2022 is here and as is the tradition at the start of a new year, we are looking ahead at what is coming to our PCs and Consoles in the coming months. As always this is based on what we know is coming, not unannounced titles that will surely get released during the year. Now we dive deep into story and character creation with the year’s upcoming RPGs.
The Most Anticipated RPGs for 2022
Weird West
Created by a group of ex-Arkane devs, Weird West feels both familiar and unique in its approach. Presented from a more traditional CRPG viewpoint the game still incorporates many of the things Arkane are known for in their FPS titles. Environmental, weather and fire systems all come into effect making this a game where there is certainly more than meets the eye.
I was lucky enough to play through a press demo of the game and I can tell you this is going to be a great title. The wild west crossed with supernatural beings is a fantastic setting and one that I feel is fairly underutilised. If the full version of the game lives up to the promise then this will be a title that every RPG fan will need when it releases March 31st.
Elden Ring
The latest game to arrive from the legends at From Software, Elden Ring also features the talents of Game of Throne author, George R. R. Martin. Every report from the alpha test seems to be that this is another winner in the genre and fans are likely to have their next obsession to tackle.
While these sorts of games are not for everyone, there is no denying their quality and I can see this one being right up there when people start talking about the game of the year. Elden Ring arrives on PS5, Xbox Series and PC on the 24th of Feb.
Not long to go now, folks.
Steelrising
A Spiders’ game in a most anticipated list? Am I mad? Stay with me folks because I have reasons. Spiders are known for mostly terrible RPGs with fantastic and original settings. But one thing they should also be known for is improving. Each game they release is better than the last and with that in mind and the knowledge that their last title, Greedfall was a genuinely good bit of (flawed)fun then Steelrising could well be a winner.
The setting is great, with a Victorian steam and clockwork powered world really shining in the trailers. The fact that players will be taking charge of a clockwork robot assassin is also super cool. I have my fingers crossed for this one, I would really love to see Spiders knock one out of the park when the game releases June this year.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Look, you are either a Pokemon fan or you are not. I am not, however even I am intrigued by what I have seen of Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
The game looks to incorporate a more open structure and is borrowing elements from titles like Breath of the Wild to give the Pokemon formula a true shakeup, something the franchise has been in need of for a while.
I could be wrong and it all could be more of the same, but hopefully, this is the game that finally draws me into the franchise.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus launches on the 28th of Jan.
Starfield
Easily one of the most anticipated games of the year, Starfield is big news for more than one reason. The first is that it is the first new IP from Todd Howard’s crew since the 90s so there is a lot riding on it. The second is that it is the first release from Bethesda that will be a true Xbox/PC exclusive, something that has drawn a little bit of venom from those that are Sony inclined.
Skyrim in space sounds like a cool experience, but it is one that is surely difficult to pull off. Todd Howard is bullish that this gaming is coming on the 11th of the 11th, but honestly, the scope is so massive that I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if its release tips into 2023.
