Delays in the video game industry have been rampant over the past few years, and 2022 might not be any different. However, we are excited by what we have seen so far.
2022 promises to be an excellent year for gaming, with highly anticipated titles like Sifu, Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring.
Next-gen consoles have opened the doors for game makers to exceed what we think a video game can look and feel like. Many of the video games on this list are making significant strides in the graphical fidelity of a game.
Graphics are, however, meaningless if the game is not engaging and fun.
In making this list, whether it was for PlayStation, Xbox, PC or Switch, we looked at what will likely be the most fun, engaging and unique games of 2022 that we are excited for:
1) Sifu
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5.
Release date: 8 February 2022.
Sifu is a rouge-like beat-em-up where you play as a martial arts master seeking revenge for his father’s death.
What makes this unique is that every time you die, you age.
With age comes extra skill, which increases your strength output, but you can’t take as much damage as you used.
Sifu looks to be shaping up as one of 2022’s best beat-em-up titles.
2) Horizon Forbidden West
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5.
Release date: 18 February 2022.
This PlayStation exclusive grows on the positives of Zero Dawn and lets players enjoy the insanely detailed post-apocalyptic world of Forbidden West.
From what can be seen in early access gameplay videos, Horizon Forbidden West is designed to push consoles to the max graphically.
The hyper-detailed tech/natural environment is constantly eye-grabbing.
3) Elden Ring
Platforms: PlayStation 5 and 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One.
Release date: 25 February 2022.
The Studio behind the Dark Souls franchise and the creator of Game of Thrones have paired up to bring souls-like RPG fans a new title.
The Elden Ring provides familiar weighty weaponry and tricky encounters. New combat mechanics are introduced to help players with a more defensive playstyle.
Immersive landscapes with precise art direction and design overcome the lack of graphic fidelity.
4) Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series S and X, Xbox One and PC.
Release date: 8 February 2022.
This Action-RPG is not a prequel or a remake of the original Final Fantasy series. It is a distinct spinoff interpretation that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Stranger of Paradise’s aesthetic has shifted to more blood and chaos than previous titles’ traditional bright and ethereal tones.
In Final Fantasy Origin, to beat your enemies, you will need to learn their ins and outs.
5) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
Platforms: Nintendo Switch.
Release date: To be announced.
As the follow up to one of video game history’s most influential open-world titles. The Legend of Zelda BOTW 2 seeks to build on an almost perfect formula from the now five-year-old original.
Nintendo keeps their cards close and exact release dates are unknown. The BOTW 2 has, however, been slated for 2022.
6) God of War: Ragnarok
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5.
Release date: To be announced.
Riding the wave of its previous 2018 title, God of War Ragnarok seeks to finish the storyline of Kratos and his son Atreus.
However, there is ongoing speculation that Ragnarok will be delayed for Horizon Forbidden West to be released first.
Sony has two big, very narrative-driven games in development simultaneously; only time will tell when we will get to embark on an adventure like no other.
7) Starfield
Platforms: Xbox Series X and S, PC.
Release date: 11 November 2022.
Starfield is Bethesda’s latest space-themed game where you travel through open-world space in a truly next-gen experience.
Bethesda has not released any gameplay footage, but the official trailer was rendered with Creation Engine 2, which has been used to make the game.
We just hope it won’t be as buggy as Fallout 76.
8) LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Platforms: Xbox Series S and X, PlayStation 5 and 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Release date: 5 April 2022.
Everyone likes a LEGO game, and 2022 is bringing the biggest yet.
With its cartoonish charm and slapstick comedy, the Skywalker Saga allows players to relive all 9 of the epic Star Wars films.
You start by selecting the trilogy of your choice. Before you know it, you will be stringing combat combos together and shooting down TIE-fighters with updated over-the-shoulder shooting mechanics whilst taking cover.
9) A Plague Tale: Requiem
Platforms: Xbox Series X and S, PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5.
Release date: To be announced.
A Plague Tale: Requiem brings more rats and stealth than before.
From what can be seen from the official cinematic trailer is that an emotional and visually breathtaking journey where light is your friend and darkness your enemy is on its way.
There are still a few questions about what Requiem will entail, but we can assume that stealth and puzzle-solving will remain the main game mechanic.
10) Gotham Knights
Platforms: Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5.
Release date: To be announced.
Batman is dead, and he leaves you in charge of looking after Gotham.
Players in DC’s Gotham Knights can be Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, or RedHood.
Playing in either co-op or single-player, you will need to take down the Court of Owls by using all of your selected characters perks to your advantage.
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