Despite the RPG scene getting crowded, there are still plenty of great games to play. Whether it’s new worlds for long-running games or exciting debut projects that tap into unexpected corners of storytelling, there are lots of great games to tempt you into an adventure this year.
One of the most talked about games of 2022 is FromSoftware’s Elden Ring. The game offers a near-perfect mix of story, gameplay, and world design, making it an unforgettable experience for both old and new fans alike.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s open-world action RPG Elden Ring is a great game that takes players through a series of challenging, self-discovery fueled experiences. It also features a variety of gameplay styles to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours across multiple playthroughs.
Unlike most games in the genre, there’s no objective markers or blinking icons on the map that tell you where to go, which helps make the journey feel much more organic and natural. It’s no wonder so many people have become enamored with the game’s rich world, lore and setting.
The open-world design of Elden Ring allows for a wide range of exploration, from traversing the six main areas to exploring linear hidden dungeons. It also allows for combat to be facilitated by a wide range of weapons and magical abilities that can be used in both stealth and direct engagements.
As with other FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring offers a plethora of mechanics to help mitigate its difficult challenges. These include day and night cycles, dynamic weather, mounted combat, weapon arts, and summoning spirit familiars.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a unique entry into the series, breaking away from the traditional gameplay structure of the main series and re-imagining the world of Sinnoh in a new way. As a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, you’re sent out to research wild Pokemon with the goal of cataloging the region’s first Pokedex.
The game has a lot of cool features, from its large open-world to its Pokemon battle system. However, it also has some issues that aren’t quite right.
Among the biggest problems is how the wild Pokemon encounters in Legends: Arceus work. It’s not uncommon to see players running into a group of multiple Pokemon in a single area, which doesn’t match up with traditional Nuzlocke rules.
Thankfully, a recent update has addressed the problem by adding the Eternal Battle Reverie challenge mode. This mode lets you meet Arceus in your dream and test out your strength against him in a series of one-on-one battles.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the latest entry in the popular series. Set in the world of Aionios, it ties together the stories from the first two games in the series, while also expanding upon their respective lore.
The game has a number of unique features that differentiate it from the previous titles, including a vast open world and party sizes of up to seven. Each member can assume a class when they join the party and learn skills from characters they encounter along their journey.
In combat, Xenoblade has taken MMO-style fighting to the next level. You’ll find yourself constantly using arts, each of which has a variety of qualifiers based on your position, enemy status, and more.
In addition, Xenoblade also makes use of a large number of abilities that you can activate when you’re in specific areas. This can be a great way to avoid getting pinned down and can help make it easier to build up combos with your team members.
Horizon Forbidden West
The sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West returns Aloy to a world that has been left in ruins after an unstoppable blight. She’ll travel to a vast and dangerous frontier where giant robot dinosaurs and fearsome new machines prowl its borders.
With a stunning visuals, and new game mechanics to enhance its gameplay, Horizon Forbidden West takes the series to another level. It features a huge, beautifully detailed open world that’s split into biomes, from rocky mountains to lush jungles and even icy wastes.
It also adds in a variety of new enemies to challenge players, including bigger and stronger robots that are more difficult than the ones in Horizon Zero Dawn. They’ll be challenging to kill without the right weapons and preparation, so it’s essential to make sure you have everything you need for each battle.
Along with introducing more powerful enemies and weapons, Forbidden West also introduces a wide array of challenges and achievements to earn as Aloy continues her journey. These include a reimagined Arena, Hunting Grounds, and a new weapon.
