It’s a new year and it’s time to look ahead to new game releases. I originally said in my 2021 gaming awards that there wasn’t much I was looking forward to. I might have rushed that statement as 2022 looks to be a big year in gaming for releases both large and small. I’m mostly anticipating a lot of smaller releases, but a few big games actually made my list. I just wonder if some of those AAA titles will end up slipping into 2023. I’m not expecting The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 to release this year, which is why it’s not included.

 

1. Triangle Strategy | Developer: Square Enix| Platforms: Switch | Release Date: March 4

Triangle Strategy is the latest game from Square Enix to use their gorgeous HD-2D style. The plot ties into the title in a way that’s quite on the nose. In this medieval fantasy decisions based on the three convictions of utility, morality, and liberty help drive the story forward. Gameplay wise, this strategy RPG shares a lot of its DNA with Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre. The ability to attack from multiple sides and from higher or lower levels certainly adds a level of dimension not found in a lot of other strategy RPGs. Triangle Strategy is probably my most anticipated game of 2022 so far.

 

2. Saints Row (2022) | Developer: Deep Silver Volition| Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: March 4

We haven’t seen a new entry in the Saints Row series since Saints Row IV released in 2013. By the time the fourth game arrived, the series’ already zany reputation became even zanier with the inclusion of super powers. The series reboot simply titled Saints Row, looks to be keeping a lot of the humor that made the games so much fun to play. It’s difficult to tell how strange the reboot will be, but at the very least the game probably won’t be taking itself too seriously compared to Grand Theft Auto. I’m also enjoying the fact that there will be a change of location. The series will be leaving Steelport City (an amalgamation of New York City, Pittsburgh, and Bridgeport) in favor of the city of Santo Ileso based in the Southwest. As someone who used to live in Arizona I’m always game for settings based on this area of the United States. The diversity of the cast is another nice bonus. Hopefully this reboot lives up to its predecessors.

 

3. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak | Developer: Capcom | Platforms: Switch, PC | Release Date: Summer

Monster Hunter Rise on the Switch has done well. Fans love the speed, mobility, and vertical movement the use of the Wirebug brings to the series. Additionally, each and every weapon includes an aerial combat style that feels very different from Monster Hunter: World. The Feudal Japan aesthetics are another nice change of pace. Palamutes are just icing on the cake in this world. The only complaint fans have is that the game lacks all of the extra events available in World/Iceborne. The huge upcoming expansion Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is welcome with new monsters and the upcoming implementation of Master Rank hunts. Personally, I’ve been slacking with getting into Rise, but I’m hoping that Sunbreak gives me the kick I need to get back into monster hunting.

 

4. Horizon Forbidden West | Developer: Guerrilla| Platforms: PS4, PS5| Release Date: February 18

Horizon Zero Dawn was a smash hit for Sony, so a sequel was only a matter of time. The colorful post-apocalyptic settings filled with robotic monsters provided a unique world to explore. Horizon Forbidden West ups the ante as the series literally goes west. Aloy is tasked with finding out why the world is slowly dying and a discovering a way to stop the extinction. This game was originally slated to be a PS5 exclusive until Sony reversed course allowing the large PS4 install base to also enjoy the game. I still need to play the original HZD before I even consider Forbidden West, but having a new game in the series will be a good incentive to expand my horizons. (I’m not sorry.)

 

5. Advanced Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp | Developer: WayForward| Platforms: Switch | Release Date: Spring

As a fan of the Fire Emblem series, it’s shameful that I never got into its counterpart series, Advanced Wars. The concept of a strategy system similar to FE, except in a modern military setting is enough to grab my attention. Despite all that, I feel like I missed the boat. When a remake of the first two Advanced Wars was announced, I knew I wanted to take a chance on playing them. Unfortunately, the games were delayed until a “vague” spring 2022. I’m just hoping that this game actually does release this year. Even if it does get pushed back into 2023. Better a delayed game that’s enjoyable than a rushed game that’s regrettable.

 

6. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk | Developer: Team Reptile| Platforms: Switch, PC | Release Date: 2022

One only needs to look at Bomb Rush Cyberfunk to confirm that it was heavily inspired by Jet Set Radio. The music, cel-shaded graphics, and plot all call back to the Dreamcast game released in 2000. You and your crew run around a futuristic metropolis tagging areas with graffiti while avoiding the cops. I never got far in Jet Set Radio, so having a modern take on such an interesting game is worth checking out. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk has been delayed and only has a 2022 release date. Given the small indie studio working on this game, it’s unclear if it’ll hit digital storefronts this year. Either way, if you were a fan of JSR this game might be worth checking out.

 

7. Metal Slug Tactics | Developer: Leikir Studio| Platforms: Switch, PC| Release Date: 2022

Like Advanced Wars 1+2 and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Metal Slug Tactics only has a 2022 release date. It may release this year, it may not. With that concern out of the way, I’m still very much interested in this game. I enjoy the Metal Slug series quite a bit, even if I’m not very good at the games. I’m also a fan of strategy RPGs, so a fusion of the two is irresistible. Roguelike elements ensure that no two runs will be the same. I love that Metal Slug Tactics retains the sprite style from the run and gun games. I just hope the game lives up to my lofty expectations.

 

The waiting for reviews and sales list:

 

Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Developer: Game Freak| Platforms: Switch | Release Date: January 28

I used to be a big fan of Pokémon, but I stopped playing the games during the Black and White generation. While Sun and Moon, and Sword and Shield were tempting, they weren’t strong enough to draw me back into the series. Heck, not even the Pokémon Go juggernaut had an effect on me. That changed with Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The game looks like a refreshing change of pace from the usual series formula. Not only is it inspired by Feudal Japan (not unlike Monster Hunter Rise), but the gameplay seems to have taken a few cues from the Monster Hunter games as a whole. I like the fact that the turn-based system has been tweaked to account for stats determining which monster move first, how many turns are taken, and different fighting styles (speed vs strength) are available. Being chased by strong and aggressive Pokémon could make the world feel more alive. Arceus might be the serious shakeup that Pokémon has been lacking for generations. Given how the series only does iterative change, I’m content to wait for impressions and reviews before I make my decision on this game.

 

Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin | Developer: Square Enix, Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo| Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: March 18

When Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin was revealed at E3 in 2021, I wasn’t sure what to make of the game. Yes, the rumors had been swirling around for weeks, but seeing the game trailer was something else. Final Fantasy has been moving toward the action genre for years now, but Stranger of Paradise is just leapfrogging forward. It’s wild to think that Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo are developing a game in the series, yet here we are. Judging from the trailers and the demo, the game may or may not be taking itself too seriously. The concept of this game being a prequel to the first Final Fantasy is a bit much to wrap my head around. While I’m grateful this game is no longer a next gen exclusive, I’ll be waiting for the reviews to roll in. I’m being cautious because I fear this game may disappoint me.

 

Forspoken | Developer: Luminous Productions| Platforms: PS5, PC | Release Date: May 24

Forspoken was an immediate eye catcher for me not because it was a game about a character transported from the modern world to a fantasy world. That’s a fairly common trope. It was because the main character is a black woman. As a black woman who has enjoyed gaming for years, the number of games featuring a protagonist that looks like me is rare outside of games with character generators. That said, representation alone is not enough to make me buy a game, as I want the game to be fun to play. For example, if this game was an FPS or a sports game, I’d be taking a hard pass. The fact that Forspoken is an action RPG is bodes well, but part of me fears this game could end up on the mediocre end of the scale. Unfortunately, the marketing around the game and first impressions are not alleviating my worries. Again, I’ll be waiting for first impressions and reviews. There’s also another factor for me to consider. Forspoken is a PS5 and PC exclusive. I won’t be buying a PS5 for this game, but using my PC is an option so I need to be certain it runs well.

 

What game releases are you anticipating this year?