The end of 2021 is nearly upon us, and I have never been more thankful for a year to end. Unless it was last year. So, this is the second most happy I am to see a year end. Anyway, let’s continue and do some looking forward.

This year was overall an interesting year for games, and for me, as you might have seen in my review of 2021. Yes, there were a lot of bad things, like getting COVID-19. However, there were good things as well. I was able to slowly get back to reviewing games in addition to restarting and rebooting the infamous GiN Lounge podcast. Now I sit here and the final seconds of 2021 tick past, my wife is murdering a village worth of psychos in Borderlands 2. I’ll join her in a minute, but right now I am wondering what 2022 will hold for gamers. I have a few ideas, and if release dates don’t shift, we should be enjoying them soon. And yes, that is always a big if for us. But anyway, here is the list of games that I am really interested/morbidly curious/excited for in the New Year. Maybe you will join me in anticipation of these fine titles.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Of course, this was going to be on the list. This title is Nintendo taking a big swing on the potential next generation of one of their flagship intellectual properties. Normally, that would be awesome. However, after the whole Sword and Shield disappointment, that statement worries me a bot. Especially since they appeared to have waffled on some of the game specifics. I honestly do not know if this game can live up to the expectations of fans. It has been a rough couple launches for Pokemon and Vince and I talk about it in our next podcast. I just have to hope they have everything figured out.

Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires

I doubt this game will push any envelopes or make a splash on the front page, but I want it. Growing up the Empires games made me happy and got as tactical as the Dynasty Warriors games got. The fact a new one is coming out and I can get it for PS4 is awesome. Sometimes I feel like we always focus on the big, splashy titles or the ones going for best art awards and forget that games are supposed to be fun. That was something I was reminded of when I started playing Borderlands 2 and Madden.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

Speaking of Borderlands, a new Dungeons & Dragons esque game is launching in March. This is not the first time that Gearbox has done this style of game in the Borderlands universe. They first did this with the Borderlands DLC Tiny Tina’s Assault On Dragon Keep. That DLC has also been launched as a standalone title and is worth a play as it covers gatekeeping, toxic gamer culture, and grief. If Gearbox can make lightning strike twice, they likely have another blockbuster on their hands and I want to be part of the crowd.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

I am about to show my age, but I remember when the first Test Drive Unlimited came out and boasted one of the largest maps at the time. It is also one of my favorite racing games I have played. I’m curious to see if new publisher Nacon can revive this franchise and add some flavor to the racing genre. Again, showing my age, the last installment was published by Atari.

There are still some that are to be determined and I will keep my eye on these titles for more information. Hopefully, the powers-that-be can get me a review code to any of these games.

Leave your comments about whatever games you are interested in seeing soon, and remember to listen to the GiN Lounge podcast. Until then, have a Happy New Year, and may all your games in 2022 be ones that thrill and excite you. That is my holiday wish for all of us.