Nintendo Link’s Best Indie Games of 2022

2022 was a fantastic year for game releases of all kinds, as you can see with our recent Game of the Year article! This time though, it’s all about those indie titles we couldn’t get enough of! These are in no particular order, so let’s get straight into it!

DISCLAIMER: All games mentioned are based off of games we have played throughout the course of 2022. Games we have not played will NOT be included. All games mentioned have released this year.

Inscryption ($19.99)

First up, it’s the deck-building roguelike known as Inscryption. We recently reviewed this one and gave it a near-perfect score due to its fantastic and creepy story-telling and unique take on a deck-building card game. Now, this isn’t a game for everybody, and only a select few will enjoy it, but boy, is it a treat. This is a game that keeps on giving, even long after you think you’re done with it. It’s a must-play on the Nintendo Switch. 

OlliOlli World ($29.99)

Going back to the beginning of the year, OlliOlli World took the world by storm, bringing an exciting and thrilling new instalment to the series. The third instalment in the critical-acclaimed series brings a ton of colour and adventure to the beautiful world of Radlandia. Take on missions and challenges and make new friends whilst performing the best tricks possible. You don’t want to miss out on this one. 

Lil Gator Game ($19.99)

This is one of the recent games we have had the pleasure to review here over at Nintendo Link, and what a pleasure it was! This adventure platforming game looks and feels adorable, and what’s more? It actually has a decent-sometimes-sad story to follow. I mean, come on, who doesn’t want to see an alligator in cute little hats?

Windjammers 2 ($19.99)

25 years after the series’ release, Windjammers 2 made its return to Nintendo consoles. Said to be the perfect mix between what players loved about the classic and brand-new mechanics, this fast-paced game is packed full of new characters, challenges and stages for you to master. What are you waiting for? Jump in!

Grapple Dog ($14.99)

The first title to be published by Super Rare Originals, Grapple Dog, was another game to which we gave an almost perfect review score. Why? Well, for one, it’s called Grapple Dog. What more do you need? Okay fine. This adorable platformer has an amusing story, excellent mechanics, and a fantastic soundtrack. Are you sold yet?

Cat Cafe Manager ($19.99)

Moving on from the subject of dogs now to another furry friend, Cat Cafe Manager is for the simulation game lovers. A game where you create, build and run your own cat cafe in a town full of witches. Choose your feline friends, change the layout and decorations in your cafe, and even make friends with particular groups of people. This is the perfect relax-and-play game.

MADiSON ($34.99)

We’re trading cute simulation to all-out jumpscares now with MADiSON. This is an immersive and terrifying first-person psychological horror game with an unsettling narrative. Players who have been looking to scratch that spooky itch will not be disappointed with this one. 

Rogue Legacy 2 ($24.99)

Dubbed as a masterpiece in our review, with a 100-perfect score, Rogue Legacy 2 was the year’s surprise release. We had no idea it was coming, but we were glad it did. This is the perfect upgrade to its 2013 predecessor and one of the most addictive and unique roguelites we have seen yet. This one deserves all of your attention.

Beacon Pines ($19.99)

Beacon Pines was a game reviewed around Halloween, and it was the absolute perfect time for it. An adventure horror game that doubles up as a visual novel, this contains one of the best narratives we have seen this year, not only in its story but in how it is told and how it can be altered. It’s a must-play. 

Haiku the Robot ($19.99)

Another title that wasn’t on our radar until it released, Haiku the Robot is an adorable yet brutally difficult metroidvania title that is just fantastic all round. It features a huge, beautifully designed map to explore, fun items and power ups to collect, and a cute robot to control. What’s not to love?

Arcade Paradise ($19.99)

If you want to feel a little nostalgic, and go back to the good old days of spending hours (and lots of money) playing on arcade machines, then Arcade Paradise is for you. This simulation game combines laundry and arcade games when you are tasked with building a laundromat/arcade. It’s a lot of fun and contains many playable arcade games. Cool, right?

Cult of the Lamb ($24.99)

This was one of the most anticipated indies of the year, and I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint. Cult of the Lamb was easily one of our favourite games of the year; it’s charming art style, dark themes and ability to lead a cult how you see fit made this incredibly addictive roguelite a treat to experience. If you’ve still not played it, why?!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge ($24.99)

Another indie game that received an almost perfect review score from us, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, is the best TMNT game to date. Beautiful pixel graphics, fantastic sound design and an excellent cast of characters are just what every TMNT fan needs. 

There we have it folks, some of the best indie releases of 2022. Of course, this is just a select few of the fantastic games that released this year, but these are some of our favourites. Thank you to all the developers and publishers that have worked their butts off this year to bring us these incredible games, and we hope 2023 will be just as good!

Thank you for stopping by Nintendo Link for our Game of the Year 2022 article! What did you think? Do you agree with our list? What would you have liked to have seen on here? Let us know in the comments below! And as always, happy gaming, everyone.