Our most anticipated games of 2022 and beyond

Before we go any further, we can’t believe it either. Here we are, with just over two months to go in 2022, a flurry of releases either on our doorstep or in our living rooms, and we decide now to talk about upcoming releases in 2022 that we’re excited for? Hear us out. There really are that many games coming out between now and the end of the year, but with the amount of releases delayed to next year, we believe there’s no better time to point out games on the horizon that we just can’t wait for.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (October 28 – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC)

This one is really, really close; and we can’t wait. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will look to expand the 2019 reboot in more ways than one, continuing the tale of Task Force 141, led by the lovable and unintentional mascot of the Call of Duty franchise, Captain Price. Given we quite enjoyed the campaign of 2019’s Modern Warfare, we can only hope that this new campaign brings the heat with an intense line-up of missions akin to the level of the now infamous ‘Safe House’ mission. If that wasn’t enough, the ever popular multiplayer is set to return with refined gunplay and a third-person mode to boot. Sign us up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeVapCrI1pY

Bayonetta 3 (October 28 – Nintendo Switch)

The hack-and-slash franchise returns after an extended hiatus, and we couldn’t be more excited. Given it’s also right around the corner, we’ve missed the furious hack-and-slash action as the Umbra Witch Bayonetta looks to defend the world from an invasion of manmade bio-weapons. It definitely sounds strange when you put it that way, but the franchise has clearly retained its over-the-top nature and looks to return to the fold, guns blazing.

Sonic Frontiers (November 8 – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch)

We can only hope that Sonic Frontiers plays as good as it looks. The series looks to be taking the iconic blue hedgehog to new heights, throwing him into a realistic open-world, new enemies to defeat and an in-depot skill tree that will allow to Sonic to learn and develop new powers over the course of the game. It’s admittedly still puzzling to picture how all of this fits together, but we thankfully don’t have long until we find out.

God of War Ragnarök (November 9 – PS5, PS4)

BOY! Kratos and Atreus have returned, and a certain Norse god is pissed. God of War Ragnarök looks to continue the story of the 2018 God of War reboot on a larger scale, complete with a broader open world and bigger bosses. Without going further into spoilers, we have so many questions regarding the end of God of War and given the quality of that game, are most certainly expecting a well-written and gripping narrative compete with gorgeous graphics and outright addictive combat. Here we go again.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet (November 18 – Nintendo Switch)

Do we really need to elaborate? Two new Pokémon games are officially on the way and we Gotta’ Catch em’ All! A spread of new environments, gyms and Pokémon are sure to keep fans entertained for a long while with 19 new Gen 9 Pokémon to find and train.

Evil West (November 22 – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC)

This third-person action-adventure set in an alternate version of the Old West has us clambering for more. It look incredibly fast-paced and chaotic, not to mention the variolous supernatural elements that see you traversing through otherworldly environments to take on demon-like creatures. It seems as though we will also get the chance to wield crazy weapons like supercharged shotguns and flamethrowers. Yeah, this isn’t the Wild West as you know it.

Need for Speed Unbound (December 2 – PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

It might have only been revealed recently, but Need for Speed Unbound is already dropping on next-gen platforms by the end of the year. Incredibly stylish and complete with a mixture of both realistic and stylised graphics, the latter of which are customisable and sit atop gameplay as you tear through the streets. We feel the need, the need… you know the rest.

The Callisto Protocol (December 2 – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC)

While many have been confusing The Callisto Protocol with Dead Space (which is also getting its own remake), the former is rapidly making its own case as a new and distinct action-horror title set in outer space. It’s gory, brutal and incredibly atmospheric. You’ll need to muster up all the courage you can get as you explore and ultimately attempt to escape the clutches of Black Iron Prison.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns (December 2 – PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Having faced a recent delay, we’ll have to wait only a little longer for Marvel’s Midnight Suns. This tactical RPG from Firaxis Games and 2K, otherwise known as the creators of XCOM, bringing together the supernatural heroes and anti-heroes of the Marvel Universe. The combat will revolve around a card-based system that sees you equipping heroes and their abilities with certain attacks based on both opposing enemies and the environment.

High on Life (December 12 – Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC)

From the mind of Justin Roiland, the co-creator of Rick and Morty, comes a wacky first-person-shooter that sees you wielding sentient weapons that talk to you as you use them. We honestly couldn’t make this stuff up. Safe to say, the laughs will be consistent and loud.

Forspoken (January 24 – PS5, PC)

After lengthy delays, Forspoken seems set to wow on a visual front. Frey Holland is mysteriously transported to the world of Athia, where she is graced with magical powers and tasked with the daring mission to rid this land of an oppressive evil.

Dead Space (January 27 – PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

The original Dead Space was a true sci-fi horror that gem that has stood the test of time. That being said, this remake looks absolutely gorgeous, and totally deserving of a resurgence, taking full advantage of the power of next-gen consoles.

Dead Island 2 (February 3 – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC)

Yes, it’s real. After a massive developer delays and changeovers, a decade of Dead Island 2 hype is now a reality. With a bespoke gore system and tongue-in-cheek approach, we can’t wait to dive head first into another zombie apocalypse.

Hogwarts Legacy (February 7 – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch)

We might have seen enough at this stage in order to gain a proper understanding of exactly what Hogwarts Legacy has to offer, but that doesn’t make the wait any easier. It’s safe to say that life as a student at Hogwarts has not yet been portrayed with this level of detail and immersion, marking a triumphantly and long awaited return to Harry Potter-themed games. Going to classes, learning spells, interactable with the magical wildlife and exploring Hogwarts and its surrounding areas all sound like a dream.

We can’t believe this many games are all slated for release in such a short window of time. We’re hoping our wallets can take the hit.

Matthew Arcari

Matthew Arcari is the games and technology editor at The AU Review. You can find him on Twitter at @sirchunkee, or at the Dagobah System, chilling with Luke and Yoda.