From higher costs due to inflation to surging RSV cases and new COVID-19 variants to school shootings and polarizing politics, the last 12 months have been a challenging one for many millions of Americans.
Perhaps it's no surprise, video games remain so popular, says the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), as a positive outlet for escapism, socializing over multiplayer matches, and a cathartic way to unwind after a tough day.
The video game trade group’s 2022 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry says about two-thirds of Americans, or about 215.5 million people, play video games today, of which 88 percent say because it relieves stress.
Thankfully, it was an extraordinarily good year for new content.
If you're shopping for a gamer on your gift list – or heck, something to treat yourself – consider one of the following console and/or PC titles, divided into various age groups.
Best games for kids
♦ LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment; from $29; for PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC)
Fusing two monstrous brands – LEGO and Star Wars – the latest from TT Games (Traveller's Tales) is an ambitious playthrough of all nine Star Wars saga films.
Featuring hundreds of playable (good and evil) characters from throughout the galaxy, you're tasked with completing many missions, across several planets, moons and starships, along with a variety of vehicles to commandeer – and in more open environments than in previous LEGO Star Wars titles. Created using digital bricks, you'll battles baddies, solve puzzles, build objects, and engage in intense intergalactic dogfights.
Game on. Whether you like Xbox or Nintendo Switch, these are the best video games of 2022
Marc SaltzmanSpecial to USA TODAY
Let's not mince words: 2022 was a tough year for many.
From higher costs due to inflation to surging RSV cases and new COVID-19 variants to school shootings and polarizing politics, the last 12 months have been a challenging one for many millions of Americans.
Perhaps it's no surprise, video games remain so popular, says the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), as a positive outlet for escapism, socializing over multiplayer matches, and a cathartic way to unwind after a tough day.
The video game trade group’s 2022 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry says about two-thirds of Americans, or about 215.5 million people, play video games today, of which 88 percent say because it relieves stress.
Thankfully, it was an extraordinarily good year for new content.
If you're shopping for a gamer on your gift list – or heck, something to treat yourself – consider one of the following console and/or PC titles, divided into various age groups.
Best games for kids
Great for kids to play with friends and family, the latest in the LEGO Star Wars franchise is a humorous take on the iconic Star Wars films. It offers a ton of replayability, too.
♦ LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment; from $29; for PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC)
Fusing two monstrous brands – LEGO and Star Wars – the latest from TT Games (Traveller's Tales) is an ambitious playthrough of all nine Star Wars saga films.
Featuring hundreds of playable (good and evil) characters from throughout the galaxy, you're tasked with completing many missions, across several planets, moons and starships, along with a variety of vehicles to commandeer – and in more open environments than in previous LEGO Star Wars titles. Created using digital bricks, you'll battles baddies, solve puzzles, build objects, and engage in intense intergalactic dogfights.
Kids and kids at heart will fall for the charm of this polished and fun (and funny) game, which also features hidden collectibles and Easter eggs.
♦ Nintendo Switch Sports (Nintendo: from $39; for Nintendo Switch)
If it wasn't exciting enough to lay hands on an all-new Kirby game this year (Kirby and the Forgotten Land), Nintendo Switch Sports is a collection of sports-related games.
Using the motion-sensing technology built into the Joy-Con controllers, Nintendo Switch Sports challenges you to virtually play Soccer, Tennis, Bowling, Volleyball, Badminton, Chambara (Swordplay), and, as of this week, Golf, too, whether you’re looking for a workout by yourself or better yet, with friends on the same system or competing online.
As you may recall, Nintendo Switch lets you play on the portable device’s 6.2-inch screen or when inserted into its dock (included) and connected to a big-screen television.
