The best video games of 2022

"Pokémon Legends: Arceus" does something no other mainline Pokémon game has done before: It attempts to create a real open world. The game's focus, too, is different: You're tasked with completing the Pokédex, not becoming a Pokémon Champion by defeating the Elite Four. Gone are loading and transition screens to battles. The change in mechanics, along with an almost watercolor-esque aesthetic to the feudal Japan-inspired Hisui region, is a much-needed shot of adrenaline for the series. While "Arceus" has its share of tech and graphics issues, those issues never get in the way of what was otherwise a smooth, unique experience.