The last year was poised to deliver many highly anticipated video games. Then Covid-related delays pushed many of them to 2022. The result was one such year for gaming in 2021 and the massive hype for the year ahead in early January, historically a dormant month on the game-release calendar.
Although some titles are expected to drop in 2022 with no fixed release date, we’ve compiled the games we’re most excited to see and play in the coming year.
1. Elden Ring
ELDEN Ring’s Closed Network Test provided a small taste of what I’ve been missing for years. With its spectacular scale, intricate encounters and gorgeous art direction, FromSoftware is the master of the atmosphere in the medium.
On the other hand, the seven hours I’ve played so far haven’t given me confidence that the company can tackle an open world with the level of talent I’d hoped for. The repetitive objectives and less varied environment may prevent Elden Ring from being one of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s best. I hope the whole game proves me wrong.
The Closed Network Test of Elden Ring went live from November 12 to 14 over five different three-hour time slots. I needed three sessions over the course of seven hours to get the most of what the test had to offer, and after each session, I could feel my body itching more and more. But still, Elden walked away from the ring with less enthusiasm than I entered.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved what I played, but FromSoftware sets the bar for excellence after Bloodborne and Dark Souls. Just loving Elden Ring is a lukewarm response in contrast to the intensity I feel for a developer’s best works. Part of me is hoping this performance is only a step forward in FromSoftware’s next masterpiece, but regardless, devout fans of the franchise need to set expectations. If you thought Elden Ring could be one of the greatest games of all time, you might be disappointed.
2. Horizon Forbidden West
Join Alloy as she braves the Forbidden West – a majestic but dangerous frontier that hides mysterious new dangers.
Explore distant lands, fight bigger and more awe-inspiring machines, and face amazing new tribes as you return to the far-future, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon.
The land is dying. A terrible storm and an unstoppable blight devastate the scattered remnants of humanity, while terrifying new machines penetrate their borders. Life on Earth is headed for another extinction, and no one knows why.
It is up to Alloy to uncover the secrets behind these dangers and restore order and balance in the world. Along the way, he must reunite with old friends, form alliances with warring new factions, and uncover the legacy of the ancient past – all while trying to stay one step ahead of an unbeatable new enemy.
3. The sequel to ‘Breath of the Wild’
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 could potentially launch in November 2022. Nintendo has been pretty vague on the subject since a teaser was revealed at E3 2021, including not revealing the official title of the highly anticipated sequel.
The leak comes from IGN boss, Peer Schneider, who claimed to have met some industry insiders during The Game Awards 2021 during a podcast. Admittedly, the Zelda sequel was never shown at the event, with concerned parties assuring them that it is still in development and that there are some big things in store for 2022.
Later in the podcast, he made the November 2022 release window more specific. “I think that will probably change next November when we’re playing Breath of the Wild 2,” he said. This can only be a rough window prediction, so take it with a grain of salt.
4. God of War: Ragnarok
God of War Ragnarok is set to launch at some point in 2022, but we probably won’t get an official release date announcement until the companion exclusive Horizon Forbidden West hits store shelves in February. And yet, we’re hoping Sony will give it at least a few more months. Assuming it doesn’t get delayed, educated guesses would put Ragnarok as late as next year, and so this potential “leak” is already raising eyebrows.
God of War Ragnarok has been downed for a September 30, 2022 release date in PlayStation’s own database, reports PlayStation Game Size. Sounds entirely plausible, but it should be emphasized that it can be a placeholder quite easily. Still, September 30th happens to be a Friday, so it’s in line with typical AAA launch habits.
5. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is an open world adventure game set in the Harry Potter universe, confirmed by Avalanche Software. At least that’s what we’ve been told so far. After months of rumors, the game remains without a set release date and no trailer nor any recent announcement about it, Boy Wizard fans have nothing to wait.
As its name suggests, Hogwarts Legacy will take players to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And instead of retelling the story of the Harry Potter books and movies, in this game, everything takes place in the year 1800, with its own story, characters, teachers, and worldview.
