Newly Released Video Games Definitely Worth Your Time

Newly Released Video Games Definitely Worth Your Time

2022 has seen some huge game releases, with some superb single player titles mixed in with excellent new online experiences. If you’re looking for some new games to sink your time into as you rotate between popular gaming sites like PowerPlay, then we’re here to help. Below are some of the best newly released video games that are definitely worth your time.

Sonic Frontiers

Modern Sonic games have been a mixed bag. Unlike the original Mega Drive games, which were nearly universally loved, the newer entities into the franchise have received a mixed reception from both fans and critics.

The newest entry into the series, Sonic Frontiers captured the attention of Sonic fans as well as other gamers when it was first announced in December 2021. With an open world setting and unique environments that were a big departure for the series, it looked like Sonic Team were taking some big risks with the newest entry.

Something that stands out immediately about Sonic Frontiers is just how much it has to offer in terms of variety. Although the trailers give the impression it’s a standard open world action/adventure title, there’s a lot more to see and do. There are a variety of minigames and side quests that help to mix things.

Although it’s far from perfect and has some noticeable technical issues, Sonic Frontiers offers more than enough in the way of fun to make it worth your time.

Available on: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

God of War: Ragnarok

God of War 2018 - a reboot of the much-beloved hack and slash trilogy of games, was one of the most universally acclaimed releases of all time, winning many perfect scores from critics and multiple game of the year awards.

God of War took a much more methodical approach to gameplay and storytelling compared to the earlier titles and that trend continues in the sequel - God of War: Ragnarok. It takes place 3 years after the events of God of War 2018 and in that time, both Kratos and Atreus have changed significantly, particularly the latter who went from being a young boy in the first game to an adolescent in this one.

The story sees Kratos and his son exploring the nine realms in order to try and prevent Ragnarok from occurring. There are some familiar faces that return, such as the Huldra Brothers, as well as plenty of new faces. The variety of enemies is fantastic and the combat is more varied and satisfying than ever.

Overall, God of War: Ragnarok is a game that’s more than worthy of your time and lives up to the extremely high benchmark set by the original.

Available on: PS4, PS5

Sommerville

If you’re looking for a more low-key indie title to spend your time on, then Somerville could be the perfect game. Ever since the first trailer was released at E3 2021, it piqued the interest of fans thanks to its unique art style and mysterious atmosphere.

Developed by Jumpship, which is made up of several former Playdead employees, Somerville gets your attention immediately. It starts off showing a young family headed back home, with dramatic events unfolding quite quickly after an eerily quiet opening few minutes.

As the game progresses, more is revealed about the mysterious events unfolding around you. There are plenty of puzzles throughout, with many of them providing quite a challenge, even for hardened fans of 2D puzzle platformers.

Somerville has plenty going for it - with a fantastic art style, unique atmosphere and a wealth of puzzles. It’s definitely worth giving a try, especially if you’re a fan of this type of game.

Available on: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

The Last of Us: Part 1

Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us is one of the most beloved games around, with many gamers classing it as their favourite game of all time.

When a remake of the original game from 2013 was first announced then, it wasn’t with quite the amount of fanfare Naughty Dog might have hoped for. Some fans were sceptical about whether a sequel was necessary, especially considering there was already an excellent remaster released for PS4 in 2014. There was also controversy around the price tag, costing as much as any other newly released PS5 game.

The main changes in the Last of Us Part 1 compared to the original game are the updated graphics engine, improved lighting, updated character models to match the 2nd game and a few tweaks to gameplay and combat. These changes are definitely noticeable and although they might not fundamentally change the storyline or core gameplay experience, they do greatly enhance it.

The character models being updated to match the 2nd game is a particularly notable change, with Ellie, for example, looking much less cartoon-like than she did in the original game. Joel’s character design has been updated to match his appearance in TLOU2 also, as well as all the other characters you encounter throughout. The addition of the upgrade benches from 2 are another nice touch.

Overall, The Last of Us Part 1 certainly introduces enough new features to make it worthwhile for longtime fans of the series while also providing an ideal entry point for players who are new to the franchise. Although the price tag is steep for the included changes, there’s no doubt that it’s an incredible game and this is the best version of it available.

Available on: PS5

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