Wow, the year’s going by so fast! I could have sworn it was only yesterday, when we celebrated the beginning of 2022 – and here we are – in March. For gamers worldwide, however, it’s March that’s the beginning of their gaming calendar. Although there were some great releases in February, as well – it’s the next months that promise to be chockablock with fantastic games. So much so that the players may not even be able to keep up!
Well, luckily for any Switch turn-based fan out there, I’ve got you covered – with this list of just 10 amazing games to look forward to in 2022.
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet is the ninth generation of the franchise. Like all the mainline games from the series, Scarlet/Violet is set entirely in its own, unique region. Therefore, as with any new region – it will feature many never-before-seen Pokémon. The developers have so far only shown the three new starters, but the announcement trailer did give a glimpse of the game’s world, with Pokémon roaming the land. It’s unknown if the game will be like Legends and allow players to catch Pokémon without battling. Concerning mechanics, though, Game Freak did talk about a seamless open world and travel without load screens.
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet is expected to be released in November on Switch, and when it does – you can definitely expect a review from us, here on TBL!
Advance Wars 1 +2 Reboot
Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp is a remake of the classic strategic titles for the Game Boy Advance from 2001. It includes the campaigns for both games, in one package, in addition to multiplayer – to play with friends, allowing for hours of turn-based strategic fun. While this may not be an entirely new game in the beloved series, it is still something fans are sure to look forward to.
Advance Wars 1 + 2 Reboot Camp was originally set to release April 8, 2022, but has been delayed indefinitely for the foreseeable future. When it does release, we’ll make sure to have a review as soon as possible.
Live A Live
Live A Live is a remake of a Super NES RPG, that never saw release outside Japan. Players choose from seven different characters in Live A Live, all with their own stories and unique gameplay. What makes the remake even better – besides not being limited to Japan – is a fresh lick of paint from Square Enix, in the style of Triangle Strategy and Octopath Traveler.
Live A Live releases July 22, 2022 – for Nintendo Switch.
Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers Edition
Chrono Cross is the remake, the fans of the classic Chrono series have been waiting for. While Chrono Trigger has been re-released – who knows how many times – this’ll be the first for Chrono Cross. The remastered version upscales all the graphics, adding new animations and unique features. It also adds the Radical Dreamers (an audio drama) standalone game, which wasn’t easily accessible until now.
Chrono Cross is to be released on April 7 for Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope
Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope is the sequel to the popular crossover game, that no one saw coming. The original game pits Mario and friends against the peculiar Rabbids, transforming the Mushroom Kingdom into a mix of two different universes. The new title once again features Mario, Peach, Luigi – and the Rabbid variations of Peach and Luigi. This time, however, there’s a new quest for the heroes. It’ll see the titular characters travel the galaxy to new planets, and new friends. Gameplay is similar to the last title, but with noticeable improvements. This definitely looks like it’ll be another fun addition to the series.
Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope will be released sometime this year for Switch, but there is no official date as of the time of writing.
The Legend of Heroes: Trials From Zero
I’ve never played the Trials series. However, the localization stories are enough to make any RPG fan excited about this release. The series began as Japan-only. However, fan petitions, fan localizations, as well as the later successes finally convinced Nihon. With the help of NES America, they have now officially localized the game. Who knows how this one differs from the fan version, but it’ll surely be cool to find out.
The Legend of Heroes: Trials from Zero is scheduled for the end of the year – for Switch, PC, and PS4.
Rogue Lords
Rogue Lords has been out on PC since October, but only in 2022 will it finally see a console release. If the name didn’t give it away – Rogue Lords is a roguelike game. What makes it different, however, is the main character. Here, the Devil is the hero, with a host of abilities, never seen in a roguelike. Players who enjoy games like Slay the Spire or Monster Train, are sure to find a lot to like; And with this console release, more gamers can try Rogue Lords, with all its monsters.
Expect Rogue Lords, on Switch and other consoles, this year.
The Cruel King and the Great Hero
The Cruel King and the Great Hero is a beautifully hand-drawn turn-based RPG. The game’s story follows an intrepid young girl, Yuu, on her many adventures to become a great hero. With the help of her protector dragon, Yuu will meet new friends and complete many side quests in a heartwarming tale of kindness, companionship and family.
The Cruel King and the Great Hero is to be released on March 11 for Europe and Oceania territories and 15, for North American territories for Switch and PS4.
Glitched
Glitched is an indie turn-based RPG about a glitch infecting the world of Soren. That glitch enables the NPC by the name of Gus to become aware of the player – us. Together with Gus, we must solve the glitch’s mystery while also trying to save the NPC’s friends and town. The choices we make in our travels together can strongly impact the world, and even affect Gus’ personality. Glitched will also have an open progression system. It’ll allow the player to level up in all aspects, whether hanging out with friends or just exploring.
Glitched is set for release, on Switch and other platforms, sometime in 2022 – or later.
Circus Electrique
Circus Electrique is a steampunk Victorian-era style game, set – of course – in a circus. Part story-driven RPG, part tactics, and part circus management – this enthralling adventure will have performers go against everyday Londoners turned into vicious killers. In classic turn-based battles, the heroes will face every type of Victorian-era stereotype one could expect: from drunken sailors to posh women. Not content with being just a turn-based RPG, Circus Electrique will also allow players to manage the circus, restoring it to its former glory. With all that, who could believe that it’s being developed by the same company well known for their Pinball – by Zen Studios.
Circus Electrique will be released this year, on Switch and possibly some other platforms.
These are the 10 upcoming Switch games of 2022 I am myself absolutely looking forward to. While I do know that there are some notable omissions, there are good reasons for these. Like one, for example, comes out in but a few days! What turn-based games coming out on Switch do you look forward to? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out the video version of this article.
Advance Wars has been delayed after April 8th
Thanks for the heads up Adrian 🙂