2022 looks to be an exceptional year for gaming. Due to the pandemic, we have seen many games delayed and, thus, a lack of top titles releasing. Luckily, there are countless titles to be excited for throughout this year. Here are just a few of the 2022 video games that look to be stellar hits. Take a look at our top picks in “Gaming Respawn’s Most Exciting Video Games in 2022”.
God of War: Ragnarök
God of War (2018) is arguably one of the best gaming franchise reboots of all time! Reinventing the formula, God of War maintained many things that made the original trilogy (published between 2005 and 2010) so iconic. Kratos’ iconic Blades of Chaos return, and the combat shares similarities with the original games. However, Santa Monica altered elements of the God of War experience.
The highly acclaimed title took a more narrative-focused approach as the emotive story was at the forefront. Atreus (Kratos’ son) is the secondary main character who develops remarkably throughout the game and aids Kratos in combat. There are other massive changes, such as a different set of characters, a vast, beautiful open world and a time leap that showcases Kratos years after the fall of Olympus.
With the success of the outstanding 2018 title, it is reasonable to assume God of War: Ragnarök will be a fantastic addition to the series. With clear narrative beats and development between games, as well as visual changes in Atreus, more in-depth combat and further locations to explore, God of War: Ragnarök could be a Game of the Year contender for sure!
Keep your eyes peeled, PlayStation gamers, as God of War: Ragnarök should be releasing sometime in 2022, although the exact date is to be confirmed.
Gotham Knights
Honourable mention here for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League as that also looks to be an intriguing DC game. Gotham Knights, however, follows closely in terms of visuals and combat to the fantastic Batman: Arkham series. While not related in terms of universe and narrative, the four playable characters mostly maintain their iconic looks from this franchise. Batman has supposedly died, so ‘It is now up to the Batman Family, Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin, to protect Gotham’.
If there is one thing in which to both praise and critique the Batman: Arkham games, it is the ability to play as several superheroes. Unfortunately, playing as any character aside from Batman was limited. Now, players have the opportunity to play as four different iconic vigilantes throughout the game, each of which come with their own abilities, story and identity, which will allow all four to be interesting.
If Warner Bros. can make this game (and the Suicide Squad game) anywhere near as good as the Batman: Arkham titles, it will be a thrilling year for DC games.
It is hoped that Gotham Knights will release in 2022, although there is no definite date.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware have done it once again! From making the terrific Dark Souls games to the astounding Bloodborne (which was arguably the second best game of 2015), they have performed magic with every game they create. Elden Ring looks to be no different and is rightly exciting many fans, looking to be a potential Game of the Year contender.
It will be difficult; it will be similar to previous FromSoftware games, but there is a reason for this. Combat is rewarding, bosses are challenging, and worlds are mesmerising. Emphasis on the world of Elden Ring as it looks to be the most fantastical FromSoftware have produced! With world-renowned fantasy author George R. R. Martin on board, expect the fantasy elements of Elden Ring to really shine through.
Elden Ring will not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its assumed difficulty. After all, many players use video games as a way to relax rather than to be attacked by ghastly enemies at every opportunity. However, fans of the Dark Souls games – and lovers of the fantasy genre – should be excited for what is likely to be a terrific game.
Elden Ring was due to be released on the 12th November 2021, but for what we can only assume were pandemic-related issues, it will release on the modern consoles (aside from the Nintendo Switch) on the 25th February 2022.
Sifu
Video games with a time-limiting mechanic done right are sublime. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is the finest example of the mechanic done right. Deathloop also attempted – and somewhat succeeded – with this idea in 2021. Sifu is an upcoming game that incorporates this in an exceptional way.
Essentially, the player must eliminate five assassins who murdered his family. Sounds simple, right? Well, the main character can receive fatal wounds, and if he does – thanks to the aging mechanic – he will be revived, but he ages. So, if the player fails too many times, the main character will become too old and die. In a completely new way, Sifu uses the time-limiting mechanic in relation to aging, with the player only having so many opportunities to succeed.
Sifu should be a fun beat ’em up title that incorporates a variety of moves. The combat is meant to be fantastical, taking heavy influence from martial art films. Sifu evidently does not take itself too seriously. Aesthetically, it is a bright, vibrant title that captures the aging character well. Sloclap could be on to something amazing here; it is only a short matter of time until we see the final result.
Sifu releases on the 8th February 2022 but only on PlayStation consoles and PC.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
It has been a while since we’ve received a LEGO game on consoles. It is time to see the fun-to-solve puzzles and the colourful character interpretations return. There is no better way to see them return than with the franchise that kickstarted the LEGO video games collaborations, this being Star Wars. LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game released in 2005 and was met with great acclaim.
Covering all nine of the Skywalker Saga films, expect plenty of levels. The original LEGO Star Wars game had roughly six levels per film; the same again would mean content galore for players. Expect hundreds of characters and vehicles to be accessible in what should be a massive project. Most Star Wars films have received LEGO video game interpretations, so hopefully we’ll see some new ideas.
By today’s standards, the original LEGO Star Wars titles were pretty clunky. Getting a refresh on classic levels – and offering something new – will allow the game to flourish. Character models have vastly improved in the 16 years that have passed since the original LEGO Star Wars game. In addition, puzzles should be much more enjoyable due to the hardware and creativity that has been evident in recent LEGO games.
There is also every possibility for LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga to have a mesmerising hub world. With many vibrant planets, the possibilities are near endless. Whether it is for nostalgia or to experience a new Star Wars/LEGO game, this could be a wonderful time.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was due for release in 2021 but is now expected this year. Hopefully in 2022, we will see LEGO Star Wars at its very best. It will release on all of the modern consoles.
That ends our list of “Gaming Respawn’s Most Exciting Video Games in 2022”. Which video games are you excited for in 2022? Be sure to let us know!