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There’s a reason why shooter games are consistent best-sellers around the world, thanks in part to their ability to deliver some of the most exciting gameplay around within their genre. The big difference here is that shooter games are more than just reasons to deliver a small package of lead at terminal velocity, as plenty of developers have turned the genre into a more experimental and colorful category within the gaming space.
2022 has seen some incredibly experimental titles find great success on the global stage, with one of the best examples being Neon White. A tale of saints and sinners battling for a chance at redemption in a heavenly tournament, Neon White uses the genre to create a speedrunning tour de force that emphasizes speedy precision over blazing guns. Another example from this year would be Metal: Hellsinger, a hellborn adventure where matching your actions to the beat of the death metal music around you is just as important as a quick squeeze of the trigger.
For anyone looking for a pure simulator of all-out action though, there was still plenty on offer. This year’s latest Call of Duty game, Modern Warfare II, kept the action realistic and exciting, while Sniper Elite 5 reminded everyone about the violence that a single bullet can do to evil Nazi war machines. Whatever your taste, there was plenty to enjoy this year.
We’ve gathered the best of the best in the shooter genre according to the critical numbers from GameSpot’s sister site Metacritic, and if you’re looking for more lists detailing 2022’s excellent games, you can check out the best PC, Xbox, and PlayStation games of the year.