The year 2022 has been heralded by many as a particularly robust period for video game releases, especially within its initial six months. With a diverse slate of titles spanning multiple genres and platforms, gamers have found themselves with an embarrassment of riches. As highlighted in the video above, the first half of 2022 brought forth a selection of highly anticipated experiences, from sprawling open-world epics to intensely focused combat simulations.
This article delves deeper into the most exciting new games of 2022 that launched during the first half of the year, expanding on the insights shared in the video. We will explore what makes these titles stand out, delve into their core mechanics, and discuss why they captured the attention of gaming enthusiasts worldwide. Understanding these 2022 game releases provides valuable context for the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.
Upcoming 2022 Games: A Diverse Lineup of Innovation
The early months of 2022 showcased a clear trend: developers were pushing boundaries, revisiting beloved franchises with fresh perspectives, and delivering entirely new intellectual properties. Many of these titles promised enhanced graphics, intricate narratives, and innovative gameplay loops. This period represented a significant benchmark for the industry, setting a high standard for subsequent upcoming 2022 games.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: A Fantastical Borderlands Spin-Off
Released on March 25th, 2022, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands presented a vibrant, high-fantasy take on the established Borderlands formula. This standalone adventure, originating from a popular Borderlands 2 DLC, immerses players in a tabletop RPG campaign designed by the eccentric Tiny Tina herself. The game successfully blends the signature looter-shooter mechanics with a fresh medieval-fantasy aesthetic, introducing new weapon types and enemy designs.
Players navigate imaginative environments filled with magic, mythical creatures, and the series’ characteristic irreverent humor. The shift in setting significantly alters the flow and exploration, emphasizing more traditional RPG elements. For fans of the Borderlands universe, this offered a creative departure, while new players could appreciate the unique blend of action and fantasy without needing extensive prior knowledge of the main series.
Gran Turismo 7: The Apex of Realistic Racing Simulation
Gran Turismo 7, which launched on March 4th, 2022, continued Polyphony Digital’s legacy of delivering unparalleled automotive simulation. This PlayStation exclusive raises the bar for visual fidelity, car selection, and meticulous detail in its physics engine. It’s designed for the hardcore car enthusiast, focusing on realism over arcade-style thrills.
The game offers an extensive collection of vehicles, from classic roadsters to modern supercars, each meticulously recreated. Players can spend countless hours fine-tuning their rides, participating in various racing events, and appreciating the intricate details of each track. While titles like Forza Horizon offer a more casual, open-world racing experience, Gran Turismo 7 caters to those who demand precision, technical depth, and the authentic feel of driving high-performance automobiles.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A New Frontier for Pocket Monsters
January 28th, 2022, marked a pivotal moment for the Pokémon franchise with the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This innovative title ventured into a semi-open world 3D environment, allowing players unprecedented freedom in catching and battling Pokémon. Set in the ancient Hisui region (a past incarnation of Sinnoh), the game functions as a prequel, offering a fresh narrative perspective.
Despite some initial critiques regarding its graphics, the game’s ambition in shaking up the traditional Pokémon formula was widely praised. Players could explore vast landscapes, observe Pokémon in their natural habitats, and engage in a more dynamic combat system. The emphasis on exploration and research, alongside a captivating story steeped in the lore of a bygone era, made it a standout among top games of 2022 for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Sons of the Forest: Unveiling a Deeper Horror Survival
The highly anticipated sequel to The Forest, Sons of the Forest, was released on May 20th, 2022. This survival horror title once again strands players in a dangerous wilderness, forcing them to gather resources, build shelters, and defend against terrifying, mutated creatures. The original game garnered a cult following for its deep crafting system and genuinely disturbing atmosphere, and its successor aimed to expand upon these elements.
Developers maintained a shroud of mystery around the game’s specifics, a “less-is-more” approach that amplified anticipation. This strategy suggested a focus on creating a truly immersive and terrifying experience, leveraging the success and resources from the first installment. Players expected enhanced graphics, more complex building mechanics, and even more unsettling encounters, hoping for a refined and expansive survival journey.
Sifu: Mastering the Art of Kung Fu and Consequences
February 8th, 2022, saw the launch of Sifu, a stylish action brawler that immediately captured attention for its fluid combat and unique aging mechanic. Developed by Sloclap, known for their previous title Absolver, Sifu builds upon a foundation of intricate hand-to-hand combat. Players embody a young Kung Fu student on a quest for revenge, facing formidable opponents in dynamic environments.
The game’s standout feature is its death-and-aging system: each time the protagonist is defeated, they revive slightly older but also wiser, gaining new skills while their maximum health decreases. This mechanic forces players to master combat, adapt strategies, and aim for flawless runs, as repeated deaths lead to an irreversible demise. The satisfaction of utilizing environmental objects and precise parries makes Sifu an exceptionally engaging and challenging experience.
Forspoken: A Magical Journey in a New World
Square Enix’s action-adventure RPG, Forspoken, arrived on May 24th, 2022, for PC and PS5, with a two-year PlayStation console exclusivity period. This title introduced players to Frey Holland, a seemingly ordinary young woman thrust into the fantastical, corrupted world of Athia. Armed with newfound magical abilities, Frey must navigate this beautiful yet dangerous land, battling monstrous creatures and uncovering ancient secrets.
The game’s visual spectacle, driven by stunning art direction and high-fidelity graphics, was a significant talking point. Players were intrigued by the rapid, parkour-like traversal and the diverse array of spells Frey could wield in combat. Forspoken aimed to deliver a compelling narrative alongside its impressive technical showcase, challenging players to explore a vast world and grow accustomed to their extraordinary powers.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl: Return to the Anomalous Zone
Originally slated for April 28th, 2022, Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl (though later delayed) generated immense excitement among PC gaming veterans. The Stalker series is renowned for its pioneering open-world survival horror, resource management, and atmospheric post-nuclear disaster setting. This sequel promised a significant leap forward, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to create an incredibly detailed and immersive experience.
Early glimpses showcased stunning graphics, intense combat against both human and anomalous threats, and a return to the series’ signature blend of tension and exploration. The game aims to expand on the original’s legacy of challenging gameplay, complex decision-making, and a deep, unsettling atmosphere. Fans eagerly anticipated a modern rendition of the Zone, with enhanced visuals and expanded gameplay systems.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Parkour, Zombies, and Choices
After numerous delays, Dying Light 2 Stay Human finally launched on February 4th, 2022, much to the anticipation of its dedicated fanbase. Building upon the success of its predecessor, this open-world zombie action game significantly expanded on the parkour and combat elements, adding deeper RPG mechanics and a branching narrative. Players navigate a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the infected, relying on acrobatic movement and brutal melee combat.
A key innovation in Dying Light 2 was its emphasis on player choice, with decisions impacting the game world and its various factions. The parkour system received substantial upgrades, offering a more fluid and expansive movement toolkit. With a focus on melee weapons and the absence of traditional firearms, the game maintained a gritty, up-close-and-personal combat experience, further immersing players in its perilous urban environments.
Horizon Forbidden West: Aloy’s Grand Return
February 18th, 2022, saw the release of Horizon Forbidden West, a highly anticipated sequel that aimed to surpass its acclaimed predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn. This action RPG continued the journey of Aloy into vast new regions, filled with breathtaking landscapes, new robotic creatures, and complex cultures. The game significantly expanded on every aspect, from combat and exploration to storytelling and character interactions.
The visuals were a major highlight, pushing the boundaries of console graphics with incredibly detailed environments and stunning machine designs. Guerrilla Games introduced more diverse enemy types, enhanced combat mechanics, and a greater emphasis on impactful side quests and town interactions. Forbidden West sought to deepen the lore, provide a more engaging narrative, and offer an even grander open-world adventure for Aloy’s continued quest.
Elden Ring: The Apex of Open-World Soulsborne
Among the most globally anticipated 2022 game releases, Elden Ring arrived on February 25th, 2022, across all major platforms, setting new benchmarks for the action RPG genre. FromSoftware, the revered studio behind Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro, applied their signature challenging combat and intricate world-building to an expansive open-world setting. Collaborating with George R.R. Martin for its lore, Elden Ring delivered an unforgettable experience.
The game meticulously blends the punishing difficulty and atmospheric exploration characteristic of Soulsborne titles with the freedom of an open-world design. Players could choose their path, explore vast dungeons, and confront formidable bosses in a non-linear fashion. With additions like a dedicated jump button, spirit summons, and robust character customization, Elden Ring was lauded for its innovative design, allowing players unprecedented agency in their journey through the Lands Between.
More Exciting 2022 Game Releases in the First Half
Beyond the top ten, several other notable titles enriched the early 2022 gaming landscape, offering diverse experiences for different tastes. These additional new games 2022 showcased the breadth of creativity within the industry.
- Destiny 2: The Witch Queen: Released in February 2022, this major expansion brought new raids, story content, and a challenging campaign to the popular live-service shooter, reinvigorating its dedicated player base.
- CrossfireX: Launching on Xbox consoles on February 10th, 2022, this first-person shooter, highly popular in Asian territories, introduced a new campaign developed by Remedy Entertainment, blending its tactical multiplayer roots with a cinematic single-player experience.
- The King of Fighters XV: This long-running fighting game franchise saw its latest iteration hit all major platforms on February 17th, 2022, delivering refined combat mechanics, a large roster of characters, and robust online features for competitive players.
- Elex II: The sequel to the cult classic sci-fi RPG, Elex II, arrived on March 1st, 2022, offering another expansive, post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology clash, along with complex factions and impactful player choices.
The first half of 2022 undeniably delivered a powerhouse lineup of top games of 2022. From groundbreaking open-world adventures to highly refined genre entries, the diversity and quality of these releases ensured that there was something for every type of gamer. This period solidified 2022’s reputation as a remarkable year for video games, setting a high bar for the rest of the calendar.
