This February looks set to mark a phenomenal month in gaming, with two major AAA releases, Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring leading the charge.
Fingers crossed; your piggy bank is stocked full of pennies from the festive season.
On paper, February 2022 looks like a truly fantastic period for gaming. Besides, it's not often that two juggernaut releases launch side by side. Especially so early in the new year. Both Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring are some of the most sort-after, highly anticipated titles this generation.
So, seeing them launch at this stage in the gaming calendar presents a mouthwatering prospect.
But it's not just the big-budget blockbusters hogging the spotlight. Elsewhere, indie titles are set for an equally strong showing this February, with a slew of promising titles on the way. None more so than developer Absolver's action-packed brawler Sifu. That launches today!
Usually, November is the month to remember in the gaming calendar, but due to complications concerning COVID, many of those set dates, including Forbidden West, were delayed until next year.
So, without further delay, let's get this gaming gamut underway.
Elden Ring
Kickstarting this list in emphatic style, we have Elden Ring, From Software's upcoming fantasy RPG. Twice winner of the Game Award's Most Anticipated Title, there's no denying Elden Ring's massive public appeal.
Unlike previous games under the FromSoft umbrella, Elden Ring rubberstamps the studio's first true voyage into the open-world genre.
Ushering in stealth mechanics from Sekiro, alongside a more nuanced combat system, plus expansive world traversal and combat via horseback, From Software's latest release is gearing up as their most boldly ambitious title to date.
Plus, you can expect the typical batch of brutally tough bosses to beat, alongside some beautiful environmental storytelling to boot.
I couldn't ask for more. So, bring on February 25th, 2022.
Sifu | February 2022 Game Releases
As mentioned earlier, indie games also share the spotlight during this magical month. One of which resembles another star attraction, Sifu.
Very much a surprise package for me from the offset; Sifu's poignant revenge-fueled story, though simple in some respects, is bolstered by a captivating soundtrack, some silky-smooth animation, and of course, plenty of punishing, yet ultimately gratifying combat.
If frantic Martial-arts fist throwing staged within a moving narrative is your thing, then apply within. It may have a high-difficulty ceiling to climb, but the sense of accomplishing upon completion is worth the pain.
Time to kick, punch, parry, and sway your way to victory! Sifu launches on February 8th, 2022.
Dying Light 2
There's no denying that Dying Light 2 has received significant hype during the run-up to release. Not least, from faithful fans of the franchise. However, proving fertile life still exists in the zombie apocalypse genre is no given, especially in an oversaturated market full of aspiring clones.
Still, Dying Light 2 has a few elements that set it aside from the pack. What stands out to me is its def-defying parkour traversal. This time over, leaping across derelict skyscrapers feels smoother than ever.
With flesh-feasting hordes of undead tracking your every move and an explorable cityscape four times the size of the original, I've had no issue pumping plenty of hours into Dying Light 2, despite some of the bugs experienced day one of release.
Gameplaywise, the clever inclusion of a meter requiring players to stock life-saving light sources, or face terrifying zombification, keeps the internal encounters tense and the action fast-flowing.
Currently, I'm enjoying my time with the sequel. Dying Light 2 is out now for Xbox One, XSXS, PC, PS4 & PS5.
Olli Olli World
But for those that like to kick, push, coast, and chain together killer combos, Olli Olli World should be right up your street.
So far, I've had a blast with Olli Olli World. While its free-flowing-fast paced skating action will be familiar to franchise fans, the addition of quarter pipes, wall rides, and even split routes which offer alternate paths throughout each level, make gameplay even more thrilling than before.
Fear, not friends. It's out now across all major platforms!
New Game Releases for February 2022 | Others to Look Out For
But wait. That's not all. Rounding off this illustrious list, we have Total War: Warhammer 3 and The King of Fighters XV, both set to release on February 17th.
In addition, cloud versions of the Kingdom Hearts series should arrive on Nintendo Switch come February 10th. While lastly, Evil Dead: The Game, initially set to launch this month, has been put on the backburner until May 2022.
Some of these dates might be subject to change. On that note, do stay tuned for further updates.
That concludes our list of the best February 2022 game Releases. Over the years, I've enjoyed many quality months in the gaming calendar. Even so, I can't recall a more exciting period to pick up a pad. Hopefully, this will be the year when next-generation consoles genuinely make their mark.
As for myself, I've set aside at least 500 hours of playtime for Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West combined. Even then, I'm convinced that's a conservative estimate. When you factor in other releases alongside, I don't know where I'll find the time!
Thankfully, being spoilt for choice is a luxury we gamers will forever savor.
We want to hear from you. First, what are your thoughts on the forthcoming game releases for February 2022? And secondly, will you be purchasing any of the above? Perhaps you're saving the pennies for another title waiting in the wings?
Be sure to shoot your suggestions down in the comments.