Gaming on Medium
Five Exciting New Games Releasing This Year
I briefly review each based on my years of gaming experience
Introduction
Dear Gamers,
I am the owner and chief editor of the ILLUMINATION Gaming publication on Medium, a new initiative of ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications. All gaming writers are invited.
As a passionate gamer, I’m always on the lookout for new games that are coming out which might be interesting. So I’ve compiled five games that are coming out this year that I’m looking forward to.
I briefly introduce each game and provide the release dates.
1 — Stray
Stray was initially announced on the 11th of June 2020 during the Playstation Future of Gaming event. This was the same event at which Sony’s Next-Generation Console was announced, the Playstation 5.
By checking the company’s website, I understand that Stray will be released on the 19th of July 2022. Stray will be released on multiple platforms such as Playstation 4, Playstation 5, and PC platforms. I wish it was on Xbox as well as some of my friends only use Xbox.
Stray is a third-person adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studios. It’s set in the neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity.
In this game, we play as a cat while interacting with the environment in playful ways. The cat we play with is trying to find its way back to its family.
The game has you explore, platform, and puzzle-solve your way through the dystopian city. Once you find a friendly drone named B-12, you’ll gain access to certain items and even defend yourself against enemies called Zurks.
On launch, Stray will be part of the Playstation Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions which I wrote about in a recent article.
2 — Overwatch 2
Overwatch was announced three years after the release of the original Overwatch game. Blizzard Entertainment announced it at their annual gaming convention, BlizzCon.
Overwatch 2 is a first-person shooter and a direct sequel to the original Overwatch game, which was released in 2016.
Unlike the first game, Overwatch 2 will have a story/PvE (Player vs. Environment) mode. In addition, it will feature narrative-driven content to delve into the story of Overwatch’s setting and characters.
I am pleased to know that Overwatch 2 will be released on the 4th of October 2022. It will be available on several platforms like Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.
Additionally, much like the original game, Overwatch 2 will have multiple PvP (Player vs. Player) game modes.
Including the much-loved competitive ranked game mode, it will work mostly the same as the first game aside from the team size being reduced from six to five.
Therefore the teams will have one Tank, two Damage, and two Support roles.
I introduce this game in another article.
3 — Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II was announced on the 8th of June 2022.
I am pleased that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will be released on the 28th of October 2022. This game also will be available on Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.
My understanding of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is a first-person shooter game. It is developed by Infinity Ward. The game is a sequel to the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot.
The story aspect of the game is a direct continuation of the first Modern Warfare reboot. The game features several returning characters and takes place in 2022.
Aside from the story aspect, this game will have a very popular multiplayer/PvP (Player vs. Player) factor, just like other Call of Duty games.
The multiplayer aspect will include various game modes, which can be an entertaining and competitive way to play with our friends or with other players in your region.
Although it most likely won’t be featuring a ranked competitive game mode, It will still be a blast to play. So I’m looking forward to playing it with my friends.
4 — Hogwarts Legacy
The fourth game is called Hogwarts Legacy. I am especially excited about this game.
The game was known to be in development for a while but was officially announced on the 18th of March 2022 for release during the Playstation State of Play event.
Hogwarts Legacy will be released in December 2022. This game will be available on multiple platforms like Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms.
Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world RPG (Role Playing Game) set in the Harry Potter universe.
Hogwarts Legacy includes scenes in the late 1800s. It means we won’t bump into any of the cast from the Harry Potter movies, unfortunately.
The story has you as a completely customizable character who joins the school of witchcraft and wizardry late as a fifth-year student.
While experiencing the life of a Hogwarts student, we will also “embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world” — Source Warner Bros. Games.
The gameplay will play like other fantasy RPG games. Specifically, those with magical classes since the weapon you’ll use most of the time will be your personal magic wand.
At the beginning of the game, we’ll be able to choose which Hogwarts house we are sorted into and take classes such as: Charms, defence against the dark arts, Herbology, and Potions.
I am excited about mysteries to discover outside and inside the Hogwarts school grounds. In terms of combat, you’ll learn to use the combination of spells and potions in order to take down your enemies.
There are multiple spells for you to learn and incorporate into your play style.
You also won’t be alone in this journey. You’ll encounter multiple student companions during your stay at Hogwarts.
5 — Skate 4
The fifth game on my list is called Skate 4. This game was initially announced on the 18th of June 2020 during the EA Play Live event.
Although there isn’t a set release date, play-testing for Skate 4 will begin this month which could mean a late 2022 release.
Skate 4 will be available on Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.
Skate 4 is a third-person skateboarding game.
Although there hasn’t been much information released to the public about the game, it is speculated the gameplay will be very similar to earlier skate games such as Skate 3.
I describe the previous version (Skate 3) as a realistic take on skateboarding with a nicely tuned reimaged control scheme. It features a fun story with a bunch of challenges to complete to become the best skater.
A few online game modes also relied on team-play and encouraged playing alongside other players and gaming friends.
There was even the ability to create our own skate park.
It is speculated that Skate 4 will have similar gameplay to Skate 3 but hopefully with better graphics.
I believe gamers find the updates exciting.
Thank you for reading my stories. I wish you happy gaming!
If you enjoyed this story, you might also check my recent articles related to gaming.
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