Alright, so 2022 is shaping up to be a pretty big year for video games. We’re talking about a whole bunch of awesome games coming out in 2022, from massive blockbusters to cool indie titles. It feels like there’s something for everyone, no matter what kind of games you like. So, if you’re looking to see what’s worth your time, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get into it and see what’s on the horizon for all of us gamers.
Key Takeaways
- January kicks off strong with PC debuts, tactical shooters, and new role-playing games.
- February is packed with huge releases like Elden Ring and Total War: Warhammer 3.
- Indie games offer unique puzzle, action-RPG, and photography experiences.
- Classic JRPG series are making a comeback with new stories.
- Expect top-tier first-person shooter action with intense tactical fights.
Anticipated January Releases
January might be the start of the year, but it’s definitely not a slow month for gaming! We’re kicking things off with some heavy hitters and interesting indies. It’s a great mix to keep us busy during those cold winter nights. I’m personally excited about a few of these, especially the PC port of a PlayStation classic. Let’s get into it.
God of War Arrives on PC
Finally, Kratos is making his way to PC! This is huge for PC gamers who never got to experience this amazing title on PlayStation. The game looks stunning, and I can’t wait to see it running with all the graphical bells and whistles that PC gaming offers. I’ve heard so many good things about the story and gameplay, so I’m ready to jump in. It’s a great way to start the year, and I’m sure it will be a visual treat.
Tactical FPS Spin-Offs
Rainbow Six Extraction is dropping this month, and it’s taking the tactical gameplay of Rainbow Six Siege into a new direction. Instead of fighting other players, you’re taking on aliens! It looks like a fun twist on the formula, and I’m curious to see how it plays out. I’m a big fan of the tactical gameplay in Siege, so I’m hoping this spin-off can capture some of that magic. It’s a good way to change things up if you’re looking for something different in the FPS genre.
New Strategy RPGs
Strategy RPG fans, get ready! January is bringing us Expeditions: Rome, a party-based strategy RPG set in ancient Rome. This looks like a deep and engaging game with a lot of tactical options. I’m always up for a good strategy game, and the Roman setting is a nice change of pace. Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
- Deep tactical combat
- Engaging story
- Historical setting
- Party management
I’m looking forward to diving into this one and building my own Roman empire. It’s going to be a busy month!
February’s Blockbuster Lineup
February 2022 was a wild month for gaming! After a decent start to the year in January, things really ramped up. We saw some huge titles finally make their way to our PCs and consoles. It was a great time to be a gamer, that’s for sure.
Elden Ring’s Highly Awaited Debut
Okay, let’s be real, everyone was waiting for this one. Elden Ring finally dropped, and it pretty much took over the gaming world. FromSoftware delivered another challenging but rewarding experience. The open world was massive, the bosses were tough, and the lore was super interesting. It’s the kind of game you can easily sink hundreds of hours into, exploring every nook and cranny. I know I did! It’s a game that set a new standard for open-world RPGs, and people are still talking about it today. If you haven’t played it yet, seriously, what are you waiting for?
Total War: Warhammer 3 Unleashed
For strategy fans, February brought the latest installment in the Total War: Warhammer series. Total War: Warhammer 3 took the series to new heights with even bigger battles, more factions, and a sprawling campaign map. The scale of the conflicts was just insane, and the amount of strategic depth was impressive. Managing your resources, building your armies, and outmaneuvering your opponents was super satisfying. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves grand strategy games.
Dying Light 2 Finally Lands
After what felt like an eternity of delays, Dying Light 2 finally arrived. The original Dying Light was a hit, and the sequel aimed to build on that with a bigger world, more parkour, and a branching story. Running across rooftops, crafting weapons, and fighting off hordes of zombies was as fun as ever. The day/night cycle added a layer of tension, as the zombies became much more dangerous after dark. While it had some issues at launch, the developers have been working hard to improve the game, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re into zombie games.
Critically Acclaimed Indie Adventures
Indie games had a fantastic year in 2022, offering unique experiences that often get overlooked in the shadow of AAA releases. These titles prove that innovation and compelling gameplay don’t always require massive budgets. Let’s take a look at some standouts.
Unique Puzzle Experiences
Puzzle games saw some really creative entries last year. Freshly Frosted offered a charming pastry-based puzzler that was both relaxing and challenging.
- Patrick’s Parabox
- Chicory: A Colorful Tale
- GOODBYE WORLD
Transforming Action-RPGs
Action RPGs got a fresh spin with titles that played with perspective and mechanics. Tunic, with its isometric viewpoint and challenging combat, was a standout. It felt like discovering a lost classic, with secrets hidden around every corner. Dread Delusion also entered early access, offering a surreal open world RPG experience that was unlike anything else. These games really pushed the boundaries of what an action RPG could be.
Charming Photography Games
Photography games offered a relaxing change of pace. While not strictly a photography game, Umurangi Generation let you explore a retro-future city and capture its essence through your lens. These games are all about observation, composition, and finding beauty in the everyday. The 2022 board game market saw a similar trend, with games emphasizing creativity and artistic expression.
Fan-Favorite JRPG Classics
Return of Beloved Franchises
JRPGs are a staple for many gamers, and 2022 didn’t disappoint with the return of some iconic series. It’s always exciting to see what new directions these franchises take, and how they evolve while still retaining the core elements that made them so popular in the first place. I know I was waiting for news about Final Fantasy Origin for a while!
New Narratives in Established Universes
Sometimes, it’s not just about sequels, but about exploring different corners of a universe we already love. These games offer fresh perspectives and stories within familiar worlds, giving fans a chance to deepen their connection with the lore and characters. Think of it like reading a new book set in your favorite fantasy world – the possibilities are endless. It’s cool to see developers take risks and try new things, and it often pays off big time. I’m always down for a new story in a universe I already know and love.
Here are some examples of what I mean:
- Exploring the backstory of a minor character.
- Focusing on a different region or culture within the world.
- Telling a story from the perspective of the "bad guys."
Top-Class FPS Action
First-person shooters are always a popular genre, and 2022 had some interesting entries. From wacky, over-the-top action to more grounded, tactical experiences, there was something for every type of FPS fan. It’s always fun to see what new ideas developers bring to the table, and this year didn’t disappoint. I’m always on the lookout for the best FPS games, and here are a couple that caught my eye.
Wacky Shooters Go Cold
Remember Serious Sam? Well, Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem took the series’ signature over-the-top action to a snowy setting. It’s the same chaotic gameplay you know and love, but with a fresh coat of ice. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t take itself too seriously and just wants you to blow up hordes of enemies, this might be up your alley. The sheer absurdity of the weapons and enemies is what makes this series so enjoyable.
Intense Tactical Engagements
On the other end of the spectrum, Rainbow Six Extraction offered a more strategic and tense experience. This spin-off of Rainbow Six Siege pits you against alien threats in close-quarters environments. Teamwork and careful planning are key to survival. It’s a different kind of shooter, one that rewards patience and coordination over run-and-gun tactics. It’s a great game to play with friends if you enjoy a challenge. Here are some key elements of the game:
- Strategic planning
- Team coordination
- Resource management
Exciting New Gaming Frontiers
Beloved Characters Explore New Worlds
It’s always cool to see familiar faces pop up in unexpected places. This year, get ready to see some of your favorite characters explore new worlds in ways you never thought possible. Think about it: what if Mario ended up in a gritty cyberpunk setting? Or if Link had to solve mysteries in a noir detective story? The possibilities are endless, and developers are really pushing the boundaries of what’s expected. These games aren’t just about cashing in on nostalgia; they’re about reimagining what these characters can do and the stories they can tell. It’s a chance to see them in a completely different light, and that’s something to be excited about.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Forget the same old button-mashing and predictable storylines. This year is bringing a wave of games that are trying out completely new ways to play. We’re talking about mechanics that will make you rethink how you approach gaming. Imagine a game where:
- Your character’s emotions directly affect the environment.
- You have to negotiate with NPCs using a real-time language translator.
- The game adapts its difficulty based on your actual stress levels.
These aren’t just minor tweaks; they’re fundamental changes that could redefine entire genres. It’s a risky move for developers, but the potential payoff is huge. If they nail it, we could be looking at the next big thing in gaming. It’s all about taking chances and pushing the limits of what’s possible. The upcoming PC games in July are looking to be very promising.
Must-Play Titles Defining Genres
2022 was a wild year for games, wasn’t it? So many titles dropped, and some of them weren’t just good, they were genre-defining. We’re talking about games that set new benchmarks, the kind that developers will be chasing for years to come. It’s tough to narrow it down, but here are a few that really stood out.
Games Setting New Standards
Some games just click. They take familiar mechanics and twist them in ways you never thought possible, or they introduce entirely new concepts that feel both fresh and intuitive. These are the games that other developers will be studying for years, trying to figure out what makes them so special. Think about how Minecraft changed the sandbox genre, or how Dark Souls redefined action RPGs. We saw a few of those moments in 2022, with titles pushing the boundaries of what we expect from certain genres. For example, Cronos: The New Dawn really changed the survival horror genre.
Experiences That Will Last for Years
It’s not just about innovation; it’s about impact. Some games stick with you long after you’ve finished playing. They create memories, spark conversations, and become part of the cultural landscape. These are the games you revisit years later, and they still feel as engaging and relevant as they did on day one. They’re the ones that get speedrun, modded, and analyzed to death because people just can’t get enough. They’re the titles that earn a permanent spot on the "best of all time" lists. Games like Elden Ring and God of War are good examples of this. Here’s a quick look at some other games that made a splash in 2022:
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: A chaotic and hilarious take on the looter-shooter genre.
- I Was a Teenage Exocolonist: A narrative-driven game with a unique card-based mechanic.
- Saints Row: A reboot of the outlandish action series, bringing back the over-the-top fun.
Wrapping Things Up for 2022
So, there you have it. 2022 was a pretty wild ride for games, right? We saw some big names finally drop, and a bunch of cool surprises too. Even with all the delays and stuff that happened, there was still a ton of good stuff to play. Hopefully, you found a few new favorites on this list. Now go on, get playing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were so many games delayed?
A lot of games that were supposed to come out in earlier years got pushed back. This was mostly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it hard for game creators to work together.
Are there any big games finally releasing?
Yes, many big games that people were really looking forward to are finally coming out. Things like Elden Ring and Dying Light 2 are on the list.
Will there be new indie games to play?
Absolutely! There are lots of cool new games from smaller companies, like unique puzzle games, action-packed role-playing games where you can change forms, and even charming games about taking pictures.
Are there new JRPG games coming out?
Yes, fans of Japanese role-playing games will be happy. Some classic game series are coming back, and there are also new stories in worlds we already know and love.
What about new shooting games?
You bet! There will be plenty of first-person shooter games, from silly ones to really serious and strategic battles.
Are there any games with new ways to play?
Many games this year are trying new things with how you play them. Some beloved characters are going to new places, and there are fresh ideas for how games work.
