RADDEST GAMES 2022 - NITRO RAD

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! Let's sit down and look back at all the rad stuff I played this past year. Mostly new, but also old as well! Hope there's something here that interests you.
LIST OF GAMES FEATURED:
(Steam Links incl` when possible)
XENOBLADE 3 - Switch
Toree 3D - Swtich and PC - store.steampowered.com/app/15...
Lunistice - Switch and PC - store.steampowered.com/app/17...
SCORN - Xbox and PC - store.steampowered.com/app/69...
Cult Da Lamb - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/13...
Pac-Man - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/18...
KAO - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/13...
Callisto Protticle - PS5|PS4|XBOX|PC - store.steampowered.com/ageche...
STRAY - PS4|PS5|PC - store.steampowered.com/app/13...
Elden Ring - PS4|PS5|XBOX|PC - store.steampowered.com/ageche...
Tinykin - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/15...
Signalis - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/12...
Fatum Betula - Switch|XBOX|PC - store.steampowered.com/app/12...
Milk - PC and Switch - store.steampowered.com/app/16...
A Short Hike - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/10...
YAKUZA 7 - PS4|PS5|XBOX|PC - store.steampowered.com/ageche...
Crypt of the Serpent King - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/52...
NIER Replicant - PS4|XBOX|PC - store.steampowered.com/ageche...
Super Sami Roll - All Platforms - store.steampowered.com/app/15...
Sims Urbz - DS - On your own bud
Chibi Robo - Gamecube - Good luck
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - INTRO
3:15 - DOPE NEW GAMES I PLAYED THIS YEAR!
16:12 - TOP 3 GAMES OF 2022
28:10 - SICK NEW-ISH GAMES I PLAYED THIS YEAR!
39:22 - WICKED OLD GAMES I PLAYED THIS YEAR!
42:30 - My Assassin's Creed Quarter-Life-Crisis
47:09 - ONE LAST GOOD ASS OLD GAME LOL
49:13 - conclusion i guess
52:03 - End Slate

[@theinvertedone1667]

A 52 minute Nitro Rad video about games he really enjoyed and being enthusiastic to the core about them? Pretty rad.

[@robxholicfoxyfan8552]

52 fits as the number of weeks and the minutes in the year and the video respectively.

[@davidthepangolin]

But is it NITR-

[@Discoh]

wait holy shit I didn't even notice the length until I saw this, how did I just sit through a 52-minute video without even thinking about it

[@tawumpas]

I'LL TAKE YOUR ENTIRE STOCK!!

[@jonathanwilson7949]

One would even say it’s Nitro… Rad…

[@mavericktitan7874]

I genuinely do not understand why off-script Nitro Rad is so engaging and entertaining, but it is a truth I must acknowledge. This format works surprisingly well.

[@internettoon]

if you like this, check out the nitro rad podcast on his patreon

[@StrangerMoontail]

Ironically, you may have been onto it already: Genuine. The genuine nature can be just as entertaining when it comes to discussing things you like. uwu Who doesn't like hearing a loved one or a good friend gushing about something they enjoy?

[@kaliquis01010]

Maybe because it is easier to digest and it feels like a honest chat with a friend 🤔

[@ysmahelyfilho9998]

James is a sweet dude, enough said.

[@LumpyTouch]

I'm diggin' off-the-cuff James! And if it's less of a drag on your workflow, sounds like a winning formula!

[@paranormeow]

hey lumpy!!

[@BigPapaWMoney]

Your videos gave me nightmares :

[@TheOldYoungOne]

HI LUMPY!

[@talkingfez1265]

@LumpyTouch You're nightmarishly creative.

[@Pudding404]

Nitro Rad has such a diverse palate when it comes to games. I can always trust to get opinions and essentially get him to sales pitch me games.

[@renofheavens2]

I like he knows a lot of low key games I've never heard of. It's cool to discover new games this way hehe

[@cefrinaldi8060]

I mean he made me discover many awesome games. If this dude selling a game i definitely will buy the whole package.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Lol I too played calisto protocol and was disappointed but didn't totally hate it. I literally said the exact same thing he did in this video. Check it out one day I guess, but only for like 20 bucks tops haha.

[@TheSenateOfficial]

I really vibe with this format: ALSO Love these recs. A short hike is such a delightful time.

[@Cow-Moth-With-A-CRT-Head]

This is a generic reply to boost the video's engagement

[@renofheavens2]

@@Cow-Moth-With-A-CRT-Head well done

[@BoulderPunch]

Glad to see others spreading the love on Signalis. What a game.

[@MoreOre563]

hey, boulder punch, love your videos, man :)

[@TheOldYoungOne]

Hey Boulder Punch love your videos!

[@octavioorellana2928]

Another fan of Boulder Punch here!!

[@Josuh]

i love pounching bulders

[@skyhighlander6447]

Thanks for still doing these even if they don’t ‘bring in the clout’. They’re a very nice watch and your recommendations are often very welcome or games I hadn’t even heard of before. I kinda like the scriptless format, it’s just so genuine which is perfect for top tens.

[@thenameschall]

Really love that this isn't just a list of games from this year. Don't get me wrong, I love top ten games of the year lists, but I also love to hear what people played this year regardless of whether it came out in the last 365 days or not. Really paints a great picture of your own experience for the year, which I think is infinitely more interesting.

[@realfromtherealreality4148]

Personally I can say that the release of the "Depersonalization" early access was a really good surprise. It's an indie game about being the servant of an Eldritch Creature trying to protect the universe from being destroyed due to the corruption brought by humans using ancient entities to fulfill their desires. It's a pixaled/anime-stylized RPG, with a die and retry mechanic, DnD dice rolls, some puzzles, good storylines and a pretty robust "identity creator" since you always technically play as the MC "Anan", but to go into these different timelines, he needs to forget who he is by crafting a new identity for himself and abandon temporarily his former self. Keep in mind this is still an EA, yet it has over 6 hours of content with three completed storylines (with multiple good and bad endings each) and way more to come. (Still be warry, because the fights are always unfair against you. You're just a mere human, former god's servant, fighting against Eldritch abominations, so you'll have to be smart with your fighting.) Also if you liked Project Moon, with Lobotomy Corporation and especially Library of Ruina, you'll like this one too.

[@smergthedargon8974]

I can't take seriously anything that's trying to cover eldritch themes yet markets itself with a generic anime girl.

[@realfromtherealreality4148]

@@smergthedargon8974 Just to be clear, only three of the currently shown Eldritch Creatures are cute anime girls. (There's about 10ish of them, more or less powerful.) There's also a lot of implication. For example, you don't see it, but you hear Shelly, a supposedly innocent cute girl, eat multiple people alive. (Who are later revealed to have been manipulated corpses all along.) Sure the artstyle isn't the most frightening but it does work really well to create a sickening contrast with the warm colors and dark themes. Finally, the devs had a fun idea regarding the cute girl Eldritch creatures. They are dubbed... with an AI synthetic voice. You can deactivate it if you want, but I let it be since I was curious, and it creates a really effective uncanny feeling. I loved it.

[@pilotspikey2032]

I'm so happy you continued this tradition, even it doesn't rake in the views as some of your other stuff. I always look forward to these videos. I think leaving out fancy editing is an understandable sacrifice to leave room for your bigger projects.

[@fabianh5811]

Super happy to see Signalis is getting some coverage. It really is absolutely incredible and I feel it didn't get the buzz it deserves.

[@xXTHEPWNZORXx]

yess we love to see more SIGNALIS coverage and appreciation, this game deserves all the praise and attention it gets!

[@empty6004]

I’m so glad that someone else played the bagged milk games. Genuinely one of my favorite gaming experiences in recent years.

[@joshua7529]

I always do look forward to this every year.

[@paranormeow]

Same

[@Vincentvondoom]

I am 3:20 in so far and I am digging it! Sorry to hear other videos in the past haven't preformed as well. You have turned me onto some amazing games like Demon's Turf.

[@gracekim25]

Agreed

[@OhHeyJude]

Honestly i dig these style of mostly unscripted ramble sorta videos, it reminds me of podcasts and stuff and i find it fun to watch or even have playing in the background while I work on my own stuff like games and whatever. Also definitely giving tinykin a go, that game looks fun as hell.

[@goldsmith8502]

Without spoiling anything, DEFINITELY go back and finish Xenoblade 2 and 3. I know you said you didn't like 2 as much, but trust me the ending of that game is just as incredible as you're hearing the ending of 3 is. Both are absolutely worth finishing when you have the time, speaking as someone who adores all 3 games.

[@V-Jes]

The heck are you talking about? The ending for 2 was nothing special outside of getting a completely pointless retcon to Xenoblade 1 what just reminds the player how Xenoblade 1 crew got a much better final boss...

[@raulg22]

God bless your soul for making this video, whenever someone talks about The Urbz Sims in the city (GBA or DS) it makes me really happy, it’s a shame people don’t know how good that game really is.

[@robertlaroche9261]

As some who has looked forward to your games of the year videos for half a decade now. I honestly prefer this broad unscripted format since it gives you more opportunities to talk about games outside said year that you really want to talk about. I feel like this is a fantastic compromise and I look forward to seeing what you have planned for 2023.

[@displaynamehere6422]

i really loved this video! honestly, you talking scriptless is much more well-spoken and entertaining than you might think. your recommendations, of course, are always on point. you’ve reignited my inspiration for new games!

[@Bman54X]

I’m always so glad I never sold my copy of Chibi-Robo from when I was a kid. It’s one of those games that’s always in the back of my mind that I want to replay. Such a fantastic game

[@ChibiYin]

I really enjoy this non scripted version of ranking where you go off of feelings and personal enjoyment. It shows how much time you invested into these games and it made me interested in trying some of them out!

[@tinyabbey]

LOVE hearing about the smaller indie games you played! Those always tend to peak my interest the most. Can't wait to see what videos you put out this year! :D

[@VikingSchism]

With regards to Yakuza 7, I think Ichiban is RGG's response in some ways to Majima being as popular a protagonist as he was in Yakuza 0. Something I love is that he actually comes up with some clever plans throughout the game to solve their issues, whereas Kiryu would just storm into a place and punch people - like his whole plan in the finale was far smarter than anything Kiryu has ever done

[@chaval6903]

kiryu is smart but in a yakuza politics way, remember when at the end of 6 majima said that he's always thinking 10 steps ahead?

[@VikingSchism]

@@chaval6903 sure that's what the games tell the audience but if you look at what's shown to you, while Kiryu may be able to decipher the politics going on behind a situation his ultimate strategy always boils down to "if I punch the person at the top enough they'll leave me and my friends alone" Ichiban on the other hand comes up with strategies for dealing with those problems

[@DemonicRobots]

Hearing you talk about Signalis it almost seems like you're going to cry which is definitely how I described that game to my friends. Literally one of the most beautiful games of all time it is fantastic and a requirement for anyone who likes survival horror.

[@djr-crowe]

I think your adlib-centric videos are on another level entirely - purely a Nitro Rad Personality Exhibit. And I dig that, because you work.

[@cheezyatease5223]

I honestly love videos like this. This style honesty feels more candid and natural and much more engaging to watch.

[@maxaroni39]

I'm really glad you did one of these, even if they don't rake in the views! You always have a lot of great recs, I like that you included older games as well! I've always admired older survival horror, like the classic Silent Hill games, but never really got the chance to play them since they were before my time. I'm hoping to pick up Signalis as soon as possible, the idea of an anime-esque sci-fi survival horror game immediately caught my eye!

[@amereaardvark]

I love this unscripted format, it's nice to see James very chill and just rambling about games that he likes, but the entire video has such a casual vibe that makes it so easy to put on.

[@bearsnacks5941]

yeah I really like this video. I don't mind if he keeps this style going forward

[@servinemaster8]

This was really nice to watch, it’s great to hear about the games you enjoyed! The format was a true delight

[@hussainqureshi9933]

Hard to believe it's been another year, already. I cantering to watch this video and I can't wait for another year of good Nitro Rad content!

[@FungiiDraws]

love the vibe in this one, dude. i'll admit im part of the problem where i tend to avoid top 10 of the year lists because they get a bit samey. love to hear about stuff you just tried this year, with such genuine love for the games you enjoyed!

[@j897j]

I can watch/isten to you talk for hours and have done so, the stuff you make is just such a genuine joy, plz continue to be you dude

[@garderay9994]

This is the most chill and unique Best Of 2022 I've seen. Quite a few, like Kao and Signalis, I've never heard of at all and now both are on my wishlist. The whole video felt like a close friend just giving an off-the-cuff recommendation to great games

[@arilphoenix]

love the format for this, always happy to hear about some cool games to play and the more weird and lesser known games I get to hear about the better!

[@Arcad3n]

Tinykin COMPLETELY slipped by me, I had no idea it existed and I follow tons of small devs on Twitter. Thank you so much James!

[@FirstDukeOfGaming]

Really love the candid format. It fits the vibe of a yearly review well.

[@floatingtophatprd]

I love the off-the-cuff, unscripted style of recap video. I found myself chuckling a lot and definitely more engaged. Keep up the great work! Hope 2023 treats you well!

[@JamezKelly]

I honestly admire this unscripted style. Feels like a buddy who's genuinely passionate about their favourite medium and sharing it without a care. As cool as those top ten transition edits were, you talking about your love of games is what matters. Also, Fatum Betula was one of my favourites on the switch last year. The music had such a delicate vibe that I left it on in the background for ages. :)

[@GoshdarnCat]

I'm so glad you still decided to make an end of the year video, thank you so much! Loved hearing about the games you played. I personally don't think every video needs to be heavily edited and scripted, your recent off the cuff videos have been fun and sincere.

[@Paperlanty]

I actually enjoy this format quite a bit, it's very much a casual wrap up of the year with lots of thoughts, I think it's very fun! Your enthusiasm's super contagious too! thanks James for the fun video! your recommendations are, perhaps, nitro rad

[@andrewlleach007]

This must stay and makes the channel so genuine and fun dude. Be proud of your improv skills and how engaging it truly is. Thanks for all the fun vids dude!

[@francodigennaro1236]

I love your versatility and ease to make these unscripted videos, it really shows how you speak from the heart in your usual ones. and this made me think you may be really good in making different format videos, just in case you ever need a change of style of pace, I will always support what you put out

[@FloorIceCreamGuy]

I think this works better I would love to hear you talk about games you like and if this format is quicker than I think it will be the best way. Also I really enjoy hearing you talk about older games because they are still new experiences plus I get to look at more games.

[@laurabeltranmelee]

I always get a kick out of your Games of The Year videos so to see you try something different with it is very nice. The comment about AI mimicking human actions without understanding them is very powerful

[@Robloxhater64]

Nitro Rad is literally one of my go to reviewers when I am searching for a new experience. He's the reason why I started playing RPG maker games and subway midnight. (Great experiences. Especially Yume nikki.). So being able to watch long videos like this is amazing. Thank you James. Never change!

[@TheSandpai]

Love these videos and always look forward to them every year, i really do like on your feet thinking nitro rad stuff, but i also do love the full scripted videos all the same. thanks for another banger of a video

[@supermike12321]

I look forward to these at the end of every year! they’re so much fun and you always put me onto some good shit. here’s to another great year nitro rad!

[@Dekuwarrior]

I'm totally cool with this format.Always nice to hear you ramble about things you enjoy.

[@Osc473]

I feel like signalis is the only horror game that I actually love to death because all the horror games that I have always been depend on jump scare for being "scary" and it getting tiresome after you experience so many times and all the other "horror" games I play have horror theme and I'm glad I play signalis

[@SonicAxl]

I love the emotion you put into this format, the scripts are good too, but the way you say your opinions are geniunely epic

[@codyyuki6966]

Recently I learned that the people who made Chibi-robo, long time ago made a game called Moon: Remix RPG adventure. kinda cool since both games is about walking around helping people and doing these tasks/puzzles

[@i0kiVids]

Man please do more videos in this "off the cuff" format -- listening to you talk about videogames is an absolute OBSESSION of mine! You are so passionate and make every game sounds sooo interesting! Great video Nitro!

[@gentlemangamerec7025]

Always look forward to this! Happy New Year Nitro Rad

[@ratbastard6358]

huge fan of the more freeform off the script videos you've been doing lately!! i've been treating them like podcasts and putting them on while i'm working on other stuff and it's really soothing. i'd be happy to see more of these in the future.

[@DinnyForst]

I love your take about Signalis, it's such a surreal yet fascinating experience from the world building to puzzle elements. A love letter to classic survival horror.

[@sadglovem3678]

Just finished my first playthrough of Signalis and the instant I saw this video I knew you'd mention it. So excited for your review of it.

[@RyanBeardy]

Glad you found a format that worked for you when making a video like this! I for one think it's a great way to get very brief thoughts out about a variety of games and topics! Happy new years!

[@juicyjosh64]

I played a lot of the games you listed here based on your suggestions last year! I always look to your end of year list to see if there is anything I missed, so I guess it's time to play Tinykin! Also, Signalis was incredible! Played it based on your tweet and eurothug4000's tweet! Normally I don't let tweets influence my life, but I made a great exception haha

[@matthewpelli]

I've played and grew to love a lot of games based on your recommendation. Great video as always 👍

[@baneoftechnology]

I really enjoyed this video. The less formal presentation works for your schedule, and I didn't enjoy it any less than the more polished versions, so keep going with that you prefer!

[@federicoloriente9399]

This vid felt SO fresh and fun to watch/hear while cooking! I honestly loved how easy going this format looks for you! Even though I do like your more structured reviews, I'd love watching you doing more of this stuff. Happy new year, James!

[@GeloRuse]

I think this format suits this kind of videos perfectly. Nothing too in depth, but informative enough to be interested in the games you discuss. I also dig new segments and hearing your thoughts that come to your head right away, says a lot about the game. Of course, this format also made me appreciate the amount of effort you put in editing your in depth review videos. Not to say this one is edited poorly or something, it's clear that you are not half-assing it, at least in my unprofessional opinion. I'm looking forward for your Signalis video! This game has been in my sights for a while now and i'm glad to hear it turned out pretty great. Good luck with your projects!

[@Blight_89]

Dude I love your off script videos! 👏It feels like listening to a gamer friend talk about all these games he's played, really down to earth and relatable (and yes, this includes the burp) 😆

[@SimisearOfficial]

I really loved this video. I am interested in playing Tinykin after seeing you and a friend talk about it. I am so excited for so many games this year.

[@zacharydetrick7428]

Thanks James. Glad to see you doing what you love. Your whole personality always puts a smile on my face.

[@VinsiBE]

love it, thx for putting all the games in the description

[@2fast4dad]

I will always love youtubers in general just talking about what they like off the script. It feels so much more genuine and entertaining.

[@Ruby-rw1wg]

I'm so glad you got a chance to play Fatum Betula, I really enjoyed my time with it and actually thought that it would be right up your ally

[@stagedraco1164]

This reminded me of those late night sleep over rants with the duders. Thoroughly enjoyed

[@pauldragun9165]

James, thank you for posting these video's. I will definitely pick up a couple of games such as Signalis. I appreciate your work and so you know - watching your videos are something special for me personally! The funny thing is that usually when I see your video I'm in the middle of doing something like cooking, cleaning or even playing something. Appreciate your work man!

[@muderwolf4950]

Yes! I'm glad someone else discovered The Urbz, one of my favorite games as a kid! That game is oozing with style and an amazing atmosphere with excellent music!

[@tanookiplayer]

I enjoy the more laidback video when just talking about the games you experienced. I haven't heard of Signalis until now & I may decide to play it.

[@user-vy4hq1ob9y]

Always a pleasure to see this video at the end/start of the year. Can't wait to watch it next year again

[@splendidcyan]

I am so, SO glad you got to play SIGNALIS! Seriously looking forward to your video on it. It hit me like a ton of bricks, especially after that false ending. And I don't mind these less structured videos at all every once and a while! Kept me company while I cleaned my desk off and reorganized :)

[@Atrus999]

Great list! I love how you had some great games in here that aren't copy/pasted from everyone else's copy/pasted top 10 lists. I hadn't even heard of Signalis or Tinykin but I'm definitely getting them at some point.

[@HyperHikari]

Im happy you still did this video, I dont think any of us mind the quality, I definitely just like to see what you enjoyed throughout the year! Also gotta say that Nier Replicant is my favourite game ever, I HIGHLY encourage you to finish it. I don't wanna say too much but route B completely changes the narrative in such a cool way!!

[@Optive_Link]

This was great! Your non-scripted content works because of the passion behind it. The good, the bad, it all feels sincere.

[@Smassy96]

Glad to see someone give love to Tinykin, one of the few new games I played last year and absolutely loved every second.

[@jedicraftmaster2426]

Nitro Rad I really enjoy your content! You've been one of those content creators I can come back to years later and still feel a place of familiarity. Your videos are extremely in depth with nice editing. Keep doin what you're doing!

[@HughieDullahan]

This is great, thank you! Been looking for some new recs!

[@Peroshy]

I just watched the video in one go and man, this has the staying up to 3 AM in a discord to talk about 1 video game for 90 minutes and then 90 video games in an hour energy. I could watch a LOT of this, lol.

[@TerriblyAwesomeGames]

Thank you for the Tinykin recommendation! I think I heard of it and I just overlooked it. Added it to my list! Also, loved Like a Dragon!

[@hawawa675]

Had a great time here. I will definitely miss a nice edited top 10 but there was a great showcase of games here with a lot of passion and I'd definitely enjoy this as a compromise.

[@btragicart]

I was mainly listening to the video since my tv is positioned away from my workspace. So once you got to the number one spot and paired it with the menu theme from SIgnalis, there was a flood of dopamine that rushed through my brain. I'm really glad to see more people give this game some love. It's rare for a game to stick with me the way it did. I played through it various times and with each gameplay, I have a new thing to think about each time. I can't even describe exactly what it is but gaaaah it's one of the best.

[@danielchaconlimon7666]

I'm so happy that you mentioned The Sims Urbz. I streamed the GBA version last year from start to finish and I loved it so much!

[@Agus-wp2cc]

You're the type of guy who I would love to spend some time talking about videogames. I liked this style of video, amazing job! :)

[@VivaMidnight]

I didn't mean to watch all of this, I actually clicked it after mistakenly thinking the runtime was a tenth of what it actually is, having only glanced. I really enjoyed the passion that comes through sans script and it's a great list. I've occasionally visited this channel for the odd game review over the years but this one really earned the sub I never quite clicked!

[@YemmyTheFerret]

I never would have played Demon Turf if not for you! I appreciate these videos!

[@Lord_Sleeper]

So glad you finally got around to Signalis, such a beautifully tragic game. It shot up into my top 5 games while simultaneously contributing to a depressive episode.

[@Chiquicheeta]

It's a great format, love it! :D Thank you for all the recommendations!!

[@bananabike279]

Love how you played so many diverse games in a single year, I did not expect Signalis and Super Sammi Roll to be on the same list haha

[@Ronin11111111]

Sicknasty video as always. There's this thought I have about Elden Rings ballance, maybe it's just copium and not a real theme, but as the player character you're trying to become Elden Lord and gain dominance over the Lands Between, so becoming so strong that you can crush everyone else beneath your heels is kinda fitting IMO. Like you go to every corner to conquer this land in chaos.

[@Cycopather]

I definitely preferred the more fancily edited version of this kind of video, but if they didn't perform that well, than going this new lower-fi version is totally understandable. Enjoyed this video a bunch anyhow, happy 2023!

[@naucouslelz7404]

Always nice seeing someone recommend Signalis, that game definitely needs more attention

[@Andrew_TS]

I loved Kao Round 2, which your review helped me learn about. Looking forward to checking out the new game!

[@gamestarr4048]

Love your videos man, keep knocking it out of the park!

[@lcb2884]

please keep doing these end of the year - recap videos, I'm all ears!

[@AlphaBeanWolfTaco248]

I loved hearing all the great games that you played but didn't expect to hear we both decided to platinum the Ezio Trilogy! I got the third one just to continue the platinum grabbing.

[@cinnamintie]

I love these. You bring out so many games that I've never heard of and some of them end up being my favorites or hidden gems I see and I'm like "why have I not seen this this is everything I've wanted" Also, new format is great. If making videos in this style works out for you, I would be absolutely down for more of these through the year just rambling about the games you played recently