7 trends that shaped PlayStation gaming in 2022 – PlayStation.Blog
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The yr 2022 is sort of over, nevertheless it appears like simply yesterday that we had been hyping our most-anticipated video games, most of which are actually within the rearview mirror. Whereas 2023 is bound to ship much more unimaginable experiences, we will’t transfer on earlier than wanting again at what outlined this final yr in gaming. From in-game clothes types to the world of digital sports activities, let’s take a stroll down reminiscence lane by the yr that was 2022.
2022, the yr that made cats humanity’s greatest good friend
Cats aren’t any strangers to video video games, whether or not they’re cuddling as much as our gaming machines for heat or exploring in-game post-apocalyptic landscapes. This yr noticed cats take middle stage in numerous titles, resembling Annapurna and BlueTwelve’s Stray, a recreation a couple of cat that will get wrapped up in saving the world from a material-eating parasite. The feline-led characteristic Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Collection was additionally launched. The highly-anticipated assortment of remade 2.5D side-scrolling classics reintroduced the world to its titular plucky protagonist.
After all, cats additionally graced the likes of Sonic Frontiers, Ghostwire Tokyo, and even Persona 5 Royal. And who can overlook everybody’s favourite cult shopkeeper kitty, Forneus from Cult of Lamb? Every of those titles offers gamers a cat companion to assist out alongside the way in which of the hero’s journey or presents gamers full management of a kitten seeking to save the world. Whether or not it’s Massive the Cat serving to Sonic study to fish, Morgana educating Joker the way in which of the Phantom Thief, or Ghostwire’s Nekomata handing out side-missions, it appears the cat has turn into humanity’s new greatest good friend and, at occasions, our would-be savior.
2022, the yr that gave everybody an opportunity to play
The push in direction of inclusivity and accessibility was seen in a giant approach this yr. Video games like God of Warfare: Ragnarök and The Final of Us Half I included options that add to Santa Monica and Naughty Canine’s previous accomplishments on this space. Choices resembling audio cues, cinematic audio descriptions, auto-platforming, navigational help, excessive distinction mode, and extra seem in these titles. Horizon Forbidden West additionally gave gamers entry to distinctive difficulty-changing options like routinely having protagonist Aloy dash, heal, or deploy her trusty Shieldwing. Adjustable settings like these assist open video games to wider audiences than ever earlier than in order that extra gamers can get the possibility to expertise a few of this yr’s most charming adventures.
2022, the yr that pushed sports activities past actuality
Windjammers 2 introduced extremity and otherworldly fashion to the world of digital sports activities with its launch again in January. On this hyper-real recreation of frisbee, gamers are pelted with tremendous skills, nutty obstacles, and outlandish venues in a 1-on-1 sport the place reactions, wits, and coordination are examined.
This launch kicked off a collection of incredible excessive sports activities titles that would solely exist within the digital world: OlliOlli World, a cartoony 2D skateboarding recreation that takes place in a world that seems to be made by a skate-loving god; Cursed to Golf, a roguelike golf recreation set in purgatory that pits you in opposition to dying itself; and Rollerdrome, a bloodsport that duties you with performing skate methods whereas combating off robotic enemies. In the event you’ve ever thought sports activities had been too restricted by actuality then 2022 is your yr.
2022, the yr that we modified our battle royale arsenals
The unshakable reputation of the battle royale style continued, however with some new twists. Not solely did the outrageous Fall Guys debut on PlayStation 5, however different video games entered the fray to shake up the traditional royale method. Deathverse: Let it Die takes issues within the wackiest course you possibly can count on from a follow-up to the unique Let it Die, giving a hellish dying recreation the aesthetic of a cheesy recreation present. Rumbleverse combines combating recreation combos, wrestling cliches, and battle royale gameplay into one action-packed bundle. And there’s additionally Name of Obligation: Warzone 2.0, which provides many twists to the style. As a substitute of the standard massive shrinking circle, at occasions, there are three circle protected zones throughout the collapse, usually leading to matches ending with surviving three groups armed to the enamel. And who can overlook the addition of helicopters, boats, and extra automobiles? Epic additionally tapped into the ability of Unreal Engine 5 to provide battle royale juggernaut Fortnite an enormous visible enhance. In the event you had been uncertain of attempting the style earlier than, now could be the time to test it out.
2022, the yr that permit us struggle our fears alongside pals
2022 noticed a serious shakeup within the horror style. The choice to face frights in video games is now not relegated to a solo expertise with the appearance of asymmetrical horror. Lifeless by Daylight continued pushing the style all year long after heading the brand new frontier and was adopted up by some thrilling additions.
One spotlight, specifically, is Evil Lifeless: The Sport, which pulls collectively what makes this subgenre so nice and why its endurance is so sturdy. Complicated character progress mechanics, real scares, and laughs alike make up the expertise of what it’s wish to play a single match. And the movie franchise during which it’s set is undoubtedly the right place for all its over-the-top aggressive carnage to happen.
Different releases like Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, Again 4 Blood, and Resident Evil Re: Verse have proven how totally different and distinctive entries on this burgeoning style might be. All that’s left now could be to choose which taste you want essentially the most. Wish to decide up Ash William’s iconic Boomstick and chainsaw hand? Or do you need to cross the streams and kick ghost butt?
2022, the yr Lands Between gave us a breather
Videogames have all the time provided a technique to break free from actuality to journey into one other world and expertise one thing we will solely dream of. However what occurs when these video games give us time to cease and odor the roses inside these realities? Many massive titles of the yr put this notion to the forefront, most notably Elden Ring.
FromSoftware’s newest epic threw us into the massive open world of The Lands Between and gave us full reign over what to do and when to do it. However between the motion and numerous deaths, we eased the reins on Torrent to soak within the ambiance. This downtime offered ample alternative to mirror on the mesmerizing journey by these deadly landscapes. Sure, dying was inevitably across the nook, however this world would regularly enamor us with its lovely countrysides and gorgeous vistas. Even when a dragon got here to burn you alive, at the very least it flambéed you in opposition to an imposing backdrop of pure magnificence, proper?
We noticed the liberty to roam represented in video games all year long, like Sonic Frontiers, Stray, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of Warfare: Ragnarök. Every takes place in an enormous, harmful world to get utterly misplaced in. And regardless of the hazards that constantly cross your path, you’re all the time given the possibility to understand the wonder these are set in. A welcome invitation that enables us to actually recognize the exhausting work and fervour builders put into creating these fantastical worlds.
2022, the yr household reigned supreme
Household ties weaved their approach into a lot of gaming’s largest experiences this yr. Whether or not these ties had been from blood, destiny, or love, loads of titles confirmed that there’s no higher technique to sort out life than with those that will all the time be there with you. Simply take a look at Amicia and Hugo from A Plague Story: Requiem. These two siblings pushed by not possible odds to help each other and attain their targets. With out the opposite, they wouldn’t have the energy to be who they wanted to turn into by the sport’s emotional conclusion.
The facility of this dynamic additionally discovered its approach into different video games this yr. God of Warfare: Ragnarök noticed Kratos rising as a father because of his son, the Phantom Thieves took on the world as a discovered household of misfits in Persona 5: Royal and Joel overcame his trauma by his journey with Ellie in The Final of Us Half I. And who can overlook the turtle household taking down Shredder’s military as soon as extra in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge? In 2022, household simply proved to be one in every of gaming’s greatest power-ups.
Did you notice some other examples of the 2022 gaming traits talked about right here?
