2022 is almost coming to an end, and while we are excited about all the games that will come out next year in 2023, we should take this moment to look back at the games that are already out and those we may have missed. What do you know? The countdown sale is up and running and brings with it heavy discounts on a ton of games! This is the perfect opportunity to buy some games that you’ve had your eyes on and were waiting for the price to drop. Maybe you didn’t even hear about the game when it came out, but now you realize it’s right up your alley. Besides, this will be our last opportunity to grab some goodies with a 2022 stamp on them before they’re gone forever, so why don’t we take a look at some of the games that are available at discounted prices for you to buy right now? There are 1000s of games on sale, so listing all of them wouldn’t be a very wise decision now, would it? So, we have picked 22 of them in lieu of the year 2022. Some of them are quite new, while others are not that new but are available for very cheap, so there’s something for everyone here. This list has been picked from the Xbox Store, so if you are on other platforms, don’t worry; you’ll find similar deals on your preferred storefronts as well. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 22 games that you can buy right now at heavily discounted prices!
Elden Ring ($59.99)
The game of the year 2022, “Elden Ring,” came to us from FromSoftware and through the minds of Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Everyone has heard about “Elden Ring” at this point. I mean, it’s one of the best games ever made and literally redefined the “Soulsborne” genre. Considered to be the best game FromSoftware ever made, “Elden Ring” puts players in a giant open world and tasks them with fighting crazy bosses and getting to the bottom of the mystery that surrounds the game. I have mentioned this before, but Soulsborne games are not my cup of tea, despite the fact that “Elden Ring” got my attention for its creativity and originality within this genre. There’s new DLC on the way for this game as well, and if you want a brutally challenging game that is equally rewarding and is a true test of your patience, skill, and mastery, then you can pick up “Elden Ring” at 30% off for $41.99.
Far Cry 6 Game Of The Year Edition ($119.99)
The “Far Cry” series has had a long, revered, and sometimes reviled history, with each entry taking us to new and exotic locations to spread carnage while the gameplay formula does not change much between installments. “Far Cry 6,” the newest entry in the series, plopped players in the middle of a giant open world called Yara, inspired by Cuba, and added new elements to its gameplay while not changing it that much. If you have played any “Far Cry” game since “Far Cry 3,” then you know what’s in store for you here, but don’t let the repetitive nature of the series stop you from diving into the new one, as “Far Cry 6” is incredibly fun. If you are into liberating a nation all while killing hordes of “bad guys” along the way in spectacular fashion, then this is the game for you. With plenty of guns and animal companions to choose from, driving, flying, or piloting a multitude of vehicles, chaining back-to-back explosions everywhere you go, all the while taking down the main bad guy, who is played by none other than Giancarlo Esposito, “Far Cry 6” is a jolly good time. The game of the year edition also comes with the game’s season pass, which includes the three expansions that let you play as the previous villains from the series, a remaster of “Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon,” and the newest expansion titled “Lost Between Worlds.” “Far Cry 6 Game Of The Year Edition” is a bang for your buck, and you can pick it up for 60% off at $47.99.
Cyberpunk 2077 (59.99)
Let’s keep this one short and sweet and say that it’s the right time to jump into the world of “Cyberpunk 2077.” The game had a rocky start, and we all know the story, so let’s not beat a dead horse here. After a series of patches and bug fixes released by CD Projekt R.E.D., the game looks and runs very stably, and the next-gen update was the cherry on top that this game needed if you are on current-gen consoles, that is. An open-world first-person action RPG with a very good story and a primary character played by none other than Keanu Reeves is what you’ll be getting here. The gameplay is fun, and the world is gorgeous, and with the new expansion “Phantom Liberty” coming out soon and featuring Idris Elba, it’s the perfect time to visit the neon paradise that is Night City. You can pick up “Cyberpunk 2077” at 50% off for $29.99.
Resident Evil Village ($39.99)
“Resident Evil” is a series that keeps revamping itself while maintaining its survival horror genre. From the first three games using fixed camera placements to then becoming a third-person shooter and now a first-person shooter, these games are all as fun as they are tense. With “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard,”, Capcom wanted to take the series back to its survival roots while giving us a new first-person perspective and a new cast of characters. After the success of that game came “Resident Evil Village,” which carried the first-person perspective with it while making the game more action-centric once again. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a ton of survival horror to be found here, but you won’t be hiding as much here as fighting back is an option they embraced. The story continues with Ethan Winters from the first game, and the game takes heavy inspiration from “Resident Evil 4” in terms of its setting, plot, and pacing. Lykens is a new threat you’ll be facing alongside all types of monstrosities that this series is known for, and the beloved Chris Redfield also makes a return here. “Resident Evil Village” is awesome and a solid entry in this long-running series, and you can pick it up at 50% off for $19.99.
Gotham Knights Deluxe Edition ($89.99)
I have said this before, and I’ll say it again: “Gotham Knights” isn’t a bad game, not even by a long shot. It’s a good game that is held back by some weird design choices and people who keep comparing it with the “Arkham” games. Stop doing that. It’s not “Arkham”; it never tried to be “Arkham.” It is its own entity that sure is not great but is very decent. The players get to choose from Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood to explore the open world of Gotham City which succumbs in darkness after Batman’s death. The entire game can be played in a two-player co-op and comes packed with a predictable but fun story and fun brawler-style gameplay. You can check out our review for “Gotham Knights” here on our website if you wish to learn more. The deluxe edition can be bought at 50% off for $44.99 and comes with the game and a bunch of cosmetics. Look, the game may not be worth $70, but at this price, it’s worth your money, and you’ll definitely get some entertainment out of it. If you give this game a fair chance, you’ll see it’s not as bad as some people are making it out to be.
The Quarry ($69.99)
Developer Supermassive Games have a pedigree in making interactive stories that play like movies and pack a lot of star power, and “The Quarry” is no different. Inspired by old-school movies, the video game revolves around nine high school teenagers who are required to survive a night at Hackett’s Quarry. You get to control all nine of them and make altering decisions with them that change the story and their very fates massively. Each one of them can permanently die, and the game can shift its direction based on one wrong choice, so choose carefully. You can expect to see the likes of Brenda Song, Justice Smith, David Arquette, Ted Raimi, Lin Shae, and more across your journey. Get ready to learn how to sing Kumbaya as an interesting creature-feature plot, branching storylines, good and oftentimes hilarious writing, incredible visuals, and a memorable game all along await you if you pick “The Quarry” at 50% off at $34.99.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human ($59.99)
“Dying Light 2: Stay Human” is the sequel to the original “Dying Light” that came out all the way back in 2014. Techland made massive changes and improvements to this zombie-slaying parkour adventure, the biggest of which was turning the game into a full-blown RPG with branching choices. The D.I.Y. weaponry and parkour from the first game make a triumphant comeback and are better than ever. The story also follows a new character called Aiden, who is fighting to stay human after being bitten in a completely new location many years into the pandemic. The combat has also been improved and now features new skills, animations, and ways to kill zombies. It is also incredibly fun. Killing zombies can never get old. “Dying Light 2: Stay Human” is an extremely ambitious game that may not be as good as the original but definitely deserves points for venturing out, taking risks, and trying new things. It can be yours for 50% off at $29.99.
GunGrave G.O.R.E. ($49.99)
“GunGrave G.O.R.E.” came out in November and is a blast to play. The game is a sequel to the original games that came out nearly 20 years ago and is the next step in the journey of this manga character. The gameplay is a tribute to the PS-2 era of games, with simplified mechanics and corridor shooting. The game throws massive hordes of enemies at you, and it’s up to you to dispose of them. There is a skill tree as well that can be used to upgrade graves in a variety of ways, and as mentioned before, don’t let the old-school look, feel, and aesthetic fool you; it’s purposefully designed that way and packs a punch under the hood. There’s even a story for you to follow that takes you across different locations around the world, but I’ll leave that story in the hands of the people who know this character and his canon to judge. This game is incredibly fun and can get challenging on greater difficulties, and though dated, it’s a badass journey featuring a badass character. You can pick it up for 30% off at $34.99.
Need For Speed Unbound ($69.99)
Seeing “Need For Speed Unbound” on this list surprised me as the game came out not more than a couple of weeks ago. Developer Criterion returns and takes the helm in developing this new entry of this long-running and beloved racing series. While I really enjoyed “Need For Speed: Heat,” I must say that after such a long time, it feels like “Need For Speed” is back with Unbound. Pink slips, cop chases, crazy cosmetics, performance customization, and a heavy emphasis on illegal street racing were all things “Need For Speed” needed, and they checked them all off. The art style here is also very commendable and mixes 3D street art with hyper-realistic looking cars, so when you drift, the smoke that comes out is graffiti, or when you hit someone, you see lines and scratches that again are graffiti, among other things. It’s original and very pleasing to the eye, and the game does a very good job of representing the speed aspect of “Need For Speed,” once again, cops are back, and they are better than ever. “Need For Speed Unbound” came out shortly after it was announced, and while it feels like they could have done a better job of marketing this game, this is by far one of the best “Need For Speed” games to come out in recent years, and you can pick it up at a staggering 40% off for $41.99.
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Complete Edition ($49.99)
Another short and sweet entry on the list, and one that you should definitely pick up if you don’t already own it. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ” was and is CD Projekt R.E.D.’s magnum opus and, to this date, one of the best RPGs ever made. The game takes you across the Northern Realms as you take charge of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher trying to find his adopted daughter Ciri. The story here is definitely the star of the show, with 36 different endings based on the choices you make along the way, but the world, characters, writing, combat, voice acting, and everything in between is just top-notch across the board with no corners cut. The complete edition also comes packed with its two expansions, “Heart of Stone” and “Blood and Wine,” each one of them is brilliant and a must-play. The best part? Thanks to the free next-gen patch they released on December 14th, the game looks and plays better than ever with raytracing features and a 60 fps performance mode on current-gen consoles while also adding new free content inspired by the Netflix series. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is a masterclass when it comes to video games, and you should pick it up at 40% off for $29.99.
Alan Wake Remastered ($29.99)
“My name is Alan Wake; I am a writer.” These words have been embedded in my brain since I played “Alan Wake” when it came out all the way back in 2010. Developer Remedy, known for their “Max Payne” series, knocked it out of the park with this new I.P. of theirs by telling us a mysterious and well-written story set in a quaint mountain town. I refuse to spoil this game for anyone because it is meant to be experienced, so I won’t be saying much about it, but know this: it’s a third-person shooter with incredible gunplay, and your torchlight plays a very important role and is a very pivotal mechanic of the shooting itself. There are two reasons to play this game, the first being that it’s awesome and the second being its sequel, “Alan Wake 2,” is coming out sometime next year, so do yourself a favor and pick it up at 50% off for $14.99.
Chorus ($39.99)
Another game that took me by surprise and is well worth getting, “Chorus,” takes the players on a galaxy-saving quest from the clutches of a fanatical religious cult. You play as Nara, and her sentient spaceship Forsaken, affectionately called Forsa, and go toe-to-toe with the cult to put an end to this madness. There is a very well-done story here, which was a big surprise as the game purely focuses on space combat. Speaking of combat, it’s fast, responsive, engaging, and very well executed. The relationship or connection that Nara and Forsa share is also interesting to see and learn more about, and let me just come out and say this: I never in my life expected to fall in love with a sentient spaceship, but Forsa is just plain awesome. There are crazy powers here that you can use too, and “Chorus” is a very well-made and gorgeous game that you should pick up at 75% off for $9.99.
DEATHLOOP ($59.99)
A first-person immersive-simulation time loop game made by Arkane Studios is the summary of “Deathloop.” If you wish to learn more, you can check out our review of the game here on our website. You play as Colt on the island of Blackreef, where everyone is trying to kill you, and you have to find and kill eight visionaries in a single loop to put an end to this. One of the visionaries, named Juliana, is always hunting you and can be controlled by another player, so the game seamlessly blends PvP and PvE. It’s an Arkane game, and it was one of the best games that came out last year, so you know it’s going to be good. Fast action, crazy powers, and some of the best and funniest voice acting I have ever heard await you in “Deathloop” if you pick it up at 67% off for $19.79.
Ghostrunner ($29.99)
“Ghostrunner” is a weird one as, on the one hand, it’s a first-person action game while, on the other, it’s a puzzle platformer. You play as a cyborg ninja of sorts with a sword in your hand and climb a massive tower divided into levels. On your climb, you will come across enemies whom you must dispose of by finding ways and studying their patterns, as a single hit will end you. The restarts are fast, and the movement is even faster here, so do your best to figure out the pattern and reach the top. The game is gorgeous and very smooth, and you can pick it up at 65% off for $10.49.
Hotwheels Unleashed Game Of The Year Edition ($89.99)
Who didn’t play with Hot Wheels while growing up here? I know I did, and the Boneshaker was my jam. “Hotwheels Unleashed” takes that experience and converts it into video game form, and it does a fantastic job with it. Crazy tracks feature crazier cars for you to race while maintaining the aesthetics of the toys. This game is a love letter to HotWheels and fans of this brand. The Game of the Year Edition also comes packed with all the DLC that includes a crap-ton of more cars themed after Spongebob and more, alongside all the expansions, including Monster Trucks and a Batman-themed expansion. This game is just fun across the board and never ceases to put a smile on my face. You can pick it up at 80% off for $17.99.
WWE 2K22 ($69.99)
After the disastrous launch of “WWE 2K20,” 2K and Yukes took a break from the franchise and skipped 21 to release “WWE 2K22” with the marketing line “it hits different.” Let me tell you, it does. The visuals saw a massive upgrade, with special mention to the lighting; the character models have never looked more real, and the gameplay was refined, less complex, and incredibly fun. A lot of previously removed and requested modes also see a return here, including the MyGM mode and the addition of a new story campaign of sorts with MyRise. The game’s cover features Rey Mysterio, and as is the tradition with every WWE game, it takes us through the highlights of his wrestling career. This is the best WWE game that came out since “SmackDown Here Comes the Pain,” and it looks so good that, at times, you can fool someone by telling them this is a live broadcast. All of this action can be yours at 67% off for $23.09 if you are into wrestling or just want to beat the crap out of your friends in online matches.
Yakuza Like A Dragon ($59.99)
My entry point into the “Yakuza ” series and one of the best turn-based J.R.P.G.s ever made; I cannot recommend “Yakuza Like A Dragon ” enough. It features a new protagonist in Ichiban Kasuga alongside a new cast of characters and world, and “Yakuza Like A Dragon ” is simply fantastic. The combat is turn-based now, and you will have three party members assisting you throughout as you go through the plot of the game, which will make you laugh as much as it will make you cry. Old favorites will also make a return here, so don’t worry; despite being a reboot of sorts, it’s still a continuation of the series, and it definitely takes it to new heights. For everyone who wants to enjoy the game in English, you are in luck here as after 15 or so odd years, “Yakuza Like A Dragon” is the first “Yakuza” game to feature an English dub which is just as good as the Japanese Sub and captures all of the emotion and joy. Just do yourself a favor and buy this game at 70% off for $17.99; you will love every second of it.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate ($59.99)
“Mortal Kombat” is one of the longest-running video game I.P.s out there and is perhaps the best fighting game series at that. The series stirred up a ton of controversy over the years because of its infamous “fatalities,” but it still kept going strong and is loved by millions. “Mortal Kombat 11” is the prettiest, most in-depth “Mortal Kombat” game NetherRealm has made to date. The story here is fantastic, and the fights never get old, with so many characters to choose from and master their movements. The Ultimate Edition also comes packed with more fighters, including the likes of Rambo, Terminator, The Joker, and more, and also comes with the “Aftermath” expansion, which features a new story post-vent of the game and new characters, including Robocop. As I said, this is the best fighting game ever made, and its gory action is right up my alley. Even if you are someone who is not into fighting games, I’d still recommend considering “Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate” at 75% off for $14.99. It’s a blast.
Lost Judgment Digital Deluxe Edition ($69.99)
“Judgment” was the spin-off series to the “Yakuza” games and quickly became a fan favorite. “Lost Judgment” is the sequel to “Judgment,” and with it, it brings Takayuki Yagami and Kaito back. Set in Ijincho, for the most part, this time, the game asks to crack another murder mystery, all the while focusing on a plot that is heavy on the subject matter of school bullying. Kamurocho also returns here, so don’t worry, but Ijincho is where you’ll be spending most of your time. The beat ’em up style combat also returns here and has never been better. Yagami can switch between three fighting styles, namely Tiger, Crane, and Snake, on the fly, and the series signature heat moves also make a comeback. The Digital Deluxe Edition also comes with some extra goodies and the Kaito Files expansion, which is worth playing, and all in all, the game is a fantastic package featuring cinematic storytelling, crazy action, and the most alive and lived-in worlds you’ll explore in any video game. It also comes packed with a ton of other activities, including mini-games like Mahjong, poker, batting, and so much more. Yagami also has a dog companion this time around and can use a skateboard to traverse the cities. There’s a lot to the “Yakuza” games and, in turn, the “Judgment” games that you have to see to believe, and all of them are worth your penny, so don’t hesitate to pick this up at 60% off for $27.99.
Mafia Definitive Edition ($39.99)
I think this is the oldest game on this list, but my god, you should go and play it. “Mafia Definitive Edition” is a perfect remake of the original “Mafia” game and retells the story of Tommy Angelo with a modern coat of paint. This game is how remasters and remakes should be done, as Hagar 13 cut no corners here but, at the same time, captures the original experience precisely and perfectly. New character models, new voices, new sounds, and new mechanics are just the tip of the iceberg here. There’s even an open world here to explore, the city of Lost Heaven, inspired by a hodgepodge of Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, along with a massive countryside. The game is very authentic to its time period, from all the vehicles present on the streets down to the clothing of that time, and is, in a way, a fantastic period piece. The story is also very well written and worth remembering, so if you wish to experience it, you can pick up “Mafia: The Definitive Edition” at 65% off for $13.99.
Soul Hackers 2 ($69.99)
“Soul Hackers 2,” the latest game from Atlus, is both a reboot and a sequel to the original game, which was released nearly 20 years ago. It’s an Atlus game, so you can expect incredible turn-based combat, stylish visuals, and a very well-made J.R.P.G. I can’t say much about “Soul Hackers 2” as it is something you need to see with your own eyes but know this, if you are a “Persona” fan, then this game will not leave you disappointed. You can pick up “Soul Hackers 2” at 50% off for $34.99.
The Chant ($39.99)
Finally, we have another new game here. “The Chant” is a third-person psychological horror game where you play as Jess Briars, who joins a cult to get away from her past and move forward with her life. The long and short of it is that some events happen, they open a portal, and weird creatures/demons invade the land, and you must survive and find a way to escape. Explore the island, fight or run away from enemies, and keep your sanity in check, as all these things work in tandem to make a nail-biting and sometimes frightening experience. You can explore the island and meet a cast of characters to get to the bottom of the mystery and find a way out of the hole you dug for yourself. “The Chant” is an interesting game and can be yours at 33% off for $26.79.
There you have it: 22 games that you can pick from the Countdown Sale. All of these games are interesting in their own right, and most of them are quite new, so it’s nice to see such heavy discounts on some titles. There are a lot more, and by that, I mean a lot more games that are up for sale, so we’ll also be giving you a part 2 for our recommendations of the games you should pick from this sale. If you didn’t find your favorites here, maybe you’ll find them in part 2, so sit tight until that comes. Go check this sale out, as it lasts till January 4th, 2023. Happy gaming.
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