There is a limited amount of time available each year.
Nintendo seems to track how many hours we play video games each year. My parents don’t want to see numbers like that, but now that I’m an adult with my own kids, I have to deal with spending 176 hours on just one game. I’m sure many others can boast more than that.
But games are fun to talk about, and even more fun to justify. Thank you Nintendo and all the developers for giving us a title that deserves double. triple Number game time.
Gemma Kasson
- Splatoon 3: This was my first foray into the world of Splatoon. For some reason, this has become the most played title of the year, probably because it’s pure fun.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Unsurprisingly, Mario Kart featured prominently on my games list for 2022. Second, because the new DLC has breathed new life into the title. And we can’t wait to see what happens next!
- Pokemon Unite: Another Surprise. I came across this game thanks to Pure He’s Nintendo Game Night earlier this year. I quickly became addicted and for months one or most nights he played two rounds. It’s very competitive, but absolutely fun. And how cute are those pocket monsters in little costumes?
Trevor Gould
- Pinball FX3 – This has been making my ‘most played list’ every year since its release. And thanks to the March addition of Indiana Jones: A Pinball Adventure, it’s back. I’d give it an even higher score than Kirk’s, but I can’t criticize a review that praises police. Is one table enough to be in your personal top 10? When to record the GOTY podcast You’ll know right away.
- In issue 62 of Sonic Origins – PNM, I created a 6-page spread for this collection. With extras and improvements (especially for Sonic CD), I think I can quickly elaborate on this collection.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 24 tracks in 3 waves in 2022!?! Let it sink in for a minute. What else can you say? A lot of people love it and it’s definitely in the top 10.
- Mega Man Legacy Collections – These represent another big PNM spread (co-authored with Jes), and I’m happy to know the magazine is getting my A-game, so to speak. These oldies are still collectibles!
- Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – I don’t often give 9 out of 10, but this one deserves it. The fact that it was only released last month and is still creeping into my “Most Played List” shows that it did something right.
Kirk Heiner
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Any Questions Really? The Xenoblade Chronicles game was at the top of these lists even before Nintendo submitted these reports. I’ve played Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for 176 hours and still have plenty of DLC. Could it also be the top most-played game of 2023? If Atelier Ryza 3 and Breath of the Wild 2 have anything to say about it.
- Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes – In 81 hours, I only dealt with one wish! I’ve never enjoyed any of the games, but these franchise mashups were worth it. At least one playthrough.
- The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles – Started with daughter Sophie for review in 2021, but she finished it on her own. After she went to college, I decided to finish what I had been missing. Overall it was fun and I’m glad I did it. 72 hours may be too long, but some of it was spent sleeping while the game was running. Have I told you before that I’m old?
Jess Taylor
- Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope – I loved the first Mario + Rabbids game and the sequel is bigger and better in every way (except getting rid of Yoshi as a playable character, which came to Ubisoft). please!!). From its redesigned combat moves, to its amazing story full of Mario Easter eggs, to its awesome soundtrack, Sparks of Hope might be on my list of GOTY for him. I’m 100% Sparks of Hope and had 62 hours of Mario and Rabbids fun.
- Splatoon 3 – Great multiplayer improvements? Check. A great single-player campaign? Check. big man? ? check. Splatoon 3 was a lot of fun to play and I immersed myself in the game for hours.Overall, in Splatoon 3 he crossed the 56 hour mark thanks to the final Splatfest. (Although I feel like there’s a certain staff member at Pure Nintendo who beat me… Hundreds of hours.)
- Overwatch 2 – I used to play Overwatch a lot when it first came out, crazy How much the game will be when it becomes free-to-play in October. Overwatch 2 isn’t for everyone, but I enjoyed playing the game with my friends. Surprisingly, it sneaked onto my most played list.
- Bear and Breakfast – One of the most anticipated games of 2022, Bear and Breakfast lived up to all expectations. I spent 38 hours on the Switch version alone (another 57 hours on PC).Now the devs are adding new content in the Winter and Spring Updates? Sign up! Is Bear and Breakfast a surprise GOTY for me? who knows?
- Say hello to Mega Man Legacy Collection! Co-authored with Trev a large PNM spread celebrating his 35th anniversary of Mega Man. It’s one of the few occasions he remembers playing and completing 11 games in three weeks. It was a lot of fun. I’m glad you agree that Mega Man 2 is the best.
