TOP 5 New Upcoming Hack and Slash Games of 2022 & 2023
/Some of my favorite game experiences throughout my life have been hack and slash games. I cut my teeth on the genre with Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, and I frequently revisit Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance for its brand of over-the-top action. Other games like God of War, Bayonetta, and Devil May Cry have shaped my gaming tastes over the years. The flashy, thrilling combat, along with super slick defensive options these games provide, are the pinnacle of what video games can be. Let’s take a look at some of these experiences coming up with the top 5 upcoming hack and slash games of 2022 and 2023.
-
Deflector
First, we have the sci-fi hack and slash from Arrowfist Games: Deflector. This game features an impressive art style, fast-paced combat, and an interesting mechanic with “Deflect”, which when activated will send enemy projectiles right back at them. This is perfect for when you become overwhelmed by the “bullet-hell” amount of projectiles coming your way. Deflector has three upgradable heroes, and each one has its own set of skills and unique play style. Roguelike gameplay will have you growing a little stronger after each death to the merciless enemies you face. Deflector will send a projectile right through PC on January 27th, 2022.
-
Asterigos
Our next game is from Taiwan-based developer Acme Gamestudio and wears its God of War influence on its sleeve. Asterigos stars Hilda, a young female warrior, as she ventures into the fallen city of Aphes. This once great city was corrupted by the greed and hubris of its leaders, who dabbled in magic they didn’t fully understand. Now, the city is overrun with evil magic and mythological monsters, and among the dead or missing populace is a very important person to Hilda: her father. Hilda will master a number of weapons and magic spells on her quest as she explores the rotting remains of Aphes in an attempt to restore the city to its former glory and find her father. Wield the power of the gods when Asterigos makes its way to PlayStation 4 and 5 and PC in Fall 2022.
-
Blind Fate: Edo no Yami
Walk the neon-basted, rain-slick streets of New Edo in Troglobyte Game’s samurai cyberpunk game: Blind Fate: Edo no Yami. As Yami, you are the Shogunate’s unfeeling enforcer, and it is your job to follow orders without question. When your sense of sight is ripped away from you, you must use your other four senses to navigate the world, scan enemies for their weaknesses, and engage in action-packed swordplay with your katana. With the Mask of the Oni, you can “see” a simulation of your surrounding area, but it relies on old data that might not represent the new dangers that are present. Japanese folklore comes to life through robotic versions of folk creatures that, like other enemies, need to be scanned, fought, and finished off with violent finishing moves. Reclaim your sight when Blind Fate: Edo no Yami drives its katana through Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and PC in the first quarter of 2022.
-
Bleak Faith: Forsaken
Slice through waves of rotting, reanimated corpses in this gothic medieval hack and slash from Archangel Studios: Bleak Faith: Forsaken. Investigate the ruins of an ancient civilization in the gargantuan ark known as the Omnistructure. There are countless mysteries and enemies here, but there are also small pockets of nature thriving in this cursed place, hinting that not all hope is lost. Traverse the treacherous Omnistructure with responsive platforming gameplay. Dark Souls-style combat means that timing, positioning, and dodging will be the difference between a victory and a defeat. Grow stronger through RPG mechanics and a deep, customizable upgrade system. Boss fights throughout the Omnistructure will test your skills and resiliency. Uncover the secrets of the Omnistructure when Bleak Faith: Forsaken slashes onto PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in 2022.
-
Black Myth: Wukong
Last on our list is the highly anticipated Black Myth: Wukong from the developers at Game Science. This game was announced in August 2020 with very impressive gameplay footage, then re-announced a year later with a jaw-dropping upgrade in visual quality thanks to the game switching to Unreal Engine 5. Play as a monkey-man (or man monkey?) in a fantasy world inspire by Chinese folktales and fight all manner of enemies from wolf generals to drunken monkeys. Combat closely resembles Dark Souls, and other elements of gameplay have also clearly been inspired by From Software’s popular series. Despite it looking incredible and having tons of hype surrounding it, Black Myth: Wukong was only early in development when it was announced and isn’t slated to be released until 2023 at the earliest. Be ready to monkey around when it leaps onto PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.