Hidden Gems From 2022 to Try in 2023

As the year goes on, I like to keep my eye on games that might slip past people. These are usually games that don’t make a huge impact on Steam charts, or games I don’t see people talking about. In the spirit of wrapping things up for the end of the year, here are a few games you might want to check out either over the holiday or at the start of the upcoming year.

Arcade Paradise – PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch

Ever thought about working at a laundromat? Have you ever considered running your own arcade? If you can say yes to either of those questions or if either of those things interests you, Arcade Paradise is something you should look into. You play as Ashley, who begrudgingly is forced to work at her successful father’s laundromat. Ultimately, you’ll slowly build the Laundromat from a sleepy laundry business into a successful arcade, one load of laundry at a time.

Ooblets – Switch, PC, Xbox

Do you like monster-catching games like Pokémon? If you’re looking for something like Pokémon, but with a dash of Farming and card-based gameplay thrown in, Ooblets is right up your alley. Compete with other ooblets in dance battles, then grow seeds to raise new ooblets and uncover a conspiracy at the heart of Badgetown. It is cozy, relaxing, and amazingly fun.

Ghostwire Tokyo – PlayStation 5, PC

Ghostwire Tokyo suffered from poor release timing. Releasing in March, close to Elden Ring, this stunning first-person action game flew under most people’s radar. You play as Akito, a man possessed by a spirit named K, who must fight masked figures that have somehow consumed Tokyo in a mysterious fog.

Ghostwire Tokyo is steeped in Japanese mythology, folklore, and culture, and has such a strong attention to detail that it almost makes you feel like you are exploring Tokyo yourself. Additionally, unlike a lot of Post-Apocalyptic games, you get to experience the city of Tokyo just minutes after the apocalyptic event has happened. The combat system is also really engaging too.

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever – PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Don’t let Sword and Fairy: Together Forever’s somewhat clunky English translation fool you. This release of the seventh game in the popular Chinese RPG franchise is the first major entry to release in the west, and it is stunning. From its gorgeous visuals to its engaging combat, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever will give you 20+ hours of gameplay that will make you feel like you’re experiencing a Chinese Fantasy Epic.

There are plenty of other games that released in 2022 that are worth your time. However, these four are just a few that you might have missed. There’s a little bit of something for everyone here, so whether you’re looking to buy someone a gift, or just try something different, this list should help.