February 2022 will go down as probably the greatest months for video video games ever. From indie platformers to AAA open-world powerhouses, a number of implausible video games launched to essential acclaim and record-breaking participant counts. Because so many nice video games got here out in January and February, it’s not shocking if some gamers’ missed one — or a couple of.
Seven titles specifically rose above all the things else launched this month and might be remembered by many players for years to return. These are the February 2022 video games that gamers mustn’t miss out on, in no specific order.
Elden Ring
The newest sport from FromSoftware program was lastly launched, and it’s clear that Elden Ring could also be a contender for sport of the era. Combining methodical and difficult Soulslike gameplay with an unlimited and open world like that of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring struck a chord with critics and audiences alike.
Digital Trends gave the sport 4 stars in our overview, which was extra essential than the overall consensus, however we nonetheless loved the expertise immensely. “Elden Ring is a new gold standard for open-world game design, dishing out some of the best freeform exploration since The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” our overview states.
Elden Ring looks like it may be the top of FromSoftware program’s Soulslike system, and it’s an ideal instance of what nice open-world design appears like. If you someway haven’t heard about it already, make it possible for Elden Ring is in your radar.
Horizon Forbidden West
Both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West have had the distinction of being implausible open-world video games … that have been launched simply earlier than different titles that revolutionized the style. Though Horizon Forbidden West has tons of dialogue and may not be probably the most revolutionary open-world sport, it’s nonetheless attractive on PS5 and an gratifying romp.
“Horizon Forbidden West establishes the Horizon franchise as a power player in Sony’s first-party arsenal,” Giovanni Colantonio wrote in Digital Trends’ four-star overview of the sport. “It fixes the few blemishes Horizon Zero Dawn had by strengthening its combat and adding better ways to get around the world.”
There aren’t many different video games that may match the sensation a participant will get when taking down an enormous mechanical monster in Horizon Forbidden West. It’s a must-play for PS5 homeowners, even when Elden Ring is the very best open-world sport launched this month.
OlliOlli World
Some gamers might need forgotten about this skateboarding gem that launched towards the beginning of the month. OlliOlli World is an easy 2D skateboarding sport with vibrant visuals that’s onerous to place down.
I adored the sport, giving it four-and-a-half stars in my overview. “OlliOlli World will go down as one of the best 2D platformers of 2022 and one of the best skateboarding games ever,” I wrote. “Intricately designed levels that reward players’ skill and choice make playing the game a captivating experience.”
It’s additionally extra approachable than any sport within the sequence earlier than it, so we’d suggest it to hardcore skaters and informal platform followers alike. Those who fall in love with its degree design ought to take a look at our interview with senior designer Sam Robinson, who breaks down the system used to carry OlliOlli World’s implausible ranges to life.
Sifu
If Elden Ring doesn’t already beat gamers down sufficient, Sifu is there to deal the ending blow. This brutal motion sport is an intense martial arts journey the place gamers age up each time they die. It’s not for the faint of coronary heart, however those that get pleasure from video games that problem them to memorize patterns and combos to beat formidable opponents will discover loads to like right here.
Digital Trends actually loved Sifu, giving the sport four-and-a-half stars. “Sifu’s punishing loop and intense combat are nothing short of brilliant,” Otto Kratky wrote. “It’s one of those rare titles that doesn’t just want players to do their best; it demands it instead.”
Of course, its problem implies that this sport isn’t for everybody. But if this sport clicks for somebody, they’ll develop to adore it. While Elden Ring did steal a few of its thunder, those that love motion video games, beat ’em ups, or combating video games ought to take a look at Sifu.
Lost Ark
Lost Ark is a Korean MMORPG that was lastly localized this yr by Amazon Game Studios. By combining the very best components of MMOs and motion RPG sport sequence like Diablo, Lost Ark is an addictive on-line sport that drew excessive concurrent participant counts on Steam.
Digital Trends gave Lost Ark 4 stars in our overview. “Lost Ark excels at exactly what it is: A fast-paced, visceral ARPG with MMO elements that has plenty of content to keep players coming back every week,” Andrew Zucosky wrote. “The combat alone is enough to keep curious players interested.”
Those searching for the following on-line online game they will use to socialize with their pals ought to take a look at Lost Ark. It’s free-to-play too, so anybody excited about exploring its world and decimating hordes of enemies can strive Lost Ark out on Steam.
The King of Fighters XV
SNK lastly launched The King of Fighters XV in February, giving combating sport followers the primary 2D combating sport expertise of the yr. The King Of Fighters XV is a combating sport all about fundamentals. Those who put within the time to grasp its characters and combos will get simply as a lot enjoyment out of the most recent The King of Fighters sport as they might out of Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter.
The King of Fighters XV earned 4 stars in Digital Trends’ overview. “It feels like the perfect evolution in a long-running fighting game franchise and isn’t afraid of being what its main fans want it to be,” DeAngelo Epps wrote. “Mechanics aren’t watered down and it doesn’t backtrack on what makes the series so great.”
While a brand new Street Fighter is on the horizon, The King of Fighters XV will stand out as probably the greatest combating video games of the yr. It may not be a revolution for the style, but it surely’s a lovely and fluid title that can satiate followers of the style.
Grapple Dog
While it’s the smallest launch on this record, you shouldn’t overlook Grapple Dog. The indie platformer a few canine with a grappling hook is a little bit of nostalgic enjoyable for many who grew up with methods just like the Sega Genesis or the Game Boy Advance. Players will swing, wall soar, and bounce off of enemies like a basic 2D hero.
In my impressions piece in regards to the sport, I likened the sport to a long-lost childhood favourite. “Prior to starting it, I had spent a good month slowly chipping away at the Sega games included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack,” I wrote on the time. “I fell in love with games I never got to play as a kid, like Ristar, and had been feeling a twinge of sadness that I couldn’t play more well-designed 2D games like that in 2022. Grapple Dog answered my prayers, and for that, it deserves a pet.”
While you may be slowed down with difficult open-world video games for the foreseeable future, attempt to make a while for Grapple Dog. It’ll be like a refreshing bathe after a day of slaying enemies in dirty dungeons. It’s at the moment accessible on Nintendo Switch and PC. ~ Giovanni Colantonio
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