Five exciting games still releasing this year on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch

Pokemon Scarlet/Violet (November 18) – Nintendo Switch

I am a huge Pokemon fan, and there was no way that the ninth generation of Pokemon games was not going to make its way to this list. Pokemon Legends: Arceus was released earlier this year in January which took the series to new heights, enthralling us with an open world. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet look to continue that trend, allowing you to go wherever you want, and let’s. you fully explore the world of Pokemon in ways never before experienced.

This is the series’ first truly open-world title, with towns meant to feel truly part of the world. And it’s also going to be Game Freak’s take on Spain, with the world looking like Europe’s the Iberian Peninsula. The legendaries also seem to hint at some sort of technology versus nature story, and that just sounds like a great Pokemon story to me.

Nintendo is usually really tight-lipped about its Pokemon titles, and Scarlet and Violet are no exception to the rule. But while we wait for it, here’s the list for every confirmed Pokemon so far.

Skull and Bones (November 8?) – Xbox & PlayStation

So Skull and Bones is technically slated for a November 8th release, but I’m skeptical after false hopes and false promises. But this is the most solid date we’ve ever gotten for the title that was supposed to be released last generation.

The title has gone through multiple visions, designers, directors, and more. At one point, it was canceled entirely and then revived with a completely new vision than just being a multiplayer-focused Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.

The title has been at the forefront of the gaming conversation for years and almost became mythical at one point with many (myself included) believing that it would never see the light of day. Still, not much is known about what the title will offer other than you will be able to solo it or play with others. You’re also going to be able to actually step off your ship every once in a while which is good for when you need to give those seafaring legs a break.

Though it now just seems like it’s going to be a more realistic Sea of Thieves, I’m just happy I’ll finally be able to get my hands on a game Ubisoft has taken years to develop. I just hope it lives up to the hype.

Honorable mentions

I know, there were games I didn’t put on this list that you were totally like, “how dare he!?” To satiate your frustration, here’s a mini-list of games that didn’t make my top five but that I’m still excited to get my hands on.

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
2. Hogwarts Legacy
3. Scorn
4. Shovel Knight: Dig
5. The Callisto Protocol

2022 has been an incredible year for gaming, and we’re just a little more than halfway through. Any games that you think should have made the list but didn’t? Let me know! And happy gaming!