Fast Links
Christmas and other holidays approach to wrap up 2022, so it is an excellent time to look at recently released games to see what you should get yourself or your loved ones. From October to December, things get busy as we have seen everything from Marvel’s Midnight Suns to God of War Ragnarok hit physical and digital shelves. Whatever your taste, from wild comedic shooters to superhero adventures, something has been released to bring a smile to your face.
The term “recently” is a little broad. For simplicity, we are looking at games across all platforms since October, as that is when the industry starts to get into the holiday mindset as companies prepare for deals and major cash flowing into their pockets. Anything listed is something that someone could have reasonably missed out on when it was released.
No Man’s Sky
You might be thinking, “Did I just go back in time?” No, you did not. You are thinking correctly, No Man’s Sky launched in 2016 for PS4 and PC, then Xbox One in 2018, the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 in 2020, and now in October 2022, in the stretch to the Christmas season, one of the most popular survival games is out on the Switch. Although it had a disastrous start in 2016, updates and new content have made it one of gaming’s biggest comeback stories.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
The sequel to 2019’s Innocence, we now have A Plague Tale: Requiem. It continues the story of the siblings, Amicia and Hugo, as they survive in a dangerous world of threatening enemies and flesh-eating rats. For people wanting a story-driven experience, they can hop in Amicia’s shoes on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch, and can play on Xbox Game Pass (PC and console).
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is for you, whether you are in the mood to hunt ghosts or haunt unsuspecting people. It is part Prop Hunt and part ghost haunter/hunter. Play with friends, random people online, or the AI to experience the levels and the spooky, fun story. For fans of the films, it also stars Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson, alongside Kinda Funny’s Greg Miller and Midnight Mass star Rahul Kohli. Go busting or haunting on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Turn-based strategy is not everyone’s cup of tea, but like every genre, there is something more approachable than others to open the door for newcomers. The first Mario + Rabbids did this, and now with the sequel, more can join in on the XCOM-styled fun with Nintendo’s classic characters with the Rabbids. It is fun for the whole family if you have enough joy-cons or Pro Controllers for everyone.
Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors is a standout among recently released games around Christmas 2022. Upon its release, this became an instant indie darling, which deserves every bit of the glory. Slay through creatures and see how long you can last in this retro-styled roguelike. It is an easy $5 on PC, or you can play the free version on your phone or tablet.
God of War Ragnarok
Meeting a high bar like God of War 2018 is a mighty feat to accomplish, and Sony Santa Monica did it with Ragnarok. The PS4 and PS5 sequel concluded the Norse Saga on an epic scale while maintaining the predecessor’s thoughtful touches. It elevates the gameplay while furthering the story with lovable characters like Atreus, Brok, Kratos, Mimir, Sindri, and more. For God of War fans, it is impossible to look the other way and ignore this game.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Now both Spider-Man games by Insomniac are on PC. The smaller half-sequel gives a fresh taste of New York City during the holidays and a refreshing twist on the predecessor’s gameplay as we get full control of Miles. Out of the plethora of recently released games in 2022 to play during Christmas and the holidays, there is nothing better than saving the day as Spider-Man when it is a winter wonderland.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
If you are a fan of Left 4 Dead-styled games and love Warhammer 40K, then look no further other than Darktide. The action-packed title comes in at an excellent time for anyone wanting a shooter in between other recently released games in 2022. It is similar to Vermintide, but if you prefer the sci-fi side of Warhammer, then this will scratch the itch for you. Fight hordes of enemies and upgrade your customized character with friends, alone, or with strangers. Nothing like holidays when there is blood and carnage.
The Callisto Protocol
Some Dead Space veterans gathered for a new studio to make a spiritual successor with The Callisto Protocol. It has a similar health system and telekinesis, but there are some notable differences. It may not scratch the same itch, but if you are a fan of sci-fi horror, then it is hard not to crash land on this dead moon to be arrested and fight nightmarish creatures. While the previous-gen consoles don’t hold it down, it is quite impressive on a PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or a beefy PC.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Firaxis continues to be one of the strongest and most consistent developers around, both in its niche of strategy games and in general of the gaming zeitgeist. Marvel’s Midnight Suns blends XCOM combat with a card system and other pieces from all sorts of games, like Persona. It is a melting pot of ideas that create an exciting Marvel adventure for fans of Firaxis and the superhero genre. Go save the world on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
High on Life
Fans of Rick and Morty may never have thought how much game development Justin Roiland would get into. With Squanch Games, we have gotten Trover Saves the World and now the first-person shooter High on Life. It delivers choices, combat, and puzzles to solve. Tying together with its art direction, it is Roiland through and through, so if you are not a fan of his style, it might be too much for you. If you are a fan, then you can check it out on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.