10 Under-the-Radar Games Releasing in 2022 You Need to Know About

2022 is jam-packed with some big-name game releases and returning franchises, but there are also a host of smaller, more overlooked games that deserve some limelight. We’ve rounded up 10 games you should keep on your radar throughout 2022:

The Callisto Protocol

Release date: 2 December 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

While the Dead Space remake is on its way in 2023, gamers will get another sci-fi horror adventure with The Callisto Protocol, which is actually being developed by Striking Distance Studios, founded by Glen Schofield, who had previously co-created the Dead Space series. The third-person narrative-driven horror is set in 2320 on one of Jupiter’s moons, Callisto. The game revolves around horrific creatures and a conspiracy unfolding on Callisto’s dingy and dangerous Black Iron Prison.

Evil West

Release date: 20 September 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

Shadow Warrior 3 developer Flying Wild Hog’s next game is Evil West, a third-person shooter where you take control of a monster hunter in a cyber-punk Wild West setting. Much like the Shadow Warrior series, the game features brutal and visceral combat using an array of firearms, a lightning-fueled gauntlet and some death-dealing gadgets. Evil West includes a narrative-driven campaign with co-op play also on the cards.

Gungrave G.O.R.E.

Release date: TBC 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

Third-person action fans and anime-lovers are in for a treat as a new game based on the beloved Gungrave franchise is on its way. Gungrave G.O.R.E. will see series hero Grave return with his dual-pistols and coffin chained to his back, as he ventures to take out the Raven Clan, comprised of foot soldiers, robots, and other challenging opponents.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Release date: TBC 2022 (Xbox One | PS4 | Switch | PC)

If you’re looking for an old-school retro throwback, there is a brand-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game launching in 2022. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites the four heroes — Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael — as they kick shell in a beautifully realised beat ’em up.

Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown

Release date: 22 September 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

With so many racing games releasing in 2022, it’s easy to forget that a new Test Drive game is on the horizon. Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown sees the return of the veteran franchise to current-gen consoles and PC, with confirmed marques so far being Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Koenigsegg, Apollo, Dodge and Bugatti. Customisation is not reserved for your cars only too, as you can customise your garage and avatar through a ton of options.

Bayonetta 3

Release date: TBC 2022 (Switch)

While it has been a few years since the last release, that beloved gun-wielding witch is back, as Bayonetta 3 is scheduled for an exclusive release on Nintendo Switch in 2022. The stylish action-filled sequel from Platinum Games will pick up the story of Bayonetta, bring back the frantic dodging hack-‘n-slash action, crazy enemies, and introduce some new mechanics such as the ability for Bayonetta to directly control demons.

Daymare 1994 Sandcastle

Release date: TBC 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | Switch | PC)

Daymare 1994 Sandcastle is the sequel to 2017’s underrated love letter to classic Resident Evil games, Daymare 1998. The third-person survival horror follow-up puts you into the shoes of agent Dalila Reyes, a former government spy now in the service of H.A.D.E.S. unit, who has to investigate a secret facility full of some monstrous secrets. The game uses classic survival horror combat, but mixes it up with an elemental freezing gadget to stop enemies in their tracks and solve puzzles.

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake

Release date: TBC 2022 (Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

Originally released in 2003, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time left its mark with players thanks to innovative gameplay, a compelling story and charismatic characters, and it’s getting the remake treatment in 2022. The character and level models have all been redone, along with some new cinematics and voice work added for good measure too. It should be a welcome blast-from-the-past to hop back into the Prince’s shoes!

Little Devil Inside

Release date: TBC 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

One of the most unique-looking games arriving in 2022 is Little Devil Inside. Featuring a beautiful minimal art-style, Little Devil Inside is a 3D action-adventure RPG, where you are thrown into a surreal but somewhat familiar setting where humans and monsters exist. To study these creatures, you have to explore, learn, and hunt these monsters, but while there is some exciting combat, the game is not just about killing arch-demons and saving the world. This is a game that tells stories about people with ‘unusual’ jobs, such as hunting monsters, and what happens in their everyday life doing so.

Wanted: Dead

Release date: TBC 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC)

Wanted: Dead is a grindhouse-inspired third-person shooter/slasher from Japanese developer Soleil, who’s last project included 2020’s underappreciated Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time. You play as a police officer in a sci-fi Hong Kong, as you aim to take down some pretty deadly enemies using slick takedown moves, fiery gunfights, and a samuari sword.

Which games are you most looking forward to in 2022? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.