10 Biggest Video Game Surprises Of 2022 (So Far)

10. Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

‘Chaos-killing simulator’ is just one of the many ways gamers have described the latest Final Fantasy spin-off, usually in a negative light.

While it is true that the story is far from the best we’ve gotten in the franchise (particularly with its obsession with Chaos), focusing on just that does a disservice to the gameplay, which is some of the tightest we've gotten from Final Fantasy.

This game was developed by the same team who created both Nioh titles, and it shows. Exploring Crystal Tower feels like running across Anor Londo in Dark Souls with its intricate level design, and the amount of loot to find in each stage ensures each area sticks with you.

Combat is also hugely satisfying, with each hit and movement having some actual weight to it. It's especially enjoyable when playing with friends in three-player co-op, which brings an entirely new layer to each encounter.

That’s not to say the game doesn’t have issues. An overabundance of loot can be a problem alongside the repetitive nature of level design, but as a whole, FF Origins was a lot better than many of us expected it to be.