The year 2022 is full of challenges that aren’t fun to tackle. Social distancing is still a thing and the economy seems to be on a verge of a crash. But for some people, there are other challenges that are like those in the video games they can play from the comfort of a couch with a controller in hand.
Yes, this year is chock-full of highly anticipated games to play and we’ve only reached the halfway point. Although not all the games released so far seem like they’re worth playing or anticipated for that matter, the ones on this list are going to go down in history as some of the most well-cut gems released.
"Elden Ring" (XBSX/S, PS5, PC)
From Software’s formulaic approach to RPGs has never disappointed the masses. So naturally, everyone including their mothers expected the studios’ latest outing "Elden Ring" to become the gold standard this year. And that’s exactly what is accomplished with a fully fleshed-out open world, well-thought-out combat system and extremely punishing difficulty complete with unforgiving boss battles. In fact, this could very well be the GOTY for 2022.
"Horizon: Forbidden West" (PS4, PS5)
Aloy makes her triumphant return in 2022 to face more animalistic terminators and enemy tribes in the "Horizon: Zero Dawn" sequel. "Horizon: Forbidden West" brings everything great about the first title to bear and builds upon it with improvements to the open-world design, side quests, mechanics, and storytelling. The only real shortcoming is that it’s a sequel that continues the already vast story of its predecessor, meaning newcomers will feel a little lost.
"SIFU" (PS5, PS4, PC)
Beat-em-ups will never be the same after "SIFU," a well-thought-out title that takes an uncommon factor of skill progression into account: aging. The character undergoes this while growing as a fighter and will age even more when they die, making things more challenging as he progresses. This and the fact that the sheer amount of unlockable techniques can’t all be acquired by the end make for a unique experience for every playthrough. Hence, it’s a beat-em-up that will grow on the player.
"Kirby and the Forgotten Land" (Switch)
It’s been a while since Nintendo fans have had a Kirby game to sate their appetites. Fortunately, the loveable pink vacuum cleaner has returned in an all-new fully 3D platforming adventure on the Switch. "Kirby and the Forgotten land" takes the titular character on a quest across a mysterious world complete with new enemies to devour and new abilities like possessing unanimated objects to solve puzzles. The title brings all the charm and none of the deadweights – just in time for Summer.
"TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge" (XBO, PS4, Switch, PC)
Sometimes it’s necessary to relive one’s yesteryears in order to have a bloody good time. That is what the brains at Tribute Games intended with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge." As a homage to the classic Konami arcade and console incarnations, this latest title provides fans with what is essentially the best TMNT-themed beat-em-up to date; featuring up to 6-player co-op and some of the best boss fights with iconic characters of the 1980-1990s era.
