The best RPGs of 2022: the most anticipated role-playing games
It’s hard to define what a role-playing game is these days, but regardless of what you like in an RPG, there are plenty of titles coming.
Defining an RPG in 2022 is no easy feat. As games have evolved to become more expansive than ever, elements from all sorts of other genres have seeped in, muddying the waters of what defines an RPG in the first place.
However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it means that despite so many RPGs coming out in a single year, they all feel different and interesting.
What separates a good RPG from a great one is the depth of the overall experience. XP, skills trees, and weapon upgrades are all well and good, but something needs to push the boundaries to separate a game from the pack. This could be an exceptional narrative, a huge world, or even just a unique vibe.
Regardless of what you like in an RPG, there are plenty of games still to come in 2022 to get you excited.
Live A Live (Switch, July 22)
This remake of the classic JRPG came about after director, Takashi Tokita, worked on Octopath Traveler and fell in love with the HD-2D style. This remake sees some rebalances to the gameplay, along with quality-of-life additions such as an in-game map. It’s a great opportunity for a relatively obscure retro JRPG to get a second life on modern systems.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Switch, July 29)
Speaking of anime haircuts, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 shocked the world by not only being announced in February, but being pushed forward by two months from its original September release date. The Xenoblade games are known for their long and in-depth narratives, and the third instalment promises to combine the worlds of the first two games, with characters returning from both. Long-time fans of the series are in for a mind-blowing experience, but even new players will have plenty to enjoy.
Persona 5 Royal (Switch/Xbox/PC, October 21)
After many years of asking, Persona 5 Royal is losing its PlayStation exclusivity at long last. Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable are coming early next year too, but for now, all eyes are on the most recent main entry in the Persona series. It won critical acclaim the world over when it first released and even earned the series a coveted spot on the Super Smash Bros roster. If you’ve never owned a PlayStation and wondered what all the fuss was about, you finally have your chance.
Gotham Knights (PS5/Xbox/PC, October 25)
A successor to the Arkham games, Gotham Knights takes the focus away from Batman and gives us a bigger cast of heroes to play with. Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood all have their own special abilities as they fight through a tumultuous time in Gotham City. This game can be played entirely in solo or co-op, meaning you can have fun beating Gotham’s worst and darkest with friends.
God of War (PS5/PS4, November 9)
Sequels don’t get much more hotly anticipated than this. 2018’s God of War reboot blew everyone away, trading in the series’ over-the-top action-packed combat for a slower, weightier experience that left quite the impression on everyone who played it. This sequel dives into Norse mythology, as Kratos and Atreus are set to go up against the likes of Freya and Thor in an attempt to prevent Ragnarok.
Hogwarts Legacy (December 2022)
Hogwarts Legacy is the game Harry Potter fans have been after for years. Some of the movie tie-in games let you explore Hogwarts, but none of them was all that good and they were constrained by the events of the books/films. Hogwarts Legacy has no such restrictions, taking place before the events of the main series, finally giving players the Hogwarts open-world RPG they’ve been begging for.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet (Switch, November 18)
The third main series Pokemon game in just 12 months, the hype is already well underway for Generation 9 with Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. After Pokemon Legends: Arceus shone a brand new light on the Pokemon formula, fans are eagerly awaiting how much of this new style will be blended into the ‘standard’ gameplay experience. Other than that, a new generation is always an exciting time for fans as it means a new region to explore, new mechanics to uncover, and new Pokemon to catch. The starters have already been revealed, and it’s one of the best overall line-ups in a while, so hopes are high for whatever comes next.
Dragon Quest Treasures (Switch, December 9)
Hoping to join the likes of Dragon Quest Builders and Dragon Quest Heroes as spin-off series, Dragon Quest Treasures looks to be a more platforming-focused adventure starting Dragon Quest XI party member, Erik, and his sister, Mia. Details on the gameplay are scarce right now, but it looks like you’ll be seeking the aid of the monsters of the world to score the best loot you can find.
— written by Ryan Woodrow on behalf of GLHF
Donkey Kong champ’s $450k fight to clear name
A famous arcade gamer is suing an Australian content creator after claiming his reputation was damaged in a video uploaded to YouTube.
Donkey Kong champ’s ‘joke’ reputation: court
An American arcade gamer suing for defamation has been accused of having an “untrustworthy” reputation in the gaming community.
YouTuber’s emotional reaction in defo suit
An Australian YouTuber fighting a defamation claim brought against him by an American gamer fought through tears after giving evidence for nearly two days at court.