Gaming Excitement for 2022

Audrey Moody, Web Copy Editor

With 2021 about to be wrapped up (Christmas pun intended), gamers all around the world are looking forward to brand new releases in 2022. So, what’s in store for the year? Let’s check out just a few game of the new and intriguing games!

Pokémon Legends Arceus is a spin-off to the Pokémon franchise that will release on Jan. 28 for Nintendo Switch. Many beloved Pokémon are making a return and fans will be able to choose between three starter ones that are considered to be the most popular. The grass type Rowlet comes from the “generation 7” games, when it was one of the starters for Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Fire type Cyndaquill comes from the “generation 2” games, where it was usable in Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal. Finally, water type Oshawott comes from the “generation 5” games, which were Pokémon Black, White, Black 2 and White 2. When I play the game, it’s going to be a toss up between Rowlet and Oshawott for me. I really like both of them, so it’s going to come down to their typing and all that fun/complicated stuff. Other Pokémon are getting a new form, called a “Hisuian form”, where the original Pokémon will have a design change and their typing is changed. Some of my favorite new Hisuian forms have got to be Kleavor and Hisuian Growlithe. The designs look so cool and the new typings look fun to use in battle. I’ve always been a fan of the series, so seeing a new game that is really going to explore the historic past of the franchise makes me so excited!

Pokémon Legends Arceus promotion art shows returning fan favorite Pokémon. (Photo courtesy of Nintendo.)

God of War Ragnarok is another game in the God of War franchise that will release sometime in 2022 for both the PlayStation 4 and 5. The player again plays as Kratos, who is known in Greek mythology as the god of strength. He is accompanied by his son, named Atreus, as they travel throughout the lands of the Nordic Realms. Now, I’ve got to be honest… I’ve never played a God of War game before. I mean, I’ve always wanted to, don’t get me wrong; the games seem very enjoyable. But I’ve always looked at it, thought “I’ll get it another day”, then forget about it until I see it again. But seeing the trailer for Ragnarok, I’ve got to admit makes me want to play the series. So, I’m excited to see what comes from this game.

God of War Ragnarok promotional art shows new land for players to explore. (Photo courtesy of PlayStation.)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is the sequel to Breath of the Wild, which will be released sometime in 2022 on the Nintendo Switch. As of the day of me writing this, we only have one trailer and that’s it for the game. But oh my goodness am I excited for this game! The first game was one of my first ever Nintendo Switch games and I remember playing for hours at a time. It offered so many things to do, enemies to fight and the open world made the land feel very explorable. So, to say I’m excited for the sequel is an understatement. I can’t wait to explore another awesome world, defeat new enemies and go on fun main and side quests.

Trailer shows Breath of the Wild’s main character, Link, get new abilities. (Photo courtesy of Nintendo and GameSpot.)

These three games are just a few of the many games that have been announced so far that I’m looking forward to. Personally, I feel like 2021 didn’t feel as huge with games compared to previous years, so here’s hoping 2022 can be just as big!