This year was expected to be a watershed moment for PlayStation fans. As it tried to sell the then-new PS5s with a great roster of titles in 2021, Sony made a lot of big promises. It appeared too wonderful to be true, and it turned out to be. This year, only a few of Sony’s big-ticket games made it in time for the holidays, leaving PS5 customers with a few exclusives to choose from.

That will change in 2022, if only because the games that were meant to be released in 2021 are now available. Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarök, and Gran Turismo 7 are just a few of the games that are aiming to make 2022 the finest year yet for PlayStation owners.

Here are the PS5 games to look forward to in what is shaping up to be a watershed moment in the video game industry.

Sifu is a Japanese martial artist (February 8).

In recent years, Sony has increased its commitment to indie games, securing fantastic titles like Kena: Bridge of Spirits as platform launch exclusives. Starting with Sifu, this tendency will continue till 2022. Sifu is a kung fu action game developed by Sloclap in which players age by one year every time they die. We’re already sold on the concept after just a few minutes of playing the game’s demo. The martial arts fighting is fast and effective, making this an independent action game to keep an eye on throughout this hectic month.

Horizon Forbidden West (February 18)

Horizon Forbidden West was meant to be Sony’s big Christmas release in 2021, but it was pushed back to February 2022. The first announcement of the delay was disappointing, but the deadline is rapidly approaching. The sequel to one of the best PS4 exclusives looks incredible. Fights against massive robots have a jaw-dropping sense of scale that builds on the qualities of their predecessors. With more movement choices, the sequel is adopting design elements from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is always a pleasant change.

Elden Ring (February 25)

Elden Ring will, without a doubt, be the game of the year. When I demoed FromSoftware’s latest, even as someone who despises Dark Souls-style games, I was completely won over. The game’s art style is stunning, and the additional building options make the battle feel more forgiving. Following a successful closed network test, FromSoftware appears to be on the verge of delivering its greatest Souls-like game yet, which is saying a lot.

Gran Turismo 7 is a racing game (March 4).

In 2021, Forza Horizon 5 reintroduced players to the racing genre, and Gran Turismo 7 might capitalize on that enthusiasm. Thanks to PS5 power, the famous franchise returns in March with its flashiest entry yet. The game will have a campaign, as well as returning features such as Brand Central and new modes. Naturally, there will be plenty of gleaming digital automobiles for players to drive around a variety of scenic tracks.

Final Fantasy Origins: Stranger in Paradise (March 18)

To be honest, I have no idea if Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin will be enjoyable. So far, the game has a lot of “WTF” moments that make it look like it’ll fall into “so awful it’s good” territory. Sure, it’s backhanded praise, but my excitement for the game is genuine. When Final Fantasy is a massive melodrama that’s broody and goofy at the same time, it’s at its best. I know I’m going to get precisely what I want from a Final Fantasy game when I hear a character exclaim, “I’m coming to fight Chaos,” eight times in one trailer.

Forspoken (May 24)

Even though an unpleasant press event has tarnished its sparkle in recent weeks, Forspoken shows a lot of promise. The open-world game, developed by Luminous Productions, the studio behind Final Fantasy XV, has a lot going for it. It has gorgeous visuals, what appears to be intricate magical combat and freeform traversal that allows players to hover above the planet. Given that this is a brand-new IP, anything may happen, but it’s always encouraging to see studios like Square Enix take a chance on something fresh.

Tokyo Ghostwire (TBA)

GhostWire: Tokyo will be a big game, regardless of how excellent it is. Because the cryptic action game was meant to be a PlayStation exclusive until Microsoft acquired the publishing powerhouse, this is likely the final Bethesda title we’ll see on a Sony console for a long time. As with Deathloop, that arrangement is being honored here, so this should be a great farewell to Bethesda on PlayStation. Unsettling aesthetics, a cryptic tale, and intriguing first-person wizardry promise a spooky good time in this game.

Ragnarok, the God of War (TBA)

In God of War: Ragnarok, Kratos is attacked by a giant lizard creature.

Regardless of what Sony first promised, I don’t believe anyone expected God of War Ragnarok to arrive in 2021. Based on the success of 2018’s God of War, the sequel would be a mammoth endeavor that would take a long time to develop. That became clear when the game received its debut trailer, which teased a massive journey that expands on the grandiose setting of its predecessors. If that means I’ll get to fight Thor, I’ll wait if Sony wants.

Lost Signals (Oxenfree II) (TBA)

Oxenfree was one of the best independent games of the year. The atmospheric, story-driven adventure was famous for its speech system, which included individuals speaking in a more natural, real-life-like manner. So far, Oxen free II: Lost Signals appears to be a worthy sequel that builds on the strengths of the original. With some breathtaking 2D landscapes, the first trailer teases an even creepier otherworldly horror encounter.

Conclusions

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