The year is winding down, but the excitement of a whole new year is upon us. While 2022 had some spectacular video game releases, 2022 promises to be an equally exciting year for gamers. Particularly for those who are huge fans of strategy games.
Companies have been releasing teasers for their future offerings, and fans are salivating at the chance to conquer these exciting new endeavors. If you’re looking to learn more about some of the hottest new arrivals for 2022, look no further than this list. Without much further ado, here are the top picks for the new year’s releases.
Stellaris
First up on the list, is another installment in the Stellaris franchise. Developed by Paradox Interactive, Stellaris will be released in March 2022 and will be a hit. The real-time space strategy game will focus on exploration and expansion as you attempt to build a galactic empire.
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At the beginning of the game, players choose between several species that differ in skills, ethics, and appearances. As you work your way through the galactic empire you’ll be faced with challenges from other species who will either join your campaign or face the battlefield. An advanced diplomacy system is set up with three separate tiers, which means players can focus on specific parts of the society they are building. For example, you can choose between focusing on society, engineering, or physics.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Fans have been waiting with bated breath for years for this remake of Resident Evil 2. Developers claim that rather than recreate the original game, this game is restructured with new controls, visuals, and action. Although the storyline remains the same from the first two installments of the franchise, it’s clear that developers have been working on the technical aspects of the game.
The visuals effects are stunning with the addition of the over the shoulder camera and replacing the fixed views from the original. Additionally, the game’s new structure has been completely reworked to give gamers a deeper, more nuanced narrative experience. Look for it to hit shelves on January 25, 2022.
Narcos: Rise of The Cartels
Netflix is taking its popular crime series to the video game market, and it seems that everyone is excited. Even Pablo Escobar has gotten in on the action as he narrates the story for the game. Published by Curve Digital, Narcos Rise of the Cartels is due to hit shelves in late 2022.
Players can choose which side of the law they land on when they decide whether to join the DEA or take a walk on the wild side and join the Medellin Cartel.
For fans of the show, developers have assured them that the game will stay true to the source material. They insist they have committed themselves to every detail from locations to characters, even clothing have all been strategically crafted to resemble the show as close as possible.
Ancestors Legacy
Ancestors Legacy is possibly one of the most exciting releases for the 2022 year. This complex real-time strategy game was developed by Destructive Creations, an independent Polish studio. The game doubles as a history lesson as it takes place during some of the most historical events during the Medieval era.
While a history lesson sounds boring, trust us, this game will make you think otherwise. The main focus of the game is large-scale battles, enemy sieges, and balancing a tumultuous economy. Players are encouraged to be strategic and tactical, learning the layout of the land and finding the best way to flank your enemy. Part of the fun of Ancestors Legacy is that there’s no learning curve, the game is wonderful for both newcomers and veterans alike. Look for it to hit shelves in April 2022.
Tropico 6
This game stands out from all the other entries in that this is game of economics. Now before you roll your eyes, there’s a lot of intrigue and complexity to this game that many will find refreshing. Developed by Limbic Entertainment, the Tropico franchise first hit the scene in 2001.
The main objective of the game is to develop and maintain a city as El Presidente, the leader of the aforementioned city. El Presidente faces some tough challenges as they must provide jobs for citizens, shape domestic and foreign policy, and of course fix any problems caused by a natural disaster. The biggest distinction that Tropico 6 brings to the franchise is the ability to move between multiple islands instead of one, the player must find a way to manage all islands simultaneously so needless to say things can get a little crazy. Tropico 6 will hit stores in January 2022.
FrostPunk
In a case of art imitating life, FrostPunk plunges players into an icy-world where society is in decline because of catastrophic climate changes. People rely on steam engines to survive, but it doesn’t seem to be enough as anarchy threatens the nation. Players must focus on more than the survival aspect of the game as they are faced with moral dilemmas and strategic decisions in addition to gathering resources. FrostPunk hits shelves in 2022 and is sure to be a great hit.
