Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West is unfortunately timely: Aloy has to investigate a mysterious plague that infects and kills most everything it comes across. The adventure will take her through to America’s post-apocalyptic west, across California, Utah and Nevada. If you’ve played its predecessor, you know how great this is likely to be. If you haven’t played Horizon Zero Dawn, go ahead and do that.
Elden Ring
Release date: Feb. 25.
For many, Elden Ring is the most anticipated game of the year. It’s notable for many reasons. First, it’s a major new release by FromSoftware, the developers behind Dark Souls. Second, it’s the first From Software game to integrate an open-world setting. Third, its world and lore was created with the help of George R.R. Martin. There’s a lot going on here, and it’s bound to be a hugely ambitious and rewarding title — for those resilient enough to make it through.
Gran Turismo 7
Release date: March 4.
In November Microsoft was able to show off its racing chops with the outstanding Forza Horizon 4. In March, it’ll be Sony’s turn. Like many titles on this list, Gran Turismo 7 was originally scheduled for a 2021 launch. That didn’t end up happening, but PlayStation 4 and 5 owners in need of a graphically beautiful and realistic driving sim have much to look forward to in March.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Release date: March 25.
Those who have been hungry for more Borderlands will get their fix with Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. It’s a spinoff from Gearbox’s popular series, and a sequel of sorts to Borderlands 2 DLC Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep. Tiny Tina takes the franchise in a more fantasy, RPG direction, but they’re still bringing out the big guns: Andy Samberg, Will Arnett and Wanda Sykes will all provide voice acting for the game.
Forspoken
Release date: May 24.
In Forspoken, you play as Frey. She’s a woman living in New York who one day finds herself transported into a distant and unknown magical land. Don’t you hate it when that happens? Said magical land is ruled by a group called the Tantas, and it’s up to you to use your newfound powers to save the land and make it back home. Forspoken, previously known as Project Athia, is being developed to show off the PlayStation 5’s power — so will be a treat to look at if nothing else.
Saints Row
Release date: Aug. 22.
Saints Row is getting a reboot. The fifth game in the series will simply be known as Saints Row. It’ll have the same open-world sandbox that the series is known for — set in an approximation of the US’ southwest — but will strike a more serious tone than the wild and wacky Saints Row IV.
Starfield
Release date: Nov. 11.
Ragnarok is a followup to God of War, one of the PlayStation 4’s best games. There’s a lot going on in Ragnarok: The world is potentially ending, Kratos is seeking the Norse God of War while being hunted by a very angry Thor. It’s the second and final God of War set in Norse mythology and was originally meant to hit the PS4 and PS5 last year. We don’t know when it’ll launch in 2022, but it’ll be one of the year’s highlights if it can recapture the greatness of its predecessor.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Release date: Spring.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land almost looks like a crossover between Kirby and The Last of Us. The reveal trailer from September showed Kirby exploring an abandoned city similar to those in The Last of Us Part 2. I assume there will be less zombies, but more colorful platforming, copying of enemy abilities and general frolicking. Y’know, Kirby stuff.
Redfall
Release date: Summer.
Redfall is a team shooter from the company that brought you Dishonored and Deathloop. It’s centered around a zombie invasion of the town of Redfall, Massachusetts, and will be first-person, open world and best played with friends. We’ve not yet seen Redfall gameplay, but the reveal trailer hints at a game brimming with charm and character.
Sonic Frontiers
Release date: Holiday 2022.
We don’t know much about Sonic Frontiers, which was announced via a surprise trailer at the 2021 Game Awards. From what we can tell, it’ll integrate more freedom into the traditional Sonic speed running — it’s described as an “open-zone” game rather than an “open-world” game. It’s set for a holiday 2022 release.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Release date: TBC.
Strange things are happening in Tokyo. First and foremost: Everyone has disappeared. What’s up with that? You, as hero Akito, will find out. You’ve got some new powers, but being attacked by mysterious paranormal beings. Swings and roundabouts. Ghostwire: Tokyo is a PlayStation 5 exclusive for a year, though it’ll eventually be ported to Xbox.
Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Release date: TBC.
It’s a big year for Lord of the Rings fans. Amazon Studios’ series will launch, and then there’s Gollum. The unsightly rascal is the star of his own game, where he’ll use stealth to outmanoeuvre Orcs — and occasionally embrace his inner Smeagol to overpower them — in his quest to retrieve The Ring. We haven’t seen much Gollum gameplay yet, but the game is expected to launch in 2022 on all consoles, including the Switch.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Release date: TBC.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle was a surprisingly great game, melding the two franchises while simultaneously providing deep strategy gameplay. Sparks of Hope takes the cast of characters out of the Mushroom Kingdom and into outer space, though the scenery isn’t the only change. The game will add a heavier dose of combat into its strategy gameplay, as seen in a recent trailer, but hopefully will retain the charm that made the first one so loveable.
Hogwarts Legacy
Release date: TBC.