring those vicious bunnies, Sparks of Hope is a great strategy game that pushes the genre forward in bold new directions. Tunic was also super fun, first rolling out on Xbox and PC, then six months later finally making its way to other platforms to deliver classic fun with a few modern flourishes. Kirby’s move to 3D in Kirby and the Forgotten Land is perhaps the loveliest game of the year, and it also pushes the franchise forward in fun and innovative ways.
For fans of classic style, 2022 is a fun-filled old-school buffet that can appeal to the whole family. From the action classics of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Atari 50’s exciting journey through history, this is a good year to ignite your nostalgia. We’ve rounded up the best of the best below thanks to numbers provided by GameSpot’s sister site Metacritic. For more lists, be sure to check out the best PlayStation, Xbox, and PC games of 2022.
