Brave new worlds
The new year looks set to offer truly spectacular landscapes to explore
A BRAND new year beckons, and that means one thing – brand new games. While 2021 wasn’t quite the stinker 2020 was, life still doesn’t feel quite as carefree as it did pre-covid.
But despite the challenges, last year saw a wealth of great titles to keep us entertained, especially during those dark, early lockdown months.
However 2022 shapes up, there are some wonderful new games on the way. So, to whet your gaming appetite, here’s just a few of the amazing titles due out over the next 12 months.
Monster Hunter Rise (PEGI 12) Release: January 12, PC, Switch
While Switch players have had this title all to themselves for the last nine months, Monster Hunter Rise is finally getting unleashed on PC.
Easily one of the biggest releases for PC gamers, this is the ultimate monster-hunting experience.
Rise carries through many of the new conventions introduced to the series by previous instalment, World. This time you’re accompanied on your hunts by an animal companion – a palamute – which you can use as transport across the map or to ride screaming into battle.
The introduction of wirebugs (which are adorable) help you traverse the game’s world vertically, and also to mount and ride certain monsters – if you’re quick enough.
The real strength of this series however is the co-op play, and hunting as a pack means bigger rewards.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human (PEGI 18) Release: February 4, PS4, PS5, XBOX ONE, XBOX X/S, PC, Switch
The sequel to 2015’s Dying Light, this RPG survival horror introduces new heroes to the zombie apocalypse.
Set 20 years after the fateful events of the first game, we find humanity on the brink of extinction.
There’s a new protagonist, who will use his impressive parkour skills to jump, flip, climb and scramble his way through hordes of undead.
The branching storyline will see whole swathes of the city change based on choices you’ve made.
Combat is more connected to the game’s parkour system, and of course, weapon modding will allow you to craft some incredible kit to wield against the living dead.
Horizon: Forbidden West (PEGI 16) Release: February 18, PS4, PS5
The huntress Aloy is back in this PlayStation exclusive, the hotly anticipated sequel to 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn.
With new lands to explore, and new mechanical enemies to fight, Forbidden West even introduces some underwater segments.
The latest trailer gave fans a closer look at some of the majestic mechanical beasts you’ll encounter on your adventures, from huge elephant-like creatures, to slithering snake-like beasts and raptor-esque bipeds that Aloy can ride to travel around the map. The environments look suitably stunning, and I simply can’t wait to revisit this post-apocalyptic sci-fi masterpiece.
Gran Turismo 7 (PEGI 3) Release: March 4, PS4, PS5
The latest trailer released for this game had footage so realistic, I could smell the burnt rubber.
This PlayStation exclusive release uses haptic feedback, more dynamic use of the controller’s adaptive triggers and 3D spatial audio to make players feel more behind the wheel than ever.
GT7 also supports ray tracing, meaning that graphically, this is simply the most stunning racing game you’ll have ever seen.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (PEGI 16) Release: March 25 PS4, PS5, XBOX ONE, XBOX X/S, PC, Switch
A spin-off from the Borderlands series, this first-person shooter follows the adventures of fan-favourite Tiny Tina. Packed full of over-thetop fantasy action with RPG elements, players will be able to create their own playable characters.
Wonderlands is actually set directly after the Borderland’s expansion pack Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, with the campaign taking place within that fantasy-themed tabletop world.
Expect bullets and broadswords alongside some serious spellcasting as Tiny Tina acts as ‘dungeon master’ to shape the world around you.
Playable as a solo game, or with up to three others locally or online, this should be a lot of fun.
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course (PEGI TBC) Release: June 30 XBOX ONE, PC
Cuphead’s extended adventures have been a long time coming. But if developers have paid the same stunning attention to detail, it will be worth the wait.
The DLC sees Cuphead and Mugman joined by Ms Chalice, opening up a whole new island for our porcelain pals to explore.
Expect fresh frustrations, insane new levels and hard-as-nails bosses.
Saints Row (PEGI TBC) Release: August 23 PS4, PS5, XBOX ONE, XBOX X/S, PC
Set in the fictional city of Santo Ileso, this game reboots the entire Saints Row franchise in order to pull away from the “wacky” tone of Saints Row IV’.
Originally scheduled for a February release, it was pushed back to August due to ‘quality’ concerns.
Santo Ileso is under the control of three gangs, the Los Panteros, the Idols; and Marshall Defense Industries.
You play ‘The Boss’, who sets about assembling a new gang from dissatisfied members of these gangs in a bid to seize control of the city.
The game will boast a detailed character creator, and has a drop-in cooperative multiplayer where a second player – as their own Boss character – can provide the hosting player with support, while still progressing in their own missions.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 (PEGI TBC) Release: TBC, Switch
The sequel to 2017’s superb The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild still has no confirmed title or release date.
Nintendo has said it will give more details about the game as it gets closer to release, saying it doesn’t want to unveil the game’s title to avoid spoilers. Hopefully all will be revealed soon.
God of War: Ragnarök (PEGI TBC) Release: TBC, PS5
Kratos returns with his now teenage son, Atreus, and Fimbulwinter is drawing to a close, which it’s prophesied will bring about Ragnarök – the end of the world.
Taking place three years after the events of 2018’s God of War, our heroes will traverse the nine realms, facing down new threats – including Thor, and ex-ally, Freya.
If you’ve not yet seen a trailer for this title, give it a watch, it’s genuinely stunning.