Forspoken
Every time I see Forspoken in motion it makes me want to play it more.
That leaping, bounding magically augmented movement looks like so much fun! Pairing that with what looks like a very customisable offensive magic system means this could be the mage game I very much wanted Spellbreak to be.
If only Forspoken’s gameplay can feel as satisfying as it looks, it will have earned this position as one of 22 AAA Games to Watch in 2022.
Releasing on May 24th for PC and Playstation 5
Starfield
More than just a new Bethesda game, Starfield is a whole new Bethesda setting. Will they succeed in a new grand scale RPG without an inbuilt history and fanbase?
I mean it’s a Bethesda game. Even the games that don’t succeed right off the bat tend to find an audience that loves them. (looking at you Fallout 76)
Offering a (somewhat) realistic take on space exploration in a new setting not beholden to years of lore and background, Bethesda have a significant opportunity to do something new and exciting here.
Even if it will still be a first person shooter/rpg.
Releasing November 11th on PC and Xbox consoles.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Firaxis Games continue their experiments with X-Com Spinoff titles and shift into the Marvel universe, for a slightly more supernatural and superheroic experience. Gathering a team made up of Avengers, X-Men and more, it’s up to the player to stop a demonic invasion of earth using a variation of Firaxis traditional squad based action game.
Looking slightly more loose than the traditional X-Com grid movement system, and with a card choice based combat mechanic, Midnight Suns is treading new territory for the developer. Especially considering the overall hub mechanic this time around seems to be a Fire Emblem style base to hang out in with your Marvel Hero Superfriends.
Releasing sometime in 2022, Marvel’s Midnight Suns will be releasing on PC, Xbox, Playstation and Switch
A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Innocence was a surprise hit in 2018, a stealth focussed escort game that bucked conventional thought to make that game stand out in its genre.
Requiem looks to continue the narrative of Amicia and Hugo, her of the stealthing, him of the rat swarm controlling, but in much sunnier climes. Moving the action from the mudsoaked fields of provincial France to a sunsoaked Mediterranean Island potentially offers a new take on stealth in the sun. Regardless, the action adventure puzzling is sure to continue alongside the charming voice acting and storytelling for the central pair.
Releasing on to PC, Switch, Xbox and Playstation in 2022
Elden Ring
Every time a From Software game comes out, I look at it and say – “this is the one”
This is the one I’ll actually play properly. Will Elden Ring be the time that’s actually true?
A soulslike game from the team that spawned the genre, except this time with the added development of a full open world, and all the features that come alongside.
Will a change in scope make for a change in feel in the traditionally interwoven level design? Is that going to impact how the famously co-operative/hostile Souls community interact with their signs and invasions?
We’ll find out soon as Elden Ring releases February 25th on PC, Xbox and Playstation.
Steam Deck
Alright, technically not a game to end this list of AAA Games to watch in 2022. Still promised to the world from February 2022 onwards, the Steam Deck offers an intriguing prospect.
A Handheld PC, integrated into Steam’s monopolistic systems for complete ease of use.
The promise of a completely functional handheld PC at a (comparatively) approachable price, weight and support level is one I look forward to testing.
Because there are simply so many indies and small scale narrative games which I’m going to enjoy from the comfort of my sofa.
I’ll just try not to think about the rest of Steam’s hardware ambitions. Like Steam Machines. Or the Steam Controller. Or the Steam Link.
(The latter two of which sit in my living room even right now)
Shipping from February, due to a massive backlog any order placed now won’t turn up until after Q2 2022.