So far, 2022 has been a pretty good year for gaming, with major releases like Elden Ring, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Horizon Forbidden West dominating the conversation. Smaller games like Sifu and Tunic have also had their chance to shine in the first half of 2022. Now, after a June full of new announcements and updates on upcoming games, it’s time to look forward to what the next month has to offer.
July 2022 is set to be a month with a diverse range of new releases. From casual life sims to the return of retro hits, there’s a lot to look forward to — especially for fans of JRPGs.
F1 22
Releasing July 1 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
The latest entry in Codemasters’ annual racing simulation series is coming this month. Like previous games, F1 22 features improvements to the tried-and-true gameplay formula, including new car models and updated physics. It’s also introducing F1 Life, a customizable hub mode where players can collect cars, clothes, and accessories. Additionally, in a franchise first, the game will be playable in VR on PC, allowing players to experience F1 22 from a brand-new perspective.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
Releasing July 8 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch
Bandai Namco is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its long-dormant platforming franchise with the release of Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series. The compilation features remasters of Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil, originally released on the PlayStation and PS2, respectively (though Door to Phantomile‘s remaster is based on the 2008 Wii remake rather than the original). While not as well known as other 3D platformers of the era, the Klonoa games were generally well-received in their time, making them worth a revisit for old and new fans of the genre.
Power Wash Simulator
Releasing July 14 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
The simulation game genre has skyrocketed in popularity and quality in recent years, and Power Wash Simulator is the perfect example of how developers can take an otherwise menial task and turn it into an engaging gameplay experience. After a year in early access, the game is officially launching this month. In it, players run a powerwashing business, cleaning various objects and locations for clients and using their earnings to upgrade their equipment. The game is as calming as its premise may initially seem bizarre, making it a must-play for fans of simulation games or anyone who just wants to enjoy the relaxing part of home care without the hassles of doing it in real life.
Stray
Releasing July 19 for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5
Two years after being announced during the PlayStation 5 reveal event, Annapurna Interactive’s long-awaited game Stray is finally launching. A charming game that was clearly made by and for cat lovers, Stray lets players step into the paws of an unnamed cat living in a cyberpunk city. The cat must work alongside a small drone named B-12 as they explore the world and uncover B-12’s memories. Along the way, players will be able to truly immerse themselves in cat life, scratching whatever they find and knocking things over to solve puzzles (or simply because something is there).
Live A Live
Releasing July 22 for Nintendo Switch
After 28 years, Square Enix’s Live A Live is finally getting a remake, marking the first time the classic JRPG is available outside of Japan. Originally released on the Super Famicom, Live A Live was considered a fun and unique game with a cool storytelling style whose graphics were generally lackluster for the era. However, the remake is set to address that criticism with the HD-2D art style previously used in Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy.
Live A Live is split into seven separate chapters, each of which is set in a different era. After completing those, an eighth chapter unlocks, which in turn gives players access to a final chapter that ties the whole game together. The game looks to be a must-play for those who love classic JRPGs, especially the older Final Fantasy titles and the Mana series.
Bear and Breakfast
Releasing July 28 for PC and Nintendo Switch
Fans of games like Stardew Valley should keep an eye on Bear & Breakfast, an indie life sim launching in July. In it, players control Hank, a well-intentioned bear who, along with his friends, turns an abandoned shack into a lucrative bed and breakfast. From there, players will be able to build and customize each room of the inn while also serving customers and exploring the woods. Bear & Breakfast also includes quests and storylines that are sure to include quirky characters and intriguing mysteries.
Digimon Survive
Releasing July 29 for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
After several delays, the long-awaited Digimon RPG will finally release this month. Digimon Survive is a visual novel with survival and strategy RPG elements that follows a group of students who find themselves in another world. From there, players will influence the story with their choices, with multiple endings depending on what they do and which characters survive. The game is split into several parts, with each offering different gameplay styles and mechanics, such as searching for ways to survive, talking to others, or training their Digimon.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Releasing July 29 for Nintendo Switch
Nintendo’s action-RPG series Xenoblade Chronicles has come a long way since the days of fans requesting the original be localized. Now, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is set to continue the beloved franchise with a new cast of characters and a story that takes place after the events of the first two games. The game follows six soldiers who hail from the warring nations Keves and Agnus. Despite starting out on opposite sides, all six become fugitives and enemies of both nations and embark on a quest to uncover and defeat the true enemy and end the conflict once and for all.
Unlike previous Xenoblade games, which allowed players to have three active party members at a time, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will involve a much larger party of six or seven, with the final slot being filled by the player’s choice of recruited Hero. With plenty of cool abilities and character build options, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 looks to be packed with content that fans of action-RPGs will love.